It’s derby day at Bayview Stadium tomorrow afternoon as Raith Rovers make the short journey along the Standing Stane Road for the first league meeting between the sides since 2009.

Both clubs have made a satisfactory start to the campaign with the visitors’ one place above the men from Methil in the table after three league games.

East Fife boss Darren Young was a happy man following last week’s 3-2 defeat of Arbroath at Gayfield and is hopeful that his charges can keep up their good form, while acknowledging the task ahead against a Raith Rovers side that saw off Forfar Athletic at Stark’s Park. The Kirkcaldy club have made several new signings following their relegation from the Championship via the play-offs last season, notably two strikers who impressed last year, Greig Spence and ex-Fifer Liam Buchanan. 

The man in charge at Raith is also no stranger to Bayview of course, with Barry Smith taking over in the summer following a six month spell as East Fife gaffer.

Meetings between the old rivals have been few and far between in recent years with the clubs only finding themselves in the same league twice in the last 40 years before this season, the last being 2008-09 when Raith held the upper hand with three wins and a draw.

Supporters are reminded that tomorrow’s clash is all-ticket and will be on sale at the stadium tomorrow depending on availability. The club would also like to advise fans that the upstairs lounge is fully booked for hospitality packages, meaning only the downstairs bar will be open before and after the match for refreshments. It is anticipated that the bar will be busy because of the larger than usual crowd and we would advise supporters to arrive in good time.