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Match Report - Clyde
East Fife 3-0 Clyde, Saturday 11th January 2025, William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
The Fifers sign off on the perfect week!
We moved to five points clear at the top of the William Hill League 2 with a resounding 3-0 win over Clyde at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday. A rampant second-half display made up for a slow first 45 from the Fifers, handing Dick Campbell’s men their fourth consecutive league win.
The Bully Wee had their chances in the game too, however, though Clyde failed to capitalise. While most of their threat was cancelled out by the commanding defensive showings from both Brian Easton and Andy Munro, they showed promise in early exchanges and, after a potential penalty claim for the Bully Week, Scullion rattled the crossbar, coming ever so close for Clyde.
Chances continued to flow for the visitors in the first half an hour, but they failed to capitalise, and we began to slowly grow into the game.
Despite this, Clyde had a chance to take the lead at the tail end of the first half, when Marley Redfern fired goalward from the edge of the 18-yard box. It was a golden opportunity, and one that he should have done better from, as Liam McFarlane easily collected the ball, which sent the two sides in goalless.
As has become a common trend this season, the Fifers came out for the second half rejuvenated, after yet another inspiring team talk from the Campbells. This allowed them to shift up through the gears, and they found the net for the first time just five minutes into the second half. Reis Peggie’s long throw found the head of Munro in the box, who nodded it down into the path of Jess Norey. Norey made no mistake and fired home from close range.
Five minutes later, we doubled our lead from an almost identical scenario. Peggie’s throw once again met Andy Munro, although this time it was Alan Trouten in waiting. The attacking midfielder stabbed home with no mistake, making it 19 goals in all competitions for the season.
The game looked as if it would teeter out as Clyde advanced forward, but substitute Adam Laaref scored in the dying embers to put the game well and truly to bed. He dribbled through the Clyde defence as East Fife hit on the break and lashed his shot from 25 yards out into the top corner, maintaining East Fife’s 100% start to 2025.
We venture to Stair Park on Saturday to play Stranraer. The Blues have been victorious in both of the league meetings between the sides so far this season, so an improved performance is necessary if we are to rectify those woes.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Andy Munro
This could have been Norey for his goal, and superb all-round game, or Trouten for his involvement in the contest. Arguments could also be made for Scott Shepherd or Brian Easton, but Munro’s excellent defensive showing as well as two beautiful crosses to set up the opening goals means that he is a worthy winner of it this week.
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch, Easton, Peggie, Munro, Millar, McManus, Norey (Slattery 90+3’), Trouten, Healy (Laaref 79’), Shepherd (Trialist 78’). Subs not used: Fleming, Briggs, Winn, Docherty.
Clyde – Hemfrey, Houston, Robson, Hamilton, Dunachie, Cuddihy, Scullion, Grant (Docherty 83’), Leitch (Redfern 27’), Murdoch, Connell (Howie 74’). Subs not used: Kennedy, Hynes, Watt, Trialist.
Referee – Sean Murdoch
Attendance – 767
Report by Oli Anderson
Match Preview - Clyde
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Clyde.
Following midweek success on the road at Edinburgh City, East Fife moved four points clear at the top of the William Hill League 2. Connor Young’s brace was not enough to counter goals from Scott Shepherd, Jack Healy and a brace from Alan Trouten, as a phenomenal second half handed East Fife a well-deserved three points.
Our opposition today, Clyde, are slowly but surely climbing their way up the league. Darren Young’s men have looked much more dangerous since his arrival, and this will indeed be a challenging game come this afternoon. The Bully Wee are coming off the back of a 2-0 win over Stirling Albion at the ZLX Stadium
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 19 | 20 | 36 |
| 2 | Elgin City | 18 | 7 | 32 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 18 | 6 | 31 |
| 4 | Edinburgh City | 19 | 2 | 28 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 19 | -7 | 24 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 17 | -2 | 22 |
| 7 | Clyde | 19 | -5 | 22 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 17 | -4 | 18 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose* | 18 | -7 | 18 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 18 | -10 | 14 |
*Bonnyrigg Rose have been handed a 6-point deduction due to their failure to comply with SPFL regulations.
Last Week’s League Results
Saturday 4th January
Clyde 2-0 Stirling Albion
East Fife 1-0 Forfar Athletic
Edinburgh City 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
Wednesday 8th January
Edinburgh City 2-4 East Fife
This Week’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Clyde
Edinburgh City vs Peterhead
Forfar Athletic vs Elgin City
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s uptake in form in recent weeks has seen the Methil Milan accumulate 13 points from our last six games.
Our only loss to Peterhead came in frustrating fashion, as Kieran Shanks’ well taken header early in the first half was all that separated the sides.
Our draw was also frustrating, with chances to win the game. Norey’s equaliser against Bonnyrigg Rose cancelled out Lee Currie’s free kick to share the spoils against Bonnyrigg 1-1.
Jess Norey was on the scoresheet again, as East Fife grabbed a late winner in a ding-dong battle with Elgin City. Reis Peggie opened the scoring in the first half before Gallagher’s long-range effort secured an equaliser for the Black and Whites. The game looked destined to finish a draw, but in the dying embers, East Fife’s Norey took the bull by the horns and stuck the ball in the back of the net.
The last three games have also seen three wins, firstly, a 5-1 win over The Spartans was comfortable, with Trouten at the double. McManus, Millar and Shepherd all found the back of the net too. Alan Trouten went on to score the only goal from the spot in a 1-0 victory over 10th-placed Forfar Athletic. Most recently, a midweek victory over Edinburgh City showed the squad’s character, with a quick double countering Connor Young’s first-half strike, before three goals in the last ten minutes saw the game wrapped up 4-2 in East Fife’s favour.
Our opposition
Clyde sit seventh in League 2 with three wins, a draw and two losses in their last six games, amassing ten points.
Their losses were high-scoring affairs, as they fell 3-2 to The Spartans at Ainslie Park, and 4-2 away to Elgin City up at Borough Briggs.
Their draw was away to Stranraer, where the sides were tied at 1-1 at Stair Park.
They have had two 2-0 wins, over Stirling Albion, and Forfar Athletic, while their other victory came at home to Peterhead, where they ran out 3-2 winners.
Their danger man, Jordon Allan who has tucked away three in the last six has just recently returned to his parent club Falkirk.
Previous Encounter
Clyde 3-1 East Fife
16th November 2024, ZLX Stadium
On a bad day at the office for the Fifers, the aforementioned Jordon Allan tucked two away, one either side of the half-time whistle. This was accompanied by a Liam Scullion goal, another player who has been in fine form for the Bully Wee, before Jack Healy grabbed what was merely a consolation goal.
The Fifers will be hoping for an improved performance and result come 3 o’clock.
Squad News
Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury, as does Nathan Austin, though the two move ever closer to full fitness.
Ins: Connor McManus returns to the squad after missing out midweek due to illness.
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 Argentina-inspired away kit, sponsored by Back Onside. They will wear the white and sky-blue striped shirt, with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will be clad in orange for the tie.
Clyde will be in their traditional colours, of a white shirt, with black shorts and red socks. The Bully Wee goalkeeper will don an all-blue kit for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Sean Murdoch with his assistants Stuart Stevenson and Conor Greenan running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 16 will be available pre-kick-off for £3. Today’s issue includes an interview with under 20s player Neil Blake. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery or in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm.
Mon the Fife!
Q&A with the Management Team
We are delighted to confirm details for a question and answer session with our management team on Monday 13th January 2025.
🤝All supporters are invited to attend to hear how their plans are shaping up for the rest of the season and their activity during this transfer window.
📅Monday 13th January 2025
🕖7:00PM
📍MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
📧Those unable to attend, or who would prefer to do so, can submit questions in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that we are unable to record the Q&A for those who cannot attend.
Match Report - Edinburgh City
Edinburgh City 2-4 East Fife, Wednesday 8th January 2025, William Hill League 2, Meadowbank Stadium
East Fife made it three wins on the spin with a superb 4-2 victory over Edinburgh City at Meadowbank. A shaky first-half was more than rectified with a dominant second-half display.
The Citizens held the lion’s share of possession although they did not create many chances. East Fife also struggled to get going, which has become a recurring theme this season.
Unfortunately, the first real shot on goal found the back of the net, and it was for Edinburgh City, and the man of the moment, Connor Young. He knuckleballed his free kick from range, which ricocheted off the post and into the back of the net.
A lacklustre first period saw the Fifers go in behind at the interval.
The second half looked destined to start how the first half ended, as Edinburgh came out from the traps quickly. That was only for five minutes though, East Fife came with a vengeance. Capitalising on a defensive error, the Fifers pounced. Jack Healy found the ball on the wing, before lashing the ball across to the back post, where Scott Shepherd was waiting. East Fife’s number nine slotted home and just like that, the Fife were level.
“Like London buses” as the saying goes, although perhaps it should be “like East Fife goals”, as less than sixty seconds after the opener, East Fife were in front. In an almost identical build-up, Healy had the ball on the wing, although this time tried a shot, which rebounded to the back post. This time around, it was Alan Trouten in waiting, and he converted with ease, and out of nowhere, the Fifers were in front.
Edinburgh City were caught in the eye of an East Fife storm; but chance after chance came and went and the Methil Milan had not improved on their one-goal lead, that storm would soon be weathered. Edinburgh City, against the run of play, called upon their star man once more, and Connor Young took his chance. It came from almost nothing, but against the run of play, the Citizens were back on level terms.
That did not last long, however! Jack Healy was not up for sharing the points, so took matters into his own hands. Healy once more found himself at the edge of the area and opened up his body to shoot. Mark Weir tried to anticipate the looped shot over, so stepped toward the far post, opening up the angle for Healy to fire home at the near post, which saw East Fife retake the lead again.
The Fifers grabbed a fourth in the dying embers. Sean Docherty dispossessed Josh Grigor just outside the box, the Edinburgh players mistakenly thought that Grigor was fouled and therefore momentarily disrupted their defensive shape. This allowed Docherty and Trouten through for a 2-on-1 which Trouten converted with ease.
East Fife now sit four points ahead of Elgin, and five clear of Peterhead having played one extra game. Our attention now turns to Saturday when we will play Darren Young’s Clyde side at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Jack Healy.
This could have been Trouten, for his brace, and 90 minutes of energy, it could have been Shepherd for the shift he put in out of position for the large majority of the game, it could have been Brian Easton for his two game-saving blocks on the day, but I have opted for Jack Healy, who terrorised the Edinburgh right back, Jon Robertson, for his entire game. He turned him inside and out, as well as left him in the dust with his pace. Adding that to his two assists and goal caps off a remarkable individual performance.
Edinburgh City - Weir, Robertson, Gormley, Lynch, Grigor, Jones, Lawson (Daramola 55’), Jarvis (Zaid 55’), Mitchell (See 55’), Young, Stokes (Hamilton 76’). Subs not used: Beveridge, Walker, Scally, McKinstray, Mair.
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch, Easton, Peggie, Munro, Trouten, Healy (Laaref 90’), Norey, Shepherd (Slattery 85’), Milar, Trialist (Docherty 76’). Subs not used: Fleming, Briggs, Winn.
Referee – Joel Kennedy
Attendance – TBC
Report by Oli Anderson