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Match Preview - Dumbarton

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumabrton.

An opinion splitting performance last week against Forfar Athletic saw the Fifers fail to take 3 points from the Loons at Station Park, despite our hosts dropping to 10 men early on in the contest. We struggled to challenge Marc McCallum all game, and even when we did get near him, he produced some very important and impressive saves, to keep Forfar level. The same can be said for Fleming however, who produced a magnificent save in the game, denying what looked to be a certain goal.

This afternoon we tee up to visit the Rock for the second time this season, to face title challengers Dumbarton. While the Sons are currently sat in third place in the cinch League Two, the sit a massive 13 points behind Stenhousemuir the league leaders. However, Dumbarton have two games in hand on pole position, and every team in the division understands that a run of games, particularly at this stage of the season could make, or break, the campaign.

Their last game came a fortnight ago where they fell foul to an almighty comeback by Clyde, who are sat in the trapdoor spot currently. Tony Wallace opened the scoring for the Sons via the penalty spot, before ex-Fifer Connor Young drew level for Clyde. Soon after, Ji Stevenson stuck the ball into the back of his own net, which restored Dumbarton’s advantage. This did not repel the Bully Wee however, as the man who broke East Fife hearts last year, Martin Rennie converted a penalty two minutes later, making the score two-a-piece at half time. Dumbarton controlled the majority of the second half, and boasted a 4-2 lead by the 86th minute, thanks to finishes from Aaron Lynas and another former Fifer. Kian Leslie and Logan Dunachie both chipped in, scoring two goals in stoppage time, achieving the unachievable, sharing the spoils 4-4 at Dumbarton Football Stadium.

The cinch League Two

This Week’s Fixtures

Clyde FC vs Bonnyrigg Rose @ New Douglas Park

Dumbarton vs East Fife @ The Rock

Elgin City vs Stranraer @ Borough Briggs

Peterhead vs Spartans @ Balmoor Stadium

Stenhousemuir vs Forfar Athletic @ Ochilview Park

Last Week’s Results

Bonnyrigg Rose vs Spartans- Postponed

Clyde 1-2 Stenhousemuir

Elgin City 2-1 Peterhead

Forfar Athletic 0-0 East Fife

Stranraer vs Dumbarton- Postponed.

The Form

The Hosts

Dumbarton boast 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their last 6 games: a rather impressive run.

Their only loss came to top of the league Stenhousemuir, as an 87th minute James Berry winner was enough to nick it for the Warriors.

Their draw came last week in the 8-goal thriller against Clyde. A devastating result for the Sons considering as the clock hit the 90th minute they had a 2 goal lead.

Their 4 wins have come in varying fashion. Firstly, they were victorious over us at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, as Kalvin Orsi scored early doors, claiming the only goal of the game. A Tony Wallace penalty was also enough for them to beat strugglers Elgin City 1-0 the following week. They then utilised extra time to pip League 1 side Annan Athletic 5-4. Finlay Gray scored in the 88th minute to force extra time at 3-3. Annan retook the lead in the 100th minute, before Dumbarton replied in the 113th, and James ‘Jinky’ Hilton claimed the tie in the 118th minute.

Their other win was a 4-2 victory over Forfar. Despite Seb Ross being on target again for the Loons, it was not enough to take anything from Dumbarton on the day.

The Fife

We can only claim 7 points from our last 6 league games, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses.

Our losses have come mainly at the hand of Bonnyrigg, who have beaten us twice in the last 6. We firstly lost 4-2 during our re-arranged fixture at New Dundas Park, with Austin and McManus on the scoresheet for the Fife. The we were picked apart by the Rosey Posey in our own back garden a fortnight ago, falling 3-0, and being second best on the night.

Our other loss was much more positive however, as we fell 2-1 to Stenhousemuir at Ochilview, and should’ve taken something from the game. A fast first 45 from Stenny saw them lead 2-0 at the break. In the second half, we scored a perfectly legal goal, although the matchday officials adjudged Austin to have been offside. We finally, after controlling the second period, fed the Fash, and he did score, albeit in the 91st minute. McManus then had a chance to complete the comeback in the 93rd, although the shot was right at Darren Jamieson which saw the Warriors keep all three points on the day.

Our draw came last week, in the goalless affair against Forfar, in what was a difficult watch, possibly also due to the outrageous weather conditions.

Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Elgin at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. There were lots of similarities in the games, which look to be somewhat a mirror of the other. Both games saw fast starts, with us leading 2-0 at the break. On top of this, Nathan Austin and Brogan Walls, both found themselves on the scoresheets in the games, with Walls bagging a brace against Elgin City. Sean Docherty and Alan Trouten both found themselves on the scoresheet against Clyde, while Scott Shepherd was the other scorer against Elgin City.

Previous Encounter

East Fife sprang no surprises when the two sides last met, as they endured their third consecutive loss to Dumbarton. The hosts fell 1-0, however it would not to be unfair to suggest that the score line was perhaps flattering, in favour of the Methil Milan. The result was matched with the level of performance as the Fifers were not up to par and were unable to make the most of the few chances they had. The game was action packed in the first 45, keeping supporters on the edge of their seat, even though there were unfortunately more positives for the visitors. Despite the quick start, the second 45 could only be compared to nails on a chalkboard, as East Fife pushed for an equaliser, but Dumbarton held firm.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best chance of the ninety, for either side, came after 15 seconds, and was in favour of the Fifers. A defensive mishap opened space for Jack Healy who powered into the box. Unfortunately, he was met by Brett Long, and East Fife missed out on the perfect start.

Two minutes later, the game totally crumbled for the Methil men, as a woven pass found Kalvin Orsi inside the box. Unlike Healy, there was no hesitation from the Sons winger, and he fired the visitors ahead.

In the 31st minute, it was a miracle that there was only one goal in it. Some more disappointing defending forced Fleming into an all-important double save, the second of which forced him to leave the goalmouth completely. This opened the door for Dumbarton, who should have put themselves two to the good, and would have if it wasn’t for Liam Newton. The full back threw himself into harm’s way, blocking the shot, giving East Fife a dog’s chance in the game.

In the 35th, the Sons should have made it 2 for the second time, and were only denied by another Allan Fleming double save, akin to his first 5 minutes prior. This, like last time, left the Fifers’ goal open to some vulnerability, but we managed to clear our lines, literally, as the Black and Gold were able to get back, in the nick of time, hoofing the ball out for a throw in.

It looked to be third time lucky for the side from the West, but this time, it was the linesman’s job to provide a lifeline, as even though they managed to tuck the ball past Fleming, the flag shot up. We (somehow) held on.

In the 41st minute, we should have had our golden chance, as East Fife hit fast on the break. A cross was attempted, but was blocked by the first man’s arms, inside the area, for what could only be described as a blatant stonewaller. Alas, the referee waved play on, and we went into the break a goal down. If only there was some kind of technology in Scotland that could review those incidents…

There were no chances of note between the penalty claim at the end of the first period and the 92nd minute, when East Fife were piling men forward. A lovely ball was sprayed into the Sons’ box for Scott Shepherd, but the forward could not convert in the dying embers, ensuring that the Fifers succumbed to another defeat.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the 120th anniversary home shirt, the famous black and gold striped top, with white shorts and socks. Oor goalie will be clad in all yellow this afternoon.

Our hosts, Dumbarton, will wear a black and pink top, with black shorts and socks. The Sons’ goalie will be dressed in Orange.

Squad News

It will be another headscratcher for the gaffer, as we continue to struggle with some injuries and illness, although we will see the return of a fully fit Ryan Schiavone, Jack Healy and Charlie Murray, all of whom are available for selection.

Match Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or on Dumbarton’s TicketTailor page. Prices below:

Adult- £17

Concession- £11

U16- £5

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!

Officials

The on-pitch official today are Duncan Williams while his assistants running the line are Sean Carr and Liam Duncan.

This is an opportunity to start our 2024 the right way, let’s get behind the team!

Mon the Fife!

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Match Report - Forfar Athletic

Forfar Athletic 0-0 East Fife, Saturday 30^th December 2023

Station Park, cinch League Two

Happy New Year Fife Fans! Here’s hoping we can start our 2024 in a more convincing manner than we finished our 2023!

The Fifers closed out their 2023 year in disappointing fashion last weekend, as they played out a goalless draw against Forfar Athletic at a rain-battered Station Park. East Fife failed to capitalise on a first half straight red card for Loons; with Josh Skelly being sent for an early bath at the tail end of the first period.

There was only one change to the starting 11 from our 3-0 dismantling at the hands of Bonnyrigg Rose, despite it being a severely depleted squad which travelled to Angus. Loanee Kieran Mitchell got the start in place of Jack Healy.

Despite the majority team struggling, and putting in a largely lacklustre performance on Saturday, the same can’t be said about Brogan Walls, and the U20s graduate put in a cracking shift in the middle of the park, particularly in the first half. After 7 minutes, he created the first half chance of the game, splaying a lovely ball through for Nathan Austin to fire a cross into the area. Unfortunately, it was overhit, and Marc McCallum easily collected it, something which became a recurring theme during the proceedings.

On the 20-minute mark, Forfar had a chance from a free kick that was roughly 20 yards from goal. Ross stepped up for the Loons though his strike was a touch wide of the right-hand post.

The free-kick started a mini barrage, which also saw Forfar’s number 9, Josh Skelly, being denied by the best shot-stopper in the league, Allan Fleming. The Fife veteran reacted quickly, after Skelly got a touch on a deflected pass. Inglis was first to the parried shot and lashed an effort goalward. Luckily for the Black and Gold, it rattled against the woodwork, and out of play.

The turning point of the game should have come in the 37th minute of play, when Brain Easton was mowed down by a very, very late sliding challenge from Josh Skelly. The rash tackle left referee Iain Snedden no choice but to show the forward a straight red.

East Fife then had the best chance of the game seconds after the dismissal, when the resulting free kick wound up with Walls. Brogan floated a ball to Nathan Austin, whose diving header was somehow denied by Marc McCallum, as the goalie produced a wonder save to tip the ball round the post.

That was the last true piece of action, as East Fife struggled to break down the robust Forfar defence.

The game was fought largely in the middle of the park, as the Forfar team played what looked to be a 4-2-3-0, with their attacking talent, which included ex-Fifer Darren Watson, coming deep to support their teammates.

There was no action in the second half, until the hour mark, although there was nothing much to shout about. Alan Trouten played a simple ball into Brogan Walls, though the midfielder’s shot was rather timid, allowing McCallum to make an easy save.

East Fife’s last chance of the game came with 15 minutes still on the clock. Fresh substitute Gregor Nicol lofted a free kick into the 18-yard box, which was met by McManus. The makeshift defender was able to unleash a shot, though it was caught in the pack, and bounced out for a corner.

Despite being a man down, credit must go to Forfar, who fought till the very end, and, at times, looked the more likely of the two sides to nick all three points. Morrison got on the end of Paterson’s cross with just five minutes on the clock. Thankfully, the flicked header fell on the wrong side of the post, and The Methil Milan were able to return to the Kingdom with at least something.

All eyes are on this weekend, where we are on the road again. This time, we are headed west to Dunbartonshire, to face Dumbarton at the Rock. We will be hoping for a much-improved performance, and consequentially, an improved result this weekend, although we have struggled on the Sons’ patch in recent outings.

Mon the Fife!

Report by Oli Anderson

Forfar Athletic – McCallum, Allan, Morrison, Hutchinson, Whatley, Inglis (Thomson 54’), Robson, Skelly, Ross (Mutale 76’), Watson (Paterson 62’). Subs not used: Paris, Ferguson, Macleod

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Easton, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Mitchell (Nicol 72’), Walls, Shepherd, Austin. Subs not used: Schiavone, Black, Briggs, Rollo, Ramsay

Referee – Iain Sneddon

Attendance - 485