New signing Greig Allen joined Callum Connolly, Sean Murphy and Mark Ferrie in the team with Neil Martyniuk, Kerr Young, Dean Watson and Ben Scarborough dropping out.

Rose had two massive chances to take the lead in the first ten minutes, Connolly and Cammy Ross failing to put the Rose ahead.

A big decision would change the game on 14 minutes as Allen was shown a straight red card for a foul on Andrew Tod in the box, a decision that wasn't well received by the travelling support.

Alan Trouten converted from the spot, and he would add his second before the break after making a smart run beyond the defence and looping his header over Ritchie.

Ritchie made a big save to close out the half to deny Nathan Austin, and Rose went into the break 2 goals behind.

Ritchie would have much more to do in the second-half, pulling off some big saves to deny Pat Slattery and Austin at his left post.

East Fife would make the advantage count late in the second-half, as Trouten would complete his hat-trick with a header at the back-post, putting him clear as the top scorer in the division.

Andy Tod would grab a brace in the final few moments of the game, heading in from a corner for his first and and volleying in off the bar for his second to make it 5-0 at full-time.

The early red card meant it was an uphill battle for Rose, especially against the league leaders, but the effort of the boys cannot be faulted.

Rose will look to rebound next weekend as they kick off their East of Scotland Cup Campaign at New Countess Park against Dunbar United.