East Fife 4-2 The Spartans, Saturday 29th March 2025, William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife returned to winning ways for the first time in four weeks, although they did not do it the easy way, coming back from two-nil down, to win the game four goals to two.
The Spartans opened the scoring with the first chance of the game, as Jamie Dishington converted an easy finish, after Mark Stowe cut it across the 18-yard box.
East Fife had a chance to equalise with ten minutes left in the half, but Jack Healy’s effort was cleared off the line by Aaron Preston.
East Fife found themselves two behind on the stroke of half time when the referee gave a penalty after a foul from Stewart Murdoch. Blair Henderson stepped up and slotted home for 2-0, sending Liam McFarlane the wrong way.
Even though the first half was very tight, The Spartans looked well in control. It was the second consecutive week that East Fife went into the half time break trailing by two goals, although they determined to rectify it.
That started with Dick Campbell, who made a plethora of changes heading into the second half, and it paid dividends. Within five minutes of the restart, it was two-all.
Alan Trouten firstly scored from close range when he answered Healy’s deep cross to stab home. Three minutes later, January signing Michael McKenna opened his East Fife account, as he turned in another Healy cross from the back post.
From then on out, there was only going to be one winner, as Dick Campbell’s men obliterated The Spartans. Nathan Austin converted the third and fourth goals, firstly with a headed effort before he turned both Spartans’ centre-halves inside and out to convert from inside the 6-yard box.
A completely dominant second half handed East Fife a well-deserved three points, but also a much-needed confidence boost after recent results have saw the Fifers struggle.
East Fife’s opposition next week, Forfar Athletic held title rivals Peterhead to a goalless draw at Station Park, cutting the Blue Toon’s lead to just one point at the summit of the William Hill League 2 with just five games to go.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Michael McKenna.
Shoutouts to McManus and Higginbotham who revolutionised the East Fife midfield on Saturday, and to Fash for his all-important to goals, but Saturday was all about McKenna. The goal been a long time coming for the January arrival, but he was worth his weight in gold on Saturday, controlling the tempo, and creating chances for the Methil Milan. He was directly involved in two of the goals and played a huge role in linking the play for another one of those. It was McKenna’s best outing in black and gold, and should he be able to maintain this level of performance, he will be a true asset to the Fifers in the run in.
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (McManus 45’), Newton (Peggie 45’), Easton, Munro, Millar, Norey (Higginbotham 45’), Trouten (Shepherd 55’), Healy (Laaref 65’), McKenna, Austin. Subs not used: Fleming, Nicol, Bah, Jones.
The Spartans – Carswell, Waugh, Sonkur, Preston (Laing 77’), Whyte, Dishington, Hunter (Wylie 85’), Russell, Craigen (Walls 73’), Stowe (Dall 73’), Henderson (Morgan 73’). Subs not used: Meek.
Referee – Duncan Nicolson
Attendance – 674
Report by Oli Anderson