Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Forfar Athletic
Two wins in the last seven days has seen East Fife put their opening day woes behind them. Firstly, a 2-0 win over Edinburgh City saw us pick up our first points in the league last Saturday, before a comeback win over St Johnstone B midweek allowed for the Fifers to progress into the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
This week’s opposition Forfar Athletic are coming off the back of a treacherous week. Firstly, a stoppage time goal from Peterhead last weekend saw the Loons taste their first defeat in the league, before a disappointing performance against Highland League opposition Fraserburgh saw Forfar crash out of the challenge cup on Tuesday night.
William Hill League Two Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgin City | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | The Spartans | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 4 | Clyde | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 5 | East Fife | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 6 | Stirling Albion | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 8 | Forfar Athletic | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 9 | Edinburgh City | 2 | -3 | 0 |
| 10 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 2 | -3 | 0 |
Last Week’s Results
Clyde 1-0 Stranraer
East Fife 2-0 Edinburgh City
Peterhead 2-1 Forfar Athletic
Stirling Albion 0-1 Elgin City
The Spartans 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Stirling Albion
East Fife vs Forfar Athletic
Edinburgh City vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Peterhead vs Stranraer
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six games have resulted in three wins, and three losses, one of which coming via penalties.
The first fixture came against Alloa Athletic, at the Indodrill Stadium. 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.
In our first of three wins, 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 goalbound. 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 second was in the League Cup, 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.
Last Saturday, East Fife ran out comfortable winners over Edinburgh City. A tight first half saw the sides goalless at the break, though a flurry in the second saw Liam Newton and Alan Trouten find the net to secure the win.
Finally, East Fife recovered from a poor start in the challenge cup against St Johnstone’s B. A calamitous opening ten minutes saw St Johnstone lead through Mackenzie Kirk, and they perhaps should have had more as East Fife struggled to get a hold on the game. Alas, they kicked into gear, and overturned the deficit at the start of the second half, with the goals coming from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin- who found the net after 48 minutes, during his 150th appearance for the Fifers.
Our Opposition
Forfar’s last 6 games have seen two wins, a draw and three losses, with their last win coming on the 20th of July at home to Cove Rangers via a penalty shootout.
Their first loss came away to The Spartans in the last game of the league cup group stage. A late winner from Blair Henderson grabbed The Spartans all three points in the 1-0 win. The goal was a great contributor towards the Edinburgh side’s progression in the competition.
After that, the Loons’ next loss came at the hands of Peterhead. Rory McAllister’s opener was cancelled out by ‘Loon’ Jackson Mylchreest, before Seb Ross’ 92nd minute winner ensured that all three points would stay in the highlands.
Forfar were on the road again just days later, where they fell subject to a 2-1 loss to Fraserburgh in the SPFL Trust Trophy. Scott Reekie’s opener was answered by Scott Barbour, before a late goal from Connor Wood knocked the league two side out of the competition.
Their draw was a goalless affair with Clyde on the opening game of the league season.
Their first win came away to championship outfit, as they beat Dunfermline Athletic 2-0 at East End. Russell McLean and Mark Whatley were both on the scoresheet as the Loons cruised to victory.
Forfar Athletic’s most recent win came against Cove Rangers, as they squeezed by the championship team on penalties. Blair Malcolm’s opener was matched by Connor Scully, which sent the team to penalties. A strong performance from Marc McCallum ensured that the Loons grabbed the bonus point.
Previous Encounter
Forfar Athletic 2-1 East Fife, 20th April 2024- Station Park
The last time the two sides played, Forfar ran out 2-1 victors on their own patch. A decent start from the Fifers saw Liam Newton find the net, which sent the Fifers into the interval one goal to the good.
However, Forfar came out for the second half with fire in their bellies, and a brace from talisman Russell McLean saw the Loons complete the turnaround and come away with all three points.
Squad News
Speaking yesterday, Assistant Manager Ian Campbell confirmed that they have a full squad available for today’s match and that those who played on Tuesday night have given the management team “a lot to think about in terms of selection” ahead of today’s game.
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.
As today’s game takes place outside of blocked hours, the match is also available on PPV for viewers within the UK and Ireland.
Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes.
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 match.
Forfar Athletic will wear also be in their traditional colour of sky blue shirts, white shorts are sky blue socks. The Loons keeper will be in all pink.
Officials
The referee today is Alex Shepherd and running the lines are David Dunne and Cameron Telfer.
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 5 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 Liam McFarlane. 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 today from 2pm. Both cash and card are accepted.
Mon the Fife!