Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stirling Albion
East Fife return to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium today following their 2-0 win in Midlothian against Bonnyrigg Rose. The task today remains the same as it has been for some time, as the contest with Stirling Albion is absolutely a must win game. The Binos however, have everything to fight for, as they now find themselves within touching distance of the promotion play-offs. Last week they ran out 3-1 winners over Stranraer, coming from a goal down to win the game with a strong second half. In Bonnyrigg, we started slowly, though pulled ourselves into the driver’s seat through Fash. Soon after the opener, Bonnyrigg were down to ten men, and East Fife looked comfortable, as we ran out eventual 2-0 winners, with Adam Laaref bagging a stoppage time goal.
A message from the management team.
Speaking to East Fife TV before the game, assistant manager Ian ‘Pink’ Campbell said,
“We’ve had a really good week in training with only Pat still injured although he has returned to training as well. We know Stirling are on good run of form and both teams know what’s at stake, so it should be a competitive game, one we’re looking forward to. There promises to be a good crowd, and we are due our fans a good home performance.”
Celebration
Following their victory of the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship, East Fife’s G&WC will have a trophy parade on the pitch at half time.
William Hill League 2 Table
Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Peterhead | 33 | 20 | 63 |
2 | East Fife | 33 | 25 | 59 |
3 | Edinburgh City | 33 | 11 | 55 |
4 | Elgin City | 33 | 2 | 49 |
5 | Stirling Albion | 33 | -2 | 47 |
6 | The Spartans | 33 | -2 | 46 |
7 | Stranraer | 33 | -6 | 37 |
8 | Clyde | 33 | -11 | 37 |
9 | Forfar Athletic | 33 | -11 | 34 |
10 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 33 | -26 | 27 |
Last Week’s League Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 2-0 East Fife
Clyde 1-1 Forfar Athletic
Edinburgh City 2-0 Elgin City
Peterhead 1-0 The Spartans
Stirling Albion 3-1 Stranraer
This Weekend’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Stirling Albion
Elgin City vs Peterhead
Forfar Athletic vs Bonnyrigg
Stranraer vs Edinburgh City
The Spartans vs Clyde
The objective today for East Fife is simple, a win is a necessity, while defeat could hand Peterhead the William Hill League 2 title. Stirling Albion also need a win as they mount a late playoff chase.
The Fifers will be looking for a favour from Elgin City who host Peterhead in the last Highland derby of the season. Any points for Elgin would be welcomed by both them and us, as their play-off space is now in jeopardy.
In other fixtures today, Forfar Athletic today have the opportunity to guarantee their survival and condemn Bonnyrigg Rose to the relegation playoff. Should the Loons avoid defeat today at Station Park against the Rose, they will be safe.
Should results go their way, a victory today for Edinburgh City would seal their playoff place.
The Spartans will look for all three points against Clyde too, as a win puts them right back into the playoff mix.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have secured three wins in the last six games. Two have come on the road, while one has been in Methil. Away wins at Clyde (2-1) and Bonnyrigg Rose (2-0) paired with a comeback victory against the Spartans (4-2) in Fife wraps up East Fife’s victories.
Our losses have come primarily away from home too, with defeats in Forfar (1-0) and at the Meadowbank in the capital (5-2) being our losses on the road. A shock thumping at the hands of Stranraer in Methil (3-0) is our other defeat in the last six.
Our Opposition
Stirling Albion are finding form at the right time of the season, losing only one of the last six games, and winning the last three on the bounce. Peterhead were the team to defeat the Binos, scoring late in a 2-1 victory.
Stirling have drawn twice, both on the road. Firstly, it was a goalless draw at the Spartans, with the other draw finishing 1-1 against relegation threatened Bonnyrigg Rose.
Three wins in as many weeks have seen Stirling Albion topple Edinburgh City and Stranraer at Forthbank (2-1 and 3-1 respectively), as well as claiming victory at Borough Briggs (2-0)
Previous Encounter
Stirling Albion 1-0 East Fife
Forthbank Stadium
Saturday 1st March 2025
East Fife fell to Stirling Albion at Forthbank when the sides met last month. Dale Hilson’s goal on the hour mark was all that separated the two sides.
Squad News
We head into the game with the same squad as last week, only Pat Slattery misses out.
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 tie.
Stirling Albion will be in the home colours this afternoon.
Officials
The referee today will be Duncan Nicolson with his assistants Jamie Andrews and Calum Doyle running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 22 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. This week’s edition features an interview with Mamadou Bah. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.
Mon the Fife!
East Fife Football Club can confirm that Chairman Jim Stevenson and Vice-Chairman John Donaldson will be stepping down from their respective roles at the end of the 2024/25 season. In recognition of their outstanding service, Jim will take up the position of Honorary Chairman, with John becoming an Honorary Director.
Jim originally joined the East Fife board in 1987 and, although his involvement has been on-and-off over the years, he has always remained a passionate supporter and key figure within the club. Reflecting on his time, Jim notes that his most enjoyable moments have come during his spells as a director. Appointed Chairman in 2014, Jim was instrumental in guiding the club through a challenging period, helping to bring stability and renewed purpose to East Fife at a time when it was most needed. His leadership has helped shape the modern-day East Fife, providing a steady hand and clear vision when it was needed most.
John joined the board in 2007 and, aside from a brief absence, has been a consistent and valued presence ever since. As well as serving as Vice-Chairman, John has held the important role of Club Safety Officer, ensuring East Fife remains compliant with both SFA regulations and Fire Council standards. Away from the boardroom, John is also a hands-on member of the club’s maintenance team—a small but mighty band of seasoned volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Bayview running smoothly.
Speaking on their decision to step down, Jim said:
"It’s been a privilege to serve East Fife Football Club. The time feels right to step aside and allow new voices and fresh ideas to guide the club forward. I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved, and I’ll leave knowing that the club is in a stronger position than when I took the chair. I’m honoured to continue supporting East Fife as Honorary Chairman and look forward to seeing the club continue to grow."
John added:
"It’s been a pleasure to be part of the East Fife journey and to work alongside such a dedicated group of people. Whether it’s board meetings or fixing things around the ground, it’s all been part of what makes this club special. I’m delighted to be staying involved and supporting however I can."
Jim and John will officially step down from their current positions at the end of the season, and plans for the future leadership of the club will be communicated in due course.
Everyone at East Fife FC—players, staff, volunteers, and supporters—extends sincere thanks to both Jim and John for their years of dedication, hard work, and passion for the club. Their contributions have left a lasting legacy, and they will always remain part of the East Fife family.
The club will formally recognise Jim and John at our final home match of the season, and we invite all supporters to join us in showing appreciation for two true club stalwarts.
Thank you, Jim and John—you’ll always be part of the East Fife family.
2025/26 East Fife FC Season Tickets Now on Sale – Secure Yours Today!
East Fife FC is excited to announce that season tickets for the 2025/26 season are now on sale! After discussions with the East Fife Supporters Society and the East Fife Supporters Club boards, we have agreed on a small price increase for the coming 2025/26 season.
Why the Price Change?
In recent months, rising costs have affected all levels of football. Three major factors contributing to the price changes are the increases in employer national insurance contributions, rise in minimum wage, effective from April 2025, and the escalating costs of stadium maintenance. These changes, which are beyond our control, have made it necessary for us to adjust our prices in order to continue providing the best possible experience at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
However, we understand that these changes may impact some of our supporters, and that’s why we’ve worked closely with supporters’ groups when setting these prices. We’re grateful for their input and ongoing support in these discussions.
To help with the cost of season tickets, we are offering supporters the opportunity to pay for your season tickets in three instalments while still taking advantage of the Super Early Bird pricing. Please contact the club office to discuss payment options.
There will also be a small increase in walk-up prices for individual games next season.
Super Early Bird Pricing – Don’t Miss Out!
We are offering Super Early Bird pricing for those who act quickly! If you purchase your season ticket before the 30th of May, you can take advantage of our Super Early Bird rates.
2025/26 Super Early Bird Prices
• Adult Super Early Bird: £260 (£100 saving on walk-up prices)
• Concession Super Early Bird: £200 (£88 saving on walk-up prices)
• 16–19-Year-Old Students Super Early Bird: £120 (£168 saving on walk-up prices)
• Under 16s Super Early Bird: £50 (£40 saving on walk-up prices)
• Over 80s Super Early Bird: £50 admin fee (£238 saving on walk-up prices)
After the Early Bird period, prices will increase, so be sure to secure your ticket at Bayview for the 2025/26 season before the deadline!
Season tickets are valid for 18 home league matches during the regular 2025/26 season.
We’re also delighted to confirm that all members of East Fife Community FC who are under 16 will continue to have free entry to all home league matches when accompanied by an adult.
How to Buy Your Season Ticket
Purchasing your season ticket is easy! Visit the club website or head to the East Fife FC office at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium during regular office hours. You can also contact us directly via phone (01333 426323) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for further assistance.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium for another exciting season of football. Thank you for your unwavering support, and let’s make 2025/26 a season to remember!
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-2 East Fife, Saturday 12th April 2025, William Hill League 2, New Dundas Park
East Fife had to work hard to return to winning ways, as a strong second half showing sent all three points to Methil last Saturday.
East Fife removed the defensive errors from the performance for the first time in a number of weeks, keeping our first clean sheet since February on route to a 2-0 win.
Dick Campbell made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 in Forfar almost a fortnight ago, as Kallum Higginbotham and Scott Shepherd made way for the returning Alan Trouten and club captain Stewart Murdoch. Murdoch’s inclusion was a boost to the backline, while Alan Trouten looked to have recovered well from his minor injury.
Unfortunately, the first half of the game followed the trend of the season, with East Fife struggling to truly threaten the Bonnyrigg backline. The pitch without a doubt played a large impact as the Fifers struggled to play football on the ground, with even the simplest of passes taking an unexpected bobble, adding to the danger of the match.
This meant that when half chances did come, it was tricky to make them stick, and when Jack Healy’s chance looked to come at the back post, it took an unanticipated bounce over the winger, forcing him to try an impulsive overhead kick, which fell wide of the goal.
East Fife did have the ball in the back of the net just after the thirtieth minute, with Reis Peggie heading in from a corner. Frustratingly, the referee had blown his whistle for a foul in the build-up, and the game remained goalless.
As well as New Dundas Park playing a pivotal role in the contest, the wind also contributed to the game. This was never clearer than on the stroke of half time where Reis Peggie slashed a cross across the face of goal, and it was carried away from every Fifer. That sent East Fife in level at the break.
The second half saw an upturn in East Fife urgency, playing quicker, and shifting the ball into more threatening areas. This led to East Fife’s opening goal when Andy Munro launched a header over the Bonnyrigg Rose backline and found Nathan Austin. Fash caught the ball well on his right foot, and lobbed Andrew McNeil to open the scoring. It was a much-needed goal, and particularly well taken on Fash’s weaker foot.
Bonnyrigg were under more pressure minutes after the restart, as Ryan Porteous saw red following a second bookable offence. His elbow on Reis Peggie left the official with no choice but to send him off.
This let East Fife control the remainder of the game, though Bonnyrigg did still look like they could pose a threat on the break.
This worry disappeared as the game drew to a close, with Adam Laaref doubling the East Fife lead in stoppage time. Laaref found a pocket of space and hit the ball on the swivel. He let his shot go and rattled it into the side netting eradicating all fear, securing the win for East Fife, keeping us hot on Peterhead’s tail.
Bonnyrigg Rose - McNeil, Mailer, Young, Sommerville (Hogg 86’), Connelly, Murphy, Arnott, Currie (Ferrie 65’), Aiken (Watson 72’), Ross, Porteous. Subs not used: Elliot, Lennon, Andrews.
East Fife - McFarlane, Murdoch (Higginbotham 90+1’), Easton, Peggie, Munro, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Healy (Laaref 78’), McKenna, Austin (Jones 81’). Subs not used: Fleming, Newton, Norey, Shepherd, Nicol, Bah.
Referee – Sean Murdoch
Attendance – 705
Report by Oli Anderson