East Fife are on their travels again this evening as they head to Angus to take on a Montrose side who have been rejuvenated in the last 12 months, winning the SPFL division two championship last season. Stewart Petrie’s team are also off to a flying start in the Betfred Cup, recording an impressive 1-0 victory in Falkirk on Saturday, thanks to an early goal from Martin Rennie.

Bayview boss Darren Young was also a happy man following his side’s goalless draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park at the weekend. Despite missing out on a bonus point following the penalty shoot-out, there were many positives to take from a very encouraging performance, as the Fifers restricted their Premiership opponents to only a few goalscoring opportunities with a well-organised display and some resolute defending, particularly at set-piece situations.  

In terms of personnel, East Fife should be along the same lines, with goalkeeper Craig McDowall, Scott Linton and Mark Docherty still sidelined through injury. Midfielder Scott Agnew is expected to be available for selection for Sunday’s game against Forfar Athletic at Locality Hub Bayview Stadium.

There are several familiar faces in the Montrose squad, including ex-Fifers Allan Fleming, Ross Campbell and Jordan Millar. The Gable Endies have also recruited Josh Skelly and Patrick Cregg from Arbroath and Forfar Athletic respectively during the summer.

East Fife’s record in recent years against Montrose has been decent, but they will be aware that the Angus side’s form has been excellent and can boast an unbeaten run at Links Park, stretching back to January. An interesting contest awaits.