Oli Anderson previews today’s final Viaplay Cup Group G match against Motherwell.
This weekend the Black and Gold have a winner takes all blockbuster against Scottish Premiership Side Motherwell, at Fir Park, to round up Group G of the Viaplay Cup. To guarantee qualification to the next stage the Fifers will have to overcome the Steelmen inside 90 minutes, though considering that there were around 25 teams in between the two clubs’ league finishes last year, it will be no easy task. With that being said, the Fifers continue their purple patch in the group stage, taking the bonus point at Palmerston Park on Tuesday Night after a goalless draw, whereas Motherwell’s last game came against Queen’s Park last weekend, where they won 1-0 through a Jon Obika goal in the first half. It was confirmed by the Steelmen earlier in the week that the scorer may be unavailable for the affair this afternoon.
Motherwell: A deep dive
Liam Kelly
When looking at the Motherwell side, it would be impossible not to talk about Liam Kelly. The former Fifer spent 4 years with Rangers before making loan moves to both Methil and then Livingston. The stopper made 16 appearances in 5 months for the Fifers and his quality was clear to see for all in the stand. He showed his leadership abilities too at such a young age, something he would continue to use at every club he has since travelled to. Playing at a consistently high level too in recent years, Kelly had jumped between QPR and Motherwell before settling down at the Claret and Amber in 2021. It will be a good sight for the Fife fans seeing the ‘keeper in action against the club that gave him a shot.
Conor Wilkinson
Obika’s strike partner last Saturday was new signing Conor Wilkinson who signed from Walsall this summer. A proven goal scorer in England, netting around once every 3 games at the aforementioned Walsall as well as Leyton Orient and Dagenham and Redbridge too. Looking like the potential Van Veen replacement, Wilkinson stands at 6’3 and has been used as a target forward for most of his career. The 28-year-old also boasts 9 caps for Republic of Ireland at youth level, 2 at U19 and 7 at U21, netting twice for the latter. Making a partnership with Obika in earlier fixtures caused him to look dangerous, so it will be interesting to see how he does potentially without the England International by his side.
Lennon Miller
This 16-year-old has bags of potential, already having made 8 appearances for the first time since the beginning of last season. He is also a regular starter for Scotland now, appearing on 8 occasions for the Scottish U17 side too. He has netted once for the Steelmen pushing through the midfield on numerous occasions. He has the ability to play all over and is a player who could be one to keep an eye on both on Saturday and in years to come.
East Fife: The stand outs
Scott Shepherd
Despite having raved about his hold up play since his arrival, he showed again his ability on Saturday as the Methil Dynamo ran the show up front against a strong QoS defence at Palmerston on Tuesday. His ability to pop a pass and find the run in behind helped massively too, giving the rest of the team a chance to create an opportunity. This was seen clear as day at the sending off, his pass and go made both centre halves lose him, giving them no choice but to bring him down on the edge of the area, resulting in the dismissal. We know that Shepherd’s game is about more than just the numbers, but Tuesday night went a long way to showing what he is going to be all about this season.
Allan Fleming
At the other end of the park, another man in fine form was Allan Fleming. The veteran has been playing like a teenager in recent weeks, only conceding once in competitive action so far in this campaign. He’s been put through the ringer as well, never getting the opportunity to rest when typically playing against a higher-level opposition. Flem has showed just how important he is to the squad, and another performance like we’ve seen so far could be the difference to push the Fifers into the second round.
Squad News
Ins: Trouten returns from suspension for the final group game.
Outs: Both Pat Slattery and Charlie Murray are unfortunately out of action for the clash due to injury.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the green and white Macon Resources-sponsored kit, matched with white socks and shorts today, while the goalkeeper will be clad in all blue for the tie.
Motherwell will wear their traditional amber and claret affair for the occasion, with amber in the shorts and socks and claret socks too. The goalkeeper will wear all red.
Match Tickets
Please find admission prices below for the game today. Tickets are available to buy online.
Adults - £12
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled/U18) - £6
East Fife fans will be housed in the North Section of the Phil O’Donnell Stand (Main Stand) this afternoon.
Travel and Parking
Motherwell FC have advised us that there is currently roadworks on the M74 and recommend that supporters travelling to Fir Park from Fife use the M8 instead.
There is no dedicated car park for supporters at Fir Park however there is ample on street parking close to the stadium. Please take care not to block any of the driveways of the surrounding houses.
There is accessible parking available for supporters who require it.
Livestream
There is no PPV option for today’s game however overseas supporters can watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.
Officials
The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Kevin Clancy while his assistants running the line are Alan Mulvanny and Paul McAvinue.