East Fife 1-1 Forfar Athletic, Saturday 30th September 2023
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two
East Fife’s performance took a slight dip at the weekend, as they had to settle for their second consecutive league draw, conceding late against Ray Mackinnon’s Forfar Athletic side and sharing the spoils at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
The Loons had two great chances in the opening 10 minutes due to unforced errors, and they forced stopper Allan Fleming into two reaction saves, but they could not capitalise on Fife’s nervy start.
After 12 minutes however, the Methil Men took the lead against the run of play. Nathan Austin fantastically nodded the ball down to Alan Trouten, who hit the ball with the outside of his boot on the half volley, nestling the ball in the top corner, leaving the goalie with absolutely no chance.
There were little opportunities in the rest of the first half, though Forfar controlled the contest, particularly in the middle of the park, and it was clear that the half time whistle benefitted the Fifers more than the Loons.
Forfar also had the lion’s share of the attacks in the opening stages of the second period too, with Paterson causing the Fife backline all sorts of bother, cutting inside and beating his men on the outside on numerous occasions.
Despite this, the Fifers should have killed the game in the 65th minute and would have if it weren’t for the world class defending from Morrison. Shepherd broke away and hammered down the right flank with blistering pace, he then cut inside, along the by-line and steadied himself, before a lovely, drilled pass was fired along the ground. Healy looked set to meet it, and bag his first of the season, but Morrison got there first and flicked it behind for a corner.
The equaliser came in the 80th minute, in a scramble from a whipped corner, allowing the Morrison to head home, and ensure the visitors did not return to Forfar empty handed. It was a disappointing way to end the game, as East Fife had shown resilience and patience throughout as they struggled on the park.
All eyes turn to the road now, as East Fife head back to the capital this weekend, to face highflyers Bonnyrigg Rose. The Rosey Posey have failed to win in their last 3, however they still occupy the final playoff spot. East Fife hold onto 8th place, 5 points behind that crucial playoff place.
Report by Oli Anderson
East Fife – Fleming, Page, Docherty (Philp 78’), Easton, McManus, Trouten, Healy, Walls (Comerford 85’), Shepherd (Schiavone 85’), Austin (Mitchell 85’). Subs not used: Ramsay, Black, Nicol. Hambrook, Beveridge
Forfar Athletic – McCallum, Nditi, Allan, Morrison, Moore, Whatley (Ross 64’), Robson, Paterson, Munro, Macleod (Watson 73’), Skelly. Subs not used: Brindley, Hutchinson, Paris
Referee – Alex Shepherd
Attendance - 575