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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!