After a comfortable 2-0 win under the lights last Friday, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, the Fifers stay in Methil for a crucial match against playoff rivals Annan Athletic. The Fifers have struggled against the Galabankies this season and will hope to improve on the 3-0 drubbing they received last time the two sides met. As previously mentioned, the Black and Gold romped to a 2-0 win against Elgin City last week, whereas Annan were part of a goalless draw against Stranraer. It was an even contest, and neither side could break the deadlock.

Form

Annan have taken 8 points from a possible 18 over the last 6 fixtures. They are currently just one spot and two points below us in 4th place with 41 points for the season. In recent weeks, they have recorded big results, mainly a 4-1 annihilation of Elgin City. It has not been plain sailing recently for the Galabankies however, as they have failed to win in the last two weeks, losing 2-1 to Forfar, and their 0-0 with Stranraer. In their other games, Annan have recorded a win against Albion Rovers, beating the Coatbridge side 2-0, they also split the points with league leaders Stirling Albion in a 2-2 draw. Their other loss making up their 6 games came at the hands of Stenhousemuir and was the result of a 91st minute goal from Warriors’ forward Ross Forbes.

East Fife too remain on their strong run of form, recording 13 from their last 6 games, only dropping 5 points in the process. Those came in the form of a 1-1 score draw against now 9th placed Bonnyrigg Rose and a 2-0 loss away to Stranraer back in February. McDonald’s men have recorded 4 wins in their last 6, beating 2nd placed Dumbarton 2-0. Two weeks later, the Fifers struck at the death through Alan Trouten to put Forfar Athletic to bed, before then scoring late against Stenhousemuir to record another comeback victory. The game at Ochilview Park saw Scott Shepherd return to the score sheet as he got onto the end of Brogan Walls’ headed cross to tap in the winner. Most recently, the Fifers showed their danger from set pieces, as Aaron Steele’s corner header, paired with Alan Trouten’s penalty was enough to bed a struggling Elgin City side.

The everchanging cinch League Two Table: 

Squad News

Ins: Kieran Millar has returned to training this week, so he is back in contention to feature in the squad. The return of Miller will add another layer of depth to a blossoming Fife squad.

Outs: Unfortunately, the game still comes too soon for loanee Aidan Quinn. The 24-year-old is still out with his knee knock.

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides faced was at the end of January, where it was goals galore for the Galabankies. Fife never got out of first gear on the day and were completely outplayed by an Annan side with fire in their bellies. They opened the scoring after 35 minutes when Chris Johnstone beat the offside trap giving him an easy one on one against Allan Fleming. That was the only real piece of action in the first period.

The second half went from bad to worse for the Fifers as after 47 minutes, Kieran Millar was sent off in controversial fashion, for a second booking, with the ability of hindsight and replays showing the midfielder did win the ball. Johnston doubled Annan’s advantage 7 minutes, bursting down the left with the ball from before the halfway line before beating Fleming, making it two for Annan and two for Johnston too. Aside from some wayward Annan shots, and great goalkeeping from Allan Fleming, the game went stale until the 85th minute, when Max Kilsby tapped in a shot which ricocheted of the post, making it 3 goals and 3 points for the Galabankies.

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. The Galabankies Goalkeeper will be dressed in all green for the match. 

Match Tickets 

There will be no cash turnstiles for the game this weekend, 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 2.00pm. 

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. 

Officials

Our on-pitch official for Saturday will be Jordan Curran. His two assistants running the lines are Stuart Stevenson and Barry Dickson. 

Live Stream

Unfortunately for our British and Irish-based supporter, the match is not able to be watched live due to UK blocked hours. Luckily for our International supporters, the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or season pass!

Refreshments

We invite you join us in the stadium bar from 12.15pm for refreshments today. The bar will also be open post-match.  

Programme

The Bayview Programme issue 20 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match. 

Collection

The Community Club will do a collection for Levenmouth Foodbank pre-match this afternoon.

We will have a collection bucket at the home end gate, though donations can also be handed into the club office.