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Match Report - Dunbar United

Dunbar United 1-0 East Fife, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup

Saturday 28^th October 2023, New Countess Park

East Fife crashed out of the Scottish Cup after being beaten by East of Scotland side Dunbar United after a well below par performance.

East Fife controlled the game from early proceedings, though Dunbar did still have their chances.

Kieran Millar had a chance inside the opening 10 minutes for the Fifers, as a training ground free-kick routine, akin to that against Stranraer, found the central midfielder in the box. Millar released a well struck effort, though it was blocked by the Seasiders’ centre half, keeping the scores level.

The onslaught continued, and less than two minutes later, a lovely cross from Alan Trouten met the head of Nathan Austin, but Fash’s header cannoned back off the crossbar, as Fife were left empty handed for all their hard work.

10 minutes later, Brian Easton went down, unopposed and was escorted off by club physio Jeb Spink. We hope that Easton’s injury is not too serious and wish him a speedy recovery. He was replaced by a returning Jonathan Page.

Dunbar’s first clear chance of the game came at the expense of a Sean Docherty mistake, as Handling nicked the ball from the full back, and burst toward goal. Fleming met him though, and a strong save kept the game goalless, for the time being.

It was end to end stuff for a period, as Shepherd burst away, and got past his defender. Unfortunately, his shot was tame and was gathered easily by Dowie. Moments later, Healy created a chance from a corner, and it takes a fantastic save from Dowie to deny Page from a bullet header. The second corner was met by Austin, who nodded the ball into the car park.

After 40 minutes, the Fifers had yet another opening, as Healy set up Shepherd, though Fife’s number 9’s shot glanced past both posts.

With 43 minutes on the clock, Dunbar United were awarded a penalty, after Comerford was adjudged to have fouled Somers inside the penalty area.

Whitson stepped up, and despite Allan Fleming getting both hands on it, he could only push it against the post, and the ball bobbled over the line, handing the Seasiders a shock lead.

What came after the half time whistle was simply one of nature’s cruel tolls on the world, as East Fife annihilated Dunbar, as for around 40 minutes of the 45, the ball was the Dunbar defensive half. Unfortunately, though, the attackers did not have their shooting boots on, as countless chances were squandered over the proceedings. Credit does also have to go the home side, however, for some resolute defending throughout.

East Fife almost had too many half chances to mention, but no real chances of note worth a mention with Dowie having a long afternoon, gaining lots of practice at his goal kicks.

In the final 20, the game was played completely in the final third, with Dunbar (understandably) packing men in their box, holding on for the 1-0 win which would give them progression in the Scottish Cup.

East Fife continued to push, but Dunbar held on, and despite East Fife being the aggressors in the majority of the game, it was Dunbar United who progressed into the third round of the Scottish Cup. Their heart, gut, and determination proved that they were worthy winners on the day, in what was a rather disappointing day at the office for the Fifers.

Report by Oli Anderson

Dunbar United – Dowie, Berry, Thomson, Whitson, Redpath, Congalton, Archibald, Somers, Bathgate (Hare 83’), Gregory (Stewart 80’), Handling

East Fife – Fleming, Docherty (Murdoch 45’), Comerford, Easton (Page 23’ (Nicol 80’)), Newton, Millar (Walls 68’), McManus, Trouten, Shepherd (Schiavone 80’), Austin, Healy

Referee – George Calder

Attendance - 749

Match Preview - Dunbar United

Oli Anderson previews today’s Scottish Cup tie against Dunbar United.

East Fife are back in cup action this weekend, after our midweek success in the Fife Cup. This time, however, we are on the road, travelling to East Lothian to play Dunbar United at New Countess Park. The Fifers will hope that “The Garden of Scotland” lives up to its name, as they look to play on a grass pitch for just the third time this season (after Fir Park and The Rock). Following late goals from Walls and Schiavone on Tuesday, the Fifers were able to sink Burntisland Shipyard in the last 8 of the Fife Cup, as they booked their ticket to the semis.

Last week, our opponents, The Seasiders, narrowly lost out 3-2 to league leaders Penicuik Athletic at NCP.

Fun Facts about “oor” Scottish Cup   

• In total 172,807 walked through the gates of Hampden Park on the 23rd and 27th April 1938, to watch the Black and Gold lift the trophy. This was due to the fact that there was a replay after the first tie ended in a draw.
  • Eddie McLeod’s opener gave the Fifers the lead after 18 minutes, though Doug McAvoy swiftly replied, ensuring that it finished all square.
  • The Fifers were made to work for it in the replay too, as they once again took an early lead, this time through Danny McKerrell, before Benny Thomson equalised for Kilmarnock, and Felix McGrogan handed them the lead. I
  • n the second half, the Fifers ensured there would be no Killie Pies for tea (that may be 65 years too early, but I love the image it creates) as Eddie McLeod was back on the scoresheet ensuring that after 180 minutes of football, the two sides could still not be separated.
  • It then eventually went to extra time, where after a goal from Larry Miller, and a second from McKerrell hand East Fife their first and so far, only Scottish Cup title.
• East Fife won their semi-final tie that season against St Bernards, having to go through two replays as well.
  • McKerrell, who scored 2 in the final, also scored against St Bernards, booking Fife’s spot in the last two.
  • In the April 25th1938, edition of the Glasgow Herald (which covered primarily the 1st of two games against Kilmarnock in the final), it is made clear that Danny was signed up specifically for this purpose:
  • “It is a matter of history that McKerrell, recruited specially for the occasion, emerged from the obscurity of Alliance Football and found himself famous overnight by scoring the goal which sent East Fife, at the expense of St Bernards into the final of the Scottish Cup”.

Other Notable Fixtures in the Second Round

We have an interesting rematch in the Scottish Cup, as The Spartans travel to Brechin City. This is an opportunity for the Highland League champions to show they can compete, after coming so close to the pyramid last season.

Fellow Fifers St Andrews United travel to the west to play Albion Rovers in what will be an interesting affair.

Lowland League side Civil Service Strollers also look to show how they would fair against stronger opposition, as they host a struggling Stranraer side this afternoon.

Finally, Brora Rangers (who should they win their 3 games in hand would go top of the Highland League), play a strong Stenhousemuir side at 3 o’clock.

Squad News

Outs- At the request of his parent club, Kieran Mitchell is unavailable for today’s clash with Dunbar United and while Pat Slattery came through the Shippy game unscathed, it looks like this afternoon may be too soon for him to be in such competitive action.

Ins- Jonathan Page and Charlie Murray both return to the squad after spells on the sidelines.

Team Colours

East Fife will wear the 120^th anniversary kit today, in the Black and Gold striped kit, with white shorts and socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in a blue and black kit for the tie.

Dunbar United will also wear their traditional colours for the tie, donning a black and white striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Seasiders’ goalie will be in all green for the contest.

Match Tickets

Gates open at 2pm for the clash this afternoon. Please note that New Countess Park is around a 5-minute walk from Dunbar Train Station, and we have been informed that there is ample parking for those who arrive early at the ground.

Adults - £12

Concessions (Over 65s/12-16years) - £7

Ticket can be purchased online however pay-at-the-gate is also available.

Live Streaming

Live Streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for our international fans. This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass. You can access this HERE!

There is no live stream for viewers within the UK or Ireland.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be George Calder while his assistants running the line are Kieran Martin and Robin Taylor.

Refreshments

DUFC will have pie stalls open from around 2pm where hot food and drinks can be purchased.

MON THE FIFE!

Pat Slattery Awarded a Testimonial

East Fife Football Club is delighted to announce that Pat Slattery has been awarded a testimonial for his 9 seasons’ service at Bayview.

The testimonial committee are planning a series of events starting in the new year and full details will be announced over the coming weeks.

Pat joined the East Fife for the start of the 2015/16 League Two title winning season and has turned out for the club on 251 occasions to date, ranking him 16^th on the all-time appearances list.

There will be lots of opportunities for fans to show their appreciation to our current longest-serving player over the next 12 months, so keep your eyes peeled for regular updates from the committee.

Congratulation Pat!