Oli Anderson previews today’s game against Forfar Athletic
East Fife ground staff have assessed the pitch this morning and confirmed that no inspection is planned ahead of today’s game.
A festive victory for the Fifers saw us end 2024 on a high. An emphatic 5-1 win over The Spartans saw us return to our best and give ourselves the best possible opportunity to kick on in the new year.
However, there are no easy games in the William Hill League 2, and this week will prove no different, as we prepare to host Forfar Athletic (who are sat in the bottom spot heading into the game week) at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Between Christmas and the New Year, the Loons drew 2-2 at home to Stirling Albion, in a back-and-forth encounter.
In Memoriam
There will be a minute of applause prior to kick-off today in remembrance of long-time supporter Tom Hickman who has sadly passed away.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elgin City | 18 | 7 | 32 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 18 | 6 | 31 |
| 3 | East Fife | 17 | 17 | 30 |
| 4 | Edinburgh City | 17 | 2 | 25 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 18 | -5 | 24 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 17 | -2 | 22 |
| 7 | Clyde | 18 | -7 | 19 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 17 | -4 | 18 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 17 | -5 | 18 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 17 | -9 | 14 |
The Festive Results
Saturday 21st December
Clyde 2-0 Forfar Athletic
East Fife 5-1 The Spartans
Edinburgh City 1-0 Elgin City
Peterhead 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
Stirling Albion 1-1 Stranraer
Saturday 28th December
Elgin City 2-0 Peterhead
Forfar Athletic 2-2 Stirling Albion
Stranraer 1-1 Clyde
The Spartans 1-0 Edinburgh City
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Stirling Albion
East Fife vs Forfar Athletic
Edinburgh City vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Elgin City vs The Spartans
Peterhead vs Stranraer
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s most recent victory salvages some points in the league, though the Fifers are still capped at seven points in six games, with two wins, one draw and three defeats.
The first loss came in November 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. We then 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. Most recently, defeat to Peterhead came in frustrating fashion, as Kieran Shanks’ well-taken header early in the first half was all that separated the sides.
Our draw was frustrating, with chances to win the game. Jess Norey scored a late equaliser against Bonnyrigg Rose at the end of November to cancel out Lee Currie’s free kick to share the spoils against Bonnyrigg 1-1.
Jess Norey was on the scoresheet again, as East Fife grabbed a late winner in a ding-dong battle with Elgin City at Bayview at the beginning of December. Reis Peggie opened the scoring in the first half before Gallagher’s long-range effort secured an equaliser for the Black and Whites. The game looked destined to finish a draw, but in the dying embers, East Fife’s Norey took the bull by the horns and stuck the ball in the back of the net. A fortnight ago, Alan Trouten (twice), Connor McManus, Kieran Millar and Scott Shepherd all found the back of the net in a 5-1 drubbing of the Spartans.
Our Opposition
Forfar Athletic have recorded one win, two draws and two losses in their last five league games, as well as progression in the Scottish Cup.
They did not have it all their own way against Stirling Albion in the cup, needing penalties to advance. A Russell McLean hattrick kept them in the tie before Finlay Allan scored the decisive pen.
Forfar’s sole league win came from absolutely nowhere, when they blew Bonnyrigg Rose out of the water, winning 5-1. Russell McLean was on hand to grab another hattrick in what has been a purple patch for the Loons striker.
Their league losses have been poor, falling 2-0 away to Clyde as well as losing 2-1 against league leaders Elgin City at Borough Briggs.
Forfar have drawn twice in the last six, firstly at home to Peterhead, in a 1-1 result. On top of this Russell McLean was on the scoresheet once more, scoring in another draw with Stirling Albion, though this time there was no penalty shootout to separate the sides.
Previous Encounter
Forfar Athletic 0-0 East Fife
Station Park, 19th October 2024
East Fife struggled to create when the sides met at Station Park, and Assistant Manager Ian Campbell lamented that a draw was “probably a fair result” after the contest.
Squad News
East Fife almost return full fitness! Our whole squad is available minus Nathan Austin and Liam Newton who both remain out long-term.
Under 20s players Logan Briggs and Masson Winn both remain with the first-team squad for this game.
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
As this game takes place outwith UK blocked hours, live streaming is available worldwide via East Fife TV. 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 black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will be clad in yellow for the match.
Forfar Athletic will wear their home colours too. The Loons will be in a sky blue kit with white shorts and sky blue socks. The Forfar goalie will be in all pink for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Alastair Grieve with his assistants Ross Anderson and Chris Newman running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 15 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 Ben Gilfillan. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.
This stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm this afternoon for pre- and post-match refreshments.
The Club Shop will be open from 1:45pm this afternoon!
Mon the Fife!