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Match Preview - Elgin City
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Elgin City
After a poor second half performance against The Spartans saw our unbeaten start to 2024 vanish on Tuesday night, we must dust ourselves off for a crucial game in our season this afternoon. We are preparing to make the venture north, to Borough Briggs, facing Elgin City in a match which could be crucial for both teams’ survival chances. Blair Henderson was the man on Tuesday night who ended our run of form, with the striker bagging a hattrick on Tuesday in The Spartans’ 3-0 win over ourselves. Elgin on the other hand are coming into today off the back of a crucial 2-1 over 10th placed Clyde. The Black and Whites came from behind to beat the Bully Wee, putting 7 points now between the two sides.
The Standings
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Stenhousemuir |
22 |
52 |
24 |
|
2 |
Peterhead |
22 |
39 |
13 |
|
3 |
The Spartans |
20 |
36 |
13 |
|
4 |
Dumbarton |
20 |
34 |
11 |
|
5 |
East Fife |
22 |
26 |
-2 |
|
6 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
20 |
24 |
-1 |
|
7 |
Stranraer |
21 |
22 |
-15 |
|
8 |
Forfar Athletic |
21 |
21 |
-6 |
|
9 |
Elgin City |
21 |
21 |
-20 |
|
10 |
Clyde |
21 |
14 |
-17 |
The Week’s Results
East Fife 0-3 The Spartans
Elgin City 2-1 Clyde
This Afternoon’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Stranraer
Clyde vs Peterhead
Elgin City vs East Fife
Forfar Athletic vs The Spartans
Stenhousemuir vs Dumbarton
The Form
The Fife
We have recorded 9 points from our last 6 league games, in recent form, with our only loss being the aforementioned thumping on Tuesday night.
Our first draw came against Forfar at the end of December. A wind, and rainswept Station Park proved too much for the Methil Milan, who could not capitalise on their man advantage, which they had for a large portion of the game, leading to the sides playing out a goalless affair.
Our penultimate draw came 3 weeks ago in a disappointing contest with Clyde, the Fifers never got going in the second period after a fast start, which saw Nathan Austin strike inside five minutes, and that led to the spoils being shared, sadly.
The most recent of the draws came a week past Saturday, where it was a true 2 points dropped situation. Once again, Fash scored inside the first 10 minutes before Jonathan Page doubled our advantage on the 23rd minute mark. Sadly, the second half did not go quite to plan, Jordon Brown scored early in the half and, despite some resolute defending, we conceded at the death, with Scott Ross ensuring the spoils were shared against Peterhead with the last kick of the game.
Our first win came in truly emphatic fashion. It was the first match of 2024 against Dumbarton, where Kieran Millar’s first half strike, paired with Walls’ second half wonder finish was enough to bed the Sons at the Rock. We bossed the game from the first whistle to the last, in my humble opinion, and the despite Dumbarton equalising in the game, we were the only side that looked like they would take all three points.
The second was a much closer contest, as we nipped past Stranraer last weekend. Austin’s scoring form has no doubt contributed greatly to our upkeep in form.
The Hosts
Elgin City have also recorded 9 points in their last 6, winning 3 and losing 3 as well.
They have played 4 times at Borough Briggs in their last 6, winning on 3 of those occasions, narrowly losing out 1-0 to Dumbarton in the other.
Goals from Dingwall and Dajon Golding were enough on Tuesday to overcome Clyde, in their most recent win in Elgin, while back on the 6th January, a late penalty from Liam Harvey completed the turnaround when they beat Stranraer 2-1, Dingwall grabbed the equaliser in that game again. The final win at Borough Briggs came in December, though it was a shocker, as they overcame title chasers Peterhead, a Kieran Shanks 94th minute goal was merely a consolation prize, as MacLeman and Rob Jones had already done the damage.
Except from Dumbarton, their losses have come on the road. On the 23rd of December they lost 2-0 to league leaders Stenhousemuir at Ochilview, as the Warriors continued their title charge. More recently, they lost to Forfar at Station Park. Despite taking the lead in the first half through Ross Draper, City could not hold on. Russell McLean bagged a brace, including a 91st minute penalty (after Brian Cameron was sent off for Elgin).
Previous Encounter
The last time the two sides met, East Fife cruised to their 3rd 4-0 win of the season hammering Elgin at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Walls handed East Fife the lead after just 18 minutes. The opportunity broke, as Scotty Shepherd beat ‘keeper to a loose ball on the edge of the 18, though with his back to goal, he was incredibly selfless. He laid the ball off to youngster Brogan Walls, who rifled his shot into the bottom corner.
Elgin bounced back and earned a corner, after squandering a golden opportunity, as Fleming denied the black and whites from close range. Corner cleared with ease.
Schiavone brought a long switched pass down, though his attempted cross and/or shot was launched wide. The Fifers headed wide shortly after, missing opportunity to double lead before half time.
Austin took his chance right on the stroke of half time, to make it 2-0 to East Fife, What a way to finish 1st half. Walls hit a braw inswinger which passed the entire box, before landing at Austin’s feet behind the penalty spot. The striker readied himself before hitting his half volley found itself nestling in the top corner. The goal proved to be the last kick of the half, setting the Fifers up for a comfortable second period.
The second half started as the first half ended, with the Methil Men running rampant. Brian Easton was the one with the chance, although his near post effort was denied by the Elgin goalie.
Five minutes later, Austin had a chance to bag a brace, after Shepherd set him up. Unfortunately for the Fifers though, his shot was into the side netting instead.
We made it three after 55 minutes, with Austin this time getting his brace, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside.
It took another 10 minutes for East Fife to get their third, but when the chance came, they certainly took it. Brogan Walls bagged his second of the game in what was a quality team move. Ryan Schiavone slipped Austin in behind, who done very well to square it to Connor McManus. The midfield maestro did not hesitate to set up Walls, who caressed it into the bottom corner on his weak(er) foot (I don’t think this man has a weak foot at this point, the Methil Zidane for the Methil Milan).
McHale did excellently to stop it being four on the 75th minute mark, as he plucked Walls’ shot out of the top corner, denying the dynamo a hattrick.
McManus then hit an effort wide two minutes later, which once again stopped us getting a fourth.
At long last the Fifers got their fourth, when Scotty Shepherd who, as per usual, ran his socks off and nipped in with five on the clock. He capitalised on Draper’s poor backpass.
That sealed the deal and was a much deserved win for East Fife.
Squad News
Outs: Pat Slattery, Jacob Comerford and Brendan Ramsey all continue to miss out through injury, unfortunately. They are all side-lined for this afternoon but there are no fresh injury worries.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the ink, Taxi Centre sponsored away top, matched with black shorts and pink socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the yellow kit for the match.
Our opponents will be in their traditional black and white striped top, with matching stripy socks, and all black shorts, while the Elgin goalkeeper will be wearing blue for the clash.
Match Tickets
Tickets can be purchased today on Elgin City’s Fanbase Page (for seated tickets) with the option to pay at the gate for entry to the Terraced portion of the ground. Prices below:
(Seated/Standing)
Adult: £16/£14
Concession: £11/£9
Under 16s: Free with a Paying Adult
Please note, that there is no pay at the gate option for seats in the stand, these must be purchased on Fanbase.
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 on Saturday will be Alex Shepherd while his assistants running the line are Robin Taylor, and Owen Lawrence.
Mon the Fife!
Match Report - The Spartans
East Fife 0-3 The Spartans, Tuesday 30th January 2024
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two
East Fife’s unbeaten start to 2024 came to a whimpering halt as a Blair Henderson hattrick blew the Methil Men away.
The first half was a rather uneventful affair, and other than Carswell making an impressive save to deny Austin after 20 minutes, nothing of note occurred. The two sides went into the interval incredibly even, and not many people would have called what happened in the second period.
It only took The Spartans 5 minutes in the second period to open the scoring, when a misplaced headed backpass was caught by Blair Henderson. The intelligent striker, who was through one-on-one made no mistake and fired the visitors ahead.
A further five minutes later, The Spartans doubled their lead, this time through a counterattack. The blistering pace from the frontmen was too much for East Fife to handle and we were caught out, two goals down and one massive hill to climb.
Despite looking down and out, we then had a slight spell of hope as Healy did well firing a shot from range which looked destined for the bottom corner. Sadly, Carswell did his job rather well and kept the visitors two goals to the good.
Ten minutes later we were denied by Carswell yet again, the goalkeeper never had much to do on Tuesday evening, but when he was called upon, he filled his role to perfection.
The game then dried up until 5 minutes to go, a second defensive howler of the night allowed Henderson to nip in and score his third, ensuring that three points and the match ball would make their way back to Ainslie Park.
East Fife looked to have their consolation goal, as Austin tapped home in the 92nd minute, but the linesman had flagged for offside, keeping The Spartans’ clean sheet intact.
We have a crucial game tomorrow which we have to bounce back for, as we play Elgin at Borough Briggs.
Report by Oli Anderson
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton (Docherty 78’), Page, Easton, McManus, Trouten, Healy (Nicol 78’), Walls (Hamilton 78’), Shepherd (Hamilton 78’), Austin. Subs not used: Millar, Cunningham, Murray, Rollo
The Spartans – Carswell, K Watson, Waugh, Sonkur, Newman, Dishington (Brown 89’), Denholm (Russell 77’), Craigen (Jones 90’), Whyte, Henderson (Morrison 86’), Armstrong (P Watson 87’). Subs not used: McCready
Referee – Chris Fordyce
Attendance – 392
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Match Preview - The Spartans
Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against The Spartans.
We’re back at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, but under the lights this evening as we prepare to face The Spartans in a rescheduled fixture which could prove crucial in both sides’ playoff chase. We will be hoping to continue our current good run of form as we have started steadying the ship. We have now reached 5 games unbeaten for the first time this season, with 2 wins in that run. One of those wins came at the weekend, as ‘Stone Cold’ Nathan Austin’s goal was the difference between us and Stranraer. The Spartans are coming into tonight’s contest following a 1-1 draw with Clyde at the weekend. After going 1-0 down inside 4 minutes, Rhys Armstrong equalised for the side from the capital.
The cinch League Two
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Stenhousemuir |
22 |
52 |
24 |
|
2 |
Peterhead |
22 |
39 |
13 |
|
3 |
Dumbarton |
20 |
34 |
11 |
|
4 |
The Spartans |
19 |
33 |
10 |
|
5 |
East Fife |
21 |
26 |
1 |
|
6 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
20 |
24 |
-1 |
|
7 |
Stranraer |
21 |
22 |
-15 |
|
8 |
Forfar Athletic |
21 |
21 |
-6 |
|
9 |
Elgin City |
20 |
18 |
-21 |
|
10 |
Clyde |
20 |
14 |
-16 |
Last Week’s Results
Elgin 0-1 Dumbarton
Forfar 0-0 Bonnyrigg
Peterhead 2-1 Stenhousemuir
Stranraer 0-1 East Fife
The Spartans 1-1 Clyde
Tonight’s Fixtures
East Fife vs The Spartans @ MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Elgin City vs Clyde @ Borough Briggs.
The Form
The Fife
We have recorded 9 points from our last 6 league games. We’ve started pulling together some results and we haven’t lost in our last 4 games. Our only loss came some time ago, in fact, on the 23rd of December, when we lost 3-0 to Bonnyrigg at Bayview.
Our first draw came against Forfar at the end of December. A wind, and rainswept Station Park proved too much for the Methil Milan, who could not capitalise on their man advantage, which they had for a large portion of the game, leading to the sides playing out a goalless affair.
Our penultimate draw came a few weeks ago in a disappointing contest with Clyde, the Fifers never got going in the second period after a fast start, which saw Nathan Austin strike inside five minutes, and that led to the spoils being shared, sadly.
The most recent of the draws came a week past Saturday, where it was a true 2 points dropped situation. Once again, Fash scored inside the first 10 minutes, before Jonathan Page doubled our advantage on the 23rd minute mark. Sadly, the second half did not go quite to plan, Jordon Brown scored early in the half, and despite some resolute defending, we conceded at the death, with Scott Ross ensuring the spoils were shared against Peterhead, with the last kick of the game.
Our first win came in truly emphatic fashion. It was the first game of 2024 against Dumbarton where Kieran Millar’s first half strike, paired with Walls’ second half wonder finish was enough to bed the Sons at the Rock. We bossed the game from the first whistle to the last, in my humble opinion, and the despite Dumbarton equalising in the game, we were the only side that looked like they would take all three points.
The second was a much closer contest, as we nipped past Stranraer at the weekend. Austin’s scoring form has no doubt contributed greatly to our upkeep in form.
The Visitors
In their last 6 games, The Spartans have featured in both the league and the Scottish Cup. They have recorded 10 points from their last 5 league games, seeing a loss, a draw and 3 wins. They also faced defeat in a closely run game in the Scottish Cup with Premiership side Hearts.
Their first of three wins stretches back to the 16th of December where The Spartans demolished Elgin 4-0 at Borough Briggs. They looked comfortable in the contest, no doubt thanks to a hat-trick from Blair Henderson.
Their second victory came against Stranraer the next week, where they toppled the Blues 3-0 at Ainslie Park. This time it was ex-Fifer Danny Denholm on the scoresheet, alongside centre back Ayrton Sonkur - the third goal came via a Stranraer own goal.
The Spartans then started 2024 in style, beating 2nd place Peterhead at the Balmoor 1-0. It was Blair Henderson once again on the scoresheet, showing that he could be the danger man tonight.
Thankfully for the Fifers, The Spartans have not won in 3 weeks, and with East Fife’s recent improvement, there is potential for a result.
Their draw was courtesy of Clyde, and it came last week, at home. The Spartans fought from a goal down, showing the Fifers that there is no room for complacency, and it is most certainly crucial that we capitalise on chances.
Their first loss came against Stenhousemuir, at Ainslie Park, as they were toppled 2-0 by the league leaders. Goals from Matty Yates, and Matthew Aitken either side of the half time whistle bedded the Spartans.
Our opposition also crashed out of the Scottish Cup on the 20th of January, though it was not for a lack of trying. They ran the Jam Tarts right to the final whistle and were only beat by Frankie Kent’s 92nd minute winner. James Craigen scored the goal for the Spartans in the all-Edinburgh affair.
Previous Encounter
The last time the sides met, East Fife relied on a spirited comeback to rescue a point against The Spartans, with goals from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin doing the damage.
The Fifers had the first clear cut chance of the game however and controlled the game well in the opening stages. Walls’ cushioned pass to Shepherd was met by The Spartans’ goalkeeper, before a stramash in the box stopped Fife’s number nine converting the chance.
Ten minutes later, the game was flipped on its head, as Armstrong gave The Spartans the lead. He latched onto a poor East Fife clearance, and whipped his effort inside the far post, beating Fleming, allowing the hosts to take the lead.
East Fife continued to have chances however, and were knocking on the door before the interval, though it has to be said that Spartans were in control after the opener.
On the half an hour mark, Schiavone fired in a beautiful cross, though Heraghty just beat Shepherd to it, keeping the Spartans in front.
There was also a revived flurry in the dying embers of the first half, with McManus having a shot saved, and Ryan Schiavone cannoning the follow up off the woodwork, sending the Fifers into the second period a goal down.
Half Time: The Spartans 1-0 East Fife.
The second half started poorly for the Fifers as well, with Schiavone having to come off injured, though he made way for club legend Nathan Austin.
Unfortunately, there was no instant impact and after 55 minutes, the Fifers looked down and out going 2-0 down through Henderson, who got onto the end of a drilled cross into the box.
It was a swift reply from the Fifers though, as Scotty Shepherd was the man to convert scoring on the break, his second in as many weeks. Props must be given to local lad Jack Healy, who’s pass was incredibly composed, putting the chance on a plate for the front man.
15 minutes later, the Black and Gold handed The Spartans a misery compiler when Nathan Austin opened his league account for the season. He took the zipped ball under pressure after a nifty pass from Shepherd, and unleashed an astonishing first-time finish, handing the Fifers a lifeline, in what was an incredible fightback, halting the nervy start.
It looked like East Fife could nick it at the end, after Jack Healy found himself in “Healy territory” though it was clear that Herarghty had done his homework, and positioned himself well, so that the shot did not trouble him.
Squad News
Outs: Pat Slattery, Jacob Comerford and Brendan Ramsay all continue to miss out this evening however there are no fresh injury concerns heading into tonight’s match.
Ins: New loan signing Robbie Hamilton could make his debut for the club tonight after shaking off the illness that saw him miss out on Saturday.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th anniversary black and gold top, matched with white shorts and socks this evening, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the green kit for the match.
Our opponents will be in the away colour of royal blue at the Wooden Fortress, while the Spartans goalkeeper will be wearing all-yellow for the clash.
Match Tickets
Full and half-season tickets are valid for this game, with prices below:
Adults- £18
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £1
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
As this match takes place outside blocked hour, a live stream is available to viewers worldwide for £15 You can access this HERE! Regular overseas viewers can access the match with their usual monthly or annual subscription.
Officials
The on-pitch official tonight will be Chris Fordyce while his assistants running the line are Graham McNeillie and Kenny Brown.
Refreshments
We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again following 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 9 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 Matty Rollo as well as all of the regular features.
Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.
This programme was printed for the original match on 2nd December however an additional wrap-around cover has been added.
Mon the Fife!
Changes to the Board of Directors
We’re pleased to confirm the following changes to the Board or Directors.
John Donaldson has been appointed to the role of Vice-Chairman while Stephen Mill and Tom Brown have been appointed full directors having both previously held the position of Associate Director.
John joined the board in 2007 and, apart from a short spell away, has been with the club ever since. He also serves as the Club Safety Officer. In addition to keeping the club on the right side of the SFA and Fife Council, John enjoys helping out at Bayview as part of the stadium maintenance team.
Stephen joined the East Fife board in 2015 after first becoming involved on the media side as a commentator for East Fife TV and for a visually impaired support, a role he still performs. Stephen currently edits our matchday programme The Bayview, is the club’s resident ‘statto’ and is on hand to answer any queries relating to the history of the club.
Tom joined the board in April 2022 after a number of years as a club volunteer, both as part of the stadium maintenance team and taking on the role of first team kitman. Prior to that Tom was involved with the Young Fifers now East Fife Community Football Club) as both a coach and committee member.
Match Report - Stranraer
Stranraer 0-1 East Fife, Saturday 27th January 2024
Stair Park, cinch League Two
East Fife got over the line against Stranraer at the weekend, beating the Blues 1-0 at Stair Park. The Methil Milan controlled the contest for the large majority of the game and were deserving of all three points. The win has seen us move up to 5th in the cinch League Two table and extends our unbeaten run to five matches.
We started quickly and created a chance very early doors. Jack Healy dinked the ball into the box for Scott Shepherd, though East Fife’s number 9 was denied by a strong save from the Stranraer goalkeeper.
The game was real end-to-end stuff in the opening stages as Stranraer hit the post after 7 minutes too! East Fife managed to deal with it, just, and the resulting counter nearly saw us in front as Nathan Austin’s curled attempt, from a quick break, fell on the wrong side of the post.
After 13 minutes, the Fifers should have gone ahead as a loose ball saw a footrace between Austin and goalie Budinaukus. The ‘keeper beat Fash to it, however his clearance was only as far as Brogan Walls and young midfielder tried to dink the ball into the empty net from just past the halfway line, though it soared over the bar.
The only goal of the game came just five minutes later, as “Stone Cold” Nathan Austin touched the ball round Budinaukus before slotting into an empty net from a tight angle. The goal was the striker’s 3rd in 3 and 12th of the season. It is great to see him finding form at such an important time of the campaign.
We continued to be the team in control, with Austin and Millar both missing half chances, until the 39th minute when Stranraer started putting on pressure in an attempt to finish the half strong by drawing level. It was at this time that Allan Fleming stepped up and did what he does best, pulling off a magnificent save to keep the Fifers in front at half time.
The second half did not start in an ideal manner for East Fife with Brian Easton losing his footing on the tricky surface at Stair Park and sending Tam Orr toward goal in a one-on-one with Fleming. Thankfully for us, the shot was fired well wide, and our lead remained intact.
Ten minutes later, we had another chance of our own with Brogan Walls testing Budinaukus from the edge of the box. The loanee Hibee ‘keeper doing well to get down low to his left, clutching the ball in the process.
We had yet another chance with twenty minutes still on the clock. Walls again causing the Stranraer backline some major trouble as he bombed into the box, however, as the midfielder went to pull the trigger, the Blues’ defence cleared their lines.
The only other highlights of the game after this saw the return of Sean Docherty, Ryan Schiavone and Charlie Murray into the fray as we saw out the game, in what was a dire second half.
We’re back in action on Tuesday now in a crucial game against The Spartans at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Repot by Oli Anderson
Stranraer – Budinauckas, Girven, Ross, McQueen, Ecrepont (Gilmartin 73’), Robertson, Dolan, Forrest, Johnston (Hawkshaw 62’), Grant, Orr. Subs not used: Downie, Williamson, Fleming.
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Easton, Millar (Docherty 74’), McManus, Healy, Walls (Murray 90+1’), Shepherd (Schiavone 81’), Trouten, Austin. Subs not used: Page, Nicol, Cunningham, Beveridge.
Referee – Andy Gamble
Attendance – 370