**Today’s game is subject an 11.00am pitch inspection**

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against The Spartans.

There will be a minute’s applause prior to kick off this afternoon in memory of club legend Billy McPhee and supporter Eric Walker who we sadly recently. We kindly ask that all supporters are in their seats in time to observe this.

It has been a hot minute since we have been able to see the Fifers in action, due to the third round of the Scottish Cup being played out. Our opponents, The Spartans, were in action and managed to pull off a remarkable win against Championship Opposition in Arbroath. Our last game was a week past Tuesday, as we contested a goal-filled battle with Bonnyrigg Rose. Unfortunately, we fell 4-2, after the Rosey Posey ran riot in the second period. We are hoping to put that result behind us though and look forward to our second clash with the Spartans this year. After things ended all square at Ainslie Park last time out, it is clear that the Fifers would like to turn that draw into all 3 points on Saturday.

The cinch League Two Standings

Across the League Last Week

There were no League Two games last week, due to the third round of the Scottish cup. There were 7 SPFL League Two teams who entered the third round, and 5 who made it out in what was a relatively successful showing for the League. Bonnyrigg Rose, Clyde and Forfar Athletic all bested non-League sides to progress, as Albion Rovers, Jeanfield Swifts and Tranent Juniors all fell short against the SPFL Teams.

Dumbarton went one better, and scraped past Annan Athletic in extra-time, in a rematch of their playoff tussle last season. A late goal from Finlay Gray forced extra time, before Ruth and Hilton both scored in the last 5 minutes of the further 30 minutes given, to answer Aidan Smith’s brace, toppling Annan in the process.

Our opponents for this weekend, The Spartans, went one further than that, beating 2nd tier side Arbroath, inside 90 minutes. Craigen scored to put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes, giving The Spartans a narrow lead at the interval. Nonetheless, David Gold equalised in the 49th minute for the Lichties before The Spartans went right up the other end and reclaimed their lead just 60 seconds later.

The only two defeats came against Championship opposition, as Airdrieonians beat Stranraer 1-0 at Stair Park, and Peterhead were sucker punched by Ayr United. Sean McGinty scored for the Honest Men in the 96th minute (with the last kick of the ball) to force extra time, after the Blue Toon took the lead on the hour mark. Then with four minutes to go, Fraser Bryden sealed it for Ayr.

This Week’s Fixtures

East Fife vs The Spartans

Elgin City vs Clyde

Forfar Athletic vs Stranraer

Peterhead vs Dumbarton

Stenhousemuir vs Bonnyrigg Rose

The Form

The Fife

We currently hold a form which shows 6 points from 5 cinch League Two games, and a premature exit in the Scottish Cup, which is certainly far from ideal.

Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Stranraer, back in October, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. There were lots of similarities in the games, which look to be somewhat a mirror of the other. Both games saw fast starts, with us leading 2-0 at the break. On top of this, Nathan Austin and a full back found themselves on the scoresheet in both games (Newton against Stranraer, and Docherty against Clyde).

Unfortunately, not all of our results have been quite as emphatic.

We have succumbed to 4 defeats in our last 6, losing to Dunbar in the Scottish Cup 1-0, through a penalty in what was a devastating game. Before two defeats in the weeks that followed, against Peterhead and Dumbarton, failing to score in either.

Our last defeat was last Tuesday, losing out to Bonnyrigg 4-2. We looked slack at set pieces on the day, which proved to be our downfall, conceding from a concerningly deep free kick and two penalties. Austin once again found himself on the scoresheet however, which gives some hope that he could be up and running now for the remainder of the season.

The Visitors

The Spartans are on a decent run of form at the minute, winning 4 games, and losing two. However, their two losses were both very tight battles against Stenhousemuir and Peterhead, the two sides chasing that League Trophy. They conceded late against Peterhead to fall to the Blue Toon and were blown away by a strong second half from Stenhousemuir, who managed to turn a 1-0 deficit at half time, into a 3-2 final whistle, sending The Spartans home empty handed.

They’ve recorded 2 League wins and 2 Cup wins too. They beat both Arbroath and Brechin City 2-1 in the Scottish Cup, securing their place in the 4th round of the competition.

Their league wins came against Clyde and Dumbarton. 2 goals in the first half were too much for the Bully Wee to contend with, and The Spartans eased to the 3 points. Dumbarton was a different story however, as they controlled the game for the vast majority of proceedings but had to wait until deep into the second half for their chance. They bided their time, and struck at the right moment, twice actually, beating the Sons 2-0.

Squad News

Outs- Trouten now has to serve his suspension, given for his accumulative bookings this season. On top of this Kieran Mitchell misses out to injury.

Ins- Liam Newton is back in the squad for Saturday, recovering from his injury which had him side-lined for the last two matches.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the 120th Anniversary black and gold top, matched with white shorts and black socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the new, all yellow kit.

The Spartans will also wear their home kit at the weekend, wearing white tops, red shorts and white socks. The Spartans’ goalie will be in sky blue.

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

There are no cash turnstile at Bayview, so supporters are strongly encouraged to buy online where possible. Tickets can also be purchased from the matchday reception for those unable to purchase online.

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

Live Streaming

Live Streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for our international fans. This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass. You can access this HERE! There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK/Ireland this weekend.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Chris Fordyce while his assistants running the line are Graham McNeillie and Kenny Brown.

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

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the stadium from 2:00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.

Programme

Issue Number 9 for the 23/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match. This week’s edition contains a tribute to club legend Billy McPhee and an interview with goalkeeper Matty Rollo as well as all of the usual features.

Those unable to make today’s game can purchase their programme online for home delivery.