Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against Edinburgh City

Alan Trouten’s penalty proved the difference between East Fife and Forfar Athletic at the weekend, with the Fifers grabbing two consecutive wins for the first time since 5th October when we beat Bonnyrigg Rose 5-0. The result also sees us climb back atop the League 2 table.

We do not have to wait until the weekend to get back involved in the action however, as we play out our game in hand tonight against Edinburgh City at the Meadowbank. We have had to wait a while for this fixture however, with the game originally postponed back in November due to adverse weather.

Our hosts this evening are coming off the back of a 2-0 victory over Bonnyrigg Rose. The three points have seen the Citizens secure themselves in fourth place, leading Stirling Albion by four points, with a game in hand too.

William Hill League 2 Table

*Bonnyrigg Rose have been handed a 6-point deduction due to their failure to comply with SPFL regulations.

Last Week’s Results

 Clyde 2-0 Stirling Albion

East Fife 1-0 Forfar Athletic

Edinburgh City 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose

Elgin City P-P The Spartans

Peterhead P-P Stranraer

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s most recent victories have restored some points in the league, with the Fifers now boasting ten points in six games, with three wins, one draw and two defeats.

The first loss came in November when we 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 also 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. 

Norey was on the scoresheet again, as East Fife grabbed a late winner in a ding-dong battle with Elgin City at the start 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, Connor McManus, Kieran Millar and Scott Shepherd all found the back of the net (Trouten twice) in a 5-1 drubbing of the Spartans. Victory over Forfar Athletic rounds up East Fife’s last six games, with Trouten’s penalty separating the sides.

Our Opposition

Edinburgh City also have ten points in their last six games, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in the league, as well as defeat to Dunfermline Athletic in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Their league loss came in their local derby a fortnight ago, as Blair Henderson scored from the spot to grab the win for The Spartans.

The draw was a goalless affair Dumfries, when neither Edinburgh City nor Stranraer could break the deadlock at Stair Park.

Michael McIndoe’s men have secured three wins, keeping clean sheets in all three games. This means that in their last five league games, the Citizens have only conceded one goal. On top of this, they have not conceded at the Meadowbank Stadium in the league since the start of October. Their wins have come against Bonnyrigg Rose, and Elgin City at Meadowbank (2-0 and 1-0 respectively), with their biggest win coming away to Stirling Albion where they ran out 3-0 winners at Forthbank.

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

We continue to miss Nathan Austin and Liam Newton, though we are at full strength aside from the long-term absences. 

Masson Winn and Logan Briggs remain with the first-team squad for this game.

Match Tickets

Please note that tickets purchased for the original match are still valid!

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 in the turnstiles before kick-off.

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.

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. Steven Wilson and Terry Ormiston will be his assistants, running the lines.

Misc

Visiting supporters 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.

Card can be used at food kiosks on matchdays.

Mon the Fife!