East Fife 0-1 Banks O’Dee, Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup R2, Saturday 26th October 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Highland League outfit Banks O’Dee held onto a 1-0 lead against League 2 leaders East Fife, seeing the us knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the third consecutive year.
The Highland League side started the faster of the two teams and we were unable to get the ball on the ground and play football. The Dees controlled the attacking play, and although there was a lack of chances, those that manifested did so in favour of the visitors.
After just five minutes of play, Banks O’Dee should have taken the league through Hunter, when he lobbed his header clear of the crossbar.
Jevan Anderson secured the winning goal for the Dees with the second chance of the game after 22 minutes of play, when he headed home from close range following a textbook corner kick routine.
We elected to throw the kitchen sink at the opposition in the second half, to no avail, with plenty of enticing crosses popped into the box, without anyone to meet the pass.
With 10 minutes to go, East Fife had their best opportunity of the game when Nathan Austin stood over a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The striker whipped the ball over the wall though it was right down the goalkeeper's throat.
Dick Campbell’s men continued to press and try and claw their way into the contest, going as far as to stick centre-half Andy Munro up front in the dying embers, although it was to no avail, and the visitors ran out deserving winners on the day.
East Fife Assistant Manager Ian Campbell commented on the proceedings post-match, saying that Banks O’Dee were worthy winners, with their attitude and hunger for victory being apparent throughout the contest. Alan Trouten supported this statement, saying that he was “thoroughly disappointed for the players, the fans and the club.”
Next week East Fife host Stirling Albion while Banks O’Dee play Brora Rangers in a crucial Highland League tie.
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Millar, McManus, Shepherd (Norey 18’), Trouten, Healy (Laaref 71’), Austin, Peggie (Slattery 80’), Munro, Walker (Docherty 80’). Subs not used: McFarlane, Briggs, Winn, Blake.
Banks O’Dee – Hoban, Davidson, Anderson, Reynolds, Cooney, Lewecki, Gilmour, Winton, Hunter (Antoniazzi 81’), Duell, Phillipson (Milne 68’). Subs not used: Irvine, Selbie, Alexander.
Referee – Daniel Graves
Attendance – 597
Report by Oli Anderson
Photographer by East Fife Media
