Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Peterhead
Saviour Alan Trouten again rescued East Fife, from the penalty spot once more, as the Fifers secured a late equaliser against Bonnyrigg Rose at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium last weekend. In truth, it was the least East Fife deserved following a threatening second half, where they did everything except score.
This weekend is the big one, and it truly does fit the cliché as it is the start of eleven cup finals for the Methil Milan. A top-of-the-table clash sees first host second, as we welcome Peterhead to the Kingdom for the second time this season. The Blue Toon are coming off the back of a sticky patch themselves, needing a late winner to overcome Bonnyrigg a fortnight ago, before Clyde earned a draw at the Balmoor last Saturday. Tomorrow’s game, however, is going to come down to who wants it more, all form will be out of the equation ahead of such a pivotal clash in both teams’ seasons.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 25 | 28 | 49 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 25 | 9 | 45 |
| 3 | Elgin City | 24 | 8 | 40 |
| 4 | Edinburgh City | 25 | 7 | 40 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 25 | -4 | 33 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 23 | -7 | 29 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 24 | -7 | 27 |
| 8 | Clyde | 25 | -9 | 27 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 14 | -11 | 26 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 23 | -14 | 16 |
Last Week’s League Results
East Fife 1-1 Bonnyrigg Rose
Edinburgh City 5-0 The Spartans
Peterhead 2-2 Clyde
Stirling Albion 3-1 Forfar Athletic
Stranraer 1-0 Elgin City
This Weekend’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Peterhead
Elgin City vs Edinburgh City
Stranraer vs Stirling Albion
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Forfar Athletic
Clyde vs The Spartans
Unacceptable Conduct
We remind all supporters that anyone caught in possession of pyrotechnics can expect action to be taken. It should also be noted that the use of pyrotechnics is a criminal offence, and Police Scotland will also take action will be taken against anyone caught in possession of such equipment. Sanctions against any breach may result in an indefinite stadium, a Football Banning Order, or in extreme cases as we have seen elsewhere recently, a custodial sentence. Please do not be that person!
A Message from the Management Team:
Speaking with East Fife TV before the game, assistant manager Ian Campbell said:
“We cannot understate how big a game we have on our hands this weekend and we will give Peterhead plenty of respect as we head into the top-of-the-table clash. We have had another great week of training, and the squad are looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead.”
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have recorded 13 points from the last 18 available, last week’s draw against Bonnyrigg Rose and defeat to Elgin City at the start of February are the only blemishes on a fantastic record.
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.
Next up, 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 competed well in the majority of the match.
Kyle Girvan scored the only goal in a 1-0 defeat against Elgin City three weeks ago, before Trouten got East Fife back to winning ways a fortnight ago against The Spartans.
Last weekend’s draw with Bonnyrigg kept Peterhead within touching distance of us, though victory this weekend could send us seven clear of our nearest competitors.
Our Opposition
Peterhead have three wins, two draws and one loss in their last six games, only winning one in the last four.
In that time, Peterhead have played four times at the Balmoor, winning two and drawing two. Their wins came over Stranraer (1-0) and Stirling Albion (3-2), where a late Kieran Shanks strike handed the Blue Toon all three points. Those were both in January, since the turn of the month, Peterhead have struggled in the highlands, drawing 2-2 in both of their last games at home, firstly against 10th placed Forfar, before last week’s clash with Clyde also finished all square.
The Blue Toon have one win, and one defeat on the road in their last six. Their win came in dramatic fashion, as they clinched an 88th-minute winner to beat Bonnyrigg Rose 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller. Their defeat came at Ainslie Park, where Mark Stowe scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for The Spartans.
Previous Encounter
Peterhead 1-0 East Fife
Saturday 14th December 2024, Balmoor Stadium
Kieran Shanks’ header was the difference maker between East Fife and Peterhead when the sides last met before Christmas. The Blue Toon were probably deserving of the three points on the day, though the loss kickstarted East Fife’s six-game winning run, with the Fifers losing just once since the clash two months ago.
Squad News
Outs: Gregor Nicol is our only confirmed absence today as he remains out long-term.
Ins: Kieran Millar returns from illness while Stewart Murdoch may also be ready for this afternoon’s clash.
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 Back Onside sponsored away strip, wearing the Argentina-esque white and sky-blue stripes, with white shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing orange for the match
Officials
The referee today will be Graham Grainger, with Colin Drummond and Michael MacDermid running the lines as his assistants.
Misc
The Bayview issue 19 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. This week’s issue features an interview with Michael McKenna. For those unable to make the game, programmes can also be purchased online for home delivery.
At half-time today, local singer Cammy Barnes will be performing on the pitch.
Mon The Fife!