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Match Preview - Peterhead
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Peterhead
Following a tumultuous game against Stranraer last week at Stair Park, the Fifers are back at the Timber Fortress, the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, for a top of the table clash with current league leaders Peterhead. Two sending offs in the dying embers of the game further tainted an already challenging game for the Fifers with both our goalkeeper Liam McFarlane and manager Dick Campbell seeing red at the end of the game, which finished 2-1 in favour of the blues.
Our opponents Peterhead struck late against Stirling Albion, to beat the Binos 2-1 at the Balmoor Stadium last week. Rory McAllister celebrated yet another goal for the Blue Toon, as he grabbed the winner for this week’s visitors last time out.
William Hill League Two Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peterhead | 6 | 8 | 16 |
| 2 | East Fife | 6 | 8 | 12 |
| 3 | Elgin City | 5 | 4 | 11 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 6 | -2 | 9 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| 6 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 6 | -1 | 7 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 6 | -3 | 5 |
| 8 | Edinburgh City | 6 | -4 | 5 |
| 9 | Clyde | 6 | -6 | 5 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 6 | -6 | 2 |
Last Week’s Results
Clyde 1-1 Edinburgh City
Elgin City 2-1 Bonnyrigg Rose
Peterhead 2-1 Stirling Albion
Stranraer 2-1 East Fife
The Spartans 1-0 Forfar Athletic
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Elgin City
East Fife vs Peterhead
Forfar Athletic vs Stranraer
Stirling Albion vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Spartans set up to play Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the League Cup quarter final this evening, with a 5:30pm kick off.
The Form
The Fifers
Our last 6 matches have seen mixed form.
Firstly, East Fife recovered from a poor start in the challenge cup against St Johnstone’s B side. A calamitous opening ten minutes saw St Johnstone lead through Mackenzie Kirk, and they perhaps should have had more as East Fife struggled to get a hold on the game. Alas, they kicked into gear and overturned the deficit at the start of the second half, with the goals coming from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin, who found the net after 48 minutes, during his 150th appearance for the Fifers.
From there, East Fife faced Forfar Athletic in William Hill League Two action, where a late Alan Trouten penalty proved the difference between the two sides, as the Fifers came out 2-1 victors, with Nathan Austin on the scoresheet.
Up next was a resounding win for the Methil Milan as they trounced Stirling Albion 4-0 at Forthbank stadium. Fash was on fire, netting a hattrick, with Reis Peggie also on the scoresheet just before half time.
We then kept our fine scoring form ticking over, as we ran out 5-1 winners over Clyde FC, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Austin was on fine form once more, scoring a brace, one of which being an early ‘goal of the season’ contender. Trouten also bagged twice for the Black and Gold, while Adam Laaref opened his account too.
Our two losses have come in consecutive weeks, with the first coming against Dunfermline in the SPFL Trust Trophy. East Fife defended resolutely for the first 45 minutes, which proved frustrating for the Pars. Unfortunately, they came out with a clear intention in the second half, and two quick goals looked to put the contest outwith East Fife’s reach.
The most recent defeat came to Stranraer last weekend at Stair Park. A poor start saw us go in 1-0 down at the interval, before a good start to the start of the second half saw us bag the equaliser through Alan Trouten. The lead never lasted long however, as Stranraer retook the lead just minutes later, which East Fife could not recover from. Calamity in the final moments saw goalkeeper Liam McFarlane sent off which also saw gaffer Dick Campbell see red in the aftermath.
Our Opposition
Peterhead are on fine form going into this weekend’s clash, with four league wins, one draw and a victory in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Their win in the cup came over league one side Dumbarton. A second half goal from Max Barry proved the difference.
The draw came against the Spartans at Ainslie Park and was a goalless affair.
The Blue Toon’s wins for the most part have been very tight, firstly securing victory over Forfar Athletic with a 92nd goal courtesy of Seb Ross, before Ross also bagged in the first half against Stranraer the following week, leading to a 1-0 victory for Peterhead.
Their big win came over Edinburgh City, with Rory McAllister, Peter Pawlett, Max Barry and Ryan Strachan all scoring in the first half leading to a comfortable 4-0 win.
Finally, last week they overcame Stirling Albion, netting in the 86th minute to grab the win.
Previous Encounter
Peterhead 1-1 East Fife
16th March 2024- Balmoor Stadium
The last time the sides met, the Fifers and the Blue Toon came away with a score draw. Peter Pawlett opened the scoring before the half an hour mark, sending the Fifers into the interval a goal behind. They came out for the second half with a spring in their step and pulled themselves back into the game, with Alan Trouten scoring before the hour mark. Neither side were able to grab a second, so both teams were forced to share the spoils.
Squad News
Jess Norey and Stewart Murdoch both return to fitness and will be available for this afternoon. New signing Andrew Tod is also available for selection.
Due to Liam McFarlane’s suspension, U20s goalkeeper Andrew Johnston has been called up to the first team, along with teammate Logan Briggs.
A couple of players will also have their fitness assessed prior to kick off.
Match Tickets
Season Tickets are valid for our league campaign, with prices below:
Adults- £18
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £14
Under 16s- £5
Parent and 1 child- £21
Parent and 2 children- £24
Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.
Live Stream
For our International Fans, Live Streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a monthly, or annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the tie.
Peterhead will wear all blue for the match with goalkeeper in all orange.
Officials
The referee today will be Jordan Curran, with his assistants Alastair Mather and Scott Bunting running the lines
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 8 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. This week’s edition contains an interview with Gordon Walker. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
The Stadium Bar will be open from 12.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off! Local musician Liam Mackintosh will also be performing in the Lounge pre-match.
Mon the Fife!
Andrew Tod Signs on Loan
We’re delighted to announce the signing of Andrew Tod on a season long loan from Dunfermline Athletic subject to SFA approval.
18-year-old midfielder Andrew came through the ranks at Fife Elite, as Dunfermline registered player, and then Hibernian before returning to East End Park in May 2021. He made his first-team debut for the Pars in November 2022 before joining Elgin City on loan in February 2023. He signed a new 2-year contract with Dunfermline in March 2024.
Subject to SFA approval, Andrew will be available for selection for tomorrow’s match against Peterhead.
Welcome to Bayview Andrew!
Ticket Info v Peterhead
Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Peterhead at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 21st September are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Admission Prices
Adults - £18
Concessions* - £14
Under 16s* - £5
Parent & Child - £21
Parent & 2 Children - £24
*Proof of age may be requested
Season tickets are valid for this match. Supporters who have still to collect their season ticket card can do so during normal office hours or from the club shop on matchday.
All member of East Fife Community Football Club & East Fife Girls & Womens’ Football Club who are under 16 go free with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all William Hill League 2 matches at Bayview this season.
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online. Online sales are available right up until kick off. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01333 426323 or directly from the club office for those unable to purchase online.
Please note, parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.
Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can also watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription. There is no live stream option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Match Report - Stranraer
Stranraer 2-1 East Fife, Saturday 14th September 2024
William Hill League 2, Stair Park
A disappointing day at the office for the Fifers saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat to Stranraer at Stair Park.
A slow start meant that the Blues gained control as East Fife were slack, and second to each ball, allowing Stranraer to cause bother on numerous occasions.
East Fife struggled to play their effective ball over the top of the back line due to the adverse weather conditions, which gifted opportunities for Stranraer to build from their midfield.
The game changed in the 23rd minute, after new signing Gordon Walker was bundled down inside the 18-yard box for what looked to be a stonewall penalty. Alas, referee Andy Gamble did not share the same opinion and waved play-on.
From there, Stranraer bombed down the pitch, and following some muddled defending from the Fifers, Mark Russell unleashed a fantastic, curled effort which cannoned in off the cross bar to give the hosts the lead.
The remainder of the first half was then controlled by the Blues, who pushed on in an attempt to double their advantage prior to the half time whistle. They were unsuccessful and the scoreline remained 1-0 at the interval.
East Fife clearly received the proverbial rocket at half time and came out of the changing room with fire in their bellies and a spring in their step, attacking the second period with vigour.
Two good opportunities were squandered by the Fifers, before Max Guthrie hit the corner flag from his drilled effort, which really should have burst the net.
From there, the Black and Gold men chipped away and dug deep, finally grabbing the equaliser with twenty minutes on the clock. Gordon Walker should have scored from his header, after some great work from Adam Laaref on the left, before Trouten buried the rebound.
Devastatingly, our equaliser didn’t count for much, as three minutes later Russell bagged his second following some poor defending from East Fife.
It went from bad to worse for East Fife in the dying embers as goalkeeper Liam McFarlane saw red for possibly handling the ball outside of the penalty box (with replays showing he was still inside the area), or denying a goalscoring opportunity for double handling, , leading to a minor altercation of words between manager Dick Campbell and the refereeing team, resulting in the gaffer also seeing red.
It was a poor end, to a poor game of football for the Fifers who were well below the standards we’ve seen so far this season, with the hosts coming out with all three points.
Reporters Man of The Match: Kieran Millar
It was a difficult day for the Fifers but Millar still put in another solid performance in the middle of the park.
Stranraer – Pizikas, Brinddley, Cummins, Ross, Ecrepont, Grant (Woods 69’), Gallagher, Dunlop, Russell, Hawkshaw (McKnight 87’), Guthrie (Edgar 90+3’). Subs not used: Adam, Broun, Lang.
East Fife – McFarlane, Newton (Laaref 64’), Easton, Munri, Walker (Docherty 73’), Millar, McManus, Healy (Shepherd 64’), Peggie, Trouten, Austin (Slattery 83’). Subs not used: Fleming.
Referee – Andy Gamble
Attendance – 413
Report by Oli Anderson
Photograph by East Fife Media
Match Preview - Stranraer
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stranraer
Following a challenging test last week, against championship outfit Dunfermline Athletic, the Fifers must dust themselves down and prepare for a tough game against our next opponents, Stranraer at Stair Park. We held the Pars for the first 45 minutes, though a fast start from Dunfermline saw two goals in quick succession, leading to the Fifers coming up just short. Our opponents today are Stranraer, who are coming off the back of a thumping 5-1 defeat at the hands of Annan Athletic.
A Message from the Management Team
Prior to kick off, Assistant Manager Ian ‘Pink’ Campbell explained how the team were looking forward to another stiff test this week, though East Fife will look to go out and play their own game.
The William Hill League Two Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peterhead | 5 | 7 | 13 |
| 2 | East Fife | 5 | 9 | 12 |
| 3 | Stirling Albion | 5 | -1 | 9 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 4 | 3 | 8 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 5 | 0 | 7 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 7 | Edinburgh City | 5 | -4 | 4 |
| 8 | Clyde | 5 | -6 | 4 |
| 9 | Stranraer | 5 | -4 | 2 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 5 | -5 | 2 |
This Week’s League Fixtures
Clyde vs Edinburgh City
Elgin City vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Peterhead vs Stirling Albion
Stranraer vs East Fife
The Spartans vs Forfar Athletic
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six games have resulted in five wins and just one defeat.
The defeat came last week, as we were knocked out of the SPFL Trust Trophy by Fife rivals Dunfermline Athletic.
Other than that blip, our form has been stellar. A victory over St Johnstone B in an earlier round of the SPFL Trust Trophy, along with remarkable wins over Clyde, Stirling Albion, Edinburgh City and Forfar Athletic have all contributed in us being current top scoring club in the entire SPFL.
Our Opposition
A difficult run of games for Stranraer sees the Blues sit joint bottom of the league, with just one win in the last six games. Their victory came over Bonnyrigg Rose in the SPFL Trust Trophy second round, before they fell to Annan in the third round last week.
Their league form has not been much better, with three losses and a draw. They picked up points at home to Elgin City, before losing all three of their away days, Bonnyrigg Rose, Peterhead and Clyde.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 2-1 Stranraer, 23rd March 2024
The last time the two sides met, it was a hard-fought victory for the Fifers. A slow start saw Stranraer take the lead, before a rampant second half saw James Lyon grab the equaliser. With just five minutes to play, Jack Healy stepped up and grabbed the winner, with a fantastic effort, to secure victory.
Squad News
Sean Docherty is back at the management team’s disposal today, though captain Stewart Murdoch continues to miss the game through injury.
Match Ticket
Please find prices below for Stair Park today:
Adults- £15
Concessions (Over 65s)- £10
Under 16s- £5
Under 5s- Free!
Admission is via pay-at-the-gate.
Live Stream
For our International Fans, live streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Oli Anderson.
There’s no live streaming option for viewers within the UK/Ireland this weekend.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the tie.
Stranraer will wear their home kit too, with the white and blue shirt, with white socks and blue shorts.
Officials
The referee today will be Andy Gamble, with Ian Hart and Michael Bonner running the lines.
Mon the Fife!
Match Report - Dunfermline Athletic
East Fife 0-2 Dunfermline Athletic, Saturday 7th September 2024
SPFL trust Trophy R3, MGM timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife fell 2-0 to Championship opposition in the third round of SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday.
A fast start from the Fifers saw Nathan Austin and Alan Trouten both test Oluwayemi in the opening stages.
From there on out however, the Pars creeped into the tie, and East Fife were forced to defend well, in order to keep themselves in the tie. Jess Norey produced a fantastic last-ditch block on the halfway line to deny Dunfermline’s Cooper.
Just before half time, Alan Trouten had a golden opportunity to hand the Fifers the lead. Jack Healy floated a lovely ball in following a set piece, which landed right on the head of the Trouts, though his header was down the throat of the Dunfermline stopper.
In the second half, the Championship side came alive. Comrie fired Dunfermline ahead first, after a tidy team move five minutes into the second period, before McCann slotted home a fantastic curled free kick just minutes later.
From then on, the Fifers were always up against it, and despite a couple of half chances, they failed to really threaten Oluwayemi. There was a shout for a Fife penalty after a collision between the Pars goalkeeper and Scott Shepherd, though the referee seen nothing in it, and waved play on. Dunfermline finished the tie strong forcing Fleming into another handful of saves before the full-time whistle was blown, calling an end to a difficult afternoon in Methil.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Nathan Austin
A more challenging one this week, with everyone trying their best, despite the result. Torn between Kieran Millar and Fash, we opted for the latter, due to his all-round threat. Whether it be in the air, or on the ground, our number 14 was a nuisance through the game.
East Fife – Fleming, Newton, Easton, McManus, Munro, Millar, Norey (Peggie 64’), Health (Shepherd 63’), Laaref (Walker 64’), Trouten, Austin (Slattery 83’). Subs not used: McFarlane, Docherty.
Dunfermline Athletic – Oluwayemi, Otoo, Fisher, Young, Comrie, Hamilton, Ricthie-Hosler (A Tod 83’), Chalmers, Cooper (Wighton 64’), McCann (Sutherland 77’), Kane (Wotherspoon 64’). Subs not used: Mehmet, Breen, J Tod.
Referee – Iain Sneddon
Attendance – 1,264
Report by Oli Anderson
Photograph by East Fife Media
