Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.
After being held to a goalless draw by Stenhousemuir last weekend, a result which saw the Warriors clinch their first league title in their history, we turn our attention to Bonnyrigg Rose as we seek another 3 points to get our playoff hopes back on track. The Rosey Posey are coming off the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Peterhead, going ahead twice in the game before being pegged back on both occasions. This will no doubt be a challenging encounter, as Bonnyrigg are still well and truly in the mix at the bottom of the table, fighting to avoid being ‘Club 42’.
A message from the management team:
Assistant manager Ian Campbell kept it short and sweet this week, and when asked about the clash with Bonnyrigg Rose, he simply said that he thought it would be a ‘Tremendously difficult game’.
The cinch League Two
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stenhousemuir (C) | 32 | 21 | 65 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 32 | 17 | 52 |
| 3 | Dumbarton | 32 | 12 | 52 |
| 4 | The Spartans | 32 | 8 | 50 |
| 5 | East Fife | 32 | 5 | 44 |
| 6 | Elgin City | 32 | -21 | 37 |
| 7 | Forfar Athletic | 32 | -5 | 36 |
| 8 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 32 | -7 | 32 |
| 9 | Clyde | 32 | -15 | 31 |
| 10 | Stranraer | 32 | -15 | 31 |
Things are really heating up at the bottom of the league, with only 1 point separating the bottom 3, with goals scored being the difference at the moment between Stranraer and Clyde, as both have equal points and an equal goal difference. Clyde’s 92nd minute winner against Stranraer last weekend could prove crucial in their survival hopes. Elgin City and Forfar Athletic are by no means safe either, only having a 5- and 6-point cushion respectively. East Fife are now mathematically safe after last week’s point on the road.
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 2-2 Peterhead
Clyde 1-0 Stranraer
Elgin City 2-2 Spartans
Forfar Athletic 0-0 Dumbarton
Stenhousemuir 0-0 East Fife
This week’s action (League Position)
Dumbarton (3) vs Clyde (9)
East Fife (5) vs Bonnyrigg Rose (8)
Peterhead (2) vs Forfar Athletic (6)
Stenhousemuir (1) vs Elgin City (7)
The Spartans (4) vs Stranraer (10)
Lots of tricky clashes today, with the 3 sides fighting for two playoff places (Dumbarton, The Spartans and us) all battling the bottom three in the league, with every point vital for all 6 teams in the run in. Equally, should Forfar or Elgin lose to either of the top 2, an upset in any of the three previously mentioned games would bring them right back into the danger zone, so it is all to play for!
Previous Encounter
New Dundas Park, 17th February
The last time the sides met, East Fife recorded their first victory of the Dick Campbell era, as a 3-minute spell saw 2 goals which proved to be the difference between the two sides. The first half was a hotly contested affair, though we were able to show our quality and comfortably see the game out.
We started the match brightly, with Alan Trouten, who was playing much further forward, challenging goalkeeper Martin from range inside the first two minutes. The Rosey Posey stopper dealt with the shot with relative ease though.
After 10 minutes of play, it was Jack Healy who was causing problems as he tried his luck with a long-range free kick. It flew over the cross bar though, and we remained all square.
New signing James Lyon impressed throughout and got himself involved in the action after 17 minutes, linking up with Alan Trouten, to tee up Kieran Millar. Unfortunately, the midfielder mishit his volley and it soared wide.
Martin was forced into another save for Bonnyrigg Rose when Nathan Austin broke through the defensive line. Sadly, Fash’s shot was right at the goalie, and it was another simple stop.
Fleming was called into action shortly after, making an impressive, yet simple save keeping us on level terms.
We broke the deadlock five minutes later, through a dead ball situation no less. Jack Healy lofted a marvellous ball into the danger area, which was met by experienced centre half Brian Easton. The Scottish Cup winner looped his header over Paddy Martin’s head, scoring his first goal in the famous Black and Gold.
Five minutes later, our lead was doubled, as some fantastic quick feet from Jack Healy drew a penalty from Rosey Posey captain Kerr Young. Alan Trouten then stepped up and did what Alan Trouten does, slotting home, adding to his 91% penalty conversion rate throughout his entire career (which spans back to 2003!).
The second half started as the first half ended, with East Fife in cruise control, on the ascendency once again. Trouten was played through in some tiki taka football which looked like it came straight out of ‘La Masia’. Trouten was well tracked though, and he couldn’t get his shot away.
The tide started to slowly turn, and Bonnyrigg had their golden chance in the 80th minute. Declan Byrne found himself through and dinked the ball over the head of an onrushing Allan Fleming. Luckily for the Fifers, Brian Easton was quick to react, and was able to hook the ball from the goal line.
The game then petered out, as East Fife coasted to their first victory since the 17th of January, however it ended worse for Bonnyrigg as Fife resident Reis Peggie was sent packing in the 94th minute for a second bookable offence.
The Form
The Fife
In our last 6 games, the Fifers have recorded 4 wins and 2 draws, remaining unbeaten and scooping up an impressive 14 points in cinch League Two in the process. We are currently the form team in the league and have reacted well to the change in management.
Our two draws have come in varying fashion. The first came when we shared the spoils with Peterhead on the 16th of March. We struggled massively in the first half, and Pawlett sent the Blue Toon in at the break with a deserved lead. We did, however, managed to bounce back in the second period, and Alan Trouten did what he does best and stuck the ball in the onion bag for the Fife. Our most recent draw came last weekend against Stenhousemuir, as we played out a goalless affair.
The first of many wins came against The Spartans, winning 3-1 at Ainslie Park. Blair Henderson scored for the hosts inside 3 minutes, and despite a slight period of dominance from The Spartans, East Fife bounced back and grew into the game, more and more eventually equalising through Alan Trouten. After the first went in, we never looked back, dominating proceedings running out 3-1 winners in the end, with Fash and Trouten on the scoresheet, with the latter bagging a brace.
We then went back-to-back, recovering a 2-1 deficit to defeat Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. ‘Stone Cold’ was at hand to gift us the opener inside 3 minutes, in what was definitely a ‘glass shattering start’. We were pegged back in the second period by the Sons though, as goals from Finlay Gray and James Hilton flipped the game on its head. We would not go down without a fight though, and centre half Brian Easton made it two in two for himself, nabbing an equaliser. The game was not finished, and we made sure to take all three points, with Fash bagging a second for the day, sending the Fifers into a frenzy of celebration. It was a great performance, with a fantastic moment, and result to match.
The 23rd of March saw us grab our 3rd win in 6, coming from behind to overcome Stranraer. Matty Grant scored the opener from a very deep free kick (which looked to have been largely assisted by the wind.) James Lyon converted at the start of the second half for the Fifers, pulling us level, before Jack Healy scored a fantastic soaring volley to hand us the lead, and the three points.
Finally, the following week made it 4 from 6, as Alan Trouten and James Lyon were both on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win against Elgin City where Jack Healy starred.
The Rosey Posey
Bonnyrigg have not won in their last 6 (touch wood), losing three and drawing three of their previous matches. In those 6 games, they have conceded 10 and scored just 6, while we have scored 11 and conceded just 5.
Their first loss came on the 9th of March against Elgin, as they lost 1-0, with Dangana scoring the winner for City. They then lost 2-1 to Clyde at home the following week, conceding twice in the second half to Jordon Allan, after Smart Osadolor handed them the lead inside the opening minute. The following week seen them lose again, this time to Dumbarton, as Tony Wallace scored from the spot in the first half, and Blair Malcolm killed the game with 5 minutes to go.
Their draws have all come in exciting fashion, firstly in the Lothains derby with The Spartans, Kieran McGachie cancelled out Marc McNulty’s opener sending the sides in level at the break. The Spartans retook the lead quickly after the restart through a Blair Henderson penalty, and things looked bleak for Bonnyrigg when they went down to 10 men in the 85th minute though. They never stopped however and scored a penalty of their own in the 95th minute to nick a point from the game.
They then drew on the road to Stranraer a fortnight ago, with two late goals making for an exciting end to the relegation 6 pointer. Neil Martynuik scored a penalty in the 78th minute, which was quickly answered by Deryn Lang ensuring that both teams drew.
Their most recent draw was last week against Peterhead, the Blue Toon fought from behind twice to share the points in the 4-goal thriller.
Squad News
We are sadly without club captain Stewart Murdoch for today’s clash but Johnny Page returns to the squad giving us additional options at centre half, despite Blaney and Easton’s successful partnership.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th anniversary home kit today. They will be in the famous black and gold top, with white shorts and socks, while the Fife goalie will be clad in yellow.
Our opponents will be in their home colours too, wearing red and white hooped shirts and socks, with all red shorts for the clash. The Bonnyrigg goalie will be dressed in 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
Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.
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 or Ireland this weekend.
Officials
The on-pitch official this afternoon will be Andy Gamble while his assistants running the lines are Ross Anderson and Robert Thomson.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink (or 3!) before the match. The bar will be open again after the full-time whistle for post-match refreshments.
Pie stalls at both ends of the stadium will be open from 2.00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Programme
Issue Number 19 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre match. This week’s edition includes an interview with club captain Stewart Murdoch.
Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
Final Remarks
It’s do or die for the Fifers now, and I think we’re about to do. This could be another Campbell masterclass, akin to what we had seen at New Dundas Park at the start of his tenure.
Mon The Fife!