Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against Elgin City.

After a disappointing result on the road at Bonnyrigg last weekend, the Fifers return to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, for a Friday night under the lights. East Fife have taken maximum points from Elgin so far this season and will be hoping to continue that run of form into the upcoming fixture. The Black and Gold shared the spoils with Bonnyrigg Rose last week in what was a dog fight, though neither side could come out on top. Elgin City last played a fortnight ago and they were on the end of a 4-1 humbling at the hands of promotion seeking Annan Athletic. City dropped to 10 men in the first half, and despite being a goal up after 40 minutes, were outplayed by the Galabankies.

Form

Elgin have only recorded 4 points from their last 6 games, and currently find themselves in 8^th place. Despite their run of poor form, City have still seen some highs, such as beating second placed Dumbarton a few weeks ago. A draw with 9^th place Albion Rovers brings Elgin’s only other point in recent weeks.

East Fife have taken 13 from a possible 18 in their last 6, with wins over Albion Rovers, Dumbarton, Forfar Athletic and Stenhousemuir. The draw with Bonnyrigg last week also brought a point to Methil. The Fifers only loss in the last 6 weeks came on the road, down at Stranraer, a month ago.

The cinch League Two Table:

Last Week

The Visitors

Elgin were slaughtered by Annan Athletic 2 weeks ago. They got their inevitable Kane Hester goal to take the lead after 33 minutes, but 4 minutes later, were down to 10 men when Ross Draper was sent for an early shower. This is when Annan struck. 2 goals either side of half time killed City, with Kilsby scoring once, along with Wullie Gibson. Goss grabbed the other two from the spot, adding to his already impressive goal tally this season.

The Fife

East Fife drew 1-1 with Bonnyrigg Rose in an underwhelming encounter. The Rosey Posey had the better chances, but it was Allan Fleming’s wondersaves that kept the score level after the 90 had been played. Trouten broke the deadlock early in the second half, with a fantastic, composed finish, curling the ball into the top right corner. Callum Connolly equalised soon after with a header from very close range.

Squad News

Ins: Centre Back Johnny Page returns to the squad this week, after his absence due to illness last weekend.

Outs: Kieran Millar and Aidan Quinn will unfortunately miss the game tonight; the fixture comes slightly too earlier for both players.

Previous Encounter

East Fife started the New Year in fashion, recording their first win since October, when they played Elgin at Borough Briggs.

McDonald’s men played with poise and confidence as they overcame the rampant attack of the Black and Whites.

St Johnstone loanee Taylor Steven made his first start leading the line alongside Scott Shepherd, and new loan signing Aidan Quinn from Montrose filled the gulf in East Fife’s defence, both with his physical stature and his wealth of experience.

It was the hosts who started faster and were gifted chances from the Fifers in the early stages. Their first opportunity came when ‘keeper Allan Fleming gifted the ball to Cameron about 30 yards away from goal, whose chipped effort was just over.

While Fife had a couple of half chances in the opening 15, it was Elgin who had the ball in the net, after prolific scorer Hester danced round Fleming and slotted home. To the relief of the Fifers though, the flag was up, and the score remained level.

The opening goal came after 19 minutes of play, Stewart Murdoch, the skipper hitting a tremendous shot which no goalie could save. The shot fired right into the top corner handing the Black and Gold the lead with a goal of the season contender.

The captain was booked for a silly foul seconds after the restart.

Hester had the chance for a swift reply just moments later, dinking a stranded Fleming, before the shot bubbled wide.

On the half an hour mark, Trouten is brought down in the box, and the referee was given no choice but to point to the spot. The Trout stepped up and slotted the ball in the right side of the goal, sending the keeper the wrong way. The penalty marked Trouten’s 200th career goal, a remarkable achievement.

Fife should have had another one five minutes later, when Ferguson was tackled in the box, but the official deemed it simulation, and booked him.

That saw the half come to a close at 2-1 Fife.

The second half saw many an opportunity for East Fife with youngster Steven hitting the post and flashing a shot wide. However, it was Elgin who were on top in the second forty-five. Fife’s defence, paired with Fleming’s safe hands, though made it increasingly frustrating for the Elgin frontline and although he had missed a handful of chances over the period of the game, Hester struck with 5 minutes to go, dancing round two and lashing the ball past Allan Fleming.

The Fifers saw the game out though, recording three points in the end. The game also brought the added bonus of Brogan Walls returning, after a long spell out with an injury.

Team Colours

East Fife are back in their home kit this week, donning the tartan shirt with black shorts and socks. The ‘keeper will wear the all turquoise kit for the tie.

The away side will be clad in all black and red for the tie, with black shorts, at the request of the referee. The City Goalkeeper will be dressed in all peach for the match.

Officials

Our on-pitch official for this evening will be Dan McFarlane. His two assistants running the lines are Filippo Mazzoni and Barry Reid.

Match Tickets

There will be no cash turnstiles for the game tonight, and we encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online in advance. You can also get tickets from the club, either in person, or over the telephone at 01333 426323. Parent and Child tickets must be bought directly from the club office.

Season tickets will be valid for the game.

Turnstiles will be open from 7.00pm.

Prices Below:

Adult- £18

Concessions- £14

U16s- £5

Parent & Child- £21

Parent & 2 Children- £24.    

All child members of EFCFC & EFG&WFC have been granted free admission with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all of our home league matches this season! Tickets for this are organised through EFCFC. We hope to see as many of you present as possible, to help support the team.

Live Stream

As we are outside of UK blocked hours, East Fife vs Elgin City game can be purchased on PPV for £15! Coverage will start at 7.45pm. Sign up for the game at eftv.info.

Refreshments

We invite you join us in the stadium bar from 6pm for refreshments this evening.

Programme

The Bayview Programme issue 19 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.