ROSYTH boss Lee Richardson hailed his stars after they hammered a magnificent seven past Tranent on Saturday.

In the only league match involving West Fife’s four junior clubs to beat the weather, a Tam Hampson hat-trick, a brace from Scott Morrison and strikes from Kevin Goodwin and Sean Johnstone helped the Recreation Park side to their seventh home win in eight South Division games.

Rosyth hadn’t played since a 4-2 reverse at Whitburn on 20th December and they came flying out of the traps in the opening period, racing into a three-goal half-time lead despite having a strike inside the opening minutes of the contest disallowed for offside.

Although the East Lothian side netted a consolation after the break, Rosyth added a further four goals to remain second in the table.

Richardson told Press Sport, “It was a really good result and although we went in 3-0 up at half-time, I didn’t think we had played all that great. I felt we kept the ball too long so I had a wee talk with them at half-time and we played with a higher tempo and moved the ball quicker. A couple of minutes after that Tam Hampson scores and the game is dead and buried, so it was a case of how many we could score. I was maybe a wee bit harsh on them in the first half as it was our first game since 20th December, so there was a bit of rustiness there.

“Tranent battled away but our firepower was brilliant, as were the back four. It was a very good performance in the second half, there was a good wee crowd there and if there were any neutral supporters there I think they would have been impressed with the football they saw from us. The guys were desperate to play and the ground staff did really well to get the game on.” Richardson, who is hopeful of arranging a friendly this weekend as Rosyth have a free week, has added former Livingston United midfielder Craig Hepburn (21) to his squad to fill the void left by the departure of Scott McCrindle.

Although he doesn’t anticipate making any more signings, he said that a goalkeeper is “at the back of my mind” despite heaping praise on 17-year-old stopper Declan McGregor, who filled in for missing first choice Steven Mayne.

He continued, “Declan didn’t have a lot to do but he did have a couple of good saves and did well. It is good for me because it shows that he is ready to step up and provide Steven with some competition.

“A new goalkeeper is at the back of my mind but I don’t think we need to bring anybody else in if we can stay injury-clear. When I look around the dressing room, they’re all pushing in the same direction and believe in what we’re doing so we can be up there. I’ve not seen anybody else that’s better than us; Haddington I think are more experienced but nobody plays as good football as we do.” Meanwhile, Kelty Hearts took on Lochore in a friendly match after their trip to Lochee United was called off and ran out 5-1 winners. A double from Murray McDowell and goals from Craig O’Reilly, Paul Currie and Neil McCabe sealed the victory on Beath High School’s astroturf.

Saturday’s fixtures (kick-offs 1.45pm): McBookie.com Super League – Lochee United v Kelty Hearts. McBookie.com Premier League – Montrose Roselea v Oakley United. McBookie.com South Division – Crossgates Primrose v Pumpherston Juniors.