Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stirling Albion
East Fife return to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium today following their 2-0 win in Midlothian against Bonnyrigg Rose. The task today remains the same as it has been for some time, as the contest with Stirling Albion is absolutely a must win game. The Binos however, have everything to fight for, as they now find themselves within touching distance of the promotion play-offs. Last week they ran out 3-1 winners over Stranraer, coming from a goal down to win the game with a strong second half. In Bonnyrigg, we started slowly, though pulled ourselves into the driver’s seat through Fash. Soon after the opener, Bonnyrigg were down to ten men, and East Fife looked comfortable, as we ran out eventual 2-0 winners, with Adam Laaref bagging a stoppage time goal.
A message from the management team.
Speaking to East Fife TV before the game, assistant manager Ian ‘Pink’ Campbell said,
“We’ve had a really good week in training with only Pat still injured although he has returned to training as well. We know Stirling are on good run of form and both teams know what’s at stake, so it should be a competitive game, one we’re looking forward to. There promises to be a good crowd, and we are due our fans a good home performance.”
Celebration
Following their victory of the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship, East Fife’s G&WC will have a trophy parade on the pitch at half time.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peterhead | 33 | 20 | 63 |
| 2 | East Fife | 33 | 25 | 59 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 33 | 11 | 55 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 33 | 2 | 49 |
| 5 | Stirling Albion | 33 | -2 | 47 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 33 | -2 | 46 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 33 | -6 | 37 |
| 8 | Clyde | 33 | -11 | 37 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 33 | -11 | 34 |
| 10 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 33 | -26 | 27 |
Last Week’s League Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 2-0 East Fife
Clyde 1-1 Forfar Athletic
Edinburgh City 2-0 Elgin City
Peterhead 1-0 The Spartans
Stirling Albion 3-1 Stranraer
This Weekend’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Stirling Albion
Elgin City vs Peterhead
Forfar Athletic vs Bonnyrigg
Stranraer vs Edinburgh City
The Spartans vs Clyde
The objective today for East Fife is simple, a win is a necessity, while defeat could hand Peterhead the William Hill League 2 title. Stirling Albion also need a win as they mount a late playoff chase.
The Fifers will be looking for a favour from Elgin City who host Peterhead in the last Highland derby of the season. Any points for Elgin would be welcomed by both them and us, as their play-off space is now in jeopardy.
In other fixtures today, Forfar Athletic today have the opportunity to guarantee their survival and condemn Bonnyrigg Rose to the relegation playoff. Should the Loons avoid defeat today at Station Park against the Rose, they will be safe.
Should results go their way, a victory today for Edinburgh City would seal their playoff place.
The Spartans will look for all three points against Clyde too, as a win puts them right back into the playoff mix.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have secured three wins in the last six games. Two have come on the road, while one has been in Methil. Away wins at Clyde (2-1) and Bonnyrigg Rose (2-0) paired with a comeback victory against the Spartans (4-2) in Fife wraps up East Fife’s victories.
Our losses have come primarily away from home too, with defeats in Forfar (1-0) and at the Meadowbank in the capital (5-2) being our losses on the road. A shock thumping at the hands of Stranraer in Methil (3-0) is our other defeat in the last six.
Our Opposition
Stirling Albion are finding form at the right time of the season, losing only one of the last six games, and winning the last three on the bounce. Peterhead were the team to defeat the Binos, scoring late in a 2-1 victory.
Stirling have drawn twice, both on the road. Firstly, it was a goalless draw at the Spartans, with the other draw finishing 1-1 against relegation threatened Bonnyrigg Rose.
Three wins in as many weeks have seen Stirling Albion topple Edinburgh City and Stranraer at Forthbank (2-1 and 3-1 respectively), as well as claiming victory at Borough Briggs (2-0)
Previous Encounter
Stirling Albion 1-0 East Fife
Forthbank Stadium
Saturday 1st March 2025
East Fife fell to Stirling Albion at Forthbank when the sides met last month. Dale Hilson’s goal on the hour mark was all that separated the two sides.
Squad News
We head into the game with the same squad as last week, only Pat Slattery misses out.
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 tie.
Stirling Albion will be in the home colours this afternoon.
Officials
The referee today will be Duncan Nicolson with his assistants Jamie Andrews and Calum Doyle running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 22 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. This week’s edition features an interview with Mamadou Bah. Programmes can also be bought online for home delivery.
Mon the Fife!