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Match Preview - Stirling Albion

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stirling Albion.

East Fife return to league action this afternoon following a devastating result last week against Banks O’Dee in the Scottish Cup. We still sit atop the William Hill League 2 table, although a draw against Forfar Athletic two weeks ago has seen our lead shrink to just two points. This weekend we will host Stirling Albion. The Binos are coming off the back of a romping 6-0 win over Bo’ness Athletic and find themselves on a four-game win streak. The Fifers know the task at hand, and with both teams in the title race, this is an all-important game.

William Hill League 2 Table

This Week’s Fixtures

Clyde vs Bonnyrigg Rose

East Fife vs Stirling Albion

Edinburgh City vs Forfar Athletic

Elgin City vs Stranraer

Peterhead vs The Spartans

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s last six games have seen three wins, one draw and two losses.

The losses have come in disappointing fashion, the first being against Stranraer some six weeks ago where a disappointing performance saw us fall 2-1 at Stair Park. The other loss came last week in even more disappointing fashion, as we slumped out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the fourth year running, as we lost 1-0 at home to Banks O’Dee.

Our draw came a fortnight ago in a goalless affair, away to Forfar Athletic, at Station Park.

When our wins have come, they have been spectacles. The first win was against Peterhead when we beat the then-league leaders at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The routine display saw Alan Trouten and Stewart Murdoch on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. The following week, Nathan Austin scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to The Spartans, a result which saw us climb to the top of the league. The following week, East Fife showed their cutting edge, burying five against a 10-man Bonnyrigg Rose side. Alan Trouten bagged a hattrick, with Andrew Tod making it on the scoresheet for the first time in his professional career.

Our Opposition

Stirling Albion have won four and lost two of their last six. Their two losses came against Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose where they fell 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.

They have only won once on the road, where they beat Stranraer 2-0 with Erik Sula and Adam Brown on the scoresheet.

The last three weeks have seen them pick up a run of wins, all at Forthbank. Dale Carrick and Dale Hilson have been the danger men in recent weeks, helping the Binos to four consecutive wins (the most recent three being against Forfar and Clyde in the league, and Bo’ness Athletic in the Scottish Cup).

Previous Encounter

Stirling Albion 0-4 East Fife

24th August 2024, Forthbank Stadium

The last time the sides met, Stirling Albion were on the end of a drubbing at the hands of the Methil Milan. The Binos started well, but when Austin’s effort flew in in the 40th minute, the floodgates opened. Reis Peggie added a second before the interval before Fash added another two himself in the second half to send him home with the match ball, and the Fifers home with all three points.

Squad News

Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury. Alan Trouten also misses out this week due to a dental issue.

Ins: Brian Easton has returned to full training and is back in the matchday squad this afternoon. Scott Shepherd managed to shake off last Saturday’s knock and is available for selection. Logan Briggs and Masson Winn also keep their place in the senior squad.

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, tickets can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.

Please note, that parent & child tickets 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. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, Harley’s Taxis sponsored third kit. They will wear a red shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear turquoise for the tie.

Stirling Albion will be in all-white for the clash, with the Binos goalkeeper will be in orange this afternoon.

Officials

The referee today will be Gavin Duncan with his assistants are Colin Drummond and Sean Duff.

In Memoria

Pre-kick-off today, there will be a minute’s applause for former East Fife youth player Jamie Lyon.

Misc

The Bayview issue 11 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.30pm. This week’s edition features an interview with returning goalkeeping coach Jim Moffat.

Mon the Fife!

Ticket Info v Stirling Albion

Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Stirling Albion at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 2nd November 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.

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 - Banks O'Dee

East Fife 0-1 Banks O’Dee, Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup R2, Saturday 26^th October 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Highland League outfit Banks O’Dee held onto a 1-0 lead against League 2 leaders East Fife, seeing the us knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the third consecutive year.

The Highland League side started the faster of the two teams and we were unable to get the ball on the ground and play football. The Dees controlled the attacking play, and although there was a lack of chances, those that manifested did so in favour of the visitors.

After just five minutes of play, Banks O’Dee should have taken the league through Hunter, when he lobbed his header clear of the crossbar.

Jevan Anderson secured the winning goal for the Dees with the second chance of the game after 22 minutes of play, when he headed home from close range following a textbook corner kick routine. 

We elected to throw the kitchen sink at the opposition in the second half, to no avail, with plenty of enticing crosses popped into the box, without anyone to meet the pass.

With 10 minutes to go, East Fife had their best opportunity of the game when Nathan Austin stood over a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The striker whipped the ball over the wall though it was right down the goalkeeper's throat.

Dick Campbell’s men continued to press and try and claw their way into the contest, going as far as to stick centre-half Andy Munro up front in the dying embers, although it was to no avail, and the visitors ran out deserving winners on the day.

East Fife Assistant Manager Ian Campbell commented on the proceedings post-match, saying that Banks O’Dee were worthy winners, with their attitude and hunger for victory being apparent throughout the contest. Alan Trouten supported this statement, saying that he was “thoroughly disappointed for the players, the fans and the club.”

Next week East Fife host Stirling Albion while Banks O’Dee play Brora Rangers in a crucial Highland League tie.

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Millar, McManus, Shepherd (Norey 18’), Trouten, Healy (Laaref 71’), Austin, Peggie (Slattery 80’), Munro, Walker (Docherty 80’). Subs not used: McFarlane, Briggs, Winn, Blake.

Banks O’Dee – Hoban, Davidson, Anderson, Reynolds, Cooney, Lewecki, Gilmour, Winton, Hunter (Antoniazzi 81’), Duell, Phillipson (Milne 68’). Subs not used: Irvine, Selbie, Alexander.

Referee – Daniel Graves

Attendance – 597

Report by Oli Anderson

Photographer by East Fife Media