Edinburgh City 5-2 East Fife, Saturday 22nd March 2025, Meadowbank Stadium, William Hill League 2
East Fife succumbed to a 5-2 defeat at Meadowbank, as Michael McIndoe’s men ran riot in the capital.
Edinburgh City won a penalty inside the opening five minutes, when Andy Munro brought down Malik Zaid inside the penalty area. Jason Jarvis made no mistake with his spot kick, and despite a returning Allan Fleming diving the right way, the ball was tucked into the side netting.
Following the slow start East Fife looked to have a hold on the match, with both Michael McKenna and Nathan Austin coming close after twenty minutes.
East Fife should have perhaps had a penalty of their own when Mark Weir clattered into Fash, though the referee deemed that it was a legal challenge, and waved play on.
Five minutes later, Liam Newton was pushed over inside the box, but once again the referee Alastair Grieve said no, and this allowed Edinburgh another escape.
Edinburgh City then doubled their advantage with five minutes to go in the first 45. They showed their blistering pace in attack, when they ploughed down the left-hand side, cutting the ball into an onrushing Innes Lawson, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner.
Just before half time, East Fife should have had penalty number three, when there was a blatant handball in the penalty area. The referee in this instance opted for a free kick to the Citizens.
East Fife probably deserved to have scored at least once in the opening 45, although Edinburgh’s hunger, and speed handed them a well-earned lead at the break.
Dick Campbell and his coaching team opted for a triple substitution at half time, bringing a change of shape as well. Jack Healy, Adam Laaref and Reis Peggie took the places of Mamadou Bah, Liam Newton and Kieran Millar, as the side moved to a 4-4-2 formation.
This looked to have some early joy, as East Fife were quick out of the traps in the second half.
This unfortunately did not last long, as East Fife were stunned by Jarvis’ second of the afternoon. It was an excellent hit on the spin, finding the top right corner leaving Allan Fleming with no chance of saving it.
Devastatingly, East Fife went straight from kick off and conceded for a fourth time in the afternoon. Malik Zaid did tremendously well on the left-hand side, to dance past four men, before his cutback found Tiwi Daramola, who scored his first Edinburgh City goal.
East Fife pulled one back with 60 minutes on the clock when McKenna was wiped out inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Trouten did what he does best, finding the back of the net to reduce the deficit.
Substitute Adam Laaref had the best chance for either side in the game when there were still twenty minutes to play. The winger found space at the back post and looked destined to slot the ball home to make it 4-2, though his shot flew over the bar, and Edinburgh were able to build once again.
With ten minutes to go, Malik Zaid scored a goal of his own, firing into the roof of the net from just inside the box.
Laaref did get himself a goal in the 93rd minute, with a really tidy finish into the bottom corner, although it was merely a consolation on the day.
Defeat sees East Fife fall three points behind Peterhead, who secured a late winner at Forthbank against Stirling Albion.
Edinburgh City – Weir, Mitchell (Gormley 86’), McArthur (Pitt 86’), Lynch, Grigor, Jarvis, Lawson (See 81’), Wells (Jones 63’), Zaid, Stokes, Daramola (Hamilton 86’). Subs not used: Beveridge, Scally.
East Fife – Fleming, Easton, Munro, Bah (Peggie 45’), Murdich (Higginbotham 72’), Newton (Healy 45’), Millar (Laaref 45’), Norey, Trouten, Austin (Jones 63’), McKenna. Subs not used: McManus, Shepherd, Nicol, Johnston.
Referee – Alastair Grieve
Attendance – 395
Report by Oli Anderson