New East Stirling boss Brian Ross kicked off his managerial career with a welcome and hard-fought 1-0 home win over East Fife.

The game was no classic and all that separated two evenly-matched teams was a 40th-minute strike from Shire striker Gregor McKechnie, who poked the ball home from close range.

The visitors were handicapped by the early loss of striker Steve Kerrigan and failed to create many openings.

They continued to push forward in the latter stages, but found goalkeeper Jimmy Butter in inspired form.