Peterhead 1-0 East Fife, Saturday 26th April 2025, Balmoor Stadium, William Hill League 2
Defeat at the hands of Peterhead on Saturday saw the Fifers condemned to the play-offs this season. While it must be noted that a second-place finish can be viewed as a success over the course of the season, it is a major blow that the trophy will not be lifted in Methil after the season that the squad have had.
Dick Campbell made one change to the side that beat Stirling Albion 2-0 at Bayview almost a fortnight ago, with Jess Norey replacing club captain Stewart Murdoch who missed the trip through injury.
Peterhead, who were going into the game with the knowledge that a victory would crown them champions started the quicker of the two sides, controlling the tempo through the early proceedings. It was clear that the Fifers would have to capitalise on any errors committed by the Blue Toon.
On the quarter of an hour mark, that chance looked to have come. A misplaced pass from Ciaran Dunne saw Alan Trouten 1-on-1 with the Peterhead goalkeeper. Unfortunately, despite rounding the stopper, Trouts couldn’t convert, and the score remained goalless.
Chances for Peterhead came and went for Max Barry, but the winger zinged his effort over the crossbar.
The first and only goal of the game came after thirty minutes of action, when Peter Pawlett opened the scoring. Peterhead used a quick free kick to get themselves in behind quickly, and Barry was the first to let a shot go. McFarlane saved that initial effort, though the rebound was hammered home by Pawlett, who scored what proved to be a championship winning goal.
In a game where East Fife failed to really threaten the Peterhead goal, it was left back Peggie who almost pulled us level ten minutes after going behind. The defender drove into an advanced position and let fly from 25 yards, although his effort was well saved by the Blue Toon ‘keeper.
The second half saw Peterhead control proceedings, shutting out the East Fife attack, which grew increasingly more desperate as the game went on. East Fife had few sniffs at goal, and due to the large volume of attacking options on the pitch, left themselves open at the back on a handful of occasions. Liam McFarlane made two very strong stops in the late moments to keep just one goal between the two sides.
It was a disappointing way to go out, the fight in the squad was clear to see. With now six days before the opener in the play-offs, it really is all to play for.
Peterhead – McKenzie, Jas Brown, McCarthy (Seb Ross 67), Shanks (Colloty 80’), Ross, Wilson, Smith, Pawlett, Forrest, Dunne, Barry (J Brown 77’). Subs not used: Goldie, Armour, McAllister, Oluyemi, Carnwath, Walker.
East Fife – McFarlane, Millar (Jones 67’), Easton, McManus, Norey (Healy 67’), Trouten, Austin (Shepherd 80’), Peggie, Laaref (Higginbotham 46’), Munro, McKenna. Subs not used: Fleming, Newton, Slattery, Nicol, Bah.
Referee – Colin Whyte
Attendance – 1,979
Report by Oli Anderson
Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Elgin City at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 3rd May are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Admission Prices
Adults - £18
Concessions* - £14
Under 16s* - £5
Parent & Child - £21
Parent & 2 Children - £24
*Proof of age may be requested
Full- and half-season tickets are valid for this match.
Please note, Section A Rows H-N Seats 75-84 are designated for our young supporters who make up our singing sections, complete with a drum. Please keep this in mind when purchasing tickets for this area.
All members of East Fife Community Football Club & East Fife Girls & Womens’ Football Club who are under 16 go free with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all William Hill League 2 matches at Bayview this season.
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online. Online sales are available right up until kick-off. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01333 426323 or directly from the club office for those unable to buy online.
Please note, that parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.
A live stream is available worldwide this weekend via East Fife TV for £15.
As the season draws to a close, our bar manager, Mandy Stevenson, has confirmed she will be moving on to focus on her full-time occupation.
Mandy has overseen the bar staff since 2014, having first started working behind the bar when the stadium opened its doors back in 1999.
Her presence will be missed not just professionally, but also personally by the many friends she has made during her time with us, and we all wish her the very best as she continues on her chosen career path.
Thanks for looking after us so well over the years Mandy from everyone at the club.
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Peterhead
It’s the big one. A ninety-minute shootout between the two strongest sides over the course of the season. A win would see us rise back to the summit of the league ahead of the final league game of the season, while defeat would see Peterhead crowned champions this afternoon. Last Saturday’s win against Stirling Albion was routine, whereas Peterhead were undone by Elgin City.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peterhead | 34 | 16 | 63 |
| 2 | East Fife | 34 | 27 | 62 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 34 | 9 | 55 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 34 | 6 | 52 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 34 | 0 | 49 |
| 6 | Stirling Albion | 34 | -4 | 47 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 34 | -4 | 40 |
| 8 | Clyde | 34 | -13 | 37 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 34 | -13 | 34 |
| 10 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 34 | -24 | 30 |
Last Week’s League Results
East Fife 2-0 Stirling Albion
Elgin City 4-0 Peterhead
Forfar Athletic 0-2 Bonnyrigg
Stranraer 2-0 Edinburgh City
The Spartans 2-0 Clyde
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs The Spartans
Edinburgh City vs Forfar Athletic
Elgin City vs Stranraer
Peterhead vs East Fife
Stirling Albion vs Clyde
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have secured three wins in the last six games. Two have come in Methil while one has been on the road. A comeback win against the Spartans (4-2) as well as last week against Stirling (2-0) victory are paired with an away win against Bonnyrigg Rose, handing us some much-needed form as we approach the business end of the season.
Our losses have come primarily away from home, 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
Peterhead have four wins, one draw and one loss in their last six.
Three of the wins came at home, against Edinburgh City (2-0), Bonnyrigg Rose (5-0) and The Spartans (1-0). A late winner in Stirling wrapped up their fourth win (2-1).
They drew 0-0 at Station Park against Forfar, while last Saturday’s thumping at Borough Briggs throws their form into the air.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 0-0 Peterhead
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Saturday 22nd February 2025
A goalless affair with not too much action at either goalmouth. A magnificent piece of defending by the Fifers in the dying embers kept us goalless.
Squad News
The management team have a full squad to choose from this afternoon, although a couple of players will be assessed prior to kick off.
Match Tickets
Adults- £10
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £8
Under 16s- £5
Under 10s- Free with a paying adult.
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 Oli Anderson
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.
Officials
The referee today will be Colin Whyte, with his Steven Traynor and Steven Spence.
‘Mon The Fife!
East Fife 2-0 Stirling Albion, Saturday 19th April 2025, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, William Hill League 2
East Fife mounted the pressure on league leaders Peterhead last week, with a convincing 2-0 victory over Stirling Albion at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in Methil.
Winger Adam Laaref made his first start in a number of months and proved worthy of his jersey with a blistering display, having his fullback’s number during the course of the game
We started the stronger of the two sides and set the tone for the game, taking an early lead through striker Nathan Austin. The striker converted from Michael McKenna’s corner kick when the ball passed through a cluster of bodies, and goalkeeper Gaston’s obscured view left him with no chance as Fash’s left foot shot found the net.
Twenty minutes later, East Fife extended their lead, with Fash at the double. Some silky build up play was commandeered by Connor McManus, and the midfielder set up Austin for an incredible first touch finish, leaving Gaston rooted to the spot.
Dick Campbell’s men squandered the chance to lead by three at the beginning of the second half, when a stramash in the box left the Fifers with an open goal. Three men had a pop at it, although none could get an effort on target.
Even though East Fife looked in clear control, Stirling Albion had glimpses of attack on the break. Ryan Shanley had a header effort fall just wide following a sharp breakaway then fired well over when a square pass looked the best option.
As the game continued on, it became progressively scrappier, with attacks breaking down due to some resolute challenges in the midfield.
East Fife saw the game out well, running out worthy winners, moving within a point of Peterhead in the title race and setting up a classic tie next weekend.
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch, Millar, Easton, McManus, Trouten, Austin (Higginbotham 88’), Peggie, Laaref (Healy 78’), Munro, McKenna (Shepherd 88’). Subs not used: Fleming, Newton, Norey, Nicol, Bah, Jones.
Stirling Albion – Gaston, McGeachie, Carse (Hilson 62’), Carrick (Brown 82’), Knox (Kerr 62’), Graham, Waugh, Constable, Grant, Shanley, Crane. Subs not used: Smith, McNab, Howe, Weir, Wright, Deveney.
Referee – Duncan Nicolson
Attendance – 962
Report by Oli Anderson