Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City
A poor showing against Stranraer last week has seen the League 2 title now balancing on a knife edge, as we now sit on top of the tree by just goal difference following last week’s 3-0 defeat at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Today, we visit Meadowbank Stadium to face Edinburgh City, who were on a strong run of form before last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat in Peterhead. We have taken nine points from nine thus far against Edinburgh City, though Michael McIndoe’s side have vastly improved as the season has gone on, so there is more to this contest than perhaps meets the eye.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 29 | 25 | 53 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 29 | 13 | 53 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 29 | 6 | 46 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 29 | 4 | 43 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 29 | 1 | 43 |
| 6 | Stirling Albion | 29 | -6 | 38 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 29 | -1 | 37 |
| 8 | Clyde | 29 | -13 | 30 |
| 9 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 29 | -16 | 27 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 29 | -13 | 26 |
Last Week’s League Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 1-1 Stirling Albion
East Fife 0-3 Stranraer
Elgin City 2-0 Clyde
Forfar Athletic 0-2 The Spartans
Peterhead 2-0 Edinburgh City
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Edinburgh City vs East Fife
The Spartans vs Elgin City
Stirling Albion vs Peterhead
Stranraer vs Forfar Athletic
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.
The wins came over the Spartans (1-0), in February, as well as Clyde (2-1) a fortnight ago 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.
Our first defeat was away to Stirling Albion, as Dale Hilson secured victory for the Binos. Our second defeat was last week against Stranraer. Hawkshaw opened the scoring from the spot, before two fantastic finishes from Deryn Lang bedded the Fifers who were well below par last Saturday.
Our Opposition
Edinburgh City have accumulated 12 points from their last available 18, winning four and losing two games.
In that run, they have only played twice at Meadowbank, firstly thumping the Spartans 5-0 on derby day, before losing to Stranraer 1-0 at the beginning of March.
They have played four away from home, winning three, with just one defeat. 1-0 wins over Forfar and Bonnyrigg were necessities, with Stokes scoring a 93rd minute winner against the Rose. A 2-1 win over Elgin City saw Edinburgh all but secure third place at Borough Briggs. Last week, Edinburgh also faced defeat, though it was in the Highlands, as Peterhead ran out 2-0 winners at the Balmoor.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 4-1 Edinburgh City
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Saturday 25th January 2025
A phenomenal final ten minutes saw four goals and a red card, as East Fife came from behind to overcome Edinburgh City in Methil. Stokes opened the scoring for Edinburgh City, but that was flipped on its head as Austin, Laaref, Peggie and Trouten cleaned house in the closing stages.
Squad News
Outs: Pat Slattery remains out through injury. Liam McFarlane is away on international duty with Scotland U21s so will miss today’s game.
Ins: Brian Easton returns to the squad this week and under 20s goalkeeper Andrew Johnston has been called up to the first team in the absence of McFarlane.
Match Tickets
Prices for Meadowbank Stadium can be found below:
Adults: £15
Concessions (U18s/OAPs): £10
Under-12s: £5
Tickets can be purchased through Edinburgh City’s FanBase page. Tickets can also be purchased with cash or card in the turnstiles before kick-off.
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 don the new Back Onside sponsored away kit. We will be wearing the blue and white striped top, with white shorts and socks. Our goalkeeper will be in all yellow for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Alastair Grieve. Steven Traynor and Jamie Andrews will be his assistants, running the lines.
Misc
Visiting supporters should access Meadowbank Stadium via the entrance at the east of the ground, closest to the community astroturf pitch. Sections A&B of the stand are designated for away fans.
Card can be used at food kiosks on matchdays.
Mon the Fife!