Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stranraer.
A return to winning ways was required last weekend when the Fifers visited Hamilton, and the squad well and truly delivered on that front, as goals from Robert Jones and Alan Trouten toppled Clyde at New Douglas Park. It was a marked improvement in performance from previous weeks too, and was an ideal start to the final quarter, moving to three points clear at the top of the William Hill League 2 Table.
Today, East Fife host Stranraer at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, where the Fifers will be looking to make it two consecutive victories against the Blues. Stranraer held 10-man Peterhead to a goalless draw last weekend at Stair Park, and are now eyeing up the final playoff spot, sitting six points behind fourth placed Elgin City
Willm Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 28 | 28 | 53 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 28 | 11 | 50 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 28 | 8 | 46 |
| Elgin City | 27 | 4 | 40 | |
| 5 | The Spartans | 27 | -3 | 37 |
| 6 | Stirling Albion | 28 | -6 | 37 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 28 | -4 | 34 |
| 8 | Clyde | 28 | -11 | 30 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 28 | -11 | 26 |
| 10 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 28 | -16 | 26 |
Last Week’s League Results
Saturday 8th March
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Edinburgh City
Clyde 1-2 East Fife
Elgin City 0-1 Forfar Athletic
Stranraer 0-0 Peterhead
The Spartans 0-0 Stirling Albion
Tuesday 11th March
Elgin City 0-2 The Spartans
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Stirling Albion
East Fife vs Stranraer
Elgin City vs Clyde
Forfar Athletic vs The Spartans
Peterhead vs Edinburgh City
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have recorded eight points from the last 18 available, with two wins, two draws and two losses in the last six, in what has been a challenging period for East Fife, finding only one win since the beginning of February.
The wins came over The Spartans (1-0), in February, as well as Clyde (2-1) last week. Both came away from home, with Trouten on the scoresheet in both games.
Our draws came against Peterhead (0-0), and Bonnyrigg Rose (1-1), both at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Alan Trouten was the man on the scoresheet against the Rose once again, with a late equaliser from the spot.
Both of our defeats were away from home, and were both 1-0, as Kyle Girvan handed Elgin City three points, while Dale Hilson claimed victory for Stirling Albion at Forthbank a fortnight ago.
Our Opposition
Stranraer have won three, lost two and drawn one of their last six games, accumulating ten points from the available eighteen.
Their victories came on three consecutive weeks, as they beat Elgin City (1-0), then Stirling Albion (3-0), followed by Edinburgh City (1-0) in a particularly impressive run. The games saw five different goalscorers, showing Stranraer’s attacking threat can come from anywhere.
Their draw was last week’s goalless affair against Peterhead, while their losses have come against two sides below them in the league, Clyde (2-0) and Forfar Athletic (2-1). They lost to Clyde in Hamilton, although Forfar took all three points on Stranraer’s patch.
Previous Encounter
Stranraer 0-2 East Fife
Eco Gen Stadium @ Stair Park
Saturday 18th January 2025
A rampant first half saw East Fife claim all three points the last time we met Stranraer, in January. Jack Healy’s deflected effort found the top right corner after a quarter of an hour, and ten minutes later, Alan Trouten doubled our advantage from the edge of the box.
Squad News
Outs: Pat Slattery confirmed absence today as he remains out of the squad due to injury.
Ins: We are hopeful that this weekend will see the return of both Brian Easton and Nathan Austin.
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.
Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.
Stranraer supporters will be housed in Section K this afternoon.
Turnstiles will be open from 2pm this afternoon.
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 commentators will be Daniel Hughes and Oli Anderson.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the MPH Group sponsored home kit, wearing the black and gold striped top, with black shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing yellow for the match.
Stranraer will be in their traditional home colours, wearing a blue shirt with white socks and blue shorts. The Stranraer goalie will be clad in all red for the game.
Officials
The referee today will be Gary Hanvidge, with Scott Bunting and Kenny Brown running the lines as his assistants.
Misc
The Bayview issue 20 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. For those unable to make the game, programmes can also be purchased online for home delivery.
The downstairs stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm this afternoon for pre-match refreshments. Both home and away supporters are welcome. The Jeek Fleming Suite is closed this afternoon due to a sold out hospitality.
Pie stalls at both ends of the stadium will be open from 2pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
At half-time this afternoon we will have our inaugural crossbar challenge. There are still a couple of places remaining for anyone who would like to take part.
Mon the Fife!