Two Points Dropped as the Blue Toon Nab an Equaliser in Methil

East Fife 2-2 Peterhead, Saturday 20^th January 2024

MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two

East Fife were left gobsmacked at the weekend (as was I, hence the late report) as we squandered a two-goal lead at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, drawing 2-2 with title chasers Peterhead. East Fife started incredibly fast and were in total control of the first half. However, as has become a recurring theme this season sadly, we were pegged back by our highland compatriots in the second half.

We flew out of the traps at a lightning pace, as “Stone Cold” Nathan Austin had an effort deflected into the back of the net to give us the lead after 9 minutes. The Peterhead defence were blindsided, although we did deserve the lead, the Blue Toon would have been aggrieved by the way the ball found the net.

Our lead should have been doubled just moments later, after Austin found himself through on goal once more. He danced round the Peterhead goalkeeper, but defender Goldie was back in time to clear Fash’s effort from the tight angle.

We did grab a second after 23 minutes of play however, when Johnny Page was the first responder to a delicious corner, nodding home and putting the Methil Milan two goals to the good.

Three minutes later, Pagey’s shock goal should half become a shock brace, as he got on the end of another whipped corner. Somehow however, this was chalked off, for a “foul” in the build-up. This was very harsh on the Fifers, and I don’t think that it is unfair to suggest that the 3-goal cushion that this goal would have given us, would have been enough to see the three points over the line.

The controversial decisions did not end there however, as after 39 minutes, Peterhead were awarded a penalty, for what was quite frankly, a fantastic piece of defending, as Page popped the ball away from the Blue Toon forward Jordon Brown. Thankfully, justice was served, and Allan Fleming got a hand to the spot kick, but hearts were in the mouths of Fife fans at the ground as the ball came off both posts before being cleared.

East Fife were truly coasting at the interval, despite that peculiar wobble with 5 minutes to go.

The second period saw the wheels fall off slightly, due to some sloppy defending from the Black and Gold, some tidy Peterhead attacking play, and some interesting decisions.

In the 56^th minute, Peterhead halved their deficit with Jordon Brown curling a beauty around Allan Fleming. The visitors were fortunately shortly later however when Scott Shepherd was hauled down on the edge of the box by Duffy, with the referee brandishing a yellow card.

His assistants were then under fire sometime later, as Austin made a cracking run, which he was at least two yards onside for, before the lino held up his flag. They say things come in threes, but clearly there’s always room for extra.

In the 95^th minute, the wind was knocked out of our sails. Despite holding on for life in the dying embers, showing some resolute defending to try and maintain the lead, Kieran Shanks made up for his earlier penalty miss by squaring the ball to Scott Ross who nabbed an equaliser for Peterhead with the last kick of the game. Heartbreak for the Fifers.

Report by Oli Anderson

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Page, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Walls (Schiavone 67’), Shepherd (Docherty 76’), Healy, Austin. Subs not used: Nicol, Cunningham, Beveridge, Ramsay.

Peterhead – McKenzie, D Strachan, Goldie (O’Keefe 45’), R Strachan, Ross, Ritchie (McAllister 58’), Jordon Brown (Stewart 69’), Pawlett (Ward 69’), Duffy, Shanks, Jack Brown. Subs not used: Armstrong, Wood, Wilson.

Referee – George Calder

Attendance - 426

Match Highlights - Peterhead

Highlights from yesterday's match against Peterhead along with post-match reaction from Greig McDonald, Jonathan Page and Connor McManus.

Hambrook Pens Contract Extension

We’re delighted to announce that Callum Hambrook has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2025.

18-year-old Callum joined the club in the summer after leaving Hearts. He joined Linlithgow Rose on loan in November and will remain with the Lowland League side for the rest of the season to continue his development.

Speaking to East Fife TV, Manager Greig McDonald commented: “Callum’s been doing really, really well at Linlithgow. He missed a lot of football towards the end of his time at Hearts but he’s a talented kid. He’s getting good experience with Linlithgow in the Lowland League and he’s one that we’re looking at for next season.”

Match Preview - Peterhead

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Peterhead

Despite it being Scottish Cup weekend for most sides, we are back in league action this afternoon. We hope to continue our unbeaten start to 2024, though it will certainly be a challenge, as this week we play 2nd placed Peterhead at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. We are coming off the back of a difficult 1-1 draw with Clyde, in a game that we could have wrapped up, although equally, the Bully Wee had chances to take all three points. Peterhead are coming into today having lost, perhaps surprisingly to Scott Agnew’s Stranraer side 2-0, at Stair Park. The goals came in both halves, as new-signing Chris Johnston and Tam Orr found themselves on the score sheet. Notably, Andy McCarthy was sent off in the final 5 minutes, so the Blue Toon will be without their starting central midfielder today. This could prove pivotal for the Fife, as should they control the midfield battle against Peterhead, they will go on to do damage.

The cinch League Two

Position	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Stenhousemuir	20	49	24
2	Peterhead	20	35	12
3	The Spartans	18	32	10
4	Dumbarton	19	31	10
5	Bonnyrigg Rose	19	23	-1
6	Stranraer	19	22	-13
7	East Fife	19	21	-0
8	Forfar Athletic	20	20	-6
9	Elgin City	19	18	-20
10	Clyde	19	13	-16

Last Week’s results

Bonnyrigg Rose 1-1 Dumbarton

East Fife 1-1 Clyde

Forfar Athletic 2-1 Elgin City

Stranraer 2-0 Peterhead

The Spartans 0-2 Stenhousemuir

This Week’s Fixtures

Due to Spartans, Bonnyrigg Rose, Forfar Athletic and Dumbarton all featuring in Scottish Cup action today, as well as Clyde losing out to Aberdeen last night, there are only two cinch League Two games to keep an eye on today. This makes it even more important to get the points on the board, as it leaves the teams around us with their work cut out.

East Fife vs Peterhead.

Stenhousemuir vs Stranraer

The Form

The Fife

We have recorded 8 points from our last 6 league games, in recent form. Our 2 losses have come some time ago, most recently on the 23rd of December, as we lost 3-0 to Bonnyrigg at Bayview. Our other loss was perhaps unfair, as we played exceptionally well in the second half against league leaders Stenhousemuir. Unfortunately, our first half performance seriously let us down, and Austin’s stoppage time goal proved merely a consolation.

Our first draw came against Forfar a fortnight ago. 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 second draw came last week in a disappointing contest with Clyde, the Fifers never got going in the second period after a fast start, and that led to the spoils being shared, sadly.

Our wins came in truly emphatic fashion. The first of which was a 4-0 thumping of Elgin City, where Brogan Walls bagged a brace, and Austin and Shepherd also found themselves on the packed score sheet. Of course, our other win came 2 weeks ago against Dumbarton, where Kieran Millar’s first half strike, paired with Brogan Walls’ second half wonder finish was enough to bed the Sons at the Rock.

The visitors

Peterhead have only recorded 6 points from their last 6 league games, which means on recent form, despite the massive gulf in points, we have been the stronger side.

They have picked up 2 wins, and 4 losses, not having drawn since the beginning of December.

Their first of two wins stretches back to the 16th of December too! Peterhead overcame Clyde 2-1 at the Balmoor. The highland side started quickly and were two goals up by the half an hour mark. This was too much for the Bully Wee, who did manage to score in the 80th minute, although it was merely a consolation prize, as Peterhead took all three points.

Their second victory came against Dumbarton a fortnight ago, where they toppled the Sons 3-1, also at the Balmoor. This game was quite the contrary to their Clyde win, as the Blue Toon had to rely on all three goals coming in the last 10 minutes of the contest. Dumbarton’s 2nd minute opener was cancelled out by Rory McAllister in the 82nd minute, before Peterhead’s number 9 handed them the lead in the 90th minute from the penalty spot. Jack Brown provided the two-punch knockout, doubling their lead in the 92nd, killing the game.

Their four losses have been rather close it must be said, although 3 of them have come against teams in the bottom half of the table. 2-1 losses to Forfar (8th) and Elgin (9th) as well as a recent 2-0 defeat to Stranraer (6th), does not bode well for the Blue Toon. Their other loss came against The Spartans, who occupy the final playoff place. Blair Henderson provided a late winner in that one.

Previous Encounter

The less said about the last time we met Peterhead the better. A poor day on the road for the Fife seen today’s visitors run out 2-0 winners. The first goal came right before half time, and was converted by Kieran Shanks, who caught a flick on very well, and fired past Allan Fleming.

There was no real action in the second half, until Peterhead doubled their lead. Robert Ward made the goal, rinsing two East Fife defenders inside and out (and giving them a valet), before putting the ball on a plate for player manager Jordon Brown, who tucked the ball in from close.

Squad News

We’re getting back to full fitness slowly but surely, and mainly have good news regarding our squad depth today! Connor McManus is available for selection once more, recovering from the illness which kept him out of last Saturday’s match with Clyde. We will also ready ourselves to welcome back longer-term absentees Johnny Page and Sean Docherty who both returned to training this week and are in contention for today’s game.

We no longer have the services of Kieran Mitchell at our disposal, as the pacey forward was returned to his parent club, after a challenging 6-month loan spell in Methil.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the 120th anniversary black and gold top, matched with shorts and socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the yellow kit for the match.

Peterhead will be in all blue at the Wooden Fortress, while their goalkeeper will be wearing orange 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 today will be George Calder while his assistants running the line are Alastair Taylor and Filippo Mazzoni.

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm today! 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 13 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 recent Liam Newton as well as all of the regular features.

Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

Mon the Fife!

New Commercial Partnership with Stjärna Apparel

East Fife FC are delighted to announce a new commercial partnership with Stjärna Apparel.

Inspired by terrace culture, lifestyle and music, all of their clothing is designed using quality materials and workmanship to combine the best style and fit. In Swedish, Stjärna means star, which matches their values Service Trust Affordability Respect.

Scott Young from our commercial team said: “I’m delighted to announce a partnership with Stjärna who are one of the fastest growing clothing brands in the UK. Terrace wear is extremely popular right now and having seen some of the prototypes, we are excited at some of the bespoke products we have lined up.”

Mikey Mlotkiewicz from Stjärna Apparel added: “We are delighted to link up with East Fife Football Club in an exciting partnership for the brand. Offering fans affordable and stylish clothing for on the MGM Timber Bayview Terraces and beyond. We look forward to the products and plans we have in the future with the club."

A variety of new Stjärna Apparel products are now available to pre-order from the club shop.