Oli Anderson previews today's match against Bonnyrigg Rose.
The Black and Gold are back at Bayview this week for what should prove to be an enthralling game against Bonnyrigg Rose. The Rosey Posey find themselves in 9th place in the cinch League Two table, only sitting above bottom placed Forfar on goal difference. East Fife are sat in 5th place, slipping out of the playoff spots for the first time this season. Fife are 2 points behind 4th placed Stranraer, with a game in hand. Remarkably, there are only 5 points between us in 5th (21 points) and bottom of the table Forfar Athletic (16 points) so it is definitely all to play for in the lead up to Christmas. Both sides have been without a win in their last 3, with East Fife recording back-to-back-to-back losses, and Bonnyrigg turning out 3 consecutive 1-1 draws.
Last week, Fife were beaten 3-1 by Annan Athletic at Bayview, in a game in which the Fifers struggled to deal with the Annan frontman Tommy Goss. Despite a quick reply to an early goal and Allan Fleming denying Goss from the spot, Annan proved too strong on the day and bossed Fife for the majority of the game.
Bonnyrigg pulled off a major upset last week, sharing the spoils in a game against league leaders Dumbarton. The hosts took the lead thanks to a Neil Martyniuk penalty in the 45th minute mark, but the Sons’ equaliser came 15 minutes after the break thanks to a Josh Grigor own goal.
Squad News
nly positives this week for Fife as far as the squad news is concerned. There’re no fresh injuries or suspensions, and Hibernian loanee Joao Balde returns to the squad, after his illness left him unavailable last week. Unfortunately, our long-term injury list has not changed, and we’re left without Rabin Omar, Connor McManus, Brogan Walls, and Scott Gallacher, however all 4 have been given the go ahead to step up training by their respective surgeons.
Pre-match
Pre-match, East Fife FC players will wear White Ribbon t-shirts, to stand in solidarity with the global campaign “Activism to End Violence Against Women”. There will be a stall set up inside the stadium, handing out leaflets and white ribbons. More info here.
Team Colours
East Fife are back in their third kit this week, donning the green and white shirt, with white shorts and socks. The goalie will be in the standard all blue kit.
Bonnyrigg will be clad in their red and white hoops, accompanied by their matching red socks and shorts. The away goalkeeper will be dressed in neon green for the matchup.
Previous Encounter
When the Fifers made their first visit to New Dundas Park on matchday 11, the result matched the performance as East Fife romped to a 4-1 win against Bonnyrigg Rose. It was the hosts who struck first though and led from a set-piece within 90 seconds. This made the platform for the boys though, as once again were under the cosh trailing Bonnyrigg like they did on matchday 2. We saw then-interim manager Greg McDonald’s character though, as the Black and Gold bounced back, in what was a masterclass from two teenagers, Ryan Schiavone and Alex Ferguson. Each of them turned in braces on the day, along with Ferguson setting up another 2. It was a massive statement game for the coaching team and done wonders for the confidence and belief in the team, as they gathered 10 points from the 4 surrounding games.
East Fife Team
On the day, East Fife lined up with a back 4, a midfield diamond and a strike partnership of Schiavone and Shepherd:
Fleming, Murdoch (Healy 80’), Steele, Denham, Mercer, Millar, Ferguson, Newton, Balde, Schiavone (Steven 77’), Shepherd (Parker 92’).
Bonnyrigg Rose Team
The Rosey Posey lined up with their usual 3 centre halves, two wing backs, a 3-man midfield and a strike partnership up top:
Weir, Young (Wilson 47’), Horne, Doan, Grigor (Gray 74’), Stewart, Currie (Barrett 74’), Connolly, Gray, Hunter, Mitchell (McGachie 66’).
Match Tickets
This week, ticket prices have been discounted! Please see updated prices below. There will be no cash turnstiles for the game this weekend, and we encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online in advance. You can also get tickets from the club, either in person, or over the telephone at 01333 426323.
Season tickets are valid for the game.
Turnstiles will be open from 2pm.
Prices below.
Adult- £18 £14
Concessions- £15 £10
U16s- £5 Free! (Under 12s should be accompanied by an adult)
Free tickets need to be collected on the day from the club office.
Live Stream
Unfortunately, there will be no available livestream for viewers within the UK and Ireland. For our international fans, the match will be available on East Fife TV with a monthly or season pass.
Match Officials
The on-pitch official this weekend will be Ross Hardie. His assistants running the line will be Paul McAvinue and Douglas Ross.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm for pre-game refreshments and will open again post-match too. The pie stalls will be open prior to kick-off and remain open until after half-time.
Programme
The Bayview Programme issue 12 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.