Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against Clyde

After a nip and tuck game at Bayview on Tuesday night, an early second half goal from The Bully Wee’s Martin Rennie was enough to split the two sides midweek. We now approach the biggest game of the Fife’s season, where the Methil Milan now have to overcome a 1 goal deficit to advance to the cinch League One Playoff finals.

Tale of the Tape: Comparison of Season So Far

Previous encounter

East Fife have left themselves with a mountain to climb on Friday as a string of errors allowed Clyde to go into the playoff semi-final second leg with a goal advantage after a closely contested game at a brimming MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The performance on the night was admirable, and East Fife played some great football after they settled into the contest.

Chances flew for both sides throughout, as Clyde’s route one football troubled the East Fife backline throughout the contest.

Nerves perhaps played a part, as the Fifers struggled to get going early doors, missing out on most of the second balls. This allowed Clyde to bed into the game much earlier and impose themselves on the proceedings.

Despite this, East Fife had the first clear opportunity of the game after 15 minutes, perhaps against the run of play, when Trouten failed to latch onto a loose ball in the box after a great set play from Fife.

Clyde controlled the next quarter of an hour, though struggled to test Allan Fleming. Fife cracked on with ten minutes left in the half as they were piling on the pressure, forcing balls into the box and winning headers.

It was clear half-time came at the wrong time for the Methil Men, as they were on the ascendency at the end of the first period.

The second half had a dismal start for the backline, as Martin Rennie put the Bully Wee ahead. Cameron Salkeld put Fife skipper Murdoch under pressure and dispossessed him inside his own 18-yard box, before playing a square ball to Clyde’s number 11, who couldn’t have missed, even if he tried.

Fife then found themselves under the cosh for the next twenty minutes, as they were unable to contain the rampant Clyde attack. They forced Fleming into a save, and also fired wide within the first 5 minutes of the restart.

The game teetered out, which was devastating for East Fife, as they began to play some excellent football, while the clock was ticking down. They fired countless balls into the box, however the centre back pairing of Brian McLean and Steven Thicot dealt with them excellently.

Speaking with gaffer Greig McDonald after the game, the boss said:

“If I was in the dressing room after 45 minutes, with 45 to play and we were 1-0 down, I wouldn’t be too despondent. We’ve got another 90, our away form is decent, and we have nothing to fear. Our young lads will take a lot of learning from that and if they can go and give another good account of themselves, and we can find that cutting edge we perhaps lacked tonight, we will cause them problems on Friday.”

Officials

The referee for tonight’s Friday Night Football clash is Craig Napier. His two linesmen are Craig Ferguson and David Doig. Rounding up the officiating team, Napier’s fourth official will be Lloyd Wilson.

Team Colours

The Fifers will stay in their home kit for Friday night in their all-or-nothing clash. This will be paired with the trusty combo of black shorts and socks. The Fife stopper will be clad in blue for the tie too.

The Bully Wee on the other hand will wear their white shirt, unlike Tuesday night. They will also don black shorts and red socks to complete the strip. The Clyde ‘keeper will also be dressed in yellow on Friday.

Squad News

The squad came through Tuesday night unscathed on a fitness level, and Greig McDonald once again has a full squad at his disposal for what could potentially be this season’s last throw of the dice.

Live Stream

Our UK & Ireland based fans who cannot make the venture to New Douglas Park on Friday night can watch the Pay-Per-View for £13 (plus booking fee) HERE!

East Fife TV Overseas Gold Subscribers can watch the match on East Fife TV with their annual or monthly subscription.

Match Tickets

There is no cash gate on Friday Night and Clyde FC are encouraging people to buy their tickets online where possible to avoid queues at the Ticket Window. Online Prices below:

Adult: £17

Over 65: £15

Under 18: £5.

East Fife supporters should enter through turnstiles 4-6 on the left (north-west corner). Please have your tickets ready for scanning before entering the turnstiles. Away supporters will be seated in Sections A and B of the Main Stand.

Matchday Catering

Both home and away supporters are welocme in the Fanzone from 6pm which can be accessed through the main doors. A range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as teas and coffees are available. Hot food is also available to purchase.

Match Programme

The Clyde View is available to purchase priced at £3.

MON THE FIFE!