Oli Anderson previews today’s match against The Spartans
Another frustrating defeat last Saturday sees East Fife fall off top spot in the William Hill League 2 for the first time in a number of months, with just six games left to play, as Peterhead scored late to overcome Stirling Albion. The Fifers were run ragged by Michael McIndoe’s Edinburgh City side, who were comfortable 5-2 victors at the Meadowbank last week.
The pressure is now well and truly on, as East Fife have 18 points on offer, and will more than likely need to take at least 16 of those, should they want to lift the William Hill League 2 title on the 3rd of May.
This week’s opposition are The Spartans. Dougie Samuel’s side fell to a 2-1 win at Ainslie Park last week against playoff rivals Elgin City and now see themselves in the same boat as East Fife, three points behind in their race for success.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peterhead | 30 | 14 | 56 |
| 2 | East Fife | 30 | 22 | 53 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 30 | 9 | 49 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 30 | 5 | 46 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 30 | 0 | 43 |
| 6 | Stirling Albion | 30 | -7 | 38 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 30 | -2 | 37 |
| 8 | Clyde | 30 | -11 | 33 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 30 | -12 | 29 |
| 10 | Forfar Athletic | 30 | -18 | 27 |
Last Week’s League Results
Clyde 3-1 Bonnyrigg Rose
Edinburgh City 5-2 East Fife
The Spartans 1-2 Elgin City
Stirling Albion 1-2 Peterhead
Stranraer 0-1 Forfar Athletic
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Elgin City
East Fife vs The Spartans
Forfar Athletic vs Peterhead
Stirling Albion vs Edinburgh City
Stranraer vs Clyde
The Form
The Fifers
Considering the standards set earlier on in the season, East Fife are currently on a torrid run of form. Only one win in the last six sees us only have five points from those games.
A 2-1 win in Hamilton against Clyde has been cancelled out by defeats against Stirling Albion, Edinburgh City (both away) and Stranraer (at home).
Draws with Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose (0-0 and 1-1 respectively) wrap up the last six games.
Our Opposition
The Spartans have picked up three wins, two draws and a loss in their last six, although they have only played four different teams.
Firstly, they played Elgin at home and away, where teams exchanged victories away from home, with Spartans winning 2-0 at Borough Briggs, but coming up short 2-1 at Ainslie Park.
They also played Forfar twice, winning 2-0 at Station Park, but once again dropping points at home, drawing 1-1.
In their other games the Spartans drew 0-0 at home against Stirling Albion and beat Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1 at Ainslie Park too.
Previous Encounter
The Spartans 0-1 East Fife
Ainslie Park
Saturday 8th February 2025
A late Alan Trouten penalty sealed all three points for East Fife the last time the two sides met. Neither side could be separated from the other before Aaron Preston fouled Jack Healy inside the box.
Squad News
Outs: Pat Slattery confirmed absence today as he remains out of the squad due to injury.
Ins: Liam McFarlane returns to the squad following his spell away with the national team.
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.
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 Daniel Hughes.
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.
The Spartans will be in their away colours for the game, wearing an all-blue kit. The Spartans goalkeeper will be in all yellow for the clash too.
Officials
The referee today will be Duncan Nicholson with his assistants Steven Wilson and Jack Leslie running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 21 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm.
Mon the Fife!