Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City.
Another disappointing result last weekend away to Clyde has seen East Fife drop to third in the William Hill League 2 table. The 3-1 loss in Hamilton made it the fifth consecutive game in which the Fifers have failed to win, their longest run since April of this year. Today, we try to get ourselves back on track against 5th-placed Edinburgh City. East Fife came out on top 2-0 the last time the sides met, though much has changed since the teams played one another in August.
Our opposition this afternoon are coming off the back of an emphatic 3-2 victory away to Peterhead. Connor Young, formerly of Fife colours, was the man of the moment, bagging a hattrick against the Blue Toon.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgin City | 13 | 7 | 26 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 13 | 6 | 24 |
| 3 | East Fife | 13 | 13 | 23 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 13 | -3 | 19 |
| 5 | Edinburgh City | 13 | -1 | 18 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 13 | 2 | 16 |
| 7 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 13 | 0 | 14 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 13 | -6 | 12 |
| 9 | Clyde | 13 | -7 | 12 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 13 | -11 | 9 |
* Bonnyrigg Rose received a 6-point deduction due to their inability to meet SPFL guidelines.
Last Week’s Results
Clyde 3-1 East Fife
Elgin City 2-1 Forfar Athletic
Peterhead 2-3 Edinburgh City
Stranraer 1-2 Bonnyrigg Rose
The Spartans 3-0 Stirling Albion
This Week’s Fixtures
Edinburgh City vs East Fife
Forfar Athletic vs Peterhead
The Spartans vs Stranraer
Elgin City vs Clyde has been postponed until 17th December with a 19:45 kick-off. Bonnyrigg Rose v Stiring Albion has also been postponed.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six games have seen a further dip in form with just one win, two draws and three losses.
The first loss came in incredibly disappointing fashion, as we slumped out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the fourth year running, losing 1-0 at home to Banks O’Dee. The second loss came a fortnight ago when we fell 2-1 to Stranraer. Similar to the game at Stair Park earlier in the season. The Blues took an early lead in the first half before a rejuvenated Fife side grabbed an equaliser not long after the restart. Unfortunately, Stranraer secured a sucker punch of a goal to claim all three points. Most recently, we fell 3-1 to Clyde at the ZLX Stadium. The Bully Wee were the better team in the contest, and Jack Healy’s 90th-minute goal was merely a consolation.
Our draws have been frustrating, with chances to win both games. Our first draw was with Forfar Athletic in a goalless affair, and the second was a 1-1 draw with Stirling Albion at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Our sole win came a good while ago now, though the result was one to remember as East Fife put five past 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, along with an own goal, contributing to a perhaps flattering 5-0 scoreline.
Our opposition
Edinburgh City’s last four games have seen four league wins, one league defeat, and a bonus progression in the Scottish Cup.
They did not get it all their own way in the cup tie, however, as Jeanfield Swifts ran the Citizens to penalties after 120 minutes of back-and-forth action, with both teams creating many a chance.
Their only league defeat came away to Bonnyrigg Rose, where Edinburgh fell 2-0 to the Rosey Posey at New Dundas Park.
The last three weeks have seen consecutive wins, two at home, to Forfar Athletic and Clyde, which finished 2-0 and 1-0 respectively, before last week the Citizens came from behind to defeat Peterhead 3-2 away from home. Connor Young, league two’s top goalscorer took home the match ball following an excellent individual display.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 2-0 Edinburgh City
10th August 2024 - MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
A strong second half from East Fife saw them overcome Edinburgh City when the sides last met in August at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. East Fife controlled the entire contest, with the visitors only registering one shot on goal over the ninety minutes. With that being said, it wasn’t until the 70th-minute mark that the Fifers took the lead. Liam Newton opened the scoring, and it wasn’t long before Alan Trouten doubled the lead, securing the three points on the day.
Squad News
Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through his knee injury while Brian Easton is also nursing a heel injury so is unavailable for selection. Nathan Austin is also out of action after his shoulder injury 2 weeks ago, along with Alan Trouten who is still working his way back to full fitness.
Ins: Andrew Tod may return from his injury this week, which would be a welcome addition to the squad. Masson Winn, Logan Briggs and Neil Blake all retain their places in the team. Defender Ben Gilfillan has also been added to the matchday squad.
Match Tickets
Prices for Meadowbank Stadium can be found below:
Adults: £15
Concessions (U18s/OAPs): £10
Under-12s: £5
Tickets can be purchased through Edinburgh City’s FanBase page. Tickets can also be purchased with cash or card at the turnstiles before kick-off.
East Fife fans should access Meadowbank Stadium via the entrance at the east of the ground, closest to the community astroturf pitch. Sections A & B of the stand are designated for away fans.
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 Lee Gillies.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new Back Onside sponsored away kit. We will be wearing the blue and white striped top, with white shorts and socks. Our goalkeeper will be in all orange for the clash.
Edinburgh City will be in their away colours too, of a full black kit with the Citizens’ goalie in red this afternoon.
Officials
The referee today will be Joel Kennedy. Elliot Husband Powton and Calum Haswell will be his assistants, running the lines.
Mon the Fife!