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Match Report - Stirling Albion
East fife 1-1 Stirling Albion, William Hill League 2, Saturday 2nd November 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
We unfortunately had to settle for a draw against Stirling Albion on Saturday at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, after a slow start hindered Dick Campbell’s men.
The visitors started the much stronger of the two sides, testing Liam McFarlane on numerous occasions in the opening 20 minutes. McFarlane, who was making his first appearance for the Fifers since September, made four strong saves to deny the Stirling attack, though that did not stop the Binos from taking the lead. Defender Erik Sula was the name on the score sheet after the centre half smashed his header home from a corner on the quarter-hour mark.
Stirling Albion should have made it two just moments later, when they hit the crossbar twice in thirty seconds, while the Fifers were lost at sea.
That chance appeared to be the wake-up call that the Methil Milan needed, and slowly but surely, we crept into the contest, before finally grabbing the equaliser through Andy Munro. The summer signing leapt to meet a deep free kick, delivered by Gordon Walker, and nodded his header into the bottom corner, leaving the Stirling Albion goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
East Fife were the team in the ascendency in the second period and should have taken the lead after 70 minutes of football. Some tidy team play from Walker and Kieran Millar found Scott Shepherd in the penalty area. East Fife’s number 9 held the ball up before laying it off to Andrew Tod. The youngster, on loan from Dunfermline Athletic, looked destined to score, though his effort was well saved by Gaston which saw the score-line stay level.
With just five minutes to go, Nathan Austin squandered the chance of the game, denying East Fife all three points. The ball was put on a plate for ‘Fash’, with it being drilled across the face of goal. However, the striker got himself tangled up and tripped over his feet, seeing the chance go awry.
Despite East Fife having the majority of the chances in the second half, it was our opposition who had the best opportunity of the game. Some quick counter-attacking football saw the Binos advance down the left-hand side of the park before the ball was cut inside and fired goalward. Liam McFarlane was called upon again, and produced a top, top quality save, to deny Stirling Albion and ensure that the two sides shared the spoils.
The result sees East Fife remain atop the league two table, albeit on goal difference, while Stirling Albion remain in fourth place, just four points behind the league leaders.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Liam McFarlane.
That. Save.
East Fife – McFarlane, Easton, Peggie (Healy 83’), Munro, Millar, McManus, Tod (Norey 79’), Walker (Docherty 82’), Shepherd (Laaref 86’), Austin. Subs not used: Fleming, Briggs, Slattery, Winn.
Stirling Albion – Gaston, McGeachie, Sula, Harkness (Davidson 68’), Crane, Kerr, Ferguson, Brown, Waugh, Carrick (Roy 85’), Hilson (McKinlay 68’). Subs not used: Cant, Featherstone, Howe, Weir, Wright, McLean.
Referee – Gavin Duncan,
Attendance – 728
Report by Oli Anderson
Photographer by East Fife Media
Ticket Info v Stranraer
Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Stranraer at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 9th November 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.
All members 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, that parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.
Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can also watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription. There is no live stream option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Fixture Change
Our William Hill League 2 fixtures against Bonnyrigg Rose on Saturday 28th December at New Dundas Park has been brought forward to Saturday 30th November with a 3:00pm kick off.
Match Preview - Stirling Albion
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stirling Albion.
East Fife return to league action this afternoon following a devastating result last week against Banks O’Dee in the Scottish Cup. We still sit atop the William Hill League 2 table, although a draw against Forfar Athletic two weeks ago has seen our lead shrink to just two points. This weekend we will host Stirling Albion. The Binos are coming off the back of a romping 6-0 win over Bo’ness Athletic and find themselves on a four-game win streak. The Fifers know the task at hand, and with both teams in the title race, this is an all-important game.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 10 | 16 | 22 |
| 2 | Elgin City | 10 | 7 | 20 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 10 | 5 | 18 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 10 | 1 | 18 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 10 | -3 | 13 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 10 | -3 | 10 |
| 7 | Edinburgh City | 10 | -5 | 9 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 10 | -5 | 9 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 10 | -5 | 9 |
| 10 | Clyde | 10 | -8 | 8 |
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Bonnyrigg Rose
East Fife vs Stirling Albion
Edinburgh City vs Forfar Athletic
Elgin City vs Stranraer
Peterhead vs The Spartans
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six games have seen three wins, one draw and two losses.
The losses have come in disappointing fashion, the first being against Stranraer some six weeks ago where a disappointing performance saw us fall 2-1 at Stair Park. The other loss came last week in even more disappointing fashion, as we slumped out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the fourth year running, as we lost 1-0 at home to Banks O’Dee.
Our draw came a fortnight ago in a goalless affair, away to Forfar Athletic, at Station Park.
When our wins have come, they have been spectacles. The first win was against Peterhead when we beat the then-league leaders at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The routine display saw Alan Trouten and Stewart Murdoch on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. The following week, Nathan Austin scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to The Spartans, a result which saw us climb to the top of the league. The following week, East Fife showed their cutting edge, burying five against a 10-man Bonnyrigg Rose side. Alan Trouten bagged a hattrick, with Andrew Tod making it on the scoresheet for the first time in his professional career.
Our Opposition
Stirling Albion have won four and lost two of their last six. Their two losses came against Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose where they fell 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.
They have only won once on the road, where they beat Stranraer 2-0 with Erik Sula and Adam Brown on the scoresheet.
The last three weeks have seen them pick up a run of wins, all at Forthbank. Dale Carrick and Dale Hilson have been the danger men in recent weeks, helping the Binos to four consecutive wins (the most recent three being against Forfar and Clyde in the league, and Bo’ness Athletic in the Scottish Cup).
Previous Encounter
Stirling Albion 0-4 East Fife
24th August 2024, Forthbank Stadium
The last time the sides met, Stirling Albion were on the end of a drubbing at the hands of the Methil Milan. The Binos started well, but when Austin’s effort flew in in the 40th minute, the floodgates opened. Reis Peggie added a second before the interval before Fash added another two himself in the second half to send him home with the match ball, and the Fifers home with all three points.
Squad News
Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury. Alan Trouten also misses out this week due to a dental issue.
Ins: Brian Easton has returned to full training and is back in the matchday squad this afternoon. Scott Shepherd managed to shake off last Saturday’s knock and is available for selection. Logan Briggs and Masson Winn also keep their place in the senior squad.
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, tickets can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, that parent & child tickets 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. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, Harley’s Taxis sponsored third kit. They will wear a red shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear turquoise for the tie.
Stirling Albion will be in all-white for the clash, with the Binos goalkeeper will be in orange this afternoon.
Officials
The referee today will be Gavin Duncan with his assistants are Colin Drummond and Sean Duff.
In Memoria
Pre-kick-off today, there will be a minute’s applause for former East Fife youth player Jamie Lyon.
Misc
The Bayview issue 11 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.30pm. This week’s edition features an interview with returning goalkeeping coach Jim Moffat.
Mon the Fife!