Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Srirling Albion
East Fife played out a goalless draw with title rivals Peterhead last week, ensuring that we maintain our four-point lead at the top of the William Hill League 2 as we enter the final ten games.
This weekend, our opposition is Stirling Albion, who are coming off the back of a sore 3-0 defeat away to Stranraer, two goals in three minutes at the end of the first half saw the Binos two behind at the break, before a 93rd minute goal sealed the deal.
Stirling now find themselves in 6th place, seven points behind the final playoff place having played a game more than Elgin City in fourth. Every point is vital for Stirling should they want one last throw of the dice.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 26 | 28 | 50 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 26 | 9 | 46 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 26 | 8 | 43 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 25 | 7 | 40 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 26 | -7 | 33 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 24 | -5 | 32 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 25 | -4 | 30 |
| 8 | Clyde | 26 | -11 | 27 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 26 | -13 | 26 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 24 | -12 | 19 |
Last Week’s League Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-2 Forfar Athletic
Clyde 0-2 The Spartans
East Fife 0-0 Peterhead
Elgin City 1-2 Edinburgh City
Stranraer 3-0 Stirling Albion
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Edinburgh City vs Stranraer
Forfar Athletic vs Clyde
Peterhead vs Elgin City
Stirling Albion vs East Fife
The Spartans vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have recorded 11 points from the last 18 available, with three wins, two draws and a loss in the last six.
A commanding second half performance 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.
Then at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, 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 ending our winning run, before Trouten got East Fife back on track from the spot against the Spartans
To consecutive draws with Bonnyrigg and Peterhead have kept the Blue Toon within touching distance of us as we approach the final quarter of the campaign.
Our Opposition
Stirling Albion have 3 wins and 3 defeats in their last six games. jo
In that time, the Binos have played four times at Forthbank, with a 75% success rate, three wins and one defeat at home in their last six. Their wins have come against Forfar Athletic and Elgin City (both 3-1) and Bonnyrigg Rose (3-0). Jack Harkness and Adam Brown were recurring scorers. Their home defeat was against the Spartans, as the Edinburgh based outlet ran out 3-1 winners.
Stirling Albion have lost both of their last two games on the road. Firstly, they fell 4-3 to Edinburgh City at Meadowbank, before last week’s 3-0 drubbing from Stranraer at Stair Park.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 1-1 Stirling Albion
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Saturday 2nd November 2024
East Fife and Stirling Albion were inseparable the last time the two sides met. Erik Šula opened the scoring after 15 minutes, before Andy Munro converted a powerful header just before half time ensuring that the sides shared the spoils.
Squad News
Gregor Nicol returns to the squad from his long-term absence through a loan spell, and injury.
Pat Slattery misses out this afternoon with an ankle injury.
Match Tickets
Forthbank prices can be found below:
Adults- £17
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £12
17 and under- £8
Children aged 12 or under accompanied by a paying adult or concession go free. Please note that unaccompanied 12 and under supporters will not be admitted into the ground.
Supporters will be housed in the East Stand, access is via Turnstiles 9 and 10. These turnstiles accept cash, or e-ticket, though card is not accepted. You can buy tickets online prior to kick off too.
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 Oli Anderson.
Club Colours
The Fifers will be back in MPH sponsored home strip, wearing the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing yellow for the tie.
Officials
The referee today will be Alastair Grieve with Kevin Buchanan and Kieran Gibson running the lines as his assistants.
Mon The Fife!