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East Fife are on their travels again this evening as they head to Angus to take on a Montrose side who have been rejuvenated in the last 12 months, winning the SPFL division two championship last season. Stewart Petrie’s team are also off to a flying start in the Betfred Cup, recording an impressive 1-0 victory in Falkirk on Saturday, thanks to an early goal from Martin Rennie.

Bayview boss Darren Young was also a happy man following his side’s goalless draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park at the weekend. Despite missing out on a bonus point following the penalty shoot-out, there were many positives to take from a very encouraging performance, as the Fifers restricted their Premiership opponents to only a few goalscoring opportunities with a well-organised display and some resolute defending, particularly at set-piece situations.  

In terms of personnel, East Fife should be along the same lines, with goalkeeper Craig McDowall, Scott Linton and Mark Docherty still sidelined through injury. Midfielder Scott Agnew is expected to be available for selection for Sunday’s game against Forfar Athletic at Locality Hub Bayview Stadium.

There are several familiar faces in the Montrose squad, including ex-Fifers Allan Fleming, Ross Campbell and Jordan Millar. The Gable Endies have also recruited Josh Skelly and Patrick Cregg from Arbroath and Forfar Athletic respectively during the summer.

East Fife’s record in recent years against Montrose has been decent, but they will be aware that the Angus side’s form has been excellent and can boast an unbeaten run at Links Park, stretching back to January. An interesting contest awaits.

East Fife head north to McDiarmid Park tomorrow to take on St Johnstone in the opening game of the season in the Betfred Cup. It goes without saying that this will be an extremely tough challenge for the Fifers, with the Perth Saints now an established Premiership side under the stewardship of Tommy Wright, who has retained the core of his playing staff, bringing in Drey Wright from Colchester United and former Celtic player Tony Watt. There are also several familiar faces in the Saints squad in Jason Kerr, Mark Hurst and Greg Hurst, who all spent time at Bayview recently in loan spells.

Having completed four friendly fixtures against St Andrews United, Dunfermline Athletic, Queen of the South and Lochee United, Manager Darren Young expressed satisfaction at his side’s preparation for the season ahead. Several new faces have arrived at Bayview, including experienced campaigners Scott Agnew, Liam Watt, Ross Dunlop, Ross Davidson, Scott McBride and Daryll Meggatt. Goalkeepers Brett Long and Craig McDowall have also put pen to paper, in addition to young strikers Jonathan Court and Anton Dowds.    

The Methil men are likely to be without the services of Scott Linton and Mark Docherty, who remain sidelined through injury, while midfielder Scott Agnew is also unavailable for selection.

You have to go back to 2006 to find the last time the two sides faced each other, with St Johnstone emerging 3-1 winners at McDiarmid Park, also in a League Cup tie. After a goalless first half, Jason Scotland found the target for the home side, hitting a double, with Martin Hardie also finding the net. Jonathan Smart scored his first goal in East Fife colours with ten minutes left on the clock.    

EFtv are looking for 5 adults and 5 kids season ticket holders to take part in a season preview. To be eligible you must hold a season ticket for 2018/19 and be available to attend the filming evening on Tuesday (31st July). Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you’re interested in taking part, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 The supporters who intend travelling to support The Fife against Lochee United on Saturday, 7th July in Dundee, should note that the Kick Off time has been altered from 2.30pm to 1pm.