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SPFL Press Release - Irn Bru Cup

SPFL PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWING THE POSTPONEMENT OF SATURDAY'S QUARTER-FINAL TIE BETWEEN BOHEMIANS AND EAST FIFE IN DUBLIN...

The IRN-BRU Cup quarter-final match involving Bohemian FC and East Fife FC was postponed on Saturday 2 February 2019. With Bohemian FC beginning their 2019 domestic league and cup season and East Fife FC progressing in the Scottish Cup (requiring the re-scheduling of their Ladbrokes League 1 fixture from 9 February 2019) there appears to be no scope to reschedule last Saturday’s tie.

In these circumstances, and following positive discussions with the two clubs involved and our FAI colleagues, it has been agreed that Bohemian FC will withdraw from this season’s IRN-BRU Cup. This will enable them to focus on their domestic competition and we hope to see them once again in the IRN-BRU Cup in the future.

All at the SPFL wish Connah’s Quay Nomads FC, East Fife FC, Edinburgh City FC and Ross County FC the very best of luck in the semi-finals of this season’s IRN-BRU Cup.

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster commented: “We are grateful to Bohemian FC and to the FAI for their cooperation and assistance in ensuring the smooth conclusion of this year’s IRN-BRU Cup. We look forward to welcoming our Irish friends to next season’s competition.”

East Fife FC Chairman Jim Stevenson said: “We all enjoyed the hospitality shown by our new friends at the weekend but were disappointed that we could not get the game played. We wish Bohemians every success in their 2019 season and look forward to continuing our own still competing in three competitions.”

Bohemian FC spokesperson Luke O’Riordan said: “We deeply regret having to withdraw from the competition but feel that, given that the semi-final is due to take place in 11 days’ time, the logistical and time constraints involved in trying to reschedule our quarter-final tie before then was an impossible task and leave us with no other option.

“With little scope to find an alternative date that suited both clubs and following discussions between our club’s board and the first-team management about the distracting effect ongoing disruption could have on preparations for the new league season, we agreed that we have to prioritise that and thus regrettably withdraw from the tournament. 

“As a club, we have been grateful for our inclusion in the IRN-BRU Cup despite the logistical challenges it has presented. Our supporters have enjoyed the camaraderie of the occasions of visiting Peterhead and of hosting Sutton United in previous rounds. These were memorable and unique days for our players and fans alike and it is of deep regret that Saturday did not provide us with yet another one against East Fife. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the competition.”

Scottish Cup Matchday Hospitality

Match day hospitality is available for our William Hill Scottish Cup5th Round tie v Partick Thistle on Saturday 9th February starting at £45/person. Contact the club office on 01333 426323 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your table

Player of the Month Award For Anton Dowds

On Saturday, Anton Dowds was named Ladbrokes League 1 Player of the Month for January and was presented with his award before training the the Oriam on Thursday.

Anton started the month with a goal against Airdrieonians in a match East Fife went on to lose that game 2-1, the only defeat of the month. That was followed by a 2-0 victory over Montrose at Links Park when Dowds gave veteran centre-halves Dillon and Campbell a torrid time, setting up the first of Liam Watt’s two goals that day and was unlucky not to find himself on the score sheet when he pressured Dillion into a short back post but Dowds’ strike just curled past the post.

Up next was a 2-1 Victory over Greenock Morton in the 4^th round of the Scottish Cup at the Locality Hub Bayview Stadium. Morton had taken an early lead only for Dowds to equalise almost immediately from a well worked corner before Craig Watson sealed victory 15 minutes from time.

Dowds finished the month with a brace against Stranraer at Stair Park when the visitors recovered from 3-1 down to win 4-3. Stranraer had taken the lead into the break with two first half goals. Kevin Smith pulled one back shortly after half-time only for Victoria to restore the 2-goal advantage. Craig Watson made it 3-2 with 20 minutes left to play and Dowds levelled the match moments later with a strike from 10-yards before he completed the comeback when he headed in Watt’s corner with 10 minutes left to play taking his goal tally for the season to 10.

Congratulations Anton from everyone at East Fife!