Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.
After the dawn of the Campbell era saw a marked improvement last Saturday, drawing 1-1 with league leaders Stenhousemuir, this weekend sees the Fifers facing another challenge, as we will have a mountain to climb (at least for half of the game) as we travel to the outskirts of the capital to play Bonnyrigg Rose. This is the third meeting between the two sides, with the Rosey Posey coming out on top in both of the last encounters.
It was Fash who bagged the equaliser for us last Saturday, cancelling out Ross Meechan’s opener. Austin will be hoping that he can celebrate recently turning 30 by bagging another this weekend.
Our opponents are coming off the back of an impressive performance in the Scottish Cup. While they fell 2-0 to SPFL Premiership side Aberdeen, they created chances and fought hard over the 90 minutes, even forcing goalkeeper Ross Doohan into 5 saves on the day.
The cinch League Two Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stenhousemuir | 24 | 25 | 56 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 23 | 13 | 40 |
| 3 | The Spartans | 23 | 11 | 37 |
| 4 | Dumbarton | 23 | 10 | 36 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 22 | 1 | 28 |
| 6 | Elgin City | 24 | -20 | 27 |
| 7 | East Fife | 24 | -3 | 26 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 23 | -13 | 26 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 23 | -5 | 25 |
| 10 | Clyde | 23 | -19 | 15 |
Last Week’s Results
Dumbarton 2-2 Forfar Athletic
East Fife 1-1 Stenhousemuir
Stranraer 2-0 Clyde
The Spartans 1-2 Elgin City
This Week’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs East Fife @ New Dundas Park
Clyde vs Dumbarton @ New Douglas Park
Elgin City vs Stenhousemuir @ Borough Briggs
Forfar Athletic vs Peterhead @ Station Park
Stranraer vs The Spartans @ Stair Park
Previous Encounter
We were on the receiving end of a trouncing the last time the two sides faced, as the Methil Men were outfought, outworked, and outplayed in every single area of the park, falling to Bonnyrigg Rose 3-0 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
East Fife had the better chances out of the two sides in early proceedings, but it was all for naught as they failed to make them count.
The opening goal came in the 43rd minute, and the defending was questionable at best. Three Fifers failed to trap the ball, and it gave Barrett a sniff. The Rosey Posey man hit the ball on the swivel, lashing it into the bottom corner and handing Bonnyrigg a lead going into the break.
It went from bad to worse 5 minutes after the interval as defender Kerr Young scored an absolute wonder goal, finding the top corner with his back to goal. It was a misery compiler for the Fife, but Bonnyrigg smelled blood.
It went from worse, to somehow even worse just 3 minutes later, as Fleming wiped out the Bonnyrigg frontman, leaving referee Chris Fordyce with no choice but to point to the spot. Neil Martynuik stepped up and fired home killing the contest.
It was a disappointing performance, as the Fifers looked lost at sea at times. Here is hoping that we will see the guys looking for revenge today ans this would be the perfect opportunity for just that.
Squad News
Ins: New signing James Lyon will be available for selection this week, and he will be hoping to be the ‘mane’ man come Saturday evening! Club Captain Stewart Murdoch is also available for selection after missing last week’s game against Stenhousemuir.
Outs: Mikey Cunningham’s departure from the club was announced last night but there are no fresh injury worries ahead of today’s game.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th anniversary black and gold top, matched with black shorts and socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the blue kit for the match.
Our opponents will be in their traditional colours with a red and white top and red shorts and socks. The Bonnyrigg goalkeeper will be wearing neon green for the clash.
Match Tickets
Admission is via pay at the gate at New Dundas Park with both Cash and Card accepted. Please find prices below:
Adult: £14
Concession: £9
Under 16s: £5
Under 12: Free with a paying adult.
Note for young people. The card readers at New Dundas Park cannot accept prepaid cards such as GoHenry. If you use one of these cards, please take cash out prior to arrival.
Match Programme
Our hosts have a match programme available to purchase for £2 at all entrances gates today.
Live Stream
As always, our international support, outwith the UK and Ireland, can watch the contest on East Fife TV with a monthly or season pass. You can access this HERE!
Match Catering
The snack bar at the away end will be open both prior to kick off and at half-time this afternoon.
Match Officials
The on-pitch official today will be Duncan Nicolson. His two assistants running the lines are Steven Traynor and Calum Doyle.
Mon the Fife!