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Battle for Points Continues for Darren’s Boys with Rovers Visit

Albion Rovers visit the Locality Hub Bayview Stadium tomorrow in a similar situation to East Fife, desperate to rediscover the form that found them in the promotion play-off zone earlier in the season.  The men from Coatbridge however currently occupy ninth place in the league, although manager Brian Kerr will have taken heart from last week’s performance which earned his side a 2-2 draw against league leaders Raith Rovers at Cliftonhill.

Bayview boss Darren Young was left a frustrated man following the Fifers’ 3-0 defeat to promotion hopefuls Ayr United at Somerset Park on Saturday past. The Methil men started brightly but lost the opening goal thanks to a deflected strike by Declan McDaid. Two further goals in quick succession early in the second half virtually ended the game as a contest and although East Fife had plenty of possession they were unable to penetrate a well-organised home defence.

Mark Docherty is set to miss tomorrow’s game through injury, together with two further likely absentees. Midfielders Kyle Wilkie and Craig Thomson could feature in the squad after being sidelined in recent weeks.      

The sides have secured a win apiece in the two earlier meetings this season. East Fife edged out Albion Rovers in a 5-4 thriller at Bayview in October, with the men from the brig coming out on top with a 3-2 victory at Cliftonhill in December.

Supporters of both clubs are reminded that they are welcome to enjoy refreshments at the stadium bars before and after the game.  

The Bayview | Black and Gold and Blue - George Yardley

Kirkcaldy born George Yardley was signed by East Fife as an amateur from Frances Colliery juniors on 10^th August 1959 as an understudy to regular goalkeeper Ronnie McCluskey. To say that the sixteen-year-old was a versatile player was an understatement to say the least, as George had turned out for his previous club as both goalkeeper and centre-forward!

The reason for the youngster’s ability to play in two vert different positions was rooted in his school football days. Initially turning out as a goalkeeper for Dunnikier Primary School, George was forced to give up that position after stepping up to Templehall secondary, where the ‘keepers position in the school team had already been filled.

Forced to play outfield, the young Yardley still managed to establish himself as a skilful player with the school side as well as with Abbotshall Boys Brigade and Novar Star, and eventually his skills came to the attention of the junior clubs. George was eventually signed by local junior outfit Frances Colliery, for whom he played primarily as a centre-forward, but filled the goalkeeper’s position as and when required.

During his first season at Bayview, George made no competitive appearances for East Fife, which is hardly surprising given his tender years. In fact, when regular ‘keeper Ronnie McCluskey suffered a broken finger the League Cup quarter final against Cowdenbeath in September 1959, East Fife decided to bring back veteran ‘keeper Bert Allan to cover the position rather than risk the sixteen-year-old between the sticks.

George did make one goalkeeper appearance during that first season, however, when he filled that position for a home friendly against the British Army at Bayview on Tuesday 20^th October 1959, less than a fortnight after his seventeenth birthday. Two months later, the Fife faithful were treated to a demonstration of the player’s versatility when he turned out as centre-forward for a friendly against the Scottish Amateur XI at Bayview.

Despite having played no competitive matches to date as a goalkeeper for East Fife, George was selected to play I goals for Scotland against Wales in the British Amateur Championship international at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock on 5^th March 1960, where he lined up alongside Methilhill Strollers’ left-bac James Field. Also, appearing for Scotland that afternoon was none other than Queen’s Park’s Alexander campaign Ferguson, the player who was destined to become one of Manchester United greatest-ever Manager following a long and successful career with several Scottish clubs.

Conditions were perfect as the match got underway, and the Welsh soon had the Scot’ goal under pressure, with Gorge called into action during the early stages to save bravely at the feet of Wales’ outside-left Pierce. As the visitor s piles pressure on the home goal, the East Fife man was called into action on several occasions, and did well to deny Pierce yet again as the half progressed. Eventually, the Scots stepped up their game, and before half-an-hour had been played they had established a two-nil lead through Alex Ferguson and Montrose’s Kenny McLeod. The Welsh were still very much in the fame, however, and George Yardley was eventually beaten ten minutes before the interval when Davies reduced the leeway.

The visitors started the second half just as they had started the first, and took control of the game once again, with the East Fife man called into action on several occasions to prevent the Welsh equalising. Following some slack play from the home defence, George was forced to save at full length to deny Wales’ left-back Williams, but the Welshman was no to be denied, and in fifty-four minutes brought the sides level when he fired in a daisy-cutter into the net from a tight angle. The res of the match was played out in an even keel, with the home side netting again through Stenhousemuir’s Boston Clegg and the visitor’s through another William’s strike, to make the final score all-square at three goals apiece.

Following such an impressive international debut, it was widely expected theta George Yardley would retain his place in the side, but unfortunately a broken finger sustained shortly after this match out paid to any such hopes.

George eventually made his completive debut for East Fife in a league match against Stranraer at Stair Park on 20^th August 1960, when he replaced Bert Allan in goal as the Fife attempted to halt a run of six consecutive league defeats. The match ended all-square at 2-2, but despite George playing his part in halting the run of defeats, Bert Allan was re-instated the following week and retained his goalkeeper’s position for the remainder of the season.

In December 1960, following another run of defeats, George was brought back into the first team as centre-forward, and played a huge part in East Fife’s record demolition of East Stirlingshire by eight-goals-to-one, despite failing to find the net himself. He went on to establish himself as the regular number nine, and scored his first goals for the club when be bagged a brace in a 3-1 home victory over Alloa Athletic on the last day of the year.

George ran up a tally of ten goals before the season was out, and retained his position leading the attack for most of the following season before being asked to fill the position of goalkeeper once again during the latter stages of the campaign following an injury to regular ‘keeper Bobby Danskin.

George remained at Bayview and flitted between the positions of centre-forward and goalkeeper until October 1963, when he was transferred to Forfar athletic for a short spell before moving on just weeks later top Montrose. After being handed a free transfer by the Gable Endies at the end of 1963/64 season, the player decided to to try his luck in the southern hemisphere and duly signed for Australian side St. George Budapest, where he remined until returning to the United Kingdom to play one trial match with Luton Town.

It was Tranmere Rovers who eventually landed his signature, however, and George went on to establish himself as a firm favourite at Prenton Park, where he made122 appearances over four seasons, scoring sixty-eight goals, before ending his playing career with non-league side Altringham.

He also managed to return to Australia during the summer months to turn out for St. George Budapest on a further two occasions during this period.

 Jim Corstorphine

The Bayview | Meet The Fans with Lee Gillies

Name: Lee Gillies

Location: Glenrothes

East Fife

How long have you been an East Fife supporter?

I’ve always been an East Fife fan but I would say my sole focus has been on East Fife for the last 15 years

Most memorable moment following East Fife?

King Kenny’s last-minute winner against Queen’s Park to seal promotion in 2003 or drinking champagne out of the 3^rd division trophy after we won the league in 2008.

Least favourite moment following East Fife?

Every time we lose to R*ith!

Favourite player (present)?

Pagey but honourable mention to wee Craig Thomson. I’ve known his brother for years and I’ve regularly said I’d love to have him at the Fife, think he will do great here.

Favourite player (all-time)?

Toss up between Kenny D, Bobby Linn or Greig McDonald. Each for their own reasons!

Best East Fife goal you’ve seen?

Bobby Linn’s free kick against Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park or Paul McManus’ goal v Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup at Bayview.

Favourite goal celebration?

That’s a hard one as I’m normally too busy celebrating with my Dad to watch what the players are doing!

Pick your all-time East Fife 11

Mark Ridgers, John Allison, Toro (Greig McDonald), Steven Tweed. Euan Donaldson, Bobby Linn, Steven Hughes, Bobby Barr, Kenny Deuchar, Ross Graham and Nathan Austin.

Scotland

Favourite Scotland game?

Beating France at Hampden and Gary Caldwell’s goal.

Favourite Scotland player (all-time)?

James McFadden

When do you think Scotland will next qualify for a major tournament?

2026

General

Ronaldo or Messi?

Favourite away ground?

Borough Briggs

If you could change one football rule what would it be?

Not so much of a rule but officials behind the goal, absolutely pointless when we have technology now!