East Fife 0-2 Dunfermline Athletic, Saturday 7th September 2024
SPFL trust Trophy R3, MGM timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife fell 2-0 to Championship opposition in the third round of SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday.
A fast start from the Fifers saw Nathan Austin and Alan Trouten both test Oluwayemi in the opening stages.
From there on out however, the Pars creeped into the tie, and East Fife were forced to defend well, in order to keep themselves in the tie. Jess Norey produced a fantastic last-ditch block on the halfway line to deny Dunfermline’s Cooper.
Just before half time, Alan Trouten had a golden opportunity to hand the Fifers the lead. Jack Healy floated a lovely ball in following a set piece, which landed right on the head of the Trouts, though his header was down the throat of the Dunfermline stopper.
In the second half, the Championship side came alive. Comrie fired Dunfermline ahead first, after a tidy team move five minutes into the second period, before McCann slotted home a fantastic curled free kick just minutes later.
From then on, the Fifers were always up against it, and despite a couple of half chances, they failed to really threaten Oluwayemi. There was a shout for a Fife penalty after a collision between the Pars goalkeeper and Scott Shepherd, though the referee seen nothing in it, and waved play on. Dunfermline finished the tie strong forcing Fleming into another handful of saves before the full-time whistle was blown, calling an end to a difficult afternoon in Methil.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Nathan Austin
A more challenging one this week, with everyone trying their best, despite the result. Torn between Kieran Millar and Fash, we opted for the latter, due to his all-round threat. Whether it be in the air, or on the ground, our number 14 was a nuisance through the game.
East Fife – Fleming, Newton, Easton, McManus, Munro, Millar, Norey (Peggie 64’), Health (Shepherd 63’), Laaref (Walker 64’), Trouten, Austin (Slattery 83’). Subs not used: McFarlane, Docherty.
Dunfermline Athletic – Oluwayemi, Otoo, Fisher, Young, Comrie, Hamilton, Ricthie-Hosler (A Tod 83’), Chalmers, Cooper (Wighton 64’), McCann (Sutherland 77’), Kane (Wotherspoon 64’). Subs not used: Mehmet, Breen, J Tod.
Referee – Iain Sneddon
Attendance – 1,264
Report by Oli Anderson
Photograph by East Fife Media
Admission for our William Hill League 2 match against Stranraer at Stair Park on Saturday 14th September is via pay-at-the-gate – cash turnstiles only.
Admission Prices
Adults - £15
Concessions* - £10
Under 16s - £5
Under 5s - Free
A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland this via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.
Congratulations to Nathan Austin who’s picked up the William Hill League 2 Player of the Month award for August.
Fash scored 6 times in 5 league matches last month include a hattrick in a 4-0 win away to Stirling Albion and a double against Clyde taking his goal tally to 9 so far this season in all competitions.
Oli Anderson previews today’s SPFL Trust Trophy match against Dunfermline Athletic.
We have found ourselves on a bumper run of form in recent weeks, stretching our winning run to five straight games, though this afternoon looks to be our biggest test on paper so far. We gear up to face local rivals Dunfermline Athletic in the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Recent Form
Our opponents: Dunfermline Athletic
The Pars have struggled for form since the start of the league campaign, having only registered one point in their opening four games in the Championship. Three defeats and a draw have put Dunfermline at the foot of the second tier, as they have struggled to find the net, scoring just once, last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Championship leaders Ayr United. Losses against Livingston, Falkirk and Hamilton Academical have also contributed to their poor start.
However, this could be a fresh start for Dunfermline, and the Fifers must be wary of the Pars, despite the contrasting form.
The Fife’s Fine Form
A poor opening day result in the league has been more than made up for in recent weeks, with now five consecutive wins in all competitions. Four league victories against Edinburgh City, Forfar Athletic, Stirling Albion and Clyde have seen us recover from the 4-2 loss to Elgin City on the opening day. On top of that, our victory over St Johnstone B in the Trust Trophy got us here today.
Previous Encounter
28th June 2024- East Fife 2-0 Dunfermline Athletic: MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Our first friendly game this season saw an impressive victory over championship opposition, and county rivals, Dunfermline Athletic.
Playing a long ball over the top, Dunfermline struggled to find any success due to new signing Andy Munro and Brian Easton’s formidable partnership. Watching the resolute defending on both sides, it became clear that it would take a moment of magic to break the deadlock.
Kieran Millar took it upon himself to break the deadlock, rifling a shot into the top corner. It was so well placed that even two goalkeepers would not have been able to stop it. He caught it as sweet as a nut and wheeled away in celebration when the ball burst the net- Deservedly so!
The second half saw a large rotation, with trialists coming into the fold. One of which, who wore number 16 on the day, played an outstanding pass into Scott Shepherd, who slotted home into the Pars.
Shep tucked his goal into the bottom left-hand corner, ridding the goalkeeper of any opportunity to keep it out. The goal brought a close to the action, as we punched well above our weight, to overcome the side from the west of Fife.
Squad News
New signing Gordon Walker available for selection today and there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.
Match Tickets
Season tickets are not valid for Cup matches, with prices below:
Adults- £15
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £10
Under 16s- £5
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.
Additionally, the Community Gate will not be in operation this afternoon.
Live Stream
Live Streaming is available worldwide this afternoon via East Fife TV for £15.
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 blue for the tie.
Dunfermline will be in their traditional black and white stripes, with white shorts and socks. Their goalkeeper will be clad in red for the tie.
Officials
The referee today will be Iain Snedden with Andy Milne and Ross Anderson running the lines.
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 7 will be available pre-kick off for £3 from sellers outside the stadium. It can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1:15pm. This week’s edition contains an interview with first team coach Stuart Malcolm. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
The Stadium Bar will be open from 12:15pm afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm.Both cash and card are accepted.
Mon the Fife!