Oli Anderson preview today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose
East Fife sit proudly at the top of the William Hill League Two following a hard-fought victory away to The Spartans last week. Our first test as leaders comes against Bonnyrigg Rose this afternoon at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. It will prove to be a challenging game, with our home form against the Rosey Posey being nothing to shout about so far.
Bonnyrigg are coming off the back of a 1-0 loss at New Dundas Park against Forfar Athletic, so Calum Elliot’s men will be looking to bounce back from misery.
A Message from the Management Team.
Speaking with the media team before kick-off today, assistant manager Ian Campbell said: “We have another home game to look forward to today against Bonnyrigg. Once you reach the top of the league, the hard part is staying there but we will be giving it our best efforts against a tough opponent.”
In Memoria
Pre-kick off today, there will be a minute silence for former East Fife player Bobby Gillon. We kindly ask that everyone is in their seat in time to observe this. Thoughts go out to Bobby’s family. Signing for the Fifers in 1950, Gillon featured 26 times for East Fife, in what was a very successful time for the football club.
William Hill League Two Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 8 | 11 | 18 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 8 | 6 | 17 |
| 3 | Elgin City | 8 | 4 | 14 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 8 | -2 | 12 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 8 | 0 | 10 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| 7 | Forfar Athletic | 8 | -4 | 8 |
| 8 | Clyde | 8 | -6 | 7 |
| 9 | Edinburgh City | 8 | -4 | 6 |
| 10 | Stranraer | 8 | -6 | 5 |
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Forfar Athletic
Elgin City 3-3 Edinburgh City
Peterhead 2-2 Clyde
Stranraer 0-2 Stirling Albion
The Spartans 0-1 East Fife
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs The Spartans
East Fife vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Edinburgh City vs Stranraer
Peterhead vs Elgin City
Stirling Albion vs Forfar Athletic
The Form
The Fifers
The first game in our last six 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 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.
The last two weeks have seen a total upkeep in form, as we have beaten two of the other best sides in the division. Firstly, we hosted Peterhead at the Wooden Fortress, and ran out 2-0 winners, thanks to first half strikes from Alan Trouten and captain Stewart Murdoch.
Last week, we built on the win against then-league leaders Peterhead, when we visited and defeated the Spartans. A second half strike from Nathan Austin proved the difference, with Jack Healy grabbing the assist following a great performance.
Our Opposition
Bonnyrigg’s form makes for some interesting reading. In their last six games, the Rosey Posey have recorded three wins, a draw and two losses.
Their wins have come against Stranraer and Clyde at home, while they also beat Stirling Albion away at Forthbank. Bradley Barrett has been the most prolific of the Bonnyrigg team, bagging two in those three games.
Their draw came away to city rivals Edinburgh City. Kerr Young and Neil Martynuik found the scoresheet for Bonnyrigg.
Defeats to Forfar and Elgin City wrap up their last six games.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 1-4 Bonnyrigg Rose
13th April 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
The last time the sides met, East Fife were on the end of a drubbing at the hands of the Rosey Posey. Despite a promising start, seeing the Fifers take the lead through Alan Trouten, Bonnyrigg responded well, scoring three goals in the first half, knocking the stuffing from East Fife. Kerr Young would add a misery compiler in the dying embers of the game, in what was all-in-all, a weekend to forget for East Fife.
Squad News
Defender Brian Easton and club captain Stewart Murdoch both miss out this week due to injury.
A couple of players will also have their fitness assessed this afternoon pre-kick off.
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.
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 for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, Argentina-esque ‘Back Onside’ sponsored away kit. They will wear a sky blue and white striped shirt, with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear orange for the tie.
The visitors will wear their all-red kit this afternoon with the goalkeeper in yellow.
Officials
The referee today will be Alex Shepherd, with his assistants Will Pare and Kenny Brown.
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 9 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.30pm. This week’s edition contains an interview with new signing Andrew Tod. If you can't make it to today's game, programmes can also be purchased 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! After the match today, local musician Mackintosh will be performing in the club lounge! We hope you can join us there.
Mon the Fife!