Stirling Albion 1-0 East Fife, Saturday 1^st March 2025, William Hill League 2, Forthbank Stadium

East Fife dropped points for the third week on the bounce as we were defeated 1-0 at Forthbank by Stirling Albion. Dale Hilson’s goal on the hour mark proved the difference between the two sides, with the defeat seeing East Fife’s lead at the top of the William Hill League 2 shrink to just one point.

East Fife had the first chance of the game inside the opening ten minutes, when Nathan Austin was brought down within twenty yards of the Stirling goal. Kallum Higginbotham stood over it and elected to drill his effort underneath the wall. It was slightly mishit however and was easily saved by Gaston in the end.

Stirling Albion’s defence suppressed East Fife’s attacking threat for the majority of the game, although it was never as apparent as in the first forty-five minutes, where East Fife could not break down the strong Bino’s backline. While the Fifers gained plenty of territory early doors, there was no real threat coming from the Methil Milan, and Stirling eventually worked their way out of danger, playing themselves into the game as the half progressed.

The sides went in goalless, although the hosts probably edged the first half, having the better of the chances.

The second half started as the first half finished, with Stirling Albion on the ascendency and, just before the hour mark, the hosts found themselves in front. Dale Hilson, who had been the problem man all afternoon, headed home for Alan Maybury’s men, and it was a deserved lead in all honesty, with the Fifers struggling to get out of the blocks after the restart.

Ten minutes after going behind, East Fife looked destined to pull back an equaliser. Andy Munro cannoned a header off the crossbar, before Brian Easton was bundled over in the penalty area as he contested the rebound. Alas, the referee did not give it, and Rob Jones’ subsequent volley was pushed away by Gaston.

As the game continued, an injury to Brian Easton saw Mamadou Bah make his East Fife debut, with the side reverting to a back three in an effort to get more men into advanced positions.

This did not go to plan, and East Fife were unable to break Stirling Albion down despite their best efforts, with Rob Jones heading just wide for the Fifers in the closing moments.

Reporter’s Man of the Match: Kieran Millar

A tough one to choose from Saturday, though Millar was always looking for a forward option when on the ball and breaking up the play when he was without it.

Stirling Albion – Gaston, McGeachie, Kerr, Grant, McNab, Carse, Waugh, Harkenss (Constable 73’), Crane, Hilson (Knox 90+6’), Shanley (Carrick 87’). Subs not used: Graham, Weir, Wright, Smith, Deveney.

East Fife – McFarlane, Newton, Easton (Peggie 76’), Norey (Bah 67’), Munro, Millar, McManus (Jones 67’), Trouten, Higginbotham (Healy 67’), McKenna, Austin (Shepherd 64’). Subs not used: Fleming, Nicol, Laaref, Murdoch.

Referee – Alastair Grieve

Attendance – 865

Report by Oli Anderson

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Srirling Albion

East Fife played out a goalless draw with title rivals Peterhead last week, ensuring that we maintain our four-point lead at the top of the William Hill League 2 as we enter the final ten games.

This weekend, our opposition is Stirling Albion, who are coming off the back of a sore 3-0 defeat away to Stranraer, two goals in three minutes at the end of the first half saw the Binos two behind at the break, before a 93rd minute goal sealed the deal.

Stirling now find themselves in 6th place, seven points behind the final playoff place having played a game more than Elgin City in fourth. Every point is vital for Stirling should they want one last throw of the dice.

William Hill League 2 Table

Last Week’s League Results

Bonnyrigg Rose 0-2 Forfar Athletic

Clyde 0-2 The Spartans

East Fife 0-0 Peterhead

Elgin City 1-2 Edinburgh City

Stranraer 3-0 Stirling Albion

This Weekend’s Fixtures

Edinburgh City vs Stranraer

Forfar Athletic vs Clyde

Peterhead vs Elgin City

Stirling Albion vs East Fife

The Spartans vs Bonnyrigg Rose

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife have recorded 11 points from the last 18 available, with three wins, two draws and a loss in the last six.

A commanding second half performance saw us claim a 3-0 victory over Darren Young’ Clyde side, before our dominant first half display against Stranraer made it five wins in five.

Then at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, 15 minutes of pure quality blew Edinburgh City out of the water. Eighty minutes of mediocrity drew null and void, as Nathan Austin, Adam Laaref, Reis Peggie and Alan Trouten all found the back of the net in the dying embers of the contest. Edin Lynch saw red too, in what was a shambolic end to proceedings for the Citizens, who competed well in the majority of the match.

Kyle Girvan scored the only goal in a 1-0 defeat against Elgin ending our winning run, before Trouten got East Fife back on track from the spot against the Spartans

To consecutive draws with Bonnyrigg and Peterhead have kept the Blue Toon within touching distance of us as we approach the final quarter of the campaign.

Our Opposition

Stirling Albion have 3 wins and 3 defeats in their last six games. jo

In that time, the Binos have played four times at Forthbank, with a 75% success rate, three wins and one defeat at home in their last six. Their wins have come against Forfar Athletic and Elgin City (both 3-1) and Bonnyrigg Rose (3-0). Jack Harkness and Adam Brown were recurring scorers. Their home defeat was against the Spartans, as the Edinburgh based outlet ran out 3-1 winners.

Stirling Albion have lost both of their last two games on the road. Firstly, they fell 4-3 to Edinburgh City at Meadowbank, before last week’s 3-0 drubbing from Stranraer at Stair Park.

Previous Encounter

East Fife 1-1 Stirling Albion

MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Saturday 2nd November 2024

East Fife and Stirling Albion were inseparable the last time the two sides met. Erik Šula opened the scoring after 15 minutes, before Andy Munro converted a powerful header just before half time ensuring that the sides shared the spoils.

Squad News

Gregor Nicol returns to the squad from his long-term absence through a loan spell, and injury.

Pat Slattery misses out this afternoon with an ankle injury.

Match Tickets

Forthbank prices can be found below:

Adults- £17

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £12

17 and under- £8

Children aged 12 or under accompanied by a paying adult or concession go free. Please note that unaccompanied 12 and under supporters will not be admitted into the ground.

Supporters will be housed in the East Stand, access is via Turnstiles 9 and 10. These turnstiles accept cash, or e-ticket, though card is not accepted. You can buy tickets online prior to kick off too.

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 be back in MPH sponsored home strip, wearing the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing yellow for the tie.

Officials

The referee today will be Alastair Grieve with Kevin Buchanan and Kieran Gibson running the lines as his assistants.

Mon The Fife!

Admission prices for our William Hill League 2 match against Clyde at New Douglas Park on Saturday 8th March have been confirmed as follows:

Admission Prices

Adults - £17

Over 65s* - £14

Under 18s - £5

Tickets are now on sale from Clyde’s ticketing website and our hosts strongly urge tickets to be purchased in advance to avoid delays in entry.

East Fife fans will be housed at the north end of the home stand and should enter via turnstile 4.

A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland this via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.

East Fife fans are welcome to use the first floor “Fanzone” at New Douglas Park which is open from 1pm. Entry to the Fanzone is via the main reception.

Admission prices for our William Hill League 2 match against Stirling Albion at Forthbank Stadium on Saturday 1^st March have been confirmed as follows:

Admission Prices

Adults - £17

Concessions* - £12

17 and under - £8

Under 12s – Free (when accompanied by an adult)

*Over 65s and disabled

Tickets will shortly be available to buy from Stirling Albion’s ticketing website.

A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland this via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.