Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.

**There will be a minute’s applause prior to kick off this evening as we pay tribute to Vice-Chairman John Barclay who passed away last week**

This evening, East Fife will play out their festive fixture in another rendition of Friday Night Football, as we ho-ho-host Bonnyrigg Rose at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. A spirited second half performance against Stenhousemuir last week saw us score late against the leaders but, unfortunately, one wasn’t enough, and we fell 2-1 to the league leaders. Last Saturday, Bonnyrigg were completely outclassed by an ex-Fifer, as Scott Agnew’s Stranraer ran out 3-0 winners against the Rosey Posey. The Fife Faithful are certainly hoping for “A Miracle on Harbour View” as we definitely don’t want a “Nightmare Before Christmas”.

The cinch League Two (Turtle Doves):

Position	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Stenhousemuir	16	37	18
2	Peterhead	15	32	15
3	Dumbarton	15	29	13
4	The Spartans	15	26	8
5	Bonnyrigg Rose	16	19	-3
6	Stranraer	16	19	-11
7	East Fife	15	16	2
8	Forfar Athletic	16	13	-7
9	Elgin City	15	12	-19
10	Clyde	15	8	-16

The only change in the table from last week is us slightly sliding down, slipping back into 7th, although our objective remains the same, win our game in hand against The Spartans, and clear both Bonnyrigg and Stranraer. This could be started tonight, as a win would see us overtake the Rosey Posey.

Last Week’s Results

Elgin City 0-4 The Spartans

Forfar Athletic 2-4 Dumbarton

Peterhead 2-1 Clyde

Stenhousemuir 2-1 East Fife

Stranraer 3-1 Bonnyrigg Rose

This Week’s Fixtures

Fri 22/12

East Fife vs Bonnyrigg Rose

Sat 23/12

Dumbarton vs Clyde

Peterhead vs Forfar Athletic

Stenhousemuir vs Elgin City

The Spartans vs Stranraer

The Form

The Fife

We boast a measly 6 points from our last 6 league games, winning two and losing the other 4 contests, which is certainly far from ideal.

Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Elgin City, two weeks ago, 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 “Santa Cl”Austin and Brogan “Deck the” Walls, both found themselves on the scoresheets in the games, with Walls bagging a brace against Elgin City. On top of that, Captain Stuart Myrrhdoch started in both of those games.

Our four losses have been tough to take, one of which coming against this week’s opponents, as Bonnyrigg beat us 4-2 at New Dundas Park, in a midweek game not too long ago. Other than the Rosey Posey, our other three losses came against the top 3 in the League. We lost 2-1 against Stenhousemuir (1st), 2-0 vs Peterhead (2nd) and 1-0 vs Dumbarton (3rd).

The Visitors

Bonnyrigg too only have two wins in their last 6, though they also grabbed a draw against Peterhead, as well as their three losses.

The wins were the aforementioned victory over us, and a 1-0 win against Lowland League opposition Albion Rovers in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

They nicked a 1-1 against high flying Peterhead too, a result which could have massive implications on the league this season.

Their 3 losses came at the hands of Stenhousemuir, Forfar Athletic, and Stranraer last week. They kept it close against the top side, though fell 2-0 and 3-1 to Forfar and Stranraer respectively.

Previous encounter

Set pieces proved to be our downfall on that Tuesday night, as we conceded 3 of them, though Allan Fleming’s saves in open play kept the score respectable for the most part.

We started the Bonnyrigg game in the same manner as we finished the Clyde game, as we adopted a 3-5-2 shape, to try and go man to man with the Rosey Posey. There were two changes to the line-up which sealed an emphatic win at New Douglas Park the weekend before, as Scott Shepherd and Connor McManus made way for Gregor Nicol and Kieran Millar, allowing McDonald to more effectively apply the desired tactics, with Nicol as a makeshift wing back position, putting in a shift during his time on the park.

Both sides had chances in the early exchanges, with Trouten firing a volley over the bar, and Osolador heading wide inside the opening 15 minutes. However, it was the hosts who struck first, as the aforementioned Osolador made no mistakes with his second chance of the game. Lee Currie whipped a nice ball into the feet of the Bonnyrigg striker, who was somehow given enough time in the area to take a touch and compose himself, before lashing the ball past Fleming, putting Bonnyrigg 1-0 up after 19 minutes.

We bounced back quickly though, and just 5 minutes later, had a chance to pull level. Schiavone was the first to Gregor Nicol’s wicked delivery and he nodded it across goal. Unfortunately, there were no takers, as the ball trickled right along the 6-yard line.

We then failed to capitalise on another great chance, as Schiavone was so close to converting another Nicol free kick on the half an hour mark, but it slipped past the post.

Thankfully for us, all good things come in threes, and we bagged our much-needed goal. Nathan Austin capitalised on a mistake from the Bonnyrigg centre half, heading past an onrushing ‘keeper to bring the sides level.

We made it into half time arguably the better of the two sides, even though Fleming made a handful of fantastic saves. However, in the second period there was no debates as to who the better team were, as Bonnyrigg responded fantastically to their half-time team talk.

They started quick, and from the start of the second period it became evident that a goal was inevitable. Sadly, it came after 51 minutes, when Lee Currie, already boasting an assist, restored the Rosey Posey’s lead when he hit a deep free kick, from over 35 yards out, and with what was undeniably supposed to be a pass, managed to restore Bonnyrigg’s lead. The ball bounced into the area and no defender could get anywhere near it, Fleming anticipated contact one the ball, and therefore was wrongfooted by the deep set piece.

On the hour mark, it went from bad to worse too, after a stramash in the box led to a very soft penalty given against the Fifers. Neil Martynuik stepped up, and doubled the Bonnyrigg lead, putting us under some real pressure.

We responded quickly though, and after being substituted on just 5 minutes before, Connor McManus made it 3-2 with a lovely left footed strike.

Despite our looks at rejuvenation, our fightback was short-lived, as on the 80-minute mark, the Fifers gave away a second penalty, which was equally as soft as the first. Like the first, Martynuik sent Fleming the wrong way, restoring a two-goal lead for Bonnyrigg, killing the game.

While the score line was separated by Martynuik’s penalties, it must be stated that even if the decisions were given in the Fife’s favour, and the penalties were not given, Bonnyrigg would have still more than likely ran out winners in the match. Their attacking threat in the second half was simply too much for us, and Allan Fleming had a fantastic game, despite conceding 4, and without him, it could have been nearer 7 or 8. Bonnyrigg’s forward men ran rampant at New Dundas sadly.

Squad News

Unfortunately, Sean Docherty, Jacob Comerford and Charlie Murray all join Pat Slattery on the sidelines this evening.

Team Colours

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

Bonnyrigg will wear their away kit at the Wooden Fortress, dressing in all red for the tie. The Rosey Posey goalie will wear navy blue tomorrow.

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 turnstile at Bayview so supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance where possible. Those unable to buy online can purchase tickets from the matchday reception.

Live Streaming

As this match falls outwith blocked hour, PPV is available for fans worldwide tonight via East Fife TV for £15.

Regular subscribers can watch as normal with their monthly or annual subscription.

Note: Due to a change in SPFL rules from covid-impacted seasons, season ticket holders no longer have access to live matches through their virtual element add-on.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Friday will be Chris Fordyce while his assistants running the line are Elliot Husband Powton and Frazer Bushell.

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 5:30pm this evening! 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.

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 6:30pm.

Programme

Issue Number 11 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match. This week’s edition includes a tribute to Vice-Chairman John Barclay and an interview with Jack Healy.

Those unable to make the match tonight can purchase their programmes online for home delivery.

I’m hoping for the “Fairytale of Methil” this Festive Season, MON THE FIFE!