Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stirling Albion.
East Fife return to league action this afternoon following a devastating result last week against Banks O’Dee in the Scottish Cup. We still sit atop the William Hill League 2 table, although a draw against Forfar Athletic two weeks ago has seen our lead shrink to just two points. This weekend we will host Stirling Albion. The Binos are coming off the back of a romping 6-0 win over Bo’ness Athletic and find themselves on a four-game win streak. The Fifers know the task at hand, and with both teams in the title race, this is an all-important game.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 10 | 16 | 22 |
| 2 | Elgin City | 10 | 7 | 20 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 10 | 5 | 18 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 10 | 1 | 18 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 10 | -3 | 13 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 10 | -3 | 10 |
| 7 | Edinburgh City | 10 | -5 | 9 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 10 | -5 | 9 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 10 | -5 | 9 |
| 10 | Clyde | 10 | -8 | 8 |
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Bonnyrigg Rose
East Fife vs Stirling Albion
Edinburgh City vs Forfar Athletic
Elgin City vs Stranraer
Peterhead vs The Spartans
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six games have seen three wins, one draw and two losses.
The losses have come in disappointing fashion, the first being against Stranraer some six weeks ago where a disappointing performance saw us fall 2-1 at Stair Park. The other loss came last week in even more disappointing fashion, as we slumped out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the fourth year running, as we lost 1-0 at home to Banks O’Dee.
Our draw came a fortnight ago in a goalless affair, away to Forfar Athletic, at Station Park.
When our wins have come, they have been spectacles. The first win was against Peterhead when we beat the then-league leaders at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The routine display saw Alan Trouten and Stewart Murdoch on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. The following week, Nathan Austin scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to The Spartans, a result which saw us climb to the top of the league. The following week, East Fife showed their cutting edge, burying five against a 10-man Bonnyrigg Rose side. Alan Trouten bagged a hattrick, with Andrew Tod making it on the scoresheet for the first time in his professional career.
Our Opposition
Stirling Albion have won four and lost two of their last six. Their two losses came against Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose where they fell 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.
They have only won once on the road, where they beat Stranraer 2-0 with Erik Sula and Adam Brown on the scoresheet.
The last three weeks have seen them pick up a run of wins, all at Forthbank. Dale Carrick and Dale Hilson have been the danger men in recent weeks, helping the Binos to four consecutive wins (the most recent three being against Forfar and Clyde in the league, and Bo’ness Athletic in the Scottish Cup).
Previous Encounter
Stirling Albion 0-4 East Fife
24th August 2024, Forthbank Stadium
The last time the sides met, Stirling Albion were on the end of a drubbing at the hands of the Methil Milan. The Binos started well, but when Austin’s effort flew in in the 40th minute, the floodgates opened. Reis Peggie added a second before the interval before Fash added another two himself in the second half to send him home with the match ball, and the Fifers home with all three points.
Squad News
Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury. Alan Trouten also misses out this week due to a dental issue.
Ins: Brian Easton has returned to full training and is back in the matchday squad this afternoon. Scott Shepherd managed to shake off last Saturday’s knock and is available for selection. Logan Briggs and Masson Winn also keep their place in the senior squad.
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, tickets can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, that parent & child tickets 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 option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, Harley’s Taxis sponsored third kit. They will wear a red shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear turquoise for the tie.
Stirling Albion will be in all-white for the clash, with the Binos goalkeeper will be in orange this afternoon.
Officials
The referee today will be Gavin Duncan with his assistants are Colin Drummond and Sean Duff.
In Memoria
Pre-kick-off today, there will be a minute’s applause for former East Fife youth player Jamie Lyon.
Misc
The Bayview issue 11 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 features an interview with returning goalkeeping coach Jim Moffat.
Mon the Fife!