Match Report - Bonnyrigg Rose

Bonnyrigg Rose 0-2 East Fife, Saturday 17^th February 2023

New Dundas Park, cinch League Two

East Fife recorded their first victory of the Dick Campbell era as a 3-minute spell saw 2 goals which proved 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, 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 and 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 and 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.

On Saturday, we host Forfar Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The Loons currently find themselves sat in 8th place in the cinch League Two, after throwing away a 3-0 lead against title chasers Peterhead at the weekend.

Bonnyrigg Rose – Martin, Martyniuk, Young, Mercer (Stewart 85’), Peggie, Mailer, Currie (McGale 85’), Gray (McGachie 85’), Doan (Byrne 65’), Barrett, Osadolor (Connelly 85’). Subs not used: Jarvis, Gormley, Watson, Andrews

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Page, Easton, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Healy (Hamilton 80’), Lyon (Shepherd 71’), Austin (Walls 90+2’). Subs not used: Schiavone, Nicol, Beveridge, Ramsay

Referee – Duncan Nicolson

Attendance – 730

Report by Oli Anderson

Match Highlights - Bonnyrigg Rose

Highlights from yesterday's match against Bonnyrigg Rose along with post-match reaction from Stuart Malcolm, Brian Easton and James Lyon.

Match Preview - Bonnyrigg Rose

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.

After the dawn of the Campbell era saw a marked improvement last Saturday, drawing 1-1 with league leaders Stenhousemuir, this weekend sees the Fifers facing another challenge, as we will have a mountain to climb (at least for half of the game) as we travel to the outskirts of the capital to play Bonnyrigg Rose. This is the third meeting between the two sides, with the Rosey Posey coming out on top in both of the last encounters.

It was Fash who bagged the equaliser for us last Saturday, cancelling out Ross Meechan’s opener. Austin will be hoping that he can celebrate recently turning 30 by bagging another this weekend.

Our opponents are coming off the back of an impressive performance in the Scottish Cup. While they fell 2-0 to SPFL Premiership side Aberdeen, they created chances and fought hard over the 90 minutes, even forcing goalkeeper Ross Doohan into 5 saves on the day.

The cinch League Two Table

Last Week’s Results

Dumbarton 2-2 Forfar Athletic

East Fife 1-1 Stenhousemuir

Stranraer 2-0 Clyde

The Spartans 1-2 Elgin City

This Week’s Fixtures

Bonnyrigg Rose vs East Fife @ New Dundas Park

Clyde vs Dumbarton @ New Douglas Park

Elgin City vs Stenhousemuir @ Borough Briggs

Forfar Athletic vs Peterhead @ Station Park

Stranraer vs The Spartans @ Stair Park

Previous Encounter

We were on the receiving end of a trouncing the last time the two sides faced, as the Methil Men were outfought, outworked, and outplayed in every single area of the park, falling to Bonnyrigg Rose 3-0 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.

East Fife had the better chances out of the two sides in early proceedings, but it was all for naught as they failed to make them count.

The opening goal came in the 43rd minute, and the defending was questionable at best. Three Fifers failed to trap the ball, and it gave Barrett a sniff. The Rosey Posey man hit the ball on the swivel, lashing it into the bottom corner and handing Bonnyrigg a lead going into the break.

It went from bad to worse 5 minutes after the interval as defender Kerr Young scored an absolute wonder goal, finding the top corner with his back to goal. It was a misery compiler for the Fife, but Bonnyrigg smelled blood.

It went from worse, to somehow even worse just 3 minutes later, as Fleming wiped out the Bonnyrigg frontman, leaving referee Chris Fordyce with no choice but to point to the spot. Neil Martynuik stepped up and fired home killing the contest.

It was a disappointing performance, as the Fifers looked lost at sea at times. Here is hoping that we will see the guys looking for revenge today ans this would be the perfect opportunity for just that.

Squad News

Ins: New signing James Lyon will be available for selection this week, and he will be hoping to be the ‘mane’ man come Saturday evening! Club Captain Stewart Murdoch is also available for selection after missing last week’s game against Stenhousemuir.

Outs: Mikey Cunningham’s departure from the club was announced last night but there are no fresh injury worries ahead of today’s game.

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 blue kit for the match.

Our opponents will be in their traditional colours with a red and white top and red shorts and socks. The Bonnyrigg goalkeeper will be wearing neon green for the clash.

Match Tickets

Admission is via pay at the gate at New Dundas Park with both Cash and Card accepted. Please find prices below:

Adult: £14

Concession: £9

Under 16s: £5

Under 12: Free with a paying adult.

Note for young people. The card readers at New Dundas Park cannot accept prepaid cards such as GoHenry. If you use one of these cards, please take cash out prior to arrival.

Match Programme

Our hosts have a match programme available to purchase for £2 at all entrances gates today.

Live Stream

As always, our international support, outwith the UK and Ireland, can watch the contest on East Fife TV with a monthly or season pass. You can access this HERE!

Match Catering

The snack bar at the away end will be open both prior to kick off and at half-time this afternoon.

Match Officials

The on-pitch official today will be Duncan Nicolson. His two assistants running the lines are Steven Traynor and Calum Doyle.

Mon the Fife!

Lyon Joins On Loan From Partick Thistle

We’re delighted to announce the signing of James Lyon on loan from Partick Thistle until the end of the season.

Midfielder James came through the youth system at Partick and made his first-team debut against Forfar Athletic in December 2020 before joining Stenhousemuir on loan for the 2021/22 season. He returned to Firhill and signed a 2-year contract extension with the club last summer.

Assistant Manager Ian Campbell: “James is an exciting prospect with a fabulous attitude. He plays predominantly in the no. 8 position and will give us something difference whilst enhancing out squad.

James met up with team a training last night and is available for selection for this weekend’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose.

Welcome to Bayview James!

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