Rosyth FC beat Lochore but Inverkeithing lose at Hutchison Vale

ROSYTH enjoyed a happy new year on Saturday as they bounced back from a Fife derby defeat by winning in another against Lochore Welfare.

Stevie Crawford's men had closed out 2023 with a one-goal defeat at home to Oakley United, but got the better of their visitors from Crosshill to earn a second win in three matches.

The teams went into the break level, desite Calum Murray striking the bar for the visitors, but it was Rosyth who broke the deadlock early in the second half.

Aiden McAvoy was the creator, sending in a fine cross that was met by Jack Denham, who headed home.

With just under 10 minutes to go, Crawford's team wrapped up the points - and provided their manager with an early 50th birthday present - when McAvoy, having picked up a loose ball in midfield, fired a superb 25-yard shot into the back of the net.

Rosyth returned to winning ways. (Image: David Wardle.)

Rosyth are sixth in the First Division table with 25 points, eight behind St Andrews United, who have played three games fewer, in third and the final promotion spot.

Hutchison Vale 7 Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 1, East of Scotland League, Premier Division

SWIFTS boss Jason McCrindle said he took full responsibility for his team's first defeat of his tenure at second top Hutchison Vale on Saturday.

The visitors headed to the capital for their first game of 2024 on the back of wins over Penicuik Athletic and Kinnoull in his opening two competitive games in charge.

Inverkeithing fell behind midway through the first half when Scott Maxwell's shot found the net, and were two down at the break thanks to Ricky Miller's header.

A brace from Danny Chisholm put Hutchison Vale four goals up by the hour mark, before a Sean Wringe penalty made it 5-0.

Luke Mahady pulled a goal back for Swifts with a spot-kick of their own, but a late double from Owen Walton added further gloss to the scoreline for the hosts.

"We could've went and sat in, and been difficult to beat, but we wanted to go and be ourselves and try to play," McCrindle said.

"The players are trying to adapt to new things and different ideas. I'm asking them to do it, and they're doing it, so I can't fault the players.

"I'll always encourage them to play, to get on the ball as much as possible, and we're still progressing. Saturday was my responsibility because of the way I'm asking them to play.

"We knew it would be difficult, but I didn't want to come away from home we want to play. I think it's important to go with the same message and way of playing.

"It's only our third league game. We made some mistakes and, again, that's down to me because I'm encouraging them to play that way."

McCrindle, who felt the overall scoreline was harsh on his side, added: "We're encouraging the players to take more risks and, when you take risks, there's a chance other teams will cotton on to it.

"It will be good to see how we react to losing on Saturday but, again, it's on me."

Saturday's fixtures: East of Scotland League, Premier Division - Glenrothes v Crossgates Primrose (2pm), Tynecastle v Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts (2.30pm). First Division - Kirkcaldy and Dysart v Rosyth (2pm), Lochore Welfare v Oakley United (2pm).