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Match Preview - The Spartans

Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against The Spartans.

We’re back at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, but under the lights this evening as we prepare to face The Spartans in a rescheduled fixture which could prove crucial in both sides’ playoff chase. We will be hoping to continue our current good run of form as we have started steadying the ship. We have now reached 5 games unbeaten for the first time this season, with 2 wins in that run. One of those wins came at the weekend, as ‘Stone Cold’ Nathan Austin’s goal was the difference between us and Stranraer. The Spartans are coming into tonight’s contest following a 1-1 draw with Clyde at the weekend. After going 1-0 down inside 4 minutes, Rhys Armstrong equalised for the side from the capital.

The cinch League Two

Position	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Stenhousemuir	22	52	24
2	Peterhead	22	39	13
3	Dumbarton	20	34	11
4	The Spartans	19	33	10
5	East Fife	21	26	1
6	Bonnyrigg Rose	20	24	-1
7	Stranraer	21	22	-15
8	Forfar Athletic	21	21	-6
9	Elgin City	20	18	-21
10	Clyde	20	14	-16

Last Week’s Results

Elgin 0-1 Dumbarton

Forfar 0-0 Bonnyrigg

Peterhead 2-1 Stenhousemuir

Stranraer 0-1 East Fife

The Spartans 1-1 Clyde

Tonight’s Fixtures

East Fife vs The Spartans @ MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Elgin City vs Clyde @ Borough Briggs.

The Form

The Fife

We have recorded 9 points from our last 6 league games. We’ve started pulling together some results and we haven’t lost in our last 4 games. Our only loss came some time ago, in fact, on the 23^rd of December, when we lost 3-0 to Bonnyrigg at Bayview.

Our first draw came against Forfar at the end of December. A wind, and rainswept Station Park proved too much for the Methil Milan, who could not capitalise on their man advantage, which they had for a large portion of the game, leading to the sides playing out a goalless affair.

Our penultimate draw came a few weeks ago in a disappointing contest with Clyde, the Fifers never got going in the second period after a fast start, which saw Nathan Austin strike inside five minutes, and that led to the spoils being shared, sadly.

The most recent of the draws came a week past Saturday, where it was a true 2 points dropped situation. Once again, Fash scored inside the first 10 minutes, before Jonathan Page doubled our advantage on the 23^rd minute mark. Sadly, the second half did not go quite to plan, Jordon Brown scored early in the half, and despite some resolute defending, we conceded at the death, with Scott Ross ensuring the spoils were shared against Peterhead, with the last kick of the game.

Our first win came in truly emphatic fashion. It was the first game of 2024 against Dumbarton where Kieran Millar’s first half strike, paired with Walls’ second half wonder finish was enough to bed the Sons at the Rock. We bossed the game from the first whistle to the last, in my humble opinion, and the despite Dumbarton equalising in the game, we were the only side that looked like they would take all three points.

The second was a much closer contest, as we nipped past Stranraer at the weekend. Austin’s scoring form has no doubt contributed greatly to our upkeep in form.

The Visitors

In their last 6 games, The Spartans have featured in both the league and the Scottish Cup. They have recorded 10 points from their last 5 league games, seeing a loss, a draw and 3 wins. They also faced defeat in a closely run game in the Scottish Cup with Premiership side Hearts.

Their first of three wins stretches back to the 16^th of December where The Spartans demolished Elgin 4-0 at Borough Briggs. They looked comfortable in the contest, no doubt thanks to a hat-trick from Blair Henderson.

Their second victory came against Stranraer the next week, where they toppled the Blues 3-0 at Ainslie Park. This time it was ex-Fifer Danny Denholm on the scoresheet, alongside centre back Ayrton Sonkur - the third goal came via a Stranraer own goal.

The Spartans then started 2024 in style, beating 2^nd place Peterhead at the Balmoor 1-0. It was Blair Henderson once again on the scoresheet, showing that he could be the danger man tonight.

Thankfully for the Fifers, The Spartans have not won in 3 weeks, and with East Fife’s recent improvement, there is potential for a result.

Their draw was courtesy of Clyde, and it came last week, at home. The Spartans fought from a goal down, showing the Fifers that there is no room for complacency, and it is most certainly crucial that we capitalise on chances.

Their first loss came against Stenhousemuir, at Ainslie Park, as they were toppled 2-0 by the league leaders. Goals from Matty Yates, and Matthew Aitken either side of the half time whistle bedded the Spartans.

Our opposition also crashed out of the Scottish Cup on the 20^th of January, though it was not for a lack of trying. They ran the Jam Tarts right to the final whistle and were only beat by Frankie Kent’s 92^nd minute winner. James Craigen scored the goal for the Spartans in the all-Edinburgh affair.

Previous Encounter

The last time the sides met, East Fife relied on a spirited comeback to rescue a point against The Spartans, with goals from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin doing the damage.

The Fifers had the first clear cut chance of the game however and controlled the game well in the opening stages. Walls’ cushioned pass to Shepherd was met by The Spartans’ goalkeeper, before a stramash in the box stopped Fife’s number nine converting the chance.

Ten minutes later, the game was flipped on its head, as Armstrong gave The Spartans the lead. He latched onto a poor East Fife clearance, and whipped his effort inside the far post, beating Fleming, allowing the hosts to take the lead.

East Fife continued to have chances however, and were knocking on the door before the interval, though it has to be said that Spartans were in control after the opener.

On the half an hour mark, Schiavone fired in a beautiful cross, though Heraghty just beat Shepherd to it, keeping the Spartans in front.

There was also a revived flurry in the dying embers of the first half, with McManus having a shot saved, and Ryan Schiavone cannoning the follow up off the woodwork, sending the Fifers into the second period a goal down.

Half Time: The Spartans 1-0 East Fife.

The second half started poorly for the Fifers as well, with Schiavone having to come off injured, though he made way for club legend Nathan Austin.

Unfortunately, there was no instant impact and after 55 minutes, the Fifers looked down and out going 2-0 down through Henderson, who got onto the end of a drilled cross into the box.

It was a swift reply from the Fifers though, as Scotty Shepherd was the man to convert scoring on the break, his second in as many weeks. Props must be given to local lad Jack Healy, who’s pass was incredibly composed, putting the chance on a plate for the front man.

15 minutes later, the Black and Gold handed The Spartans a misery compiler when Nathan Austin opened his league account for the season. He took the zipped ball under pressure after a nifty pass from Shepherd, and unleashed an astonishing first-time finish, handing the Fifers a lifeline, in what was an incredible fightback, halting the nervy start.

It looked like East Fife could nick it at the end, after Jack Healy found himself in “Healy territory” though it was clear that Herarghty had done his homework, and positioned himself well, so that the shot did not trouble him.

Squad News

Outs: Pat Slattery, Jacob Comerford and Brendan Ramsay all continue to miss out this evening however there are no fresh injury concerns heading into tonight’s match.

Ins: New loan signing Robbie Hamilton could make his debut for the club tonight after shaking off the illness that saw him miss out on Saturday.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the 120^th anniversary black and gold top, matched with white shorts and socks this evening, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the green kit for the match.

Our opponents will be in the away colour of royal blue at the Wooden Fortress, while the Spartans goalkeeper will be wearing all-yellow for the clash.

Match Tickets

Full and half-season tickets are valid for this game, with prices below:

Adults- £18

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £1

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 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 Streaming

As this match takes place outside blocked hour, a live stream is available to viewers worldwide for £15 You can access this HERE! Regular overseas viewers can access the match with their usual monthly or annual subscription.

Officials

The on-pitch official tonight will be Chris Fordyce while his assistants running the line are Graham McNeillie and Kenny Brown.

Refreshments

We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again following the full-time whistle for post-match refreshments.

Pie stalls at both ends of the stadium will be open from 2:00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.

Programme

Issue Number 9 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre match. This week’s edition includes an interview with Matty Rollo as well as all of the regular features.

Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

This programme was printed for the original match on 2^nd December however an additional wrap-around cover has been added.

Mon the Fife!