Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.

Last Saturday, a snowy Scotland denied the possibility of any League 2 football taking place, after our game with Edinburgh City was called off late into the afternoon. This week we return to the Lothians, though this time it is to face Bonnyrigg Rose. The Rosey Posey currently sit in 7^th position following a six-point deduction after their facilities did not meet SPFL requirements.

William Hill League Two Table

*- Bonnyrigg Rose received a 6-point deduction due to inability to meet SPFL guidelines.

This Week’s Fixtures

Due to the third round of the Scottish Cup weekend, Bonnyrigg Rose vs East Fife is the only game in the William Hill League 2 this afternoon.

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 10-man Bonnyrigg Rose. 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, all of which contributed to a perhaps flattering 5-0 scoreline.

Our opposition

Bonnyrigg Rose have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six.

Their losses came away to us, when we ran out 5-0 winners at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium and away to East Kilbride in the Scottish Cup. The Lowland League champions took the lead in the first half before Cameron Ross equalised on the hour mark. In the last ten minutes, the hosts scored two, easing to a 3-1 victory in the end.

The draw came against Clyde. Ross was the man on the scoresheet once more, grabbing a brace, with the first coming inside the opening 60 seconds. Jordon Allan pegged back Bonnyrigg, but when Cammy Ross got his second after 87 minutes, the Rosey Posey looked to have the game won. Marley Redfern could not stand for that, however, and his 92nd-minute equaliser rescued a point for the Bully Wee.

Bonnyrigg’s opening win came at home to Edinburgh City. Cameron Ross and Callum Connolly scored in a 2-0 win. Recently, the Rosey Posey became the first team to defeat Elgin City in the league with Angus Mailer and Mark Ferrie finding the net in another 2-0 win. Most recently, a 92nd Kieran McGachie goal sealed the three points against Stranraer. Cameron Ross was the other man on the scoresheet.

Previous Encounter

East Fife 5-0 Bonnyrigg Rose

5th October 2024- MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

East Fife extended their lead at the top of the William Hill League 2 the last time the sides met, with a romping 5-0 win.

Inside the opening 15 minutes, Greig Allan saw red after he brought down Andrew Tod inside the box. Alan Trouten stepped up and opened his account for the day.

The Fifers controlled the first half after the sending-off, although the game wasn’t particularly pretty. With moments left in the first half, Trouten made it two, beating the offside trap to head home.

The game slowed up in the second half, though the goals kept coming. Trouten was up first to secure his hattrick with a cushty finish.

Andrew Tod forced the goalkeeper into an own goal when he rattled the crossbar ten minutes later. The ball bounced in off the back of the Rosey Posey goalie.

Finally, Tod would go on to grab his first professional career goal with just minutes on the clock. The finish capped off a dominant display from the Methil Milan.

Squad News

Outs: Liam Newton and Nathan Austin continue to miss out through a knee and shoulder injury respectively. Andrew Tod also joins them on the sidelines after picking up an injury with Dunfermline reserves during the week, while this weekend may also come just too soon for Brian Easton as he recovers from a heel injury.

Ins: Alan Trouten returns to the squad today after missing the last few weeks. Under 20s players Masson Winn, Logan Briggs, Ben Gilfillan and Neil Blake all retain their places in the squad. 

Match Tickets

Prices for New Dundas Park can be found below:

Adults (17 - 65) - £15
Concessions (over 65s, disabled, carer) - £10
Youth (12 - 16) - £5
Children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult – Free

Entry is via pay-at-the-gate with both cash and card payments accepted.

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 Oli Anderson. There is no live-streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the MPH Group sponsored home kit. We will be wearing the famous black and gold striped top, with black shorts and socks. Our goalkeeper will be in all orange for the clash.

Bonnyrigg will be in their traditional colours too, of a red and white hooped shirt with red socks and shorts. The Rosey Posey Goalie will be in all yellow for the match.

Officials

The referee today will be Greg Soutar. Alastair Taylor and Jamie Andrews will be his assistants.

Mon the Fife!