East Fife 1-4 Bonnyrigg Rose, Saturday 13th April 2024
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League 2
East Fife’s unbeaten start to life under Dick Campbell and team came to an abrupt halt this past Saturday, as Bonnyrigg Rose disposed of us with ease, beating us 4-1 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The game could prove vital in the visitors’ survival though has crushed our playoff hopes.
The Rosey Posey had the ball in the back of the net early doors; however, it was chalked off for offside. We responded well to the disallowed goal by venturing up the other end and scoring, with Alan Trouten nodding home Liam Newton’s cross, handing us a lead after an action-packed start to the game.
Our lead only lasted 6 minutes however, with Neil Martynuik equalising via a headed effort of his own.
The action didn’t stop there, and Bonnyrigg were ahead a further 10 minutes later. Dean Watson’s floated cross found Ross Gray, and his volley at the near post was unstoppable.
Before half time, Bonnyrigg had made it three. Dean Watson hit a 35-yard half volley, which rattled the crossbar and bounced back into play. The rebound fell to Bradley Barrett, who could not miss. 3-1 Bonnyrigg.
In the second half, Bonnyrigg kept on pushing and eventually got their fourth with 15 minutes on the clock with Kerr Young scored for the Rose, killing the game in the process.
Bonnyrigg now lie 4 points clear of the drop zone, whereas East Fife sit 7 points adrift of the playoff places.
It was certainly the poorest performance of The Campbell era, where the physicality and pace of the game looked to pass a few of the Fifers on the day.
After the game, Dick Campbell gave an honest account of proceedings, saying:
“As you all know, I get angry easily, but I don’t think we ever, ever got out of the blocks today. They had three chances before they scored, and then it was constant waves and waves of attack. Even in the second half we did not create anything. If you’re playing in front of your home fans and you’re playing for us at East Fife, you need to do much better than that.”
All heads turn to this weekend now, where we travel to Forfar Athletic, the playoff dream will be over this weekend, should The Spartans win on Saturday.
Report by Oli Anderson
East Fife – Fleming, Newton (Slattery 62’), Docherty (Walls 62’), Blaney, Easton, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Lyon (Schiavone 45’), Shepherd (Hamilton 77’). Subs not used: Page, Nicol, Murray, Beveridge, Ramsay.
Bonnyrigg Rose – Martin, Mailer, Martyniuk, Young, Peggie, Currie, Gray (Doan 90’), Watson (McGale 87’), Barrett, Connelly, McGachie (Osadolor 71’). Subs not used: Mercer, Jarvis, Dunsmore, Stewart, Grigor, Andrews.
Referee – Andy Gamble
Attendance - 698
Highlights from yesterday's match against Bonnyrigg Rose along with post-match reaction from Dick Campbell, Jack Healy and Brian Easton.
We’re delighted to announce that Jack Healy has signed a 1-year extension to his contract.
Having initially come through the East Fife Community Football pathway, Jack returned to the club in 2019 for the inaugural campaign of our under 20s side and making his first-team debut as a 17-year-old against Dumbarton in November of that year.
Following a successful loan spell at East Stirlingshire, Jack signed his first professional contract in February 2022 and is now approaching 100 appearances for this first-team to add to his 9 goals.
Assistant Manager Ian Campbell: “Jack is a first-class talent and can be a real game changer. We’re looking forward to him realising his potential and playing an important role for East Fife moving forward.”.
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.
After being held to a goalless draw by Stenhousemuir last weekend, a result which saw the Warriors clinch their first league title in their history, we turn our attention to Bonnyrigg Rose as we seek another 3 points to get our playoff hopes back on track. The Rosey Posey are coming off the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Peterhead, going ahead twice in the game before being pegged back on both occasions. This will no doubt be a challenging encounter, as Bonnyrigg are still well and truly in the mix at the bottom of the table, fighting to avoid being ‘Club 42’.
A message from the management team:
Assistant manager Ian Campbell kept it short and sweet this week, and when asked about the clash with Bonnyrigg Rose, he simply said that he thought it would be a ‘Tremendously difficult game’.
The cinch League Two
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stenhousemuir (C) | 32 | 21 | 65 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 32 | 17 | 52 |
| 3 | Dumbarton | 32 | 12 | 52 |
| 4 | The Spartans | 32 | 8 | 50 |
| 5 | East Fife | 32 | 5 | 44 |
| 6 | Elgin City | 32 | -21 | 37 |
| 7 | Forfar Athletic | 32 | -5 | 36 |
| 8 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 32 | -7 | 32 |
| 9 | Clyde | 32 | -15 | 31 |
| 10 | Stranraer | 32 | -15 | 31 |
Things are really heating up at the bottom of the league, with only 1 point separating the bottom 3, with goals scored being the difference at the moment between Stranraer and Clyde, as both have equal points and an equal goal difference. Clyde’s 92nd minute winner against Stranraer last weekend could prove crucial in their survival hopes. Elgin City and Forfar Athletic are by no means safe either, only having a 5- and 6-point cushion respectively. East Fife are now mathematically safe after last week’s point on the road.
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 2-2 Peterhead
Clyde 1-0 Stranraer
Elgin City 2-2 Spartans
Forfar Athletic 0-0 Dumbarton
Stenhousemuir 0-0 East Fife
This week’s action (League Position)
Dumbarton (3) vs Clyde (9)
East Fife (5) vs Bonnyrigg Rose (8)
Peterhead (2) vs Forfar Athletic (6)
Stenhousemuir (1) vs Elgin City (7)
The Spartans (4) vs Stranraer (10)
Lots of tricky clashes today, with the 3 sides fighting for two playoff places (Dumbarton, The Spartans and us) all battling the bottom three in the league, with every point vital for all 6 teams in the run in. Equally, should Forfar or Elgin lose to either of the top 2, an upset in any of the three previously mentioned games would bring them right back into the danger zone, so it is all to play for!
Previous Encounter
New Dundas Park, 17th February
The last time the sides met, East Fife recorded their first victory of the Dick Campbell era, as a 3-minute spell saw 2 goals which proved to be the difference between the two sides. The first half was a hotly contested affair, though we were able to show our quality and comfortably see the game out.
We started the match brightly, with Alan Trouten, who was playing much further forward, challenging goalkeeper Martin from range inside the first two minutes. The Rosey Posey stopper dealt with the shot with relative ease though.
After 10 minutes of play, it was Jack Healy who was causing problems as he tried his luck with a long-range free kick. It flew over the cross bar though, and we remained all square.
New signing James Lyon impressed throughout and got himself involved in the action after 17 minutes, linking up with Alan Trouten, to tee up Kieran Millar. Unfortunately, the midfielder mishit his volley and it soared wide.
Martin was forced into another save for Bonnyrigg Rose when Nathan Austin broke through the defensive line. Sadly, Fash’s shot was right at the goalie, and it was another simple stop.
Fleming was called into action shortly after, making an impressive, yet simple save keeping us on level terms.
We broke the deadlock five minutes later, through a dead ball situation no less. Jack Healy lofted a marvellous ball into the danger area, which was met by experienced centre half Brian Easton. The Scottish Cup winner looped his header over Paddy Martin’s head, scoring his first goal in the famous Black and Gold.
Five minutes later, our lead was doubled, as some fantastic quick feet from Jack Healy drew a penalty from Rosey Posey captain Kerr Young. Alan Trouten then stepped up and did what Alan Trouten does, slotting home, adding to his 91% penalty conversion rate throughout his entire career (which spans back to 2003!).
The second half started as the first half ended, with East Fife in cruise control, on the ascendency once again. Trouten was played through in some tiki taka football which looked like it came straight out of ‘La Masia’. Trouten was well tracked though, and he couldn’t get his shot away.
The tide started to slowly turn, and Bonnyrigg had their golden chance in the 80th minute. Declan Byrne found himself through and dinked the ball over the head of an onrushing Allan Fleming. Luckily for the Fifers, Brian Easton was quick to react, and was able to hook the ball from the goal line.
The game then petered out, as East Fife coasted to their first victory since the 17th of January, however it ended worse for Bonnyrigg as Fife resident Reis Peggie was sent packing in the 94th minute for a second bookable offence.
The Form
The Fife
In our last 6 games, the Fifers have recorded 4 wins and 2 draws, remaining unbeaten and scooping up an impressive 14 points in cinch League Two in the process. We are currently the form team in the league and have reacted well to the change in management.
Our two draws have come in varying fashion. The first came when we shared the spoils with Peterhead on the 16th of March. We struggled massively in the first half, and Pawlett sent the Blue Toon in at the break with a deserved lead. We did, however, managed to bounce back in the second period, and Alan Trouten did what he does best and stuck the ball in the onion bag for the Fife. Our most recent draw came last weekend against Stenhousemuir, as we played out a goalless affair.
The first of many wins came against The Spartans, winning 3-1 at Ainslie Park. Blair Henderson scored for the hosts inside 3 minutes, and despite a slight period of dominance from The Spartans, East Fife bounced back and grew into the game, more and more eventually equalising through Alan Trouten. After the first went in, we never looked back, dominating proceedings running out 3-1 winners in the end, with Fash and Trouten on the scoresheet, with the latter bagging a brace.
We then went back-to-back, recovering a 2-1 deficit to defeat Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. ‘Stone Cold’ was at hand to gift us the opener inside 3 minutes, in what was definitely a ‘glass shattering start’. We were pegged back in the second period by the Sons though, as goals from Finlay Gray and James Hilton flipped the game on its head. We would not go down without a fight though, and centre half Brian Easton made it two in two for himself, nabbing an equaliser. The game was not finished, and we made sure to take all three points, with Fash bagging a second for the day, sending the Fifers into a frenzy of celebration. It was a great performance, with a fantastic moment, and result to match.
The 23rd of March saw us grab our 3rd win in 6, coming from behind to overcome Stranraer. Matty Grant scored the opener from a very deep free kick (which looked to have been largely assisted by the wind.) James Lyon converted at the start of the second half for the Fifers, pulling us level, before Jack Healy scored a fantastic soaring volley to hand us the lead, and the three points.
Finally, the following week made it 4 from 6, as Alan Trouten and James Lyon were both on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win against Elgin City where Jack Healy starred.
The Rosey Posey
Bonnyrigg have not won in their last 6 (touch wood), losing three and drawing three of their previous matches. In those 6 games, they have conceded 10 and scored just 6, while we have scored 11 and conceded just 5.
Their first loss came on the 9th of March against Elgin, as they lost 1-0, with Dangana scoring the winner for City. They then lost 2-1 to Clyde at home the following week, conceding twice in the second half to Jordon Allan, after Smart Osadolor handed them the lead inside the opening minute. The following week seen them lose again, this time to Dumbarton, as Tony Wallace scored from the spot in the first half, and Blair Malcolm killed the game with 5 minutes to go.
Their draws have all come in exciting fashion, firstly in the Lothains derby with The Spartans, Kieran McGachie cancelled out Marc McNulty’s opener sending the sides in level at the break. The Spartans retook the lead quickly after the restart through a Blair Henderson penalty, and things looked bleak for Bonnyrigg when they went down to 10 men in the 85th minute though. They never stopped however and scored a penalty of their own in the 95th minute to nick a point from the game.
They then drew on the road to Stranraer a fortnight ago, with two late goals making for an exciting end to the relegation 6 pointer. Neil Martynuik scored a penalty in the 78th minute, which was quickly answered by Deryn Lang ensuring that both teams drew.
Their most recent draw was last week against Peterhead, the Blue Toon fought from behind twice to share the points in the 4-goal thriller.
Squad News
We are sadly without club captain Stewart Murdoch for today’s clash but Johnny Page returns to the squad giving us additional options at centre half, despite Blaney and Easton’s successful partnership.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th anniversary home kit today. They will be in the famous black and gold top, with white shorts and socks, while the Fife goalie will be clad in yellow.
Our opponents will be in their home colours too, wearing red and white hooped shirts and socks, with all red shorts for the clash. The Bonnyrigg goalie will be dressed in Blue.
Match Tickets
Season Tickets are valid for our league campaign, with prices below:
Adults- £18
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £14
Under 16s- £5
Parent and 1 child- £21
Parent and 2 children- £24
Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.
Live Streaming
Live Streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for our international fans. This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass. You can access this HERE! There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Officials
The on-pitch official this afternoon will be Andy Gamble while his assistants running the lines are Ross Anderson and Robert Thomson.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink (or 3!) before the match. The bar will be open again after the full-time whistle for post-match refreshments.
Pie stalls at both ends of the stadium will be open from 2.00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Programme
Issue Number 19 for the 23/24 edition of the Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre match. This week’s edition includes an interview with club captain Stewart Murdoch.
Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
Final Remarks
It’s do or die for the Fifers now, and I think we’re about to do. This could be another Campbell masterclass, akin to what we had seen at New Dundas Park at the start of his tenure.
Mon The Fife!
Stenhousemuir 0-0 East Fife, Saturday 6th April 2024
Ochilview, cinch League Two
Last weekend saw us further extend our unbeaten run under newly awarded League Two Manager of the Month Dick Campbell, as we drew 0-0 away to Stenhousemuir. The draw proved to be enough to crown the Warriors as Champions of the division, and they thoroughly deserve that title after the season that they have had.
There was a distinct lack of clear-cut opportunities in the game, though Newton created a half chance after 13 minutes of action. His cross found Alan Trouten (March’s player of the month for League Two), who used a whole bundle of experience to knock the ball down to Kieran Millar, but his shot was saved by Darren Jamieson.
5 minutes later, we looked to have another opportunity when the Warriors’ goalkeeper fumbled Healy’s free kick, though the Stenny defence cleared their lines.
Stenhousemuir then took control of the remainder of the half, with Matty Yates forcing Allan Fleming into two saves in two minutes, before Brown cannoned a volley off the crossbar before the half time whistle.
Stenhousemuir almost took the lead 5 minutes after the restart, as Aitken tested Fleming from very long range.
We slowly warmed our way into the half however, and James Lyon almost grabbed the opener, just failing to latch onto a Jack Healy cross.
It was an end-to-end affair with the two sides struggling to create, though East Fife looked destined to score in the 76th minute, when Jamieson spilled a Healy free kick for the second time in the game. It fell to Trouten this time, and the Warriors’ goalie redeemed himself with a strong save.
Healy blasted wide in the last chance of the game for the Fifers. It was a cagey finish, with Stenhousemuir edging ever closer to the league title. When the final whistle blew, you could hear a pin drop at Ochilvew as the Stenhousemuir faithful awaited the result of the Peterhead game. Notifications started appearing on phones, as celebrations ensued, with Stenhousemuir becoming league champions for the first time in their history.
Report by Oli Anderson
Stenhousemuir – D Jamieson, Buchanan, Bilham, Lynch, Wedderburn (Jacobs 78’), Yates (Taylor 74’), Brown (Kirkpatrick 74’), O’Reilly (Berry 89’), Anderson, Aitken. Subs not used: Stirling, Lyle, Rodden.
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch (Docherty 45’), Newton, Blaney, Easton, Lyon (Schiavone 68’), Shepherd, Trouten, Healy. Subs not used: Slattery, Nicol, Hamilton, Walls, Murray, Beveridge, Ramsay.
Referee – Ryan Lee
Attendance – 1,035