Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.
Death. Taxes. Alan Trouten scoring a penalty. Those are life’s certainties.
East Fife returned to winning ways through the vice captain’s spot kick, as we overcame The Spartans at Ainslie Park. This week, we are sent back to the wooden fortress, as we host Bonnyrigg Rose at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The Rose are coming off the back of a valiant fight against Peterhead, where they narrowly lost 4-3 in a back-and-forth contest.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 24 | 28 | 48 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 24 | 9 | 44 |
| 3 | Elgin City | 23 | 9 | 40 |
| 4 | Edinburgh City | 24 | 2 | 37 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 24 | -6 | 30 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 22 | -2 | 29 |
| 7 | Clyde | 24 | -9 | 26 |
| 8 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 24 | -11 | 25 |
| 9 | Stranraer | 23 | -8 | 24 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 22 | -12 | 16 |
Last Week’s League Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 3-4 Peterhead
Clyde 2-0 Stranraer
Forfar Athletic 0-1 Edinburgh City
Stirling Albion 3-1 Elgin City
The Spartans 0-1 East Fife
This Weekend’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Edinburgh City vs The Spartans
Peterhead vs Clyde
Stirling Albion vs Forfar Athletic
Stranraer vs Elgin City
A message from the management team
Speaking with East Fife TV before today’s game, assistant manager Ian Campbell said:
“As usual we will give Bonnyrigg the utmost respect and we know that this will be a difficult game. However, we have had a great week of training, and the boys are up for their work.”
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife bounced back from defeat against Elgin, having won five of the last six games, accumulating 15 points from a possible 18 in the league.
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.
A commanding second half performance then saw us claim a 3-0 victory over Darren Young’ Clyde side, before our dominant first half display against Stranraer made it five wins in five.
Three weeks ago, 15 minutes of pure quality blew Edinburgh City out of the water. Eighty minutes of mediocrity drew null and void, as Nathan Austin, Adam Laaref, Reis Peggie and Alan Trouten all found the back of the net in the dying embers of the contest. Edin Lynch saw red too, in what was a shambolic end to proceedings for the Citizens, who compete well in the majority of the match.
Kyle Girvan scored the only goal in a 1-0 defeat against Elgin a fortnight ago, before Trouten got East Fife back to winning games last Saturday.
Our Opposition
Bonnyrigg Rose have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games, totalling 7 points from the available 18.
They have faced two heavy away defeats, losing 3-0 to Stirling Albion at Forthbank, and Elgin City at Borough Briggs. Their other defeat came at home last week to Peterhead, where a late winner capped off a seven-goal thriller for the Blue Toon.
They drew 2-2 with the Spartans at New Dundas Park back in January.
Their two wins have both come at home, against teams also in the bottom four. Firstly, Bonnyrigg beat Stranraer 3-1 before they overcame Clyde three days later 2-1 at New Dundas.
Previous Encounter
Bonnyrigg Rose 1-1 East Fife
Saturday 30th November 2024, New Dundas Park
Jess Norey was on the scoresheet for the Methil Milan back in November, as the Fifers came from a goal behind to take a point back to Bayview. Lee Currie’s early free kick looked to be the difference maker, before Norey scored in the final fifteen minutes.
Squad News
Gregor Nicol is our only confirmed absence today as he remains out long term. Stewart Murdoch is making good progress, though this Saturday comes too soon for the club captain.
Liam Newton has returned from illness and is available for selection.
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. Our online ticketing system supports both Google Pay and Apple Pay.
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 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.
There are no confirmed colours for Bonnyrigg Rose as of yet.
Officials
The referee today will be Stewart Luke with his assistants Calum Doyle and Kenny Brown running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 18 will be available pre-kick off for £3. This week’s edition features an interview with Kallum Higginbotham. It can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm.
Mon the Fife!