Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Elgin City
Last Saturday, East Fife earned a point away to Bonnyrigg Rose, following a close-fought game. A spirited second-half performance saw Jess Norey cap off a great team move to bag his first goal in Black and Gold.
This week, the Fifers host the League Leaders Elgin City at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Last week, Elgin progressed into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup after beating League 1 outfit Kelty Hearts 3-2 at Borough Briggs.
East Fife’s objective today is simple. Win and return to the top of the league.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgin City | 13 | 7 | 26 |
| 2 | East Fife | 14 | 13 | 24 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 13 | 6 | 24 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 14 | -4 | 19 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 15 | 1 | 18 |
| 6 | Edinburgh City | 13 | -1 | 18 |
| 7 | The Spartans | 13 | 2 | 16 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 13 | -6 | 12 |
| 9 | Clyde | 13 | -7 | 12 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 13 | -11 | 9 |
Last Week’s League Results
Saturday 30th November
Bonnyrigg Rose 1-1 East Fife
Tuesday 3rd December
Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Stirling Albion
This Week’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs The Spartans
Clyde vs Peterhead
East Fife vs Elgin City
Stirling Albion vs Edinburgh City
*Forfar Athletic v Stranraer has been rearranged for Tuesday 4th February.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife are without victory since the 19th of October, drawing three and losing three of our last six matches.
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. Norey’s equaliser last week cancelled out Lee Currie’s free kick to share the spoils against Bonnyrigg 1-1.
Our opposition
Elgin City have won five of their last 6 games (one coming via penalty kicks) and lost just one. They have won three from four in the league and progressed through two rounds of the Scottish Cup too.
Beginning by looking at the cup, the Black and Whites first squeezed past Clyde in the second round after the game went all the way to penalties. Jack Murray grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser to force the game into extra time in the process.
Most recently, Elgin overcame Kelty Hearts in another close game. A brace from Ryan Sargent and a goal from Dylan Gavin proved to be enough on the day to get past the side who reside in West Fife.
Elgin’s league wins have been much more routine. They have cruised past The Spartans away (3-1) and beaten Stranraer (1-0) and Forfar Athletic (2-1) at Borough Briggs.
They have shown some signs of weakness, however, falling 2-0 to Bonnyrigg Rose a few weeks ago. This is their only loss in 13 games in the league.
Previous Encounter
Elgin City 4-2 East Fife
3rd August 2024, Stair Park
The last time the sides met, it was not the start to the season that East Fife would have hoped for. Elgin City scored twice in the tail end of the first half, and then again within five minutes of the restart.
Andy Munro and Connor McManus scored in the 71st and 76th minute respectively, to trail just 3-2, though a late fourth from Elgin killed the contest.
Squad News
Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury, as does Nathan Austin.
Ins: Adam Laaref returns from illness, and Brian Easton may be available for the contest.
Neil Blake, Ben Gilfillan, Logan Briggs and Masson Winn keep their place in the senior squad heading into this week.
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 tickets 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.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the MPH-sponsored home kit today. They will wear the traditional black and gold striped shirt, with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will be clad in orange for the match.
Elgin City will also be in their traditional colours, of a black and white striped top, with black shorts and socks. The Elgin goalkeeper will don an all-yellow kit for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Jordan Curran with his assistants Liam Duncan and Chris Hobbs running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 13 will be available pre-kick off for £3. it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. This week’s edition features an interview with U20s player Masson Winn. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.
Due to full hospitality, only the downstairs bar will be open prior to kick-off today.
There will be a collection for Levenmouth Foodbank at today’s game. Donations can be dropped off at the side entrance to the stadium (behind the club shop) from 1.30pm this afternoon.
Mon the Fife!