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March Preview - Stranraer

Oli Anderson previews tomorrow ‘s match against Stranraer.

The Fifers picked up a well-deserved point when we travelled to league leaders Stirling Albion last weekend. A brace from Dale Carrick, including an impressive bicycle kick, was enough to deny the Fifers what would have been a justified victory.

Tomorrow, we face Stranraer, a side who we have struggled against this season, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The Blues are in a tussle at the lower end of the table, with every point essential for both sides this weekend. Stranraer are currently sat 7^th in cinch League 2, just 5 points clear of bottom placed Albion Rovers. The Blues are coming off the back of a goalless draw against our playoff rivals Forfar Athletic. The Fifers are just one place above the Blues, although we have the privilege of being able to look up the table, rather than down, as we find ourselves 6 points clear of Stranraer, and just one from the fabled playoff places.

Form

Stranraer have recorded 6 points from their last 6 losing twice, winning once and drawing three times. They picked up a much needed 3 points from Albion Rovers a few weeks ago which could prove crucial in their survival race. Their 3 draws have also come against teams all at the sharp end of the table, with last week’s goalless draw against Forfar Athletic being matched by another goalless game against Annan Athletic at Galabank, and a 1-1 draw against league leaders Stirling Albion too. Their two defeats finished 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. They came at the hands of the now struggling Dumbarton side, and Bonnyrigg Rose. Their loss against Bonnyrigg was the game which pulled the Rosey Posey up off of the foot of the table, and put a bit more pressure on Stranraer, and the teams surrounding them, Elgin City and Albion Rovers, as well.

East Fife also remain on their strong run of form, despite last week’s draw, recording 11 points from their last 6 games, only dropping 7 points in the process. Those came in the form of a 1-1 score draw against now 8^th placed Bonnyrigg Rose, and last week’s draw with top of the table Stirling Albion. Our only loss comes from Aidan Smith’s last-minute goal for Annan Athletic, the last time the Fifers hosted anyone at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. McDonald’s men have recorded 3 wins in their last 6, first striking at the death through Alan Trouten to put Forfar Athletic to bed, before then scoring late against Stenhousemuir to record another comeback victory. The game at Ochilview Park saw Scott Shepherd return to the score sheet as he got onto the end of Brogan Walls’ headed cross to tap in the winner. Most recently, the Fifers showed their danger from set pieces, as Aaron Steele’s corner header, paired with Alan Trouten’s penalty was enough to bed a struggling Elgin City side.

Last Week’s performance.

Last week, the Fifer’s travelled to play league leaders Stirling Albion at a sun kissed Forthbank. A result would have helped to restore some much need faith for the Methil Men, who showed on Saturday that they were more than capable of taking on any team in the division.

It was a fast-paced encounter, with the Stirling duo of Jack Leitch and Dale Carrick showing their quality in the early stages, with their movement and quick feet.

The back-and-forth encounter brought lots of chances for both teams, with Brogan Walls firing wide with just two and a half on the clock.

The opening goal of the game came after 16 minutes and was in favour of the Fifers. Ferguson’s control of the ball was fantastic as he dribbled into space before floating a cross into the back post, which local lad Jack Healy met with his week foot, volleying the ball past the keeper, leaving him with no chance.

Stirling showed why they were top of the league however, as right from the restart they forced Allan Fleming into making another wonder save, adding to his already impressive highlight reel from this season. The save was all for naught though, as Fife’s inability to properly clear the resulting corner gave Stirling a second bite at the cherry, and this time the cross found the head of Dale Carrick, who beat Fleming from close range.

The Binos then pulled in front 15 minutes later through a bicycle kick from the aforementioned Carrick. A long throw found the head of Jordan McGregor who flicked it into the striker’s path, with his acrobatics being too much for Fleming to make it 2-1 to Stirling.

East Fife had a mountain to climb in the second half, trying to keep up pace with the rampant Stirling, and they started the second half slow, struggling to bed in.

After getting themselves going, back up to speed, East Fife struck. Liam Newton recovered the ball just outside the Stirling box, before lofting a ball in which no-one tracked, except for Aaron Steele, who leaped like a salmon to meet the ball, looping his header over Blair Currie.

The second half continued like the first and was back and forth, either side looking like they could take all three points, with half chances flying for both sides. That was until the 75^th minute, when Robbie Hamilton chipped the ball into the path of Trouten’s arm. The referee deemed this as a deliberate attempt to halt play, and gave Trouten a second booking, sending the Fifers down to 10 men with 15 minutes on the clock.

This did not stop the Fifers though, who came together to produce a fantastic final 15 minutes, totally controlling the game, making their opposition look like they were the team who were a man down. The game finished 2 goals apiece, and the point has kept East Fife in the playoff race, just 1 point off of 4^th place.

The everchanging cinch League Two Table:

Squad News

Aidan Quinn is still unavailable for selection, though we are hopeful he will be fit for the run in. He is joined by Alan Trouten who will serve his 1 match ban after his double booking against Stirling Albion last weekend.

Previous Encounter

East Fife succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Stair Park the last time the two sides met in a disappointing showing. The performance and result were a stark contrast to the Black and Gold’s form at the time the sides met.

The hosts started quickly, doing lots of damage, forcing Allan Fleming into a tricky save within 90 seconds of play. There was more for the East Fife back line to do five minutes later, as a stramash in the box led to a square ball being cleared by one of the Fifers.

The deadlock was broken by Stranraer after just 13 minutes of action. Anton Brady glided down the left, and floated a cross right along the goal line to be converted by forward Matt Grant.

After the restart, Fife had two half chances, the first coming from Aidan Denholm, who’s header forced a save from the Stranraer keeper, and the second came from Jack Healy. The youngster done well on the left flank to break into the box, but his resulting shot was high and wide.

The half closed with Stranraer on the ascendency again, causing many a problem in the 18-yard box. East Fife had to dig in defensively to only be one down at the break.

Half-Time: Stranraer 1-0 East Fife.

It went from bad to worse for the Fifers at the start of the second half, as the Blues doubled their advantage within 5 minutes of the restart. Killie loanee Aaron Brown did very well to control Ngandu’s pass before laying it off for James Hilton, making it 2-0 in what was an all too easy move.

The game ground to a halt after the second goal went in, as Stranraer were able to settle down, and marshal the play. Fife could not break the Blues down, who were first to every ball in the contest.

The visitors’ best chance came with 10 minutes to go, as Scott Shepherd broke through, although his good shot was met with a better save from Connelly to keep the Stranraer clean sheet intact.

Team Colours

East Fife are back in their home kit this week, donning the tartan shirt with black shorts and socks. The ‘keeper will wear the all green kit for the tie. 

The visitors will be clad in their traditional blue and white for the tie, with white shorts. The Blues Goalkeeper will be dressed in all pink for the match.

Match Tickets

There will be no cash turnstiles for the game this weekend, and we encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online in advance. You can also get tickets from the club, either in person, or over the telephone at 01333 426323. Parent and Child tickets must be bought directly from the club office.

Season tickets will be valid for the game.

Turnstiles will be open from 2.00pm.

Prices Below:

Adult- £18

Concessions- £14

U16s- £5

Parent & Child- £21

Parent & 2 Children- £24.

Officials

Our on-pitch official for Saturday will be Alastair Grieve. His two assistants running the lines will be Gordon McCabe and Frazer Bushell.

Live Stream

Unfortunately for our British and Irish-based support, the match is not able to be watched to UK blocked hour. Luckily for our International supporters, the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or season pass!

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm for pre-game refreshments. The pie stalls will open prior to kick-off and will also be open at half time.

Programme

The Bayview Programme issue 21 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.