Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumbarton

Another disappointing result on the road at the weekend, has not helped revive our early season form in the cinch League Two. The Black and Gold were only able to salvage a draw last weekend against fellow strugglers Elgin at Borough Briggs. A Trouten penalty deep in the second half handed us only our second point of the season. This week we look to the west, as we’re on the road again. This time, to the Rock where we will face league leaders Dumbarton this afternoon. The Sons remain unbeaten so far in their opening four games, sitting with 8 points, winning both of their most recent games. East Fife on the other are yet to win in the league, though both of their points have come away from MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, both in the form of score draws, versus Elgin and Stranraer.

Last Week, Dumbarton ran riot at Ochilview Park, beating Stenhousemuir 4-2. The game looks closer than it really was however, as Dumbarton played their last 15 minutes with just 10 men. On top of this, Stenhousemuir’s two goals came in the form of a penalty after 55 minutes, and a goal in the 97th, when the game was well and truly wrapped up. New signing James ‘Jinky’ Hilton also got on the score-sheet, netting the fourth for the visitors.

The Standings:

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides played was a very stale contest, comparative to watching paint dry at times, as the pitch conditions matched with the tactics used causing a perfect stalemate. Neither side played like they deserved to win, in a performance which was a stark contrast to the way the Fifers played the week prior, when they demolished Stranraer 8-0.

Sons’ winger Kalvin Orsi had a standout performance, putting in a great shift against a struggling Liam Newton. He brought Dumbarton their first and only real chance of the first half, after just 4 minutes had past, cutting inside from the right wing, giving himself some space and firing off a shot which was denied by the woodwork. That was the only real piece of action in the first half, as East Fife sat deep and looked to hit Dumbarton on the break.

Half Time: Dumbarton 0-0 East Fife.

At the start of the second half, East Fife showed their quality, attacking with pace and flair, although they were struggling to do any real damage in the final third. That was until the 55th minute when Scott Shepherd was brought down inside the box, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Youngster Alex Ferguson stood over it, with regular penalty taker Alan Trouten on the subs bench. Unfortunately for the Methil Men, Ferguson’s penalty was at perfect height for Brett Long, who guessed the right way and kept it out to keep the score level. This knocked the wind out of East Fife’s sail and spurred on Dumbarton, proving to be the turning point in the matchup.

Dumbarton got their lead after 73 minutes of football, piling on the pressure after the penalty miss for what could only be described as 20 minutes of domination. The ball was played into the box after a set piece, and Connor McManus was left marking 2 Dumbarton players, including Martin McNiff, who picked up the ball, beat McManus and drilled his shot past Fleming.

Things went from bad to worse for East Fife, as a miscommunication between Sam Denham and Allan Fleming let target man Russell McLean in on goal, though Fleming done well to keep the score line just 1-0.

In the 89th minute, the referee preposterously gave Dumbarton a penalty after East Fife Sam Denham put in a fantastic challenge. Karma played its course however, and Allan Fleming made a great save to keep it out.

In the final minutes of stoppage time, East Fife had their chance, Jack Healy burst away from Arron Lynas, giving the Fifers a 3 on 2 advantage against Gregor Buchanan and ‘keeper Brett Long, though rather than playing the square ball, for a guaranteed goal, Healy tried to beat the goalie from close but hit it right at Long.

Squad News

Outs- Slattery and Murray both still miss out due to previous injuries. Ryan Schiavone adds himself to the injury list too.

Ins- New signing Kieran Mitchell is available for today’s tie, providing another attacking option going forward. In other news, Manager Greig McDonald has been cleared to take his place in the dugout following his red card last weekend.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the Taxi Centre-sponsored away kit, matched with pink socks and black shorts on Saturday, while the goalkeeper will be clad in all yellow for the contest.

Dumbarton will be in their home kit, wearing all white for the tie. The Sons’ goalie will be in all orange for the clash.

Match Tickets

Tickets can be bought at the gate, which will be cash only. They can also be purchased on Ticket Tailor should you rather pay by card. There will be available QR codes at the turnstiles for you to access this. Prices below:

Adult: £17

Concession (Student/O65): £11

U16- £5

Live Streaming

There is no live streaming this weekend for viewers within the UK & Ireland however overseas supporters can watch the match via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Peter Stuart while his assistants running the line are Stuart Stevenson and Scott Bunting.

Matchday Catering

The Bar at the Dumbarton Football Stadium will be open from 1:30pm this afternoon and can be accessed after entering through the home turnstile.