Darren Young was delighted with the impact his new recruits made as the Fifers got back on track with a deserved League One win at Stranraer.
The Methil men handed debuts to Adam Livingstone and Connor McManus while fellow new faces Robert Jones and Matthew Knox were given places on the bench.
Jones was introduced earlier than expected, replacing the injured Chris Duggan during the first half.
Knox remained on the bench, but those who did play all had a positive impact on the side as they set out to get back into the promotion play-off mix.
The win hoisted East Fife up to sixth and to within five points of fourth place.
Young said: “It was a hard-working performance and when we got our chances we were able to take them.
“The signings give us that bit of competition which we probably haven’t had with the number of injuries.
“The boys came in and did really well.
“Adam did great, Connor did great as well and big Robert showed what a handful he is. He caused them all sorts of problems and did very, very well.
“Overall we cut out the silly mistakes and were brilliant at dealing with the cross balls.”
The game struggled to really ignite to begin with and was largely bogged down in a midfield battle.
East Fife had the ball in the net after 10 minutes when Kevin Smith sliced open the home defence and picked out Duggan who finished well but was judged offside.
They stayed on the front foot and went close again when Smith turned a Mark Lamont cross past the post.
Scott Linton was the next to go close but his half-volley was straight down Max Currie’s throat.
The Fifers were handed a blow when Duggan hobbled off injured during the opening half with a dead leg.
But it presented an opportunity to towering forward Jones to make his debut for the Methil side.
The youngster, signed from BSC Glasgow, twice went close for his new club.
East Fife didn’t have to wait much longer for the opening goal, though.
Kieran Millar burst through the Stranraer defence and was crudely hacked down inside the box.
With regular spot-kick taker Mark Docherty injured, Scott Linton stepped up and netted.
The opener was deserved and it was soon added to. The Stranraer defence found itself all at sea as it was again too easily carved open.
Mark Lamont this time benefited, as he raced in on goal and beat Currie.