Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Peterhead

At long last, we have finally arrived at the start of East Fife’s cinch League Two campaign. Opening Day sees us face newly relegated side, Peterhead at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, after an insightful and promising Viaplay Cup campaign. Our only defeat came last weekend when we fell 3-0 to Premiership outfit Motherwell. The Steelmen showed their experience and quality in the game last week, seeing them break down the Methil Men’s defences after half an hour of play. The floodgates then opened, as the opening goal was scored and then the scoreline doubled within three minutes of each other. A red card for Jonathan Page then followed to make matters worse before the break. A routine second half followed, leading Motherwell to a 3-0 victory, and advancing to the next round with it.

Peterhead’s cup campaign started brightly, narrowly missing out to Partick Thistle on penalties, before defeats to Dundee United and Falkirk contributed to them finishing at the foot of their group.

Their other game came against fellow League Two competitors and newly promoted Spartans. The Edinburgh based team, came out on top winning two-one in a back-and-forth battle, showing they are ready to compete at this level.

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides met, was in 2022 when both clubs played in the third tier. Peterhead ran out victors at the Balmoor Stadium, thanks to an early Jack Brown goal after just after 10 minutes. Despite it being a rather even contest back and forth, East Fife could not give a reply to the early opener and the result was unfortunately one which did not help enroute to relegation.

Squad News

Outs: Scott Shepherd misses out today after his red card against Clyde in the final match of last season. Also, after the aforementioned red card last for Jonathan Page also sees him miss today’s match. Both will be available for selection again next week.

It gets even worse too, as Pat Slattery’s injury keeps him out of the playing squad this afternoon as well.

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 yellow for the match.

Peterhead will also be in their classic kit. Wearing all blue for the affair. The Blues’ goalie will be in all orange for the clash.

Match Tickets

Admission prices for this game are as below:

Adults - £18

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled) - £15

Under 16s - £5

Parent and 1 child - £21

Parent and 2 children - £24

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and fans are strongly encouraged to buy online where possible. Online sales are available right up until kick off however tickets can be bought from the matchday reception for those who are unable to purchase online. Please note, parent and child tickets cannot be purchased online and should be bought directly from the matchday reception.

Season tickets are valid for this match and anyone still to collect their card can do so right up until kick off from the matchday reception.

Like last season, East Fife Community Football Club members under 16 years of age will be admitted for free of charge for all home league matches this season.

Live streaming

Live Streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for our international fans (outside the UK and Ireland). This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass.

Your commentators for this afternoon, both making their commentary debut on East Fife TV, are the handsome duo of Oli Anderson and Pat Slattery.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Chris Fordyce, while his assistants running the line are Brian Christie and Keiran O’Reilly

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm pre-kick off on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again for post-match refreshments.

Programme

Issue Number 2 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match for £2.50.

If you can’t make today’s match, programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.

MON THE FIFE!