East Fife's future in Scottish League One hangs by a thread as they trail Clyde 1-0 after the first leg of their playoff tie at Broadwood.
The Fifers, who lost their last four league games and only avoided automatic relegation to Scottish League Two because Arbroath also suffered defeat on Saturday, were grateful to Greg Paterson for keeping them on terms during the opening period.
However, he was unable to keep out Scott Ferguson just before half time as he put Clyde ahead.
In the second period, it was the hosts' turn to be thankful for the exploits of their keeper as Jamie Barclay made a string of saves to stop Marc McKenzie and Craig Johnstone.
Ultimately, East Fife couldn't find a way through, but they do have hope with only a slender deficit to try to overturn in the return leg on Saturday at Bayview Stadium.
Chris O'Keefe
