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Match Preview - Clyde
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Clyde
A third consecutive defeat for the Fifers last week has put our backs against the wall as we prepare for a huge clash at the south side of the table against Clyde this afternoon. An early goal from Kalvin Orsi was enough to bed us at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium last week, while Clyde conceded late away to Forfar, in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately for us, Elgin City picked up a win last week, meaning that the gap to the bottom of the table, which is now the Bully Wee, has shrunk to just 3 points:
The Standings
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Peterhead |
12 |
25 |
13 |
|
2 |
Stenhousemuir |
12 |
25 |
12 |
|
3 |
Dumbarton |
12 |
23 |
11 |
|
4 |
The Spartans |
12 |
20 |
4 |
|
5 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
12 |
15 |
0 |
|
6 |
Stranraer FC |
11 |
14 |
-10 |
|
7 |
East Fife FC |
11 |
10 |
-3 |
|
8 |
Forfar Athletic |
11 |
9 |
-5 |
|
9 |
Elgin City |
11 |
9 |
-11 |
|
10 |
Clyde FC |
12 |
7 |
-11 |
Across the league last week
East Fife 0-1 Dumbarton
Elgin City 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
Forfar Athletic 1-1 Clyde
Peterhead 3-2 Stranraer
Stenhousemuir 3-2 The Spartans
This week’s fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Forfar Athletic
Clyde vs East Fife
Dumbarton vs Elgin City
Stranraer vs Stenhousemuir
The Spartans vs Peterhead
The Form
The Hosts
Clyde have had a rather dismal run of form in the last 6 weeks, only winning once, recording two draws and three losses. Moreover, their win came in extra time, against non-league side Musselburgh Athletic who they beat 3-2.
Their 2 draws have come against Forfar Athletic, last week, where they threw away their lead in the 89th minute, drawing 1-1. While their other result saw a comeback from 2-0 down to stun title challengers Stenhousemuir at Ochilview. An 80th minute own goal, paired with Logan Dunachie striking on the hour-mark saved the Bully Wee.
Their three losses were of various degrees, firstly, a second half turnaround from Bonnyrigg Rose denied Clyde, as they led 2-1 at half time, before falling 3-2 at the final whistle. They also lost 2-1 to Spartans, though they were not on the scoresheet until they were already 2 behind.
Finally, they lost 4-0 to Dumbarton, in a game which they never looked like getting in to.
The Fife
Like Clyde, we have been on a similarly poor run of form, losing 4, with 1 win, and 1 draw to boot. Our win was one to remember however, as we got the better of Stranraer 4-0, proving the better side from the very first whistle. Millar, Austin, McManus, and Newton, all found themselves on the scoresheet, in what was a (rare,) good day at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium this season.
Our draw came against Forfar too, as a late goal from Stuart Morrison nicked it for the Loons, in what was in truth, a poor game of football. His goal cancelled out Trouten’s opener which came inside 15 minutes.
Our 4 losses, have all come in significantly different fashion throughout. Firstly, we fell via penalty shootout to The New Saints, in the last 16 of the SPFL Trust Trophy. The Methil Men fought valiantly, against a much stronger team on paper, running them close until the spot kicks.
We then lost, in embarrassing fashion, against Dunbar United, as we fell 1-0 to the EoS Premier side, in a game where the Fifers never had their shooting boots on and looked lost in the final third.
A fortnight ago, in the cold of Peterhead, we sprang no surprises against the League Leaders, as the Blue Toon cruised to a 2-0 victory on the day.
Finally, we lost out to Dumbarton 1-0 last week in a game where both sides had chances. Unfortunately for us, it was the Sons who took theirs, leaving us without a win since the 21st of October.
Previous Encounter
The last time the sides met, finishes from Scott Shepherd and Alan Trouten, along with some fantastic saves from the evergreen Allan Fleming kept all 3 points in Methil, handing East Fife back-to-back wins for the first time since March.
A strong start for Clyde forced Fleming into an incredible reaction save inside 12 minutes. The stop was met by an impressive clearance, which sent the Fife on their way via a counterattack. Shepherd was unleashed, and the pacy forward bombed into the box on his lonesome. He looked to have run too deep into the area but managed to fire a shot away on a very tight angle, rifling his shot into the bottom left corner, firing Fife ahead.
The Bully Wee continued to ask questions though, and Martin Rennie had a shot blocked by Easton close to the line, straight after the restart.
The game was then back and forth, being fought in the middle of the park, a contest which Brogan Walls looked to be single handedly winning. His composure on the ball, and resilience off it proved to be the difference in the opening stages.
Cuddihy looked to be the danger man for Clyde, creating many chances, and being the focal point for the Bully Wee attack.
After 33 minutes, Ryan Schiavone had an acrobatic effort saved by Leighfield, though it was straight down the throat of the ‘keeper.
2 Minutes later East Fife should have had a clear penalty, after replays showed winger Jack Healy being shouldered to the ground inside the box. The referee, however, does not have the benefit of hindsight and adjudged that the Fifer dived, so Healy was sent on his way, with a booking to match.
Before the half time whistle, Clyde should have had the ball in the net, and East Fife did. Firstly, Shepherd burst through the backline and round the ‘keeper before slotting home, though the linesman flagged for offside. Then at the other end, Cuddihy’s volley was kept out by a diving Allan Fleming, keeping East Fife in the lead before the interval.
Despite Clyde having the better chances in the first period, it was the Methil Men who went into the break in the lead. 1-0 Fife.
At the start of the second period, East Fife squandered a golden opportunity, McManus tries to take an extra touch when he does not have the time too, and the ball was poked clear by the Clyde backline.
East Fife deserved to double their advantage after the hour mark, when Jonathan Page’s header just trickled wide. Trouten’s cross came with pinpoint accuracy, but it unfortunately could not be converted.
With 20 minutes still to go, East Fife doubled their advantage, in a perhaps fortunate manner. Jack Healy’s corner was struck poorly, and bobbled along the length of the goal line, it was met by Jonny Page, who flicked the ball on to Trouten. The experienced midfielder made no in tucking it away, handing East Fife a second and Trouts a second for the season. That gave us in turn, our first league win of the season.
Squad News
Outs - Liam Newton is unfortunately out to injury, and Jack Healy will miss out as he is serving a suspension.
Ins - Both centre backs Brian Easton and Jonathan Page are back in the squad this week, adding some more quality to the back line.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th Anniversary black and gold top, matched with black socks and shorts on Saturday, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the new, all yellow kit for the match.
Clyde will be wearing their red shirt and socks, with white shorts. The Bully Wee’s goalkeeper will be in all blue today.
Match Tickets
Adults- £17
Over 65- £14
Under 18- £5
Tickets can be purchased online or from the Clyde ticket office.
Live Streaming
Live Streaming of the game will be available on Clyde TV for all fans, due to the international break. As per usual, we will have the stream on EFTV for our international support. This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass. You can access this HERE!
Stadium Entry
Clyde FC respectfully ask that supporters enter via turnstiles 1-3, on the Southwest corner of the main Stand. You can also enter through the main door of the Fan Zone. Please have your ticket ready for scanning before entering the turnstiles.
Please note that Away Supporters will be seated in sections 1 and 2 of the Main Stand.
Officials
The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Stewart Luke while his assistants running the line are John Stewart and Alastair Taylor.
Hambrook Joins Linlithgow Rose on Loan
Callum Hambrook has joined Lowland League side Linlithgow Rose on loan until January.
Callum joined the club in the summer after leaving Hearts and has made 4 East Fife appearance to date.
Manager Greig McDonald: “Callum has been training hard and adjusting well to the demands of senior football. This short-term loan to a good level is the next step in his development and will be great for both Callum and East Fife moving forward”.
Good luck Callum!
Ticket Info v Clyde
Admission prices for our cinch League Two match against Clyde on Saturday 18th November at New Douglas Park have been confirmed as follows:
Adults - £17
Over 65s - £14
Under 18s - £5
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Clyde office on matchdays. Clyde recommend advanced purchase of tickets to avoid queues at the stadium.
There are still 5 seats on the 1903 Travel Club’s bus to Hamilton on Saturday. Contact Ian Lowson to book your seat.
As this match falls outside UK blocked hours, a live stream is available on PPV for viewers worldwide curtesy of Clyde. Overseas supporters can watch the match via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.
Ross Philp Moves On
We can confirm that Ross Philp has joined East of Scotland Premier Division side Crossgates Primrose on a permanent deal.
Ross joined the club in the summer from Kelty Hearts however a wish for regular first-team football sees him leave the club with 7 East Fife appearances to his name.
Manager Greig McDonald: “Ross has been the consummate professional during his time here at Bayview however he’s keen to be playing regular football at this stage of his career. Everyone at East Fife wishes Ross all the best in his move to Crossgates and thanks him for his service at East Fife”.
Good luck Ross!
Match Report - Dumabrton
East Fife 0-1 Dumbarton, Saturday 11th November 2023
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two
East Fife slumped to their third consecutive loss this weekend, this time to Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The hosts fell 1-0, however it would not to be unfair to suggest that the scoreline could’ve been worse had it not been for some top-class goalkeeping from Allan Fleming. Although there was some good football played at times, the Fifers were not up to par and were unable to make the most of the few chances they had.
The game was action packed in the first 45, keeping supporters on the edge of their seat. Despite the quick start, the second 45 could only be compared to nails on a chalkboard, as East Fife pushed for an equaliser, but Dumbarton held firm.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the best chance of the ninety, for either side, came after 15 seconds, and was in favour of the Fifers. A defensive mishap opened up space for Jack Healy who powered into the box. Unfortunately, he was met by Brett Long, and East Fife missed out on the perfect start.
Two minutes later, the game totally crumbled for the Methil men, as a woven pass found Kalvin Orsi inside the box. There was no hesitation from the Sons winger, and he fired the visitors ahead.
In the 31st minute, it was a miracle that there was only one goal in it. Some more disappointing defending forced Fleming into an all-important double save, the second of which forced him to leave the goalmouth completely. This opened the door for Dumbarton, who should have put themselves two to the good, and would have if it wasn’t for Liam Newton. The full back threw himself into harm’s way, blocking the shot, giving East Fife a dog’s chance in the game.
In the 35th, the Sons should have made it 2 for the second time, and were only denied by another Allan Fleming double save, akin to his first 5 minutes prior. This, like last time, left the Fifers’ goal open to some vulnerability, but we managed to clear our lines, literally, as the Black and Gold were able to get back, in the nick of time, hoofing the ball out for a throw in.
It looked to be third time lucky for the side from the West, but this time, it was the linesman’s flag that provided a lifeline.
In the 41st minute, we should have had our golden chance, as East Fife hit fast on the break. A cross was attempted, but was blocked by the first man’s arms, inside the area, for what could only be described as a blatant stonewaller. Alas, the referee waved play on, and we went into the break a goal down. If only there was some kind of technology in Scotland that could review those incidents…
There were no chances of note between the penalty claim at the end of the first period and the 92nd minute, when East Fife were piling men forward. A lovely ball was sprayed into the Sons’ box for Scott Shepherd, but the forward could not convert in the dying embers, ensuring that the Fifers succumbed to another defeat.
All eyes now turn to a proverbial 6-pointer against Clyde at New Douglas Park this weekend.
Report by Oli Anderson
East Fife - Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Docherty, Comerford, McManus, Trouten (Schiavone 83’), Healy, Mitchell (Shepherd 66’), Walls, Austin. Subs not used: Millar, Slattery, Nicol, Philp, Murray, Hambrook, Rollo
Dumbarton – Long, Lynas, Malcolm, Shiels, Crighton, Orsi (MacLean 78’), Pignatiello, T Wallace, Gray, R Wallace (Wilson 70’), Ruth. Subs not used: Blair, Byrne, Vata, Broun
Referee – Jordan Curran
Attendance - 626
Match Preview - Dumbarton
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumbarton
East Fife failed to get back to winning ways after last week’s result in the highlands, as we fell 2-0 to league leaders Peterhead. We were unable to crack on when we needed it most, and the Blue Toon proved far too strong on the day, sadly. We look ahead to this afternoon where we face fellow Black and Gold side Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. This is the second time we will face the Sons this season and were on the receiving end of a sucker punch last time out. A late Crighton corner header, after the Fifers had dominated for essentially the whole game saw Dumbarton run out 1-0 winners.
Last Week
I will try to keep this brief, as there was little to shout about for the Fifers last week. We had a bright start, and undeniably got out of the blocks quicker than Peterhead, but robust defending stopped us being able to capitalise. After the first half an hour, the Blue Toon had settled into the game, and put us under the kosh for 10 minutes, in a period which ended with their opener as Kieran Shanks took down a ball with precision and slotted past Fleming.
We had two golden chances on either side of the half time whistle, but neither were taken. The former was when McKenzie rushed off his line, to neutralise Kieran Mitchell’s threat at the end of the first half, with the latter being when no Fifer could capitalise on a loose ball in the box.
The game then quietened down, until the 78th minute when player/manager Jordon Brown was alert to a parried shot and tucked the ball home killing the game.
Dumbarton on the other hand, made no mistakes last week, and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners against their playoff rivals, Bonnyrigg Rose. First half strikes from Tony Wallace (from the spot) and Finlay Gray were paired with strikes from Michael Ruth and Matthew Shiels which were enough to completely obliterate Bonnyrigg.
For the first time this season, last week’s results have meant that no teams have moved position across the entire league, which made the table significantly easier to update this week!
The cinch League Two Standings
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Peterhead |
10 |
22 |
14 |
|
2 |
Dumbarton |
11 |
20 |
10 |
|
3 |
The Spartans |
11 |
20 |
5 |
|
4 |
Stenhousemuir |
10 |
19 |
9 |
|
5 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
10 |
15 |
2 |
|
6 |
Stranraer FC |
11 |
14 |
-9 |
|
7 |
East Fife FC |
10 |
10 |
-2 |
|
8 |
Forfar Athletic |
10 |
8 |
-5 |
|
9 |
Clyde FC |
11 |
6 |
-11 |
|
10 |
Elgin City |
10 |
6 |
-13 |
Across the League Last Week
Clyde 1-2 The Spartans
Dumbarton 4-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
Forfar Athletic 1-3 Stenhousemuir
Peterhead 2-0 East Fife
Stranraer 3-1 Elgin City
This week’s Fixtures
East Fife vs Dumbarton
Elgin City vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Forfar Athletic vs Clyde
Peterhead vs Stranraer
Stenhousemuir vs The Spartans
Form
The Fife
Much less to shout about again this week, as the last fortnight’s negative results have also had a troubling impact on our last 6 games. We have seen just 1 sole win, 3 draws, one of which ended in defeat via penalty shootout and two defeats inside 90 minutes, both coming in the last two weeks.
We were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline last week against Peterhead, and the week prior we saw an awful result which ended our Scottish Cup campaign before it had started, losing to EoS Premiership side Dunbar United.
Our draws have varied in performances, some being very spirited, and others being desperate by the end, holding on with everything we had. We saw two very impressive 2-2 draws (I know that “impressive” and “draw” should never feature in the same sentence, though given the circumstances I believe that it is warranted) which given our inconsistent form this season, could have resulted in severely worse outcomes.
Firstly, we found ourselves 2-0 down to The Spartans at Ainslie Park, 4 weeks ago now, but we dug deep, found a fire inside, and cracked on, turned the game around, and looked like we would actually go on to win the game. Our other 2-2 was a valiant fight against Welsh Champions TNS, in the last 16 of the Trust Trophy. Penalties were eventually called upon, after Fife clawed back from 1-0 down to 2-1 up, conceding late to force a shootout. It was there that the Saints’ ‘keeper showed his quality and did the damage, getting a hand to all 5 of the Fife’s pens, saving Mitchell’s sending us out the cup.
Our only win came 3 weeks ago now, as we gubbed Stranraer 4-0 in the league, in our most complete performance of the season. We looked in total control as soon as the first went in, and it stayed that way until the full-time whistle.
The Visitors
Dumbarton have won 4 of their last 6, losing on the other two occasions. Their losses came only against league leaders Peterhead, where they lost 1-0, and against newly promoted The Spartans, who have proved a sticky outfit this season, who ran out 2-0 winners against the Sons.
Dumbarton, in their 4 wins, have scored 14 times, and when winning have not scored less than three. Their most recent win was the aforementioned trouncing of Bonnyrigg Rose, and the week before, they survived a scare from Banks O’ Dee in the Scottish Cup, scoring in the 7th and 12th minute of injury time to run out 3-2 winners. Their other wins were both in the league, as they destroyed a struggling Clyde 4-0 in their own back garden, the week after they had comfortably turned Stranraer over too, running out 3-1 winners.
Previous encounter
East Fife fell short to Dumbarton, losing 1-0 at the Rock, the last time the sides met. It was a truly disappointing result for the Black and Gold, who for the most part looked the better of the two sides. A last-minute winner from Sean Crighton though was enough to leave East Fife winless and the Sons unbeaten after 5 games in the season.
The first half was a stark contrast to how the Fifers had played this season, as they largely hit on the front foot. Inside the first two minutes, Scott Shepherd even cannoned a shot off the woodwork. East Fife implemented a high tempo and played a style of football similar to that which earned us a playoff spot last year.
New signing Brian Easton had the next chance of the game, as his flicked header from the corner was well timed, but unfortunately at too tight an angle, as it sailed out for a goal kick past the near post.
Dumbarton’s best chance at success was coming via a long ball to the onrushing strike partnership, James Hilton, and Finlay Gray. The former nearly fired the Sons into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, his driven effort from the edge of the area flashing wide.
Two minutes later, the hosts had another great opportunity, in the way of a direct free kick, and despite it being very well struck, Allan Fleming was able to pluck it straight from the top corner, to keep the scores level.
Jack Healy was then able to tip the scales in East Fife’s favour, as he carried the ball into the box from a short free kick, he lasered the ball across the touchline, though there were no takers and it remained goalless.
Trouten and McManus both had long range digs at Brett Long, though the shots were right at the ex-Fifer.
Right on the stroke of half time, Jack Healy was cannoned into the back of inside the penalty area, but the referee adjudged that there was no foul, and the sides went into the break goalless.
The second half saw the game massively open up, and Dumbarton put us under the cosh in the opening stages, Fleming was forced into another two great saves, one to deny a dinked effort, before seconds later parrying the second off of the post, keeping East Fife’s clean sheet in-tact.
Shortly after, Scott Shepherd who has been re-positioned out wide put a lovely ball into the mixer, but Austin could not convert unfortunately. A further 10 minutes later seen East Fife squander two fantastic opportunities to break the deadlock.
Kieran Mitchell, the new striker on loan from local rivals, championship side Raith Rovers made his debut, and showed his blistering pace on the wing. He came on alongside Brogan Walls, who had a good chance with 10 on the clock, ushering himself into a small patch of space before firing wide.
The game entirely opened up, and it looked like if either side would win the game, it would be the Fifers, although that was not to be. In the 88th minute, Sean Crighton got on the end of an out swinging corner and met it with what can only be described as a bullet to hand Dumbarton the lead in the dying embers.
Squad News
Outs- Our only fresh injury concern this week is Brian Easton. The decorated centre half is unfortunately unavailable for selection this week after picking up a knock last weekend.
Ins- Nathan Austin returns to the squad after missing last week’s trip to Peterhead.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th Anniversary black and gold top, matched with black socks and shorts this afternoon, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the new, all yellow kit for the match.
Dumbarton will wear their all-white away kit today. The Sons’ goalkeeper will be in all 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 turnstile at Bayview so we strongly encourage supporters to buy online in advance however ticked can also be purchased from the matchday reception for those unable to buy online.
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 Jordan Curran while his assistants running the line are Stuart Stevenson and Lewis Hogarth.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm pre-kick off today! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will also be open after the game for post-match refreshments.
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Programme
Issue Number 8 for the 23/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match.
Programmes are also available to buy online for home delivery.
A Moment to Remember
Pre-match, this afternoon, we invite you to join us in a minute’s silence to mark Armistice Day, as we remember those who gave their lives for the country.
This silence will be particularly poignant for the club this year too, as the minute will be shared as we remember those who lived and breathed Black and Gold. Rab Waddell, a true Fife fan, and truer gent will be remembered in this time, along with John Watson, who was the caretaker for the Community Use of the pitch.
On top of this, we will be mourning the loss of Davie Fairley, father of current Under 20s midfielder Jaiden Fairley. We will also utilise the minute’s silence to remember Mitchell (Chell) Collins, a season ticket holder for a number of years at Bayview, who sadly passed away last week.
All four men had a true passion for both football, and East Fife. Thoughts are with the families of Rab, John, Davie, and Chell at this very sad time.