Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against St. Johnstone B.
Following on from Saturday’s much improved result against Edinburgh City, we turn our heads to cup action, as we prepare to face St Johnstone B in the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The game tonight has a 19:45 kick off.
Our opponents: St Johnstone B
Ones to watch
Liam Parker
Following a successful loan spell last season with Edinburgh City, ex-Fifer Parker has returned to St Johnstone where he features still for the reserve side. A current stalwart in the young Saints’ backline, Parker played all ninety minutes of the first-round tie against Brechin City, though he did pick up a booking in the 80th minute.
Taylor Steven
Another former Fifer, Taylor Steven, features heavily for the young Saints. He is coming off the back of a loan spell in League One, with Alloa Athletic, where he contributed 28 goals in 32 games, a great improvement on his season at Bayview where he struggled for minutes, and form as a result. Although originally a number nine, Steven predominantly plays on the left wing, and it was from there that he bagged another assist for St Johnstone when they overcame Brechin 2-1 at McDiarmid Park in the first round.
Mackenzie Kirk
Kirk is a new signing for St Johnstone, recently signing from Hearts B, where he has been honing his skills in the lowland league. Kirk found the back of the net 45 times in 49 games for the Jam Tarts in the fifth tier, which when you add his nine assists to it, makes a very impressive goal return for the youngster. Kirk has been featuring for the St Johnstone first team in their maiden games in the league this season, so it is unclear as to whether or not he will be in the squad tonight, though if he is, he will be one to keep an eye on.
Previous encounter
23/08/2022- Scottish Challenge Cup- Round 2
East Fife 4-0 St Johnstone B
East Fife coasted to a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone B the last time the two sides met.
They showed their experience in the opening exchanges, winning a penalty on the quarter of an hour mark. Alan Trouten made no mistake with the set play and tucked away for the first. Scott Mercer made it 2-0 early in the second half, following a stramash in the box after a corner kick. Mikey Cunningham then made it three with ten minutes still to go, before youngster Sam Martin made it 4-0 in the dying embers. St Johnstone B played well, though East Fife controlled the game, and nullified the threat of the pacy Young Saints attack.
Squad News
The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully start the season with a bang.
Match Tickets
Season Tickets are not valid for cup matches and admission prices have been agreed as follows:
Adults- £10
Under 16s- £5
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.
Live Stream
For our International Fans, live Streaming for tonight’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Tonight’s commentator will be Oliver Anderson.
Club 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 tie.
St Johnstone will be in their traditional colours of a dark, and lighter blue striped shirt, with white shorts and blue socks. The Saints keeper will be in all green.
Officials
The referee today will be Ryan Lee, with Stuart Stevenson and Brent Falconer running the lines.
The Extra Bits
The Stadium Bar will be open from 6.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!
The club shop will be open from 6.30pm tonight.
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the stadium from 6.45pm, both cash and card are accepted.
There is no match programme on sale for tonight’s match, but half-time draw tickets are available.
Mon the Fife!