Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Annan Athletic
An emphatic encounter between East Fife and Annan Athletic on Tuesday leaves a League 1 place hanging in the balance ahead of tonight’s encounter. Andy Munro bagged a rare brace at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in a man of the match performance which has ensured a slender lead heading into the second leg. An own goal, and set piece were the Fifers’ undoing, which has kept Annan in the tie, though just and no more.
Supporters are reminded that flares are strictly prohibited within the stadium. Security searches may be conducted prior to entry, and please be advised that Police Scotland will be in the area to assist.
A message from the SPFL:
"We understand that this is an exciting time for players, staff, and supporters alike. However, we would like to take this opportunity to remind Clubs that pitch incursions remain strictly prohibited and would be considered Unacceptable Conduct under SPFL Rules, regardless of the celebratory nature of the occasion.
“While we appreciate the passion and enthusiasm that often accompany the final fixtures of the season, unauthorised access to the field of play presents serious safety, security, and regulatory concerns for players, officials and supporters. Such actions may also result in disciplinary consequences for the Club.”
Road to the Play-Off Final
The Final
Tuesday 13th May: East Fife 3-2 Annan Athletic
Friday 16th May: Annan Athletic vs East Fife.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six away games haven’t gone fully according to plan. Five defeats in the last six away from the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. A victory over Clyde has been long forgotten following two defeats at Edinburgh City, and one in Stirling, Peterhead and Forfar.
Our Opposition
Annan Athletic have won two and lost six of their last four home fixtures, with defeats against Alloa Athletic, Stenhousemuir, Queen of the South and Elgin City in the playoffs. Their wins have come against Kelty Hearts, and impressively against Arbroath, where they beat the League 1 champions 5-1.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 3-2 Annan Athletic
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, Tuesday 13th May
Five goals and three red cards in what was a genuinely mesmerising encounter. Advantage East Fife heading into today.
Squad News
We have no fresh injury concerns ahead of today’s match.
Match Tickets
There will be no cash gate at the Galabank for away fans. Tickets can be purchased on Annan Athletic’s fanbase page, with prices below. (Seated/Standing)
Adult: £18/16
Concessions: £14/12
U16s: £7/6
Under 12s Free with a paying adult (1 free child per adult).
Disabled supporters pay the appropriate entry, and their carers/helpers get in for free.
Turnstiles 5 and 6 have been set aside for away supporters with digital tickets. Turnstiles will be open from 6:30pm
Parking
There is free unreserved parking around the ground, and a car park on the north side of the stadium.
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 and Oli Anderson.
In the UK, Annan Athletic vs East Fife will be televised on BBC Alba, and available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Club Colours
The Fifers wearing the Back Onside sponsored away kit, of white and sky blue shirts with white socks and shorts. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing sky blue for the tie.
Annan Athletic will be in their home colours of gold shirts, black shorts and black socks. The Annan goalkeeper will be in in all orange.
Officials
The referee today will be Colin Steven, with his assistants Graham McNeillie and Scott Anderson. His fourth official will be Ryan Lee.
‘Mon The Fife!