East Fife 1-1 Bonnyrigg Rose, Saturday 15th February 2025, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, William Hill League 2
East Fife secured a late equaliser against Bonnyrigg Rose to earn what could prove to be a valuable point in the William Hill League 2 title race. Following results elsewhere, we still hold our 4-point advantage ahead of next week’s top of the table clash with Peterhead.
The Fifers controlled large spells of the game, although when Bonnyrigg attacked, they caused plenty of problems, putting the ball in the back of the net twice in two minutes, with the first being ruled off for offside.
On both occasions, it was Cameron Ross who found the net, with his second strike leaving Liam McFarlane with absolutely no chance with an effort at the near post. It was a disappointing end to what had looked to be a comfortable opening half for East Fife.
Half Time: East Fife 0-1 Bonnyrigg Rose.
The second half started as you would expect from Dick Campbell’s men. They threw bodies forward and targeted the equaliser. They almost had it through Nathan Austin, although Fash’s curled effort was miraculously tipped over the crossbar by an outstretched McNeil.
East Fife’s substitutions gave the Fifers even more attacking intent as the game progressed, as Adam Laaref and Liam Newton were introduced into the fray; the latter making his first appearance since late October due to a long-term injury.
The two young players linked up on the left-hand side, causing problems with crosses and shots of their own, with Laaref forcing McNeil into a decent save at his near post with ten minutes still left on the clock.
A moment of madness with five minutes to go gifted East Fife an opportunity to pull themselves level, when Connolly punched the ball clear from a corner, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot for handball. Alan Trouten stood over it, and converted for the second consecutive week, marking his 700th professional appearance with a goal.
Both sides had chances in the dying embers, with Bonnyrigg Rose hitting the woodwork almost straight from the restart, but no-one could find a winner, and the spoils were shared at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
East Fife are back in Methil this Saturday, with Peterhead the opposition. The game is a must win for both sides, as we approach the final quarter of the League Two campaign.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Brian Easton.
Another assured defensive performance from Easty gives him the nod this week, with the centre half also making some driving runs into the midfield to create chances for the Fifers.
East Fife: McFarlane, Easton, McManus, Peggie (Newton 79’), Munro, Norey, Trouten, Healy (Laaref 68’), Higginbotham (Jones 79’), McKenna, Austin. Subs not used: Fleming, Slattery, Shepherd, Bah.
Bonnyrigg Rose: McNeil, Mailer, Martyniuk, Young (Sommerville 26’), Lennon, Murphy, Ferrie (Watson 73’), Currie, Barrett, Connelly, Ross. Subs not used: Arnott, McGachie, Stenhouse, Andrews.
Referee: Stewart Luke
Attendance: 644