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Match Preview - Edinburgh City
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City
A disappointing start to our William Hill League 2 campaign saw us drop to the foot of the table following a 4-2 loss away to Elgin City last week. We must put that behind us though, as we get ready to play our first home game of the league season, hosting Edinburgh City, who also lost last week, conceding two late goals against Stirling Albion. Today grants us a great opportunity to get some points on the board and leave the last fortnight’s results in the past.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgin City | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Stirling Albion | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Stranraer | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Clyde | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Forfar Athletic | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | Edinburgh City | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 10 | East Fife | 1 | -2 | 0 |
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Peterhead
Edinburgh City 1-2 Stirling Albion
Elgin City 4-2 East Fife
Forfar Athletic 0-0 Clyde
Stranraer 2-2 The Spartans
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Stranraer
East Fife vs Edinburgh City
Peterhead vs Forfar Athletic
Stirling Albion vs Elgin City
The Spartans vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Form
The Fifers
The League Cup campaign provided an opportunity to look further into our squad and better prepare for an exciting league season ahead.
The first game was against Championship outfit Greenock Morton, which saw the Methil Milan recording a 3-0 win over the second-tier side. Alan Trouten was a great contributor in securing the three points, bagging a hattrick on the day, and a place in the “Premier Sports - Team of the Group Stage” as a result. The Fifers found their rhythm after ten minutes into the game, and never looked back, having an exemplary five minutes, which led to a 2-0 lead at half time. This trend continued into the second half, both going forward, as well as at the back, with Trouten scoring an absolute stunner at one end, and Slattery, and McFarlane both contributing to great blocks and saves, keeping the clean sheet intact.
The second fixture came against Alloa Athletic, at Recreation Park. Despite a valiant fight against another higher tier opponent, we could not capitalise on chances created, and the game was forced to a penalty shootout. Munro stepped up first for Fife and had his effort saved, before all eight of the following penalties were converted, which ended up reading a 5-3 scoreline in favour of the Wasps, which gave our opponents the bonus point on the day.
Penultimately, the Fifers ran out 4-0 winners over Highland League runners up Brechin City. An even quarter of an hour blew wide open, after Liam Newton opened the scoring with a great header. Nathan Austin showed his striker’s instincts five minutes later, to pounce on Reis Peggie’s cross that was headed goal bound. Just before the break, Scott Shepherd capitalised on some nervy goalkeeping, to round the goalie and slot home for the Fifers. Within 60 seconds of the start of the second half, Austin grabbed his brace, following some fantastic work on the left-hand side from Healy and Newton. The performance matched the result and it arguable could’ve been more on the day.
The final League Cup game came against Premiership opposition. St Johnstone showed the levels between the two sides, as they came out 5-1 winners against us at McDiarmid Park. The scoreline was perhaps an untrue reflection on the game, as East Fife, who trailed 3-0 at half time, pulled a goal back, and squandered a great chance to get ourselves well and truly back in the tie. Alas, it was not to be, and two late goals from the Saints inflated the scoreline.
We then proceeded to make a start on the league proceedings, though it was not in the desired fashion, as we lost 4-2 to Elgin at Borough Briggs. A flurry within five minutes either side of the half time whistle saw East Fife trail 3-0 after 5 minutes. A spirited fightback got the Methil Milan back to 3-2, before a late goal from Ryan Sargent killed the game.
Our Opponents.
Edinburgh City have lost all five of their opening games this season, finishing bottom of their Premier Sports Cup group with no points.
They opened the campaign at Fir Park, where they fell 3-0 to Motherwell in what was a routine win for the Steelmen.
Their second game was a 5-0 drubbing at home to fellow League 2 outfit Clyde. Five different scorers contributed for the Bully Wee including former Fifer Kyle Connell.
It then went from bad to worse, as the Citizens conceded six against Partick Thistle. There were six different scorers as well, with every goal coming in the second half, after Clyde held firm in the first.
Their final league cup game saw them face a 2-1 loss away to Montrose. Edinburgh went 1-0 down after seven minutes, before Innes Lawson pulled them back into the tie. Blair Lyons’ 65th minute goal however, proved to be the difference on the day.
Edinburgh looked destined to start their league campaign well against Stirling, leading 1-0 with just four minutes left, thanks to a goal from Connor Young. The Binos dug their heels in however, and goals from Josh Kerr and Dale Carrick completed the turnaround for Stirling Albion.
Previous Encounter
Edinburgh City 0-1 East Fife: 0/7/12/2016 Scottish Cup Third Round Replay
Following a 1-1 draw at Bayview, East Fife were sent to the capital to play Edinburgh City at Meadowbank. A close fought game was only separated by a Chris Kane goal which came in the second half.
Today’s match is the first league meeting between the sides.
Squad News
The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully kick start our season with a bang.
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.
Supporters still to collect their season ticket cards can do from reception until 2pm today or from the club shop after 2pm until kick off.
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 today.
Team 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 yellow for the match.
Edinburgh City will be in their traditional colours of a white shirt, with black shorts and white socks. The Edinburgh keeper will be clad in turquoise for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Sean Murdoch, with Brian Christie and David Gallagher running the lines.
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 4 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. Today’s issue includes an interview with new signing Reis Peggie. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
The Stadium Bar will be open from 12.15pm this 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 at 2pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Mon the Fife!
Match Preview - St. Johnstone B
Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against St. Johnstone B.
Following on from Saturday’s much improved result against Edinburgh City, we turn our heads to cup action, as we prepare to face St Johnstone B in the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The game tonight has a 19:45 kick off.
Our opponents: St Johnstone B
Ones to watch
Liam Parker
Following a successful loan spell last season with Edinburgh City, ex-Fifer Parker has returned to St Johnstone where he features still for the reserve side. A current stalwart in the young Saints’ backline, Parker played all ninety minutes of the first-round tie against Brechin City, though he did pick up a booking in the 80th minute.
Taylor Steven
Another former Fifer, Taylor Steven, features heavily for the young Saints. He is coming off the back of a loan spell in League One, with Alloa Athletic, where he contributed 28 goals in 32 games, a great improvement on his season at Bayview where he struggled for minutes, and form as a result. Although originally a number nine, Steven predominantly plays on the left wing, and it was from there that he bagged another assist for St Johnstone when they overcame Brechin 2-1 at McDiarmid Park in the first round.
Mackenzie Kirk
Kirk is a new signing for St Johnstone, recently signing from Hearts B, where he has been honing his skills in the lowland league. Kirk found the back of the net 45 times in 49 games for the Jam Tarts in the fifth tier, which when you add his nine assists to it, makes a very impressive goal return for the youngster. Kirk has been featuring for the St Johnstone first team in their maiden games in the league this season, so it is unclear as to whether or not he will be in the squad tonight, though if he is, he will be one to keep an eye on.
Previous encounter
23/08/2022- Scottish Challenge Cup- Round 2
East Fife 4-0 St Johnstone B
East Fife coasted to a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone B the last time the two sides met.
They showed their experience in the opening exchanges, winning a penalty on the quarter of an hour mark. Alan Trouten made no mistake with the set play and tucked away for the first. Scott Mercer made it 2-0 early in the second half, following a stramash in the box after a corner kick. Mikey Cunningham then made it three with ten minutes still to go, before youngster Sam Martin made it 4-0 in the dying embers. St Johnstone B played well, though East Fife controlled the game, and nullified the threat of the pacy Young Saints attack.
Squad News
The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully start the season with a bang.
Match Tickets
Season Tickets are not valid for cup matches and admission prices have been agreed as follows:
Adults- £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.
Live Stream
For our International Fans, live Streaming for tonight’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Tonight’s commentator will be Oliver Anderson.
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 yellow for the tie.
St Johnstone will be in their traditional colours of a dark, and lighter blue striped shirt, with white shorts and blue socks. The Saints keeper will be in all green.
Officials
The referee today will be Ryan Lee, with Stuart Stevenson and Brent Falconer running the lines.
The Extra Bits
The Stadium Bar will be open from 6.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!
The club shop will be open from 6.30pm tonight.
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the stadium from 6.45pm, both cash and card are accepted.
There is no match programme on sale for tonight’s match, but half-time draw tickets are available.
Mon the Fife!
Match Report - St. Johnstone B
East Fife 2-1 St. Johnstone B, Tuesday 13th August 2024
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, SPFL Trust Trophy R2
East Fife successfully navigated the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy, beating St Johnstone B 2-1 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Tuesday night. A much-changed line-up saw East Fife struggle to warm into the game before the Fifers kicked into gear.
It would be the Saints who struck first however, after some poor communication between defender and goalkeeper in the first ten minutes saw a ball flicked into the path of Makenzie Kirk. The young forward made no mistake about his acrobatic strike and launched it past Fleming.
After the goal, East Fife progressively grew into the game and despite being the better team for the remainder of the half, we struggled to find an opening, and the half time score read 1-0 to the visitors.
Fleming made up for his first half woes at the start of the second period as he bagged an assist from Nathan Austin’s equaliser. His drop kick sailed right over the entire St Johnstone squad, landing in the path of “Fash”, who outjumped Klimionek to dink the Saints goalkeeper Kyle Thomson.
The Black and Gold completed the turnaround just 90 seconds later when Scott Shepherd capped off a top-quality piece of build-up. Laaref and Shepherd played a one-two, before the ball was lashed to Austin who flicked it round the corner for Shepherd to run onto. East Fife’s number 9 then made no mistake with his finish.
Credit to St Johnstone who fought to the end, giving the Fifers some scares, after we failed to kill the game off. Ultimately, Taylor Steven’s squandered opportunity in the 91st minute proved costly, and it was the Methil Milan who advanced into the third round.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Scott Shepherd.
Hard to argue against East Fife’s number nine last night, he never stopped running from the first to the last whistle. A great individual performance capped off by a phenomenal team goal.
East Fife – Fleming, Docherty (Easton 56’), Murdoch, Munro, Peggie (Newton 63’), Healy, McManus (Millar 64’), Slattery (Norey 64’), Laaref, Shepherd, Austin (Trouten 72’). Subs not used: McFarlane.
St. Johnstone B – Hepburn (Thomson 45’), Klimionek, Essel, Parker, Franczak, McCrystal, Clark (Dair 64’), Bright, Steven, Kirk, Cocks. Subs not used: Brookfield, Binnie, Ellison, Shiels.
Referee – Ryan Lee
Attendance - 295
Ticket Info - Forfar Athletic
Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Forfar Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 17th August 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
Season tickets are valid for this match. Supporters who have still to collect their season ticket card can do so during normal office hours or from the club shop on matchday.
All member 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 purchase online.
Please note, parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.
A live stream is available to viewers worldwide this weekend with a PPV pass. Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can also watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.