Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stenhousemuir

We return to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium this weekend after a double gameweek away from home saw us all the way down in Stranraer at Stair Park on Saturday, before travelling to the Kilmac Stadium to play the SPFL Trust Trophy 2nd Round. We scraped a draw against the Blues in the nether regions of the country, before overcoming the Young Dees on penalties to progress in the cup.

Our opponents, Stenhousemuir also faced a double game week last week, though they were not as well off as the Fifers though they too drew in the league, sharing the spoils with the team who got the better of us on matchday 1 Peterhead. Sadly for the Warriors, they crashed out of the SPFL Trust Trophy midweek, losing to Rangers B. The Young Gers struck in the dying embers at Ochilview, thanks to a 91st minute goal from ex-Millwall Starlet Zak Lovelace.

The Standings:

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides met was in March this year when goals from Alex Ferguson and Scott Shepherd completed the second half turnaround for the Fife. Greig McDonald’s men were slow out the blocks and it was the Warriors who imposed themselves on the game in the early stages.

Nat Wedderburn and Michael Miller controlled the midfield battle and never let any of the Fife midfielders get time on the ball. Stenny looked at their most dangerous from set pieces and came close after 15 minutes when Sean Crighton’s driven shot blew over following a short corner.

The deadlock was broken after 32 minutes, with the hosts putting themselves in front. Miscommunication between Allan Fleming and Jonathan Page led to Stenhousemuir getting a needless corner kick. The Warriors capitalised on the opportunity, with Ross Forbes linking up with Matty Yates, who coolly slotted the ball through Allan Fleming’s legs. 1-0 Stenhousemuir.

The half-finished in scrappy action, with Stenhousemuir still on the ascendency, though the Warriors couldn’t capitalise and only went in at the break with the one goal advantage.

Half Time: Stenhousemuir 1-0 East Fife.

The Fifers came out for the second period with fire in their bellies and a spring in their step. They were rampant, and pushing for the goal, with Schiavone and Healy on the wings starting to cause bother.

They created two half chances but nothing of note until the 52nd minute when Jack Healy beat Jacob Blaney on the wing, before cutting inside and firing a low cross into the box, which Alex Ferguson was able to convert. 1-1.

The Fife never stopped and spent the rest of the half trying to put Stenhousemuir to the sword. They even had the ball in the net after 70 minutes after a stramash in the air following a corner, but the referee pulled play back for a foul on Warriors’ keeper Jay Cantley.

The winner came a further 10 minutes later, when Ryan Schiavone turned Callum Yeats on the wing, and lofted a cross in which met the head of Brogan Walls, who nodded the ball back across the face of goal where Scott Shepherd converted for his first goal since September 2022 to hand East Fife all three points.

Squad News

Outs: Slattery and Murray both still miss out due to previous injuries, Gregor Nicol also joins the injury list this week.

Team Colours

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

The visitors will also be in their classic kit. Wearing maroon and white for the affair. The Warriors’ goalie will be in all yellow for the clash.

Match Tickets

Season Tickets are valid for our league campaign, with prices below:

Adults- £18

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £14

Under 16s- £5

Parent and 1 child- £21

Parent and 2 children- £24

Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online. Online sales are available right up until kick off. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01333 426323 or directly from the club office.

Please note, parent and child tickets cannot be purchased online and should be bought directly from the club office. 

Live Streaming

There is no live stream available for viewers within the UK or Ireland however game will be available on East Fife TV for our international fans. This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass. Your commentators for this afternoon, will be Stephen Mill and the returning Pat Slattery

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Dan McFarlane, while his assistants running the line are Andrew Mather and Chris Hughes.

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 after the full-time whistle for post-match refreshments.

Pre-Match Collection

There will be a collection outside the ground pre-match organised by Alex - The Leukodystrophy charity. Alex TLC provides invaluable support and information for all those affected by leukodystrophy. Established in 2004 as ALD Life, Alex TLC are an internationally recognised centre of excellence for those affected by adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN).

There are more than 100 different known types of leukodystrophy, including some so rare they only affect one or two individuals. The charity changed its name in 2019 to become the only charity in the UK that provides support for all those with leukodystrophy.

Programme

Issue Number 3 for the 23/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match.

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

MON THE FIFE!