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Match Preview - Clyde

Oli Anderson previews today’s cinch League Two match against Clyde.

This afternoon, we return home to the Timber Fortress “MGM Timber Bayview Stadium” hosting Clyde in a hugely important league outing. A strong second half performance, which saw goals from Connor McManus and Jonathan Page, was enough to turn around our first half deficit against Lowland League opposition Albion Rovers last weekend, progressing to the fourth round of the SPFL Trust Trophy. The win saw East Fife come out on top for the first time since the League Cup group stages. Speaking post-match, Manager Greig McDonald was confident this game could be the turning point for the Methil Men to kick on:

“We went a goal down again, and that’s something we need to stop. We need to get that first goal; the players know that and are working on it. To come back and win though takes personality. Despite being behind at half time, I don’t think it can be disputed that we were the better side, but the second half we were much more like ourselves. We got further up the park, and I was really pleased with that. If we continue to play with personality, and character, we will cause teams real problems”.

Our Opponents

Clyde, also known as the Bully Wee, have had as equally a slow start as the Fifers in their first season in the fourth tier, only picking up 2 points from their opening 5 games. Those two points came from an opening day draw with newly promoted Spartans, and a goalless draw against Forfar Athletic, a fortnight ago. Unlike East Fife, Clyde have struggled in the cup competitions too, loosing in all 4 games of the League Cup Group stage, including a 2-1 loss to Highland League side Brechin. They also crashed out of the SPFL Trust Trophy in the second round, going down to Stirling University 3-1 at home. Like ourselves, Clyde will also view this as a “must-win” game.

The Standings

Previous Encounter

The last time these two sides met ended in heartbreak for the Fifers in the 2nd Leg of the cinch League 1 Playoff Semi-Final at the end of last season.

The Fifers answered the questions that were asked for them in the early stages of the game, and nullified Martin Rennie’s goal in the 1st Leg, when Shepherd tucked home inside 10. The Methil Men continued to dig in following the goal but could not break through the Bully Wee’s defence for a second time.

Referee Craig Napier then sent Shepherd off for a second bookable offence after the break, so when the game went to extra time, East Fife were well and truly up against it. Despite all of Fleming’s efforts in the extra half an hour, the knackered East Fife side, who ran themselves into the ground, could not hold on, and Rennie struck again with 10 minutes to go, ending East Fife’s season promotion hopes. A performance of a similar kin on Saturday would be more than enough to get the Fifers back on track as they fought tooth and nail for each other, for the fans and for the badge.

Squad News

Outs – There are no fresh injury concerns this week however Pat Slattery and Charlie Murray both still miss out due to previous injuries, although Charlie has now returned to training and could return to the squad in a couple of weeks.

Ins – Callum Hambrook returns to fitness after picking up a hamstring niggle while playing for the U20s kept the youngster on the sidelines last weekend.

Team Colours

East Fife will return to the black and gold tartan top, matched with black socks and shorts today, while the goalkeeper will be clad in all yellow for the tie.

Clyde will be in all Maroon for the contest.

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! Tickets for this are arranged through EFCFC.

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.

Please note, parent and child tickets cannot be purchased online and should be bought directly from the club office. 

Live Streaming

Live streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for viewers outside the UK & Ireland with a monthly or season pass. Your commentators for this afternoon, will be East Fife fan podcast “Glory Days of Gold” host, and club Commercial Executive Lee Gillies and the returning Pat Slattery, who continues to make the most of his time off the park.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Chris Fordyce, while his assistants running the line are Brian Christie and Keiran O’Reilly

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm pre-kick off on Saturday for both home and away supporters! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again after the full-time whistle for post-match refreshment.

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm this afternoon. Both cash and card are accepted.

Matchday Programme

Issue Number 5 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match.

If you can’t make today’s match, programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.

MON THE FIFE!