Oli Anderson previews today’s match against The Spartans

An outstanding victory at the weekend over current table toppers Peterhead sees the Fifers close the gap to the leaders to just one point. Goals for Alan Trouten and Stewart Murdoch saw off the Blue Toon.

This week, the Fifers make their first trip into the capital this season, to face The Spartans at Ainslie Park. The Spartans have spent the early stages of the league campaign battling fixture congestion due to their remarkable League Cup campaign, as they reached quarter finals of the competition.

William Hill League Two Table

A Message from the Management Team

Ahead of this week’s game, Assistant Manager Ian ‘Pink’ Campbell spoke with the East Fife media team. Here’s what he had to say:

“We are respectful of what The Spartans have achieved, and they have some terrific players, though it is up to us to fight for our marks and impose ourselves on the game. It’s another contes that we are really looking forward to.

Last Week’s Results

Clyde 0-0 Elgin City

East Fife 2-0 Peterhead

Forfar Athletic 2-1 Stranraer

Stirling Albion 0-2 Bonnyrigg Rose

This Week’s Action

Bonnyrigg Rose vs Forfar Athletic

Elgin City vs Edinburgh City

Peterhead vs Clyde

The Spartans vs East Fife

Stranraer vs Stirling Albion

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife have 4 wins and 2 losses in their most recent six games.

Firstly, East Fife faced Forfar Athletic in William Hill League Two action, where a late Alan Trouten penalty proved the difference between the two sides, as the Fifers came out 2-1 victors, with Nathan Austin on the scoresheet.

Up next was a resounding win for the Methil Milan as they trounced Stirling Albion 4-0 at Forthbank stadium. Fash was on fire, netting a hattrick, with Reis Peggie also on the scoresheet just before half time.

We then kept our fine scoring form ticking over, as we ran out 5-1 winners over Clyde FC, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Austin was on fine form once more, scoring a brace, one of which being an early ‘goal of the season’ contender. Trouten also bagged twice for the Black and Gold, while Adam Laaref opened his account too.

Our two losses have come in consecutive weeks, with the first coming against Dunfermline in the Trust Trophy. East Fife defended resolutely for the first 45 minutes, which proved frustrating for the Pars. Unfortunately, they came out with a clear intention in the second half, and two quick goals looked to put the contest outwith East Fife’s reach.

The most recent defeat came to Stranraer last weekend, at Stair Park. A poor start saw us go in 1-0 down at the interval, before a good start to the start of the second half saw us bag the equaliser through Alan Trouten. The lead never lasted long however, as Stranraer retook the lead just minutes later, which East Fife could not recover from. Calamity in the final moments saw goalkeeper Liam McFarlane sent off for (?), which saw gaffer Dick Campbell see red in the aftermath.

Last week saw the Methil Milan bounce back in style, cruising past Peterhead at the Wooden Fortress. Two first half strikes from the Fifers bedded the Blue Toon with ease. Alan Trouten bagged the first before a tidy volley from captain Stewart Murdoch sealed the points.

Our Opposition

In the last six games, The Spartans have struggled for results, with just one win, with two draws and three losses.

It is quite difficult to read too far into the losses though, as one came last week against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, which saw the Dons run out 4-0 winners. Another loss came in the SPFL Trust Trophy, where they fell to promotion chasing Livingston. Livi ran out 2-0 winners when the sides met at Ainslie Park. The final loss came away to Stirling Albion, with the Binos running out 1-0 winners.

The Spartans’ two draws have come against teams at the sharp end of the League Two table, playing out a goalless tie with Peterhead, as well as a score draw against Elgin, as the game finished 1-1. Hamish Ritchie found the net for the Spartans.

Their win came in dramatic fashion, with Kieran Watson grabbing a 92nd minute winner against Forfar Athletic. The game was largely controlled by the Loons, though it’s goals that win games, and Watson did the damage on the day.

Previous Encounter

East Fife 1-2 The Spartans

4th May 2024- MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

The last time the sides met, The Spartans snuck victory at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The visitors opened the scoring just after half time through Craigen, before Scott Shepherd replied with a goal of his own just minutes later. The game was even, and looked destined to finish that way, however, in the 89th minute, loanee Robbie Thompson broke Fife hearts, grabbing a late winner.

Squad News

Reis Peggie returns to fitness after last week’s absence, meanwhile Docherty survived last week’s encounter and is getting sharper by the day.

Liam McFarlane returns from suspension, though Brian Easton still misses out through injury.

Match Tickets

Tickets for today’s match can be purchased in advance although pay-at-the-gate is also available.

Adults- £17

Concessions (Over 65s/U18s)- £12

Under 16s- £5

Under 12s- Free

Please note, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Live Stream

For our International Fans, Live Streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. There is no live streaming option for viewers within UK/Ireland this weekend.

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 orange for the tie.

The Spartans will be in their traditional colours too, wearing a white top with red shorts and white socks. The Spartans goalie will be all blue.

Officials

The referee today will be Alastair Grieve, with his assistants Barry Reid and Tommi Kerr running the lines