Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City
Last week’s victory over Stranraer at Stair Park has seen East Fife move their run to five wins in five, and six in the last seven. We do not look like we are slowing up, although our opposition today, Edinburgh City, will be looking for revenge. However, they may find it difficult without their frontman, Connor Young, who has returned to the Kingdom of Fife, this time venturing to Dunfermline to play for the Pars in the championship.
Edinburgh, currently occupying 4th place, claimed victory over Clyde last Friday night at the ZLX stadium. Young was on the scoresheet in the second half to put the game to bed.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 21 | 25 | 42 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 21 | 9 | 40 |
| 3 | Elgin City | 19 | 7 | 33 |
| 4 | Edinburgh City | 21 | 3 | 31 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 20 | -8 | 24 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 17 | -2 | 22 |
| 7 | Clyde | 21 | -10 | 22 |
| 8 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 18 | -7 | 18 |
| 9 | Stranraer | 19 | -7 | 18 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 19 | -10 | 15 |
Last Week’s League Results
Friday 17th January
Clyde 0-2 Edinburgh City
Saturday 18th January
Peterhead 3-2 Stirling Albion
Stranraer 0-2 East Fife
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Elgin City
East Fife vs Edinburgh City
Forfar Athletic vs Stranraer
Stirling Albion vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Spartans vs Peterhead.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s are on fantastic form at the moment, having won five of the last six games, accumulating 15 points from a possible 18 in the league.
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.
The last five games have seen straight 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 tenth-placed Forfar Athletic that was followed by a midweek victory over Edinburgh City showed the squad’s character further, 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.
A commanding second-half performance saw us claim a 3-0 victory over Darren Young’s Clyde side before our dominant first-half display against Stranraer made it five wins in five.
Our Opposition
Edinburgh City have won three and lost three of their last six matches.
Their losses came firstly away to The Spartans where they were defeated 1-0 before two home defeats in three days momentarily derailed the Citizens. Firstly, they fell on a Wednesday night 4-2 to us, before losing 1-0 on the Saturday to Peterhead.
Edinburgh have scooped up two home wins in their last six too, with a 1-0 win over Elgin City in December and a 2-0 win over Bonnyrigg Rose at the start of January. Their most recent win came last Friday, when Edinburgh City beat Clyde 2-0 away from home.
Previous Encounter
Edinburgh City 2-4 East Fife
8th January 2025, Meadowbank Stadium
A rampant second half from East Fife proved the difference the last time the two sides met.
The first half was void of chances, with Connor Young opening the scoring for Edinburgh through an audacious free kick. However, two goals in the same number of minutes saw East Fife turn the game on its head early in the second half. Shepherd grabbed the first before Trouten chipped in with the goal that handed East Fife the advantage.
Connor Young pulled one back for Edinburgh, with ten minutes to go, but the game was only level for sixty seconds as Jack Healy went up the other end and fired East Fife back in front. Alan Trouten added a fourth in the dying embers with probably the easiest finish he will have this season.
Squad News
Ins: Liam Newton and Nathan Austin have both returned to fitness and will both be available for selection this afternoon after long-term absences.
Outs: Gregor Nicol remains sidelined from injury.
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, 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
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 MPH Group-sponsored home strip, wearing the famous black and gold stripes, with black shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing yellow for the tie.
Edinburgh City will be in their traditional colours, of a white shirt, with black shorts and white socks.
Officials
The referee today will be Colin Whyte with his assistants Liam Duncan and Jamie Andrews running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 17 will be available pre-kick-off for £3. Today’s issue includes an interview with new signing Robert Jones. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery or in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm.
The stadium lounge is open to both sets of supporters from 12.15pm today
Mon the Fife!