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Match Preview - Stranraer

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stranraer.

East Fife have a golden opportunity, to extend our lead at the top of William Hill League 2 table, although it comes against Stranraer, who have been a sticky opposition for the Methil Milan. In the last two encounters, East Fife have fallen 2-1 to the Blues. With that being said, with the run that the Fifers are on, there is no reason why East Fife cannot right those wrongs this afternoon.

Last week, East Fife ran out 3-0 winners over Clyde at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. A superb second half blew the Bully Wee out of the water and handed the Fifers a deserved three points. The highlight of the game would have to be Adam Laaref’s stunning strike which floated right into the top corner, sealing the victory for East Fife.

Stranraer are coming off the back of a loss in Peterhead. A second-half strike from Jason Brown separated the two sides on Tuesday night.

William Hill League 2 Table

Last Week’s League Results

Saturday 11th January

East Fife 3-0 Clyde

Edinburgh City 0-1 Peterhead

Forfar Athletic 1-1 Elgin City

Tuesday 14th January

Peterhead 1-0 Stranraer

Friday 17th December

Clyde 0-2 Edinburgh City

This Weekend’s Fixtures

Stranraer vs East Fife

Peterhead vs Stirling Albion

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s are on fantastic form at the moment, having won five of the last six games, including four in a row, accumulating 15 points from a possible 18 in the league.

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.

Jess Norey was on the scoresheet 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 tenth-placed Forfar Athletic that was followed by a midweek victory over Edinburgh City that showed the squad’s character further. 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. Most recently, a commanding second-half performance saw us claim a 3-0 victory over Darren Young’ Clyde side.

Our Opposition

Stranraer are not on the best run of form at the moment, only winning one of the last six games, which includes three draws as well as two defeats.

However, in the league, they have only lost to second-placed Peterhead, though their other defeat came disappointingly to Broxburn Athletic in the Scottish Cup.

The Blues have three draws, against Clyde and Edinburgh City at home, and Edinburgh City away from home.

Their win was also on the road, as Stranraer overcame The Spartans 3-1. Mark Russell was at the double that day, largely contributing to the result.

Previous Encounter

East Fife 1-2 Stranraer

9th November 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Andy Munro scored just after half-time to cancel out Max Guthrie’s opener when the sides last met. Unfortunately, Matty Grant tucked home the winner with just ten minutes to go, in what was a day to forget for the Fifers.

The Fifers will be hoping for an improved performance and result come 3 o’clock this afternoon.

Squad News

Ins: Our two new signings Robert Jones and Kallum Higginbotham are both fit and available for today’s match with Stranraer. Logan Briggs and Neil Blake have been called up to the first-team squad this afternoon.

Outs: Nathan Austin and Liam Newton remain out due to injury. Gregor Nicol has returned from his loan spell at Bo’ness United but is unavailable for selection due to injury this afternoon.

Match Tickets

Please find prices below for Stair Park today:

Adults- £15

Concessions (Over 65s)- £10

Under 16s- £5

Under 5s- Free!

Away fans can enter the ground from the away turnstile opposite the main stand. The turnstile is cash only.

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 Oli Anderson.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, Harley’s Taxis sponsored third kit. They will wear a red shirt, black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear orange for the tie.

Stranraer will wear their home kit too, with a white and blue shirt, white shorts and blue socks. The Blues goalkeeper will be in light blue for the contest.

Officials

The referee today will be Jordan Curran, with Colin McAlpine and Calum Doyle, his assistants running the lines.

Mon the Fife!