Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Clyde.
Following midweek success on the road at Edinburgh City, East Fife moved four points clear at the top of the William Hill League 2. Connor Young’s brace was not enough to counter goals from Scott Shepherd, Jack Healy and a brace from Alan Trouten, as a phenomenal second half handed East Fife a well-deserved three points.
Our opposition today, Clyde, are slowly but surely climbing their way up the league. Darren Young’s men have looked much more dangerous since his arrival, and this will indeed be a challenging game come this afternoon. The Bully Wee are coming off the back of a 2-0 win over Stirling Albion at the ZLX Stadium
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 19 | 20 | 36 |
| 2 | Elgin City | 18 | 7 | 32 |
| 3 | Peterhead | 18 | 6 | 31 |
| 4 | Edinburgh City | 19 | 2 | 28 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 19 | -7 | 24 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 17 | -2 | 22 |
| 7 | Clyde | 19 | -5 | 22 |
| 8 | Stranraer | 17 | -4 | 18 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose* | 18 | -7 | 18 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 18 | -10 | 14 |
*Bonnyrigg Rose have been handed a 6-point deduction due to their failure to comply with SPFL regulations.
Last Week’s League Results
Saturday 4th January
Clyde 2-0 Stirling Albion
East Fife 1-0 Forfar Athletic
Edinburgh City 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
Wednesday 8th January
Edinburgh City 2-4 East Fife
This Week’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Clyde
Edinburgh City vs Peterhead
Forfar Athletic vs Elgin City
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s uptake in form in recent weeks has seen the Methil Milan accumulate 13 points from our last six games.
Our only loss 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. Norey’s equaliser against Bonnyrigg Rose cancelled 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. 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.
The last three games have also seen three wins, firstly, a 5-1 win over The Spartans was comfortable, with Trouten at the double. McManus, Millar and Shepherd all found the back of the net too. Alan Trouten went on to score the only goal from the spot in a 1-0 victory over 10th-placed Forfar Athletic. Most recently, a midweek victory over Edinburgh City showed the squad’s character, with a quick double countering Connor Young’s first-half strike, before three goals in the last ten minutes saw the game wrapped up 4-2 in East Fife’s favour.
Our opposition
Clyde sit seventh in League 2 with three wins, a draw and two losses in their last six games, amassing ten points.
Their losses were high-scoring affairs, as they fell 3-2 to The Spartans at Ainslie Park, and 4-2 away to Elgin City up at Borough Briggs.
Their draw was away to Stranraer, where the sides were tied at 1-1 at Stair Park.
They have had two 2-0 wins, over Stirling Albion, and Forfar Athletic, while their other victory came at home to Peterhead, where they ran out 3-2 winners.
Their danger man, Jordon Allan who has tucked away three in the last six has just recently returned to his parent club Falkirk.
Previous Encounter
Clyde 3-1 East Fife
16th November 2024, ZLX Stadium
On a bad day at the office for the Fifers, the aforementioned Jordon Allan tucked two away, one either side of the half-time whistle. This was accompanied by a Liam Scullion goal, another player who has been in fine form for the Bully Wee, before Jack Healy grabbed what was merely a consolation goal.
The Fifers will be hoping for an improved performance and result come 3 o’clock.
Squad News
Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury, as does Nathan Austin, though the two move ever closer to full fitness.
Ins: Connor McManus returns to the squad after missing out midweek due to illness.
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 ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, parent & child ticket 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 Argentina-inspired away kit, sponsored by Back Onside. They will wear the white and sky-blue striped shirt, with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will be clad in orange for the tie.
Clyde will be in their traditional colours, of a white shirt, with black shorts and red socks. The Bully Wee goalkeeper will don an all-blue kit for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Sean Murdoch with his assistants Stuart Stevenson and Conor Greenan running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 16 will be available pre-kick-off for £3. Today’s issue includes an interview with under 20s player Neil Blake. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery or in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm.
Mon the Fife!