East Fife 0-0 Peterhead, Saturday 22nd February 2025, William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife and Peterhead played out a goalless draw at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday, a result which keeps the Fifers four points clear at the top of the William Hill League 2.
East Fife, for the first time in a number of weeks, started fast, forcing the Blue Toon defence into a handful of unforced errors which led to a flurry of corner kicks. Unfortunately, East Fife’s set piece delivery was below-par on the day, rarely beating the first man, and when they did, they fell into the grasp of Peterhead goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie.
Alan Trouten had the chance of the first half for the Fifers, with his headed effort falling on the wrong side of the post.
Peterhead responded well, hitting the Fifers on the break, with Ciaran Dunne being a particular stand out, with his pace and power driving Peterhead forward on their left-hand side.
We had our best chance of the ninety minutes just after half time when Alan Trouten looked to keep an attack live, finding Austin from the by-line. Fash looked destined to fire home, though the linesman stated that the ball was out of play.
Minutes later, substitute Adam Laaref had a shot on goal, though it was no real threat to Stuart McKenzie.
East Fife looked the more likely of the two sides to score as the game drew to a close, but out of nowhere, Peterhead should have won the game with the last kick of the ball.
During a stramash in our box, the Peterhead attack could not beat Liam Newton who blocked two consecutive efforts, sending the ball over the crossbar. It was excellent last ditch defending, which could prove crucial in the remainder of the League 2 season.
We are on the road next Saturday, where we will play Stirling Albion at Forthbank, while Peterhead return to the Balmoor, as they gear up to host fourth placed Elgin City. Elgin now find themselves six points behind Peterhead, and ten behind East Fife, though they do have a game in hand on the top two teams.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Andy Munro
Liam Newton’s last-minute bit of quality was certainly the moment of the match, though Munro’s consistency, and success in the air aided the team greatly en-route to our eleventh league clean sheet of the season.
East Fife – McFarlane, Easton, Norey (Shepherd 71’), Peggie (Newton 71’), Munro, Millar, McManus, Trouten (Jones 90’), Healy (Higginbotham 59’), McKenna, Austin (Laaref 71’). Subs not used: Fleming, Murdoch, Nicol, Bah.
Peterhead – McKenzie, D Strachan, Jas Brown, Scott Ross, Dunne, McCarthy, Smith, Pawlett (Carnwath 86’), Forrest (Seb Ross 72’), Barry (Jack Brown 72’), Shanks (Colloty 72’). Subs not used: Goldie, McAllister, Oluyemi, Wilson, Jo Brown.
Referee – Graham Grainger
Attendance – 1,106
Report by Oli Anderson