East Fife 3-0 Clyde, Saturday 11th January 2025, William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
The Fifers sign off on the perfect week!
We moved to five points clear at the top of the William Hill League 2 with a resounding 3-0 win over Clyde at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday. A rampant second-half display made up for a slow first 45 from the Fifers, handing Dick Campbell’s men their fourth consecutive league win.
The Bully Wee had their chances in the game too, however, though Clyde failed to capitalise. While most of their threat was cancelled out by the commanding defensive showings from both Brian Easton and Andy Munro, they showed promise in early exchanges and, after a potential penalty claim for the Bully Week, Scullion rattled the crossbar, coming ever so close for Clyde.
Chances continued to flow for the visitors in the first half an hour, but they failed to capitalise, and we began to slowly grow into the game.
Despite this, Clyde had a chance to take the lead at the tail end of the first half, when Marley Redfern fired goalward from the edge of the 18-yard box. It was a golden opportunity, and one that he should have done better from, as Liam McFarlane easily collected the ball, which sent the two sides in goalless.
As has become a common trend this season, the Fifers came out for the second half rejuvenated, after yet another inspiring team talk from the Campbells. This allowed them to shift up through the gears, and they found the net for the first time just five minutes into the second half. Reis Peggie’s long throw found the head of Munro in the box, who nodded it down into the path of Jess Norey. Norey made no mistake and fired home from close range.
Five minutes later, we doubled our lead from an almost identical scenario. Peggie’s throw once again met Andy Munro, although this time it was Alan Trouten in waiting. The attacking midfielder stabbed home with no mistake, making it 19 goals in all competitions for the season.
The game looked as if it would teeter out as Clyde advanced forward, but substitute Adam Laaref scored in the dying embers to put the game well and truly to bed. He dribbled through the Clyde defence as East Fife hit on the break and lashed his shot from 25 yards out into the top corner, maintaining East Fife’s 100% start to 2025.
We venture to Stair Park on Saturday to play Stranraer. The Blues have been victorious in both of the league meetings between the sides so far this season, so an improved performance is necessary if we are to rectify those woes.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Andy Munro
This could have been Norey for his goal, and superb all-round game, or Trouten for his involvement in the contest. Arguments could also be made for Scott Shepherd or Brian Easton, but Munro’s excellent defensive showing as well as two beautiful crosses to set up the opening goals means that he is a worthy winner of it this week.
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch, Easton, Peggie, Munro, Millar, McManus, Norey (Slattery 90+3’), Trouten, Healy (Laaref 79’), Shepherd (Trialist 78’). Subs not used: Fleming, Briggs, Winn, Docherty.
Clyde – Hemfrey, Houston, Robson, Hamilton, Dunachie, Cuddihy, Scullion, Grant (Docherty 83’), Leitch (Redfern 27’), Murdoch, Connell (Howie 74’). Subs not used: Kennedy, Hynes, Watt, Trialist.
Referee – Sean Murdoch
Attendance – 767
Report by Oli Anderson