East Fife 3-0 Edinburgh City, Saturday 10th May 2025, William Hill League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
A dominant display from the Fifers saw them cruise past Edinburgh City 3-0 (3-1 on aggregate) and into the play-off final where they will face current League 1 side Annan Athletic. East Fife manager Dick Campbell dedicated the victory to his late brother, Duncan, in his post-match interview with East Fife TV.
Following the full-time whistle at the end of the first leg on Tuesday night, Campbell made it clear that he had full intention to attack the game, and that is exactly what East Fife did. Lining up with a more direct, and attacking line up, the Fifers took control of the contest from the off, with Edinburgh City looking to sit on their first leg advantage.
East Fife’s first chance came just after the quarter of an hour mark, as Nathan Austin looked to have headed home from a corner kick. The shot however cannoned into the side netting, and the game remained goalless. Minutes later, Austin had another go from an almost identical position, this time however, it was Mark Weir who made it across to block the effort.
East Fife eventually opened the scoring through tricky winger Adam Laaref. The left winger found his way across to the right-hand side of the pitch, where he linked up with Connor McManus to get in behind the Edinburgh defence. Laaref made no errors with his finish and slotted the ball under Mark Weir, putting the Fifers ahead on the day, and pulling them level in the tie.
From there on out, there was only going to be one winner. East Fife pushed and pushed but could not double their lead before half time, having to settle for an aggregate of 1-1 at the break.
The second half saw East Fife shift into yet another gear. In the opening ten minutes, East Fife squandered an opportunity from three yards out, had shouts for a penalty, when Andy Munro was hauled down inside the box, and a goal through January signing Michael McKenna. He picked the ball up from inside the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later, the tie was killed when Alan Trouten scored a lovely team goal. McKenna was the catalyst again, lofting a fantastic cross over to Alan Trouten. Scotland’s top goalscorer this season hit the ball first time, with his “weaker foot”, and burst the net, leaving Mark Weir stranded.
As the game approached the closing stages, Edinburgh City were forced to commit men forward on the attack, which left them exposed defensively. Substitutes Jack Healy and Scott Shepherd both took advantage of this and utilised their pace to create another pair of chances, which on another day lead to another two goals.
East Fife supporters turned out in their numbers, with over one thousand spectators at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, and they were rewarded with a top quality ninety minutes.
Following the contest, a jubilant Dick Campbell spoke with East Fife TV:
“Exceptional. That’s how I would describe that today. I went 4-3-3, that’s how attacking we were going today. Edinburgh are a good, good side, but today we were excellent. We have to remember that it is only half time though. It was half time today, it is half time now, and no matter the result on Tuesday, it will only be half time on Tuesday night.”
When asked about Annan Athletic, his opposition in the final, the manager said: “We have not played Annan this season, but Annan have not played East Fife this year! We will be ready for it.”
East Fife – McFarlane, Easton, Peggie, Munro, Bah (Nicol 75’), Millar, McManus (Norey 45’), Trouten (Higginbotham 72’), Laaref (Healy 72’), McKenna, Austin (Shepherd 67’). Subs not used: Fleming, Slattery, Jones.
Edinburgh City – Weir, Mitchell (Daramola 60’), Robertson, McArthur (Hamilton 75’), Lynch, Jones, Jarvis, Lawson, Zaid (Grigor 75’), Stokes, See. Subs not used: Beveridge, Scally, Pitt.
Referee – Lloyd Wilson
Attendance – 1,070
Report by Oli Anderson