Latest News
Match Preview - Stenhousemuir
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stenhousemuir.
This week has seen the dawn of a new era at Bayview, with one of the biggest personalities in Scottish Football, Dick Campbell, and his worthy team of his brother Ian ‘Pink’ Campbell, and John Young. However, if they want the perfect welcome at the MGM Timber Bayview on Saturday, they are going to have to work for it, as the Black and Gold will come face to face with Gary Naysmith’s high-flying Stenhousemuir side.
Last week saw defeat to Elgin City in rather disappointing fashion as we never looked like scoring. However, a line can be drawn under this as the club has an opportunity for a fresh start, finishing this season as strongly as possible.
Our opponents are coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Dumbarton, which allowed the Warriors to maintain their 15-point lead at the summit of League Two. Defeat for Dumbarton, who have slipped into 4th (the final playoff place) leaves them now 9 points ahead of us in 6th, although the Sons do have 2 games in hand.
A Message from the New Management Team
Speaking with new Assistant Manager Ian Campbell before Saturday, regarding Stenhousemuir and beyond, Pink said:
“This has the potential to be a fantastic game against a side that has had a brilliant season to date and fully deserve to be top of the league. From our viewpoint, this is the first game for the new regime, and we are really looking forward to it.”
The cinch League Two Table
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Stenhousemuir |
23 |
55 |
25 |
|
2 |
Peterhead |
23 |
40 |
13 |
|
3 |
The Spartans |
21 |
36 |
12 |
|
4 |
Dumbarton |
21 |
34 |
10 |
|
5 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
22 |
28 |
1 |
|
6 |
East Fife |
23 |
25 |
-3 |
|
7 |
Forfar Athletic |
22 |
24 |
-5 |
|
8 |
Elgin City |
23 |
24 |
-21 |
|
9 |
Stranraer |
22 |
23 |
-15 |
|
10 |
Clyde |
22 |
15 |
-17 |
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-0 Stranraer
Clyde 1-1 Peterhead
Elgin City 1-0 East Fife
Forfar Athletic 1-0 The Spartans
Stenhousemuir 1-0 Dumbarton
This Week’s Fixtures
Dumbarton vs Forfar Athletic @ The Rock
East Fife vs Stenhousemuir @ The MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Stranraer vs Clyde @ Stair Park
The Spartans vs Elgin City @ Ainslie Park
Bonnyrigg Rose and Peterhead will not face off in league action this weekend due to the Rosey Posey’s progression in the Scottish Cup. They tee up to play Premiership Giants Aberdeen this afternoon.
Previous Encounter
The last time the two sides met, a spirited East Fife second half was not enough for a victory.
Just two minutes into the game, the hosts took the lead in a move that was far too simple for the Warriors. Euan O’Reilly and Kinlay Bilham found themselves two-on-one versus East Fife full back Sean Docherty on the edge of the penalty area, leaving O’Reilly one-on-one with Fleming. The winger made no mistake about his shot and lashed it into the roof of the net. 1-0 Stenny.
Walls had an opportunity bang on the nine-minute mark to make it level after McManus dispossessed the Stenhousemuir midfield. Walls pounced, and found himself in space, though his shot was tame and easily gathered up by Darren Jamieson.
Just minutes later Stenhousemuir should have made it two as Matty Yates had a chance on the edge of the area. Luckily for the Methil Men, it was a tame attempt and Fleming could easily recover.
Walls had another opening in the 17th minute when a delivery was whipped in by Schiavone. Sadly, it was straight at Jamieson who controlled it well, snuffing out the danger.
The misery compiler came moments later for Fife fans, when Matty Yates scored a lovely 20-yard free kick, handing the hosts a two-goal lead after just 21 minutes of play.
East Fife had their best chance of the half in the dying embers before the break. Captain Stewart Murdoch dinked a lovely ball into Austin from deep, although the striker’s touch was just slightly too heavy off his chest, and he couldn’t get his shot away clearly. This left the Methil Milan 2 goals down at the break.
Some questionable defending at the start of the second period from the Fifers handed Stenny an opportunity, though the Black and Gold were saved when the shot glanced wide of the far post.
East Fife had a flurry of chances early in the second half, largely thanks to the inclusion of Alan Trouten and Jack Healy at half time. Jack’s pace, along with Trouten’s intelligence and vision brought a new dimension to the Fifers in the second period, though it took some time for the attacking line to create one of the many chances created by the midfield talismans.
With 64 minutes on the clock, the travelling Fife faithful were subject to the most ludicrous decision I have seen on a football field (it sounds extreme, but it is very true). After a 10-minute period of completely controlling the game, the Fifers deservedly had the ball in the net, though it was flagged for offside. This ended up being a gutting call, as it could have possibly cost the Fifers a point, or maybe more on the road. With that being said, nothing can take Stenhousemuir’s win away from them, as their first half performance was superb and worthy of their two-goal lead, maybe more.
Stenny had a spell after the “offside goal” and cannoned a shot off the woodwork before Flem saved the follow up attempt. He then had another, albeit comfortable save, with ten minutes on the clock, as the Warriors looked to be seeing out their win with ease.
The Methil Men never go down without a fight however and stuck the ball in the back of the net in injury time. It was made by the birthday boy Jack Healy, who jinked inside, and set up McManus, who floated an inch-perfect ball to Austin to get the Fifers back in the match with just minutes to go.
We could have, and perhaps should have nabbed an equaliser in the 94th minute too, when Darren Jamieson made a hugely important save to deny Connor McManus from close range. The parry was in the path of Trouten, though everything happened far too quickly, and we couldn’t capitalise sadly.
Updated Season Ticket Offer
Should you wish to come along to Bayview for the remainder of the season to support the lads and be part of the new Campbell and co. buzz, look no further than our ‘Season Ticket’ deal for all home games between now and the end of the season. These are only on sale for a limited time, and we have two offers available, one which includes this weekend’s battle with the Warriors, giving 7 games, or another without, which leaves 6 games at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium between now and the end of the season. Please find prices below.
7 Game Deal (Includes Stenhousemuir)
Adult- £112
Concession- £88
6 Game Deal (Valid only after Stenhousemuir Game)
Adult- £100
Concession - £88
Squad News
Ins- Brendan Ramsey returns to fitness after the youngster missed the last few weeks due to an ankle problem.
Outs- Unfortunately Pat Slattery and Jacob Comerford remain on the long-term injury list, while a couple of other squad members will have their fitness assessed pre-kick off tomorrow.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th anniversary black and gold top, matched with black shorts and socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the yellow kit.
Our opponents will be in their away colours at the Wooden Fortress, with a white top and maroon shorts and socks. The Stenny goalkeeper will be wearing red for the clash.
Match Tickets
Full and half 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 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!
Officials
The on-pitch official this afternoon will be Calum Scott while his assistants running the lines are Colin Drummond and Ian Hart.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink 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 14 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 Robbie Hamilton along with all of the regular features.
Let’s get behind the boys as we embark on a scintillating new chapter of this fantastic football club. Mon the Fife!
Vacancy - Head Coach East Fife Under 20s
East Fife FC are seeking a Head Coach for our Under 20s side.
This position will be based at Bayview Stadium, Methil, ideally suited to someone locally to the area and is part of the existing management structure at Bayview. This role is voluntary and is with our under 20s team that competes in the Lowland Development League.
This exciting role offers the opportunity to work and develop as a coach within a professional football environment and with the support of the first-team management at East Fife.
Must be able to work 3 evenings a week (2 training nights and Friday night games) although there could be some flexibility regarding training.
Applicants must as a minimum hold a UEFA B Licence.
Applicants Will:
- Value individual player development over results.
- Be willing to work alongside the existing coaching and support staff.
- Design and deliver coaching sessions that are in line with the club’s development framework.
- Be able to use GPS and analysis software.
- Hold a valid UK driving licence.
PVG check to be completed before appointment.
Training Kit provided.
Please send a covering letter and CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5pm on Friday 16th February 2024 and include the job title in the subject line of your email.
Pat Slattery Testimonial Golf Day
The Pat Slattery Testimonial Committee are delighted to announce the first event to mark Pat’s testimonial year in the form of a Golf Day at Deer Park Golf Club, Livingston on Friday 24th May 2024.
The cost is £75 per player and the day will consist of hot roll and tea/coffee on arrival, a round of golf (Texas Scramble format) and a two-course meal after the round with various prizes also on offer for longest drive, closest to the pin and best team score.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact the testimonial committee on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Paul Thomson & Lindsay Hamilton Depart
Following the resignation of Greig McDonald and the subsequent appointment of Dick Campbell as first-team manager, we can confirm that Paul Thomson and Lindsay Hamilton have now left the club.
Paul joined the club in December 2021 as first-team coach under Stevie Crawford before stepping into the Assistant Manager’s role when Greig McDonald took the top job in September the following year. Paul is a young and well respected coach with a bright future in the game
Lindsay returned to the club as Goalkeeping Coach in May 2018 under then Manager Darren Young after a successful playing spell at Bayview between 1995-97. Lindsay continued on the coaching staff under both Stevie Crawford and Greig McDonald. He has been instrumental in the career progressions of our goalkeepers, in particular Jude Smith who was transferred to Newcastle United at the start of last season.
Paul and Lindsay both leave with the thanks of everyone at East Fife and we wish them all the best for the future.
Weekly Goldmine Lotto
You have until 12noon to get a ticket for this week's Goldmine Lotto.
The jackpot is £200!.
Good luck everybody.
Match Report - Elgin City
Elgin City 1-0 East Fife, Saturday 3rd February 2024
Borough Briggs, cinch League Two
Defeat at Borough Briggs spelled our second in succession as we fell 1-0 to Elgin City on Saturday afternoon in a game which marked the end of Greig McDonald’s tenure as East Fife manager.
It was a disappointing display where we struggled with our build up play, and only recorded one shot on target, sadly there was only one team who looked like winning it, and it wasn’t the Methil Milan.
Changes had to be made before the match even started, as Sean Docherty replaced skipper Stuart Murdoch, who suffered an injury in the warmup on Saturday. We wish le capitaine a swift recovery.
Kick off came, and it was a slow start from the Fifers, and they were under the kosh early doors. Conor McManus did expertly well to get in the way of Brian Cameron’s volley, turning the ball out for a corner.
Chances were hard to come by for the Fifers, though they were like London buses. Nathan Austin first flashed a ball across goal, having done remarkably well to keep it in play. Five minutes later, Kieran Millar had a chance, though his 20 yarder was well off target.
A flurry of chances then came in the favour of Elgin, before the end of the first half. Allan Fleming did well to dispose of Mitchell Taylor’s free kick, but sadly City did not stop there. They eventually bagged their goal in the 44th minute, with the aforementioned Brian Cameron being first to react to a loose ball which had just come back off the post.
Much to our dismay, the second half started no differently to how the first half finished, and Elgin were on the attack again after 53 minutes. Fortunately for us Rob Jones’ attempt was fired well over the bar and the score-line remained 1-0.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 56-minute mark saw changes be made, including the quick Jack Healy, whose job was clearly to break the Elgin back line down. Disappointingly, it was not the local lad’s day, and the Elgin full backs done their job well in nullifying Healy.
Brilliant goalkeeping was required by Fleming soon after the substitutions were made, as Golding had a great chance. Fleming was on top form though, and he tipped the effort over the bar.
Elgin looked incredibly comfortable in the contest, though McHale was eventually called into action, as he stopped a diving header from Nathan Austin that looked destined to find the back of the net. An Allan Fleming save in the 93rd minute was the last piece of action of the 90, with all three points sadly staying in the Highlands.
Luckily for ourselves, we weren’t the only team at the blunt end of the table to drop points as 10th placed Clyde conceded a 95th minute penalty against Peterhead. We remain 10 points clear of the drop zone as a result.
Looking forward to the weekend, we are set to host league leaders Stenhousemuir in what will be a challenging game. The Warriors were able to boast an unbeaten run in the league stretching back to August prior to a fortnight ago, when they were toppled by Peterhead.
Report by Oli Anderson
Elgin City – McHale, Cooper (Cairns 42’) Booth, Dolzanski, Draper, Gallagher, Dingwall, Cameron, Golding, Jones (Bray 90+1’), Taylor (Dangana 82’). Subs not used: Mackenzie, Jamieson, Kelly, MacLemon, Ewan, Duncan
East Fife – Fleming, Newton, Docherty (Page 55’), Easton, Millar, McManus, Hamilton, Walls (Shepherd 69’), Schiavone (Healy 56’), Trouten (Nicol 73’), Austin. Subs not used: Cunningham, Murray, Beveridge.
Referee – Alex Shepherd
Attendance - 605