Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City
A disappointing start to our William Hill League 2 campaign saw us drop to the foot of the table following a 4-2 loss away to Elgin City last week. We must put that behind us though, as we get ready to play our first home game of the league season, hosting Edinburgh City, who also lost last week, conceding two late goals against Stirling Albion. Today grants us a great opportunity to get some points on the board and leave the last fortnight’s results in the past.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgin City | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | Stirling Albion | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Stranraer | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Clyde | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Forfar Athletic | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | Edinburgh City | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 10 | East Fife | 1 | -2 | 0 |
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Peterhead
Edinburgh City 1-2 Stirling Albion
Elgin City 4-2 East Fife
Forfar Athletic 0-0 Clyde
Stranraer 2-2 The Spartans
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Stranraer
East Fife vs Edinburgh City
Peterhead vs Forfar Athletic
Stirling Albion vs Elgin City
The Spartans vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Form
The Fifers
The League Cup campaign provided an opportunity to look further into our squad and better prepare for an exciting league season ahead.
The first game was against Championship outfit Greenock Morton, which saw the Methil Milan recording a 3-0 win over the second-tier side. Alan Trouten was a great contributor in securing the three points, bagging a hattrick on the day, and a place in the “Premier Sports - Team of the Group Stage” as a result. The Fifers found their rhythm after ten minutes into the game, and never looked back, having an exemplary five minutes, which led to a 2-0 lead at half time. This trend continued into the second half, both going forward, as well as at the back, with Trouten scoring an absolute stunner at one end, and Slattery, and McFarlane both contributing to great blocks and saves, keeping the clean sheet intact.
The second fixture came against Alloa Athletic, at Recreation Park. Despite a valiant fight against another higher tier opponent, we could not capitalise on chances created, and the game was forced to a penalty shootout. Munro stepped up first for Fife and had his effort saved, before all eight of the following penalties were converted, which ended up reading a 5-3 scoreline in favour of the Wasps, which gave our opponents the bonus point on the day.
Penultimately, the Fifers ran out 4-0 winners over Highland League runners up Brechin City. An even quarter of an hour blew wide open, after Liam Newton opened the scoring with a great header. Nathan Austin showed his striker’s instincts five minutes later, to pounce on Reis Peggie’s cross that was headed goal bound. Just before the break, Scott Shepherd capitalised on some nervy goalkeeping, to round the goalie and slot home for the Fifers. Within 60 seconds of the start of the second half, Austin grabbed his brace, following some fantastic work on the left-hand side from Healy and Newton. The performance matched the result and it arguable could’ve been more on the day.
The final League Cup game came against Premiership opposition. St Johnstone showed the levels between the two sides, as they came out 5-1 winners against us at McDiarmid Park. The scoreline was perhaps an untrue reflection on the game, as East Fife, who trailed 3-0 at half time, pulled a goal back, and squandered a great chance to get ourselves well and truly back in the tie. Alas, it was not to be, and two late goals from the Saints inflated the scoreline.
We then proceeded to make a start on the league proceedings, though it was not in the desired fashion, as we lost 4-2 to Elgin at Borough Briggs. A flurry within five minutes either side of the half time whistle saw East Fife trail 3-0 after 5 minutes. A spirited fightback got the Methil Milan back to 3-2, before a late goal from Ryan Sargent killed the game.
Our Opponents.
Edinburgh City have lost all five of their opening games this season, finishing bottom of their Premier Sports Cup group with no points.
They opened the campaign at Fir Park, where they fell 3-0 to Motherwell in what was a routine win for the Steelmen.
Their second game was a 5-0 drubbing at home to fellow League 2 outfit Clyde. Five different scorers contributed for the Bully Wee including former Fifer Kyle Connell.
It then went from bad to worse, as the Citizens conceded six against Partick Thistle. There were six different scorers as well, with every goal coming in the second half, after Clyde held firm in the first.
Their final league cup game saw them face a 2-1 loss away to Montrose. Edinburgh went 1-0 down after seven minutes, before Innes Lawson pulled them back into the tie. Blair Lyons’ 65th minute goal however, proved to be the difference on the day.
Edinburgh looked destined to start their league campaign well against Stirling, leading 1-0 with just four minutes left, thanks to a goal from Connor Young. The Binos dug their heels in however, and goals from Josh Kerr and Dale Carrick completed the turnaround for Stirling Albion.
Previous Encounter
Edinburgh City 0-1 East Fife: 0/7/12/2016 Scottish Cup Third Round Replay
Following a 1-1 draw at Bayview, East Fife were sent to the capital to play Edinburgh City at Meadowbank. A close fought game was only separated by a Chris Kane goal which came in the second half.
Today’s match is the first league meeting between the sides.
Squad News
The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully kick start our season with a bang.
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.
Supporters still to collect their season ticket cards can do from reception until 2pm today or from the club shop after 2pm until kick off.
Live Stream
For our international fans, live streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland today.
Team Colours
The Fifers will don the new, MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the match.
Edinburgh City will be in their traditional colours of a white shirt, with black shorts and white socks. The Edinburgh keeper will be clad in turquoise for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Sean Murdoch, with Brian Christie and David Gallagher running the lines.
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 4 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. Today’s issue includes an interview with new signing Reis Peggie. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
The Stadium Bar will be open from 12.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground at 2pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Mon the Fife!