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Match Report - The Spartans

East Fife 4-2 The Spartans, Saturday 29^th March 2025, William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

East Fife returned to winning ways for the first time in four weeks, although they did not do it the easy way, coming back from two-nil down, to win the game four goals to two.

The Spartans opened the scoring with the first chance of the game, as Jamie Dishington converted an easy finish, after Mark Stowe cut it across the 18-yard box.

East Fife had a chance to equalise with ten minutes left in the half, but Jack Healy’s effort was cleared off the line by Aaron Preston.

East Fife found themselves two behind on the stroke of half time when the referee gave a penalty after a foul from Stewart Murdoch. Blair Henderson stepped up and slotted home for 2-0, sending Liam McFarlane the wrong way.

Even though the first half was very tight, The Spartans looked well in control. It was the second consecutive week that East Fife went into the half time break trailing by two goals, although they determined to rectify it.

That started with Dick Campbell, who made a plethora of changes heading into the second half, and it paid dividends. Within five minutes of the restart, it was two-all.

Alan Trouten firstly scored from close range when he answered Healy’s deep cross to stab home. Three minutes later, January signing Michael McKenna opened his East Fife account, as he turned in another Healy cross from the back post.

From then on out, there was only going to be one winner, as Dick Campbell’s men obliterated The Spartans. Nathan Austin converted the third and fourth goals, firstly with a headed effort before he turned both Spartans’ centre-halves inside and out to convert from inside the 6-yard box.

A completely dominant second half handed East Fife a well-deserved three points, but also a much-needed confidence boost after recent results have saw the Fifers struggle.

East Fife’s opposition next week, Forfar Athletic held title rivals Peterhead to a goalless draw at Station Park, cutting the Blue Toon’s lead to just one point at the summit of the William Hill League 2 with just five games to go.

Reporter’s Man of the Match: Michael McKenna.

Shoutouts to McManus and Higginbotham who revolutionised the East Fife midfield on Saturday, and to Fash for his all-important to goals, but Saturday was all about McKenna. The goal been a long time coming for the January arrival, but he was worth his weight in gold on Saturday, controlling the tempo, and creating chances for the Methil Milan. He was directly involved in two of the goals and played a huge role in linking the play for another one of those. It was McKenna’s best outing in black and gold, and should he be able to maintain this level of performance, he will be a true asset to the Fifers in the run in.

East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (McManus 45’), Newton (Peggie 45’), Easton, Munro, Millar, Norey (Higginbotham 45’), Trouten (Shepherd 55’), Healy (Laaref 65’), McKenna, Austin. Subs not used: Fleming, Nicol, Bah, Jones.

The Spartans – Carswell, Waugh, Sonkur, Preston (Laing 77’), Whyte, Dishington, Hunter (Wylie 85’), Russell, Craigen (Walls 73’), Stowe (Dall 73’), Henderson (Morgan 73’). Subs not used: Meek.

Referee – Duncan Nicolson

Attendance – 674

Report by Oli Anderson

Match Preview - The Spartans

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against The Spartans

Another frustrating defeat last Saturday sees East Fife fall off top spot in the William Hill League 2 for the first time in a number of months, with just six games left to play, as Peterhead scored late to overcome Stirling Albion. The Fifers were run ragged by Michael McIndoe’s Edinburgh City side, who were comfortable 5-2 victors at the Meadowbank last week.

The pressure is now well and truly on, as East Fife have 18 points on offer, and will more than likely need to take at least 16 of those, should they want to lift the William Hill League 2 title on the 3rd of May.

This week’s opposition are The Spartans. Dougie Samuel’s side fell to a 2-1 win at Ainslie Park last week against playoff rivals Elgin City and now see themselves in the same boat as East Fife, three points behind in their race for success.

William Hill League 2 Table

Last Week’s League Results

Clyde 3-1 Bonnyrigg Rose

Edinburgh City 5-2 East Fife

The Spartans 1-2 Elgin City

Stirling Albion 1-2 Peterhead

Stranraer 0-1 Forfar Athletic

This Weekend’s Fixtures

Bonnyrigg Rose vs Elgin City

East Fife vs The Spartans

Forfar Athletic vs Peterhead

Stirling Albion vs Edinburgh City

Stranraer vs Clyde

The Form

The Fifers

Considering the standards set earlier on in the season, East Fife are currently on a torrid run of form. Only one win in the last six sees us only have five points from those games.

A 2-1 win in Hamilton against Clyde has been cancelled out by defeats against Stirling Albion, Edinburgh City (both away) and Stranraer (at home).

Draws with Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose (0-0 and 1-1 respectively) wrap up the last six games.

Our Opposition

The Spartans have picked up three wins, two draws and a loss in their last six, although they have only played four different teams.

Firstly, they played Elgin at home and away, where teams exchanged victories away from home, with Spartans winning 2-0 at Borough Briggs, but coming up short 2-1 at Ainslie Park.

They also played Forfar twice, winning 2-0 at Station Park, but once again dropping points at home, drawing 1-1.

In their other games the Spartans drew 0-0 at home against Stirling Albion and beat Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1 at Ainslie Park too.

Previous Encounter

The Spartans 0-1 East Fife

Ainslie Park

Saturday 8th February 2025

A late Alan Trouten penalty sealed all three points for East Fife the last time the two sides met. Neither side could be separated from the other before Aaron Preston fouled Jack Healy inside the box.

Squad News

Outs: Pat Slattery confirmed absence today as he remains out of the squad due to injury.

Ins: Liam McFarlane returns to the squad following his spell away with the national team.

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 MPH Group sponsored home kit, wearing the black and gold striped top, with black shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing yellow for the match.

The Spartans will be in their away colours for the game, wearing an all-blue kit. The Spartans goalkeeper will be in all yellow for the clash too.

Officials

The referee today will be Duncan Nicholson with his assistants Steven Wilson and Jack Leslie running the lines.

Misc

The Bayview issue 21 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm.

Mon the Fife!

Ticket Info v The Spartans

Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against The Spartans at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 29^th March are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Admission Prices

Adults - £18

Concessions* - £14

Under 16s* - £5

Parent & Child - £21

Parent & 2 Children - £24

*Proof of age may be requested

Full- and half-season tickets are valid for this match.

Please note, Section A Rows H-N Seats 75-84 are designated for our young supporters who make up our singing sections, complete with a drum. Please keep this in mind when purchasing tickets for this area.

All members of East Fife Community Football Club & East Fife Girls & Womens’ Football Club who are under 16 go free with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all William Hill League 2 matches at Bayview this season.

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online. Online sales are available right up until kick-off. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01333 426323 or directly from the club office for those unable to buy online.

Please note, that parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.

There is no live streaming option this weekend for viewers with the UK and Ireland however overseas supporters can watch the game live via East Fife TV with an annual or monthly subscription.