East Fife 5-1 The Spartans, Saturday 21st December 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, William Hill League 2
It was a Christmas Miracle for the Fifers on Saturday as they returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, beating Dougie Smauel’s Spartans side 5-1 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
The hosts were the aggressors in the contest, playing consistently on the front foot for the first time in a number of weeks. Our attacking threat paid dividends after 25 minutes when East Fife were awarded a penalty following a foul on Trouten (which should have been East Fife’s second spot kick of the day, though that is another matter).
Alan Trouten did what Alan Trouten likes to do, and slotted home with ease for his first of the afternoon. East Fife were in no mood to let off, and like London Buses, two goals came at once, both for Alan Trouten. His lovely, dinked finish from 20 yards out capped off some great team pressing.
The Spartans had their chances, although could not take them in the first half. Cammy Russell came closest for the visitors, hitting the crossbar from a free kick from around thirty yards out, just before the half time whistle.
The second half started how the first half ended, with the Methil Milan on the ascendency. Connor McManus’ laced volley meant that the Fifers took a three-goal lead with a glorious finish.
Unfortunately, the clean sheet could not stay intact, as Mark Stowe tucked away a remarkable curled effort to hand The Spartans a lifeline.
Ten minutes after the Spartans goal, Scott Shepherd capped off an excellent individual performance with his first league goal of the season. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Shepherd!
The Fife fans were in raptures, and the players weren’t finished! As we entered stoppage time, Kieran Millar gave a late present with another beautiful volley into the top corner.
The win sees East Fife move up the league into second place, just one point behind leaders Peterhead at Christmas.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Scott Shepherd.
This could have gone to Trouten for his brace, or McManus for his stellar midfield showing, though Scotty’s all-round game on Saturday spread festive cheer around Bayview is deserving of recognition, with his goal being the icing on the cake.
Merry Christmas Fife Fans!
East Fife – McFarlane, Easton, Munro, Walker, Millar, McManus, Norey (Docherty 84’), Healy (Slattery 79’), Peggie (Laaref 86’), shepherd, Trouten. Subs not used: Fleming, Briggs, Blake, Gilfillan.
The Spartans – Carswell, Booth (Chisholm 80’), Cunningham Dishington, Hunter, Scott (Wylie 70’), Craigen (Whittaker 80’), Stowe (Denholm 70’), Whyte, Henderson. Subs not used: Anderson, Williamson, Meek.
Referee – Stewart Luke
Attendance – 597
Report by Oli Anderson