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Match Report - Edinburgh City (H)

East Fife 3-0 Edinburgh City, Saturday 10^th May 2025, William Hill League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final 2^nd Leg, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

A dominant display from the Fifers saw them cruise past Edinburgh City 3-0 (3-1 on aggregate) and into the play-off final where they will face current League 1 side Annan Athletic. East Fife manager Dick Campbell dedicated the victory to his late brother, Duncan, in his post-match interview with East Fife TV.

Following the full-time whistle at the end of the first leg on Tuesday night, Campbell made it clear that he had full intention to attack the game, and that is exactly what East Fife did. Lining up with a more direct, and attacking line up, the Fifers took control of the contest from the off, with Edinburgh City looking to sit on their first leg advantage.

East Fife’s first chance came just after the quarter of an hour mark, as Nathan Austin looked to have headed home from a corner kick. The shot however cannoned into the side netting, and the game remained goalless. Minutes later, Austin had another go from an almost identical position, this time however, it was Mark Weir who made it across to block the effort.

East Fife eventually opened the scoring through tricky winger Adam Laaref. The left winger found his way across to the right-hand side of the pitch, where he linked up with Connor McManus to get in behind the Edinburgh defence. Laaref made no errors with his finish and slotted the ball under Mark Weir, putting the Fifers ahead on the day, and pulling them level in the tie.

From there on out, there was only going to be one winner. East Fife pushed and pushed but could not double their lead before half time, having to settle for an aggregate of 1-1 at the break.

The second half saw East Fife shift into yet another gear. In the opening ten minutes, East Fife squandered an opportunity from three yards out, had shouts for a penalty, when Andy Munro was hauled down inside the box, and a goal through January signing Michael McKenna. He picked the ball up from inside the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later, the tie was killed when Alan Trouten scored a lovely team goal. McKenna was the catalyst again, lofting a fantastic cross over to Alan Trouten. Scotland’s top goalscorer this season hit the ball first time, with his “weaker foot”, and burst the net, leaving Mark Weir stranded.

As the game approached the closing stages, Edinburgh City were forced to commit men forward on the attack, which left them exposed defensively. Substitutes Jack Healy and Scott Shepherd both took advantage of this and utilised their pace to create another pair of chances, which on another day lead to another two goals.

East Fife supporters turned out in their numbers, with over one thousand spectators at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, and they were rewarded with a top quality ninety minutes.

Following the contest, a jubilant Dick Campbell spoke with East Fife TV:

“Exceptional. That’s how I would describe that today. I went 4-3-3, that’s how attacking we were going today. Edinburgh are a good, good side, but today we were excellent. We have to remember that it is only half time though. It was half time today, it is half time now, and no matter the result on Tuesday, it will only be half time on Tuesday night.”

When asked about Annan Athletic, his opposition in the final, the manager said: “We have not played Annan this season, but Annan have not played East Fife this year! We will be ready for it.”

East Fife – McFarlane, Easton, Peggie, Munro, Bah (Nicol 75’), Millar, McManus (Norey 45’), Trouten (Higginbotham 72’), Laaref (Healy 72’), McKenna, Austin (Shepherd 67’). Subs not used: Fleming, Slattery, Jones.

Edinburgh City – Weir, Mitchell (Daramola 60’), Robertson, McArthur (Hamilton 75’), Lynch, Jones, Jarvis, Lawson, Zaid (Grigor 75’), Stokes, See. Subs not used: Beveridge, Scally, Pitt.

Referee – Lloyd Wilson

Attendance – 1,070

Report by Oli Anderson

Ticket Info v Annan Athletic (H)

Tickets for our William Hill League 1 play-off final 1st leg match against Annan Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Tuesday 13th May are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Admission Prices

Adults - £15

Concessions* - £10

Under 16s* - £5

*Proof of age may be requested

East Fife supporters should purchase tickets for Sections A-D, H-J.

Annan Athletic supporters should purchase tickets for Section K.

Season tickets are not valid for play-off matches however season ticket holders can purchase their usual seat using the season ticket holders log-in. Seats will be reserved until 4pm on Monday 12^th May 2025 after which they will be released on general sale.

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.

The Community Gate will not be in operation for this game.

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.

A live stream is available for viewers outside the UK and Ireland via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual Gold subscription.

Match Preview - Edinburgh City (H)

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City

East Fife have it all to play for as we must produce another Bayview comeback if we want to find ourselves in the League 1 Play-off Final. We currently trail Edinburgh City by one goal to nil, though it is certainly still within our grasp, as victory today would catapult us into the two-legged tie with either Annan Athletic or Elgin City. However, East Fife will have to go for it, and the management team will have to utilise the entire squad that they have at their disposal, and attack the game, if we want to run out victorious.

Supporters are reminded that pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited within the stadium. Security searches may be conducted prior to entry, and please be advised that Police Scotland will be in the area to assist. Anyone found to be in possession of prohibited items will be denied entry and face a stadium ban in addition to any action taken by Police Scotland.

Road to the Playoff Final

First Leg Results

Edinburgh City 1-0 East Fife

Elgin City 2-4 Annan Athletic

The Return Legs

East Fife vs Edinburgh City

Annan Athletic vs Elgin City

The Form

The Fifers:

East Fife have won three of the last six games, winning one from four on the road, and winning both of their last home efforts. This home form may prove crucial ahead of this afternoon’s contest. East Fife have lost just twice at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in the league this season, on both occasions to Stranraer. The Fifers have won both home encounters against Edinburgh, and even though they have had mixed fortunes against the Citizens on the road, Dick Campbell’s men will be up for it today.

Our Opposition:

Edinburgh City’s away from leaves a lot to be desired, as Michael McIndoe’s men have lost each of their last four games on the road. This paired with Edinburgh’s poor form heading into the first leg means that East Fife will see this as an opportunity, and it is one which cannot pass them by.

Previous Encounter

Edinburgh City 1-0 East Fife

Meadowbank Stadium, Tuesday 6^th May 2025

Malik Zaid’s goal is all that separates the two sides heading into today’s second leg. The first encounter saw next to nothing between the two teams, with East Fife growing into the game with the inclusion of pace on the flanks, with Adam Laaref and Jack Healy both having an impact on the game, the latter of whom may be kicking himself following a 95^th minute chance which went awry.

Squad News

We have no fresh injury concerns ahead of today, with Stewart Murdoch in line for a potential return to the squad.

Match Tickets

Ticket Prices for the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium can be found below. Please note that season tickets are not valid for our play-off journey.

Adult: £15

Concessions: £10

U16s: £5

East Fife fans will be housed in section A-D (sea end of the stand) and sections H-J (town end).

Edinburgh City fans will be housed in section K.

There are no cash turnstiles at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. There will be a small number of tickets available to buy from the stadium reception this afternoon, however, please arrive in plenty of time to do so as there are likely to be queues.

Turnstiles will open from 2.00pm this afternoon.

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.

There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.

Club Colours

The Fifers are back in the famous Black and Gold today, wearing the MPH Group sponsored home kit, with black socks and shorts. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing sky blue for the tie.

Edinburgh City will be in their white shirts, with black shorts and white socks for the clash.

Officials

The referee today will be Lloyd Wilson with his linesmen being Alastair Taylor and Graham McNeillie. The fourth official will be George Calder.

Match Programme

The Bayview issue 24 will be available pre-kick off for £3, look out for seller around the stadium. If you can’t make it to today’s game, programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.

Catering

The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm to both home and away supporters.

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2.00pm this afternoon. Both cash and card are accepted.

Mon the Fife!