East Fife 2-1 Forfar Athletic, Saturday 17th August 2024
William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife welcomed Forfar Athletic in their third league outing of the season, having won 2-0 against Edinburgh City last week and suffering a 4-2 loss against Elgin City on the opening day. The Fifer’s started with an unchanged lineup from last week’s victory with Alan Trouten captaining the side once again.
In the opening exchanges, both teams were looking to spring the offside trap and use their pace in behind. Unfortunately for the home team, however, Nathan Austin was flagged offside 8 times in the first 20 minutes! Chances for both teams came around the 10-minute mark where Jess Norey’s first time volley from the edge of the box was held at the first attempt by Marc McCallum, and Arran Cocks forced a smart stop from Liam McFarlane down at his left-hand side.
The remainder of the first half was, at times, a rather difficult watch. That was until the 43rd minute after Norey was fouled 20 yards out and the resulting free kick was expertly curled into McCallum’s top right corner by Nathan Austin to give us a 1-0 lead at the interval. For further reading, please refer to the EFTV highlights of the goal to gain a true appreciation of the set piece!
From the sublime, to the silly - a straightforward cross into the box 6 minutes into the second looked to be easily dealt with by the East Fife back line. McFarlane came for the cross, Munro tried to turn the ball behind for a corner but instead rolled the ball into the bottom corner to draw the Loons level. Spooked by the calamity, the Fifers struggled to regain the initiative for the next 10 minutes as Forfar tried to capitalise and go ahead.
East Fife soon rallied and looked like the team in the ascendency. On 64 minutes, Norey was played through on goal by Reis Peggie and, in truth, should have restored the lead but managed to push his effort wide of the upright. On 75 minutes, East Fife had the ball in the back of the net but the far-side linesman adjudged Kieran Millar offside as he stabbed home a fumble from the Forfar goalie.
An outstanding long ball from Liam Newton and a deft touch from Nathan Austin bamboozled the Forfar backline on 78 minutes. Our frontman took the ball round the keeper and was tripped, having the goal at his mercy. Penalty to East Fife! You know the rest - Trouten steps up, to regain our 1 goal lead with 10 minutes to go. The rest of the game was rather nervy as we tried to hold on to our lead. After 4 minutes of injury time the referee called the game to a stop and the 3 points remained in Methil.
East Fife sit in 4th place in the league after 3 games on 6 points, 3 points behind the league leaders Peterhead who maintained their 100% record in the league this season. Next week it’s away to Forthbank Stadium to face Stirling Albion.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Jess Norey.
The midfielder was everywhere, claiming every second ball and turning defence into attack at every opportunity, and on another occasion could and should have got himself a goal.
East Fife – McFarlane, McManus (Murdoch 45’), Peggie (Laaref 78’), Munro, Newton, Millar, Norey, Trouten, Shepherd (Healy 65’), Austin (Slattery 84’). Subs not used: Fleming
Forfar Athletic – McCallum, Klimionek (Skelly 80’), Morrison, Allan, Hutchinson, Taylor, MacLean (Reekie 75’), Whatley, Robson, Cocks (McLean 66’), Cannon. Subs not used: Franczak, Paris
Referee – Alex Shepherd
Attendance – 645
Report by Niall Anderson
Photograph by Kenny Mackay
