Oli Anderson previews tomorrow’s Viaplay Cup match against Queen’s Park.

Having finished a promising pre-season campaign on Tuesday, the Methil Men return to competitive action this weekend, as they host Queen’s Park at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in the first matchday of the Viaplay Cup group stage.

The Spiders, like the Fifers, narrowly missed out on promotion via the playoffs after having a very impressive maiden season in the second tier of Scottish Football. Queen’s Park missed out on the Championship title on the final day of the season, losing 5-3 in a winner takes all match against Dundee. It then went from bad to worse for the Glasgow based side, as they crashed out of the playoffs against Partick Thistle, in astonishing fashion, losing 8-3 to the Jags over two legs.

The Fifers had an incredibly strong finish to the league season last year, hitting a purple patch when it mattered most, guaranteeing us a playoff spot before a ball was kicked on the final game of the season. We then took on ex-League One opposition Clyde in the semi-finals of the League One Playoffs and put up a truly admirable fight in the second leg at New Douglas Park, losing in extra time over the two legs, facing the Bully Wee with 10 men for the last 40 minutes of the contest. The Fifers will be joined by Clyde in the fourth tier this season.

Queen’s Park: A deep dive

The Danger Men

Barry Hepburn

This young Scottish winger has bundles of potential, coming through the youth ranks of Celtic, before moving to Bayern Munich in Germany. Last month, the Scotsman signed his first professional contract, with Bayern Munich II and was then loaned out to the Spiders.

Ruari Paton

Another new Spider who brings a wealth of experience and bags of goals to Lesser Hampden with him is Ruari Paton. Despite only being 22 years old, the striker has 128 professional appearances under his belt already, and boasts an impressive 45 goals along with that, averaging 9 goals a season in the second and third tiers of Scottish Football.

Calum Ferrie

The Queen’s Park shot stopper is also one to watch. The English born goalie has been a rock in between the sticks, conceding only 90 goals in 77 games in the last three years at the Spiders. While he may be remembered by Fife fans for his freak own goal against the Black and Gold at Bayview two years ago, he has shown his ability to perform at an incredibly high standard, and is a formidable ‘keeper, guaranteeing it will not be easy for East Fife come Saturday.

East Fife: A deep dive

The New Signings

Brian Easton

The Scottish Cup winning, bruiser centre half made his way to the kingdom this summer, signing a 1-year deal with the Fifers. The left sided central defender brings a much needed boost in quality and experience to the East Fife back line, making 376 appearances through the leagues with Hamilton Academical, St Johnstone and Dundee in Scotland, as well as a shift down south with Burnley, where he took his chance when it came as a makeshift left back. This shows Easton’s underlying versatility which is another bonus along with his leadership skills and no nonsense defending.

Nathan Austin

As well as adding experience to the backline, McDonald has also brought in fan favourite Nathan “Fash” Austin for another stint with the Black and Gold. At times last season, we lacked the cutting edge going forward, and failed to capitalise on the quality football on display. Austin is the man who can bring an end to that scoring 49 goals for former club Kelty Hearts in 34 games. He also brought 43 goals in less than 110 games during his first stint at the club, which started 10 years ago, amassing 3 seasons. Fash also had two seasons further up the leagues, playing for Inverness Caley Thistle scoring 11 times while at the club. The forward has a keen eye for goal and has already found himself on the scoresheet twice in pre-season too.

Ross Philp

Austin was not the only signing to come from Kelty Hearts in cinch League 1 this season as versatile right-sided player Ross Philp also penned a one-year deal in June. Able to play at either full back position, on either wing and in the middle of the park, Philp’s versatility and experience have helped him to accumulate 101 appearances in recent years. He is a player who also provides leadership, and contains a wealth of knowledge, ready to be passed on to the youth in the squad.

Jacob Comerford

Comerford is another centre back who was brought in in recent weeks and has featured heavily in the pre-season friendlies since his arrival. The defender is only 19 years old but already has a full season of Lowland League football under his belt, featuring for Cumbernauld Colts last season. Strong in the air, and the tackle and composed with the ball at his feet, Comerford is most definitely one to watch this season.

Gregor Nicol

On Saturday, Gregor Nicol will face familiar opposition, as the young winger will come up against his former club at the weekend. Playing for the club since he was 9 years old, Nicol rose through the youth system at the Spiders, although last season the dynamic forward spent the season on loan at Gala Fairydean, developing his craft, before making the step up to the pyramid. The youngster has looked bright since donning the Black and Gold, even scoring on his debut in the pre-season friendly against Cowdenbeath a week past Tuesday. His positioning off the ball, as well as his control while on it is sure to give defenders a headache this season in League 2.

Sean Docherty

Another player who signed after a successful loan spell with Gala Fairydean is right back Sean Docherty. A true modern full back, strong at the back, and stronger going forward, Docherty is sure to add some support from the flanks for the Fife. Sean came through the ranks at Hearts, coming through their youth system before spending the 21/22 season on loan at Brechin and the 22/23 season at the aforementioned Gala side. Two seasons in non-league football has helped to give Docherty valuable experience and game time, as he prepares to play his first season of football in the SPFL.

Squad News

McDonald enters the first game of the competition season with a fully fit squad at his disposal. Everyone made it through the pre-season unscathed from injury and returning to sharpness.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the traditional tartan top, matched with black socks and shorts on Saturday, while the goalkeeper will be clad in all blue for the tie.

Queen’s Park will also be in their classic kit. Wearing a white and black hooped top, matched with white shorts and socks. The Spiders’ goalie will be in all green for the clash.

Match Tickets

Season Tickets are not valid for Viaplay Cup matches, please find admission prices below:

Adults- £12

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £6

Under 16s- £3

Please note, there are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to buy their tickets online in advance, however tickets can also be purchased from the matchday reception for those unable to buy online.

Live Streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for £12. Coverage will start at 2:45pm and your commentators for the afternoon are Daniel Hughes and Aaron Anderson.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Lloyd Wilson, while his assistants running the line are Dougie Potter and Scott McGregor.

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12pm pre-kick off on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again following the game for post-match refreshments. Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm. Both cash and card are accepted.

Programme

Issue Number 1 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match priced at £2.50.

MON THE FIFE!