Match Preview - Stirling Albion

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Stirling Albion.

East Fife return to league action this afternoon following a devastating result last week against Banks O’Dee in the Scottish Cup. We still sit atop the William Hill League 2 table, although a draw against Forfar Athletic two weeks ago has seen our lead shrink to just two points. This weekend we will host Stirling Albion. The Binos are coming off the back of a romping 6-0 win over Bo’ness Athletic and find themselves on a four-game win streak. The Fifers know the task at hand, and with both teams in the title race, this is an all-important game.

William Hill League 2 Table

This Week’s Fixtures

Clyde vs Bonnyrigg Rose

East Fife vs Stirling Albion

Edinburgh City vs Forfar Athletic

Elgin City vs Stranraer

Peterhead vs The Spartans

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s last six games have seen three wins, one draw and two losses.

The losses have come in disappointing fashion, the first being against Stranraer some six weeks ago where a disappointing performance saw us fall 2-1 at Stair Park. The other loss came last week in even more disappointing fashion, as we slumped out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the fourth year running, as we lost 1-0 at home to Banks O’Dee.

Our draw came a fortnight ago in a goalless affair, away to Forfar Athletic, at Station Park.

When our wins have come, they have been spectacles. The first win was against Peterhead when we beat the then-league leaders at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The routine display saw Alan Trouten and Stewart Murdoch on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. The following week, Nathan Austin scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to The Spartans, a result which saw us climb to the top of the league. The following week, East Fife showed their cutting edge, burying five against a 10-man Bonnyrigg Rose side. Alan Trouten bagged a hattrick, with Andrew Tod making it on the scoresheet for the first time in his professional career.

Our Opposition

Stirling Albion have won four and lost two of their last six. Their two losses came against Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose where they fell 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.

They have only won once on the road, where they beat Stranraer 2-0 with Erik Sula and Adam Brown on the scoresheet.

The last three weeks have seen them pick up a run of wins, all at Forthbank. Dale Carrick and Dale Hilson have been the danger men in recent weeks, helping the Binos to four consecutive wins (the most recent three being against Forfar and Clyde in the league, and Bo’ness Athletic in the Scottish Cup).

Previous Encounter

Stirling Albion 0-4 East Fife

24th August 2024, Forthbank Stadium

The last time the sides met, Stirling Albion were on the end of a drubbing at the hands of the Methil Milan. The Binos started well, but when Austin’s effort flew in in the 40th minute, the floodgates opened. Reis Peggie added a second before the interval before Fash added another two himself in the second half to send him home with the match ball, and the Fifers home with all three points.

Squad News

Outs: Liam Newton continues to miss out through injury. Alan Trouten also misses out this week due to a dental issue.

Ins: Brian Easton has returned to full training and is back in the matchday squad this afternoon. Scott Shepherd managed to shake off last Saturday’s knock and is available for selection. Logan Briggs and Masson Winn also keep their place in the senior squad.

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 turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, tickets can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.

Please note, that parent & child tickets must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.

Live Stream

For our International Fans, Live Streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, Harley’s Taxis sponsored third kit. They will wear a red shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear turquoise for the tie.

Stirling Albion will be in all-white for the clash, with the Binos goalkeeper will be in orange this afternoon.

Officials

The referee today will be Gavin Duncan with his assistants are Colin Drummond and Sean Duff.

In Memoria

Pre-kick-off today, there will be a minute’s applause for former East Fife youth player Jamie Lyon.

Misc

The Bayview issue 11 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.30pm. This week’s edition features an interview with returning goalkeeping coach Jim Moffat.

Mon the Fife!

Ticket Info v Stirling Albion

Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Stirling Albion at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 2nd November are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Admission Prices

Adults - £18

Concessions* - £14

Under 16s* - £5

Parent & Child - £21

Parent & 2 Children - £24

*Proof of age may be requested

Season tickets are valid for this match.

All member of East Fife Community Football Club & East Fife Girls & Womens’ Football Club who are under 16 go free with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all William Hill League 2 matches at Bayview this season.

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online. Online sales are available right up until kick off. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01333 426323 or directly from the club office for those unable to purchase online.

Please note, parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.

Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can also watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription. There is no live stream option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.

Match Report - Banks O'Dee

East Fife 0-1 Banks O’Dee, Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup R2, Saturday 26^th October 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Highland League outfit Banks O’Dee held onto a 1-0 lead against League 2 leaders East Fife, seeing the us knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle for the third consecutive year.

The Highland League side started the faster of the two teams and we were unable to get the ball on the ground and play football. The Dees controlled the attacking play, and although there was a lack of chances, those that manifested did so in favour of the visitors.

After just five minutes of play, Banks O’Dee should have taken the league through Hunter, when he lobbed his header clear of the crossbar.

Jevan Anderson secured the winning goal for the Dees with the second chance of the game after 22 minutes of play, when he headed home from close range following a textbook corner kick routine. 

We elected to throw the kitchen sink at the opposition in the second half, to no avail, with plenty of enticing crosses popped into the box, without anyone to meet the pass.

With 10 minutes to go, East Fife had their best opportunity of the game when Nathan Austin stood over a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The striker whipped the ball over the wall though it was right down the goalkeeper's throat.

Dick Campbell’s men continued to press and try and claw their way into the contest, going as far as to stick centre-half Andy Munro up front in the dying embers, although it was to no avail, and the visitors ran out deserving winners on the day.

East Fife Assistant Manager Ian Campbell commented on the proceedings post-match, saying that Banks O’Dee were worthy winners, with their attitude and hunger for victory being apparent throughout the contest. Alan Trouten supported this statement, saying that he was “thoroughly disappointed for the players, the fans and the club.”

Next week East Fife host Stirling Albion while Banks O’Dee play Brora Rangers in a crucial Highland League tie.

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Millar, McManus, Shepherd (Norey 18’), Trouten, Healy (Laaref 71’), Austin, Peggie (Slattery 80’), Munro, Walker (Docherty 80’). Subs not used: McFarlane, Briggs, Winn, Blake.

Banks O’Dee – Hoban, Davidson, Anderson, Reynolds, Cooney, Lewecki, Gilmour, Winton, Hunter (Antoniazzi 81’), Duell, Phillipson (Milne 68’). Subs not used: Irvine, Selbie, Alexander.

Referee – Daniel Graves

Attendance – 597

Report by Oli Anderson

Photographer by East Fife Media

Match Preview - Banks O'Dee

Oli Anderson previews today’s Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup tie against Banks O’Dee.

East Fife step away from league duty this weekend to face Banks O’Dee in the second round of the Scottish Cup at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.

Dick Campbell’s men will be looking for a better result than that of last week, as the Fifers dropped points away to Forfar Athletic in a goalless affair. East Fife were the better of the two sides on the day, but we just could not break the deadlock.

Our opposition today, Banks O’Dee sit in second place in the Highland League, having started the season strongly. They are coming off the back of a 3-0 victory over Turriff United, and are set for a challenging two weeks, firstly playing the Methil Milan today, before heading back up to Spain Park to play Brora Rangers in a 2nd vs 3rd clash at the top of the Highland League.

Squad News

Ins

Club captain Stewart Murdoch and central midfielder Pat Slattery both return to the squad ahead of today’s cup tie.

In surprisingly welcome news, Brian Easton has progressed much quicker than anticipated and could make the squad for this afternoon well ahead of schedule.

Neil Blake, Logan Briggs and Masson Winn (current U20s players) also keep their places in the matchday squad.

Outs

Liam Newton and Jess Norey sadly continue to miss out through injury.

Andrew Tod has been made unavailable by his parent club for today, though Liam McFarlane has been given permission to feature in cup matches.

A Message from the Management Team

Before kick-off today, Assistant Manager Ian Campbell spoke with the media team about the contest ahead: ““We are acutely aware of the importance of this cup tie, and we have prepared well this week. Potentially having Easty back well ahead of schedule is a bonus as we enter this important period of games.”

Campbell added: “We are deeply respectful of Banks O’Dee and know that they are second in the Highland League, which clearly shows that they are a good side. It promises to be an exciting game today.”

The Form

The Fifers

Our last six games have resulted 3 wins a draw, and two losses, one of which came against Championship opposition.

Our two losses have come in consecutive weeks, with the first coming against Dunfermline Athletic in the SPFL Trust Trophy. East Fife defended resolutely for the first 45 minutes, which proved frustrating for the Pars. Unfortunately, they came out with a clear intention in the second half, and two quick goals looked to put the contest outwith East Fife’s reach.

The most recent defeat came to Stranraer at Stair Park. A poor start saw us go in 1-0 down at the interval, before a good start to the start of the second half saw us bag the equaliser through Alan Trouten. The lead didn’t last long however, as Stranraer retook the lead just minutes later, which East Fife never recovered from. Calamity in the final moments saw goalkeeper Liam McFarlane sent off and gaffer Dick Campbell also saw red in the aftermath.

Our first win in the last six came when we hosted Peterhead at the Wooden Fortress, and ran out 2-0 winners, thanks to first half strikes from Alan Trouten and captain Stewart Murdoch.

Then we built on the win against then-league leaders Peterhead, when we visited and defeated The Spartans. A second half strike from Nathan Austin proved the difference, with Jack Healy grabbing the assist following a great performance.

Three weeks ago, we came out on top against Bonnyrigg Rose in a game which was not always pleasing on the eye. Goals from Alan Trouten (three to be precise) as well as an Andrew Tod goal, and an own goal too proved the difference in a 5-0 romping.

Our draw came last week, against Forfar Athletic. A 0-0 draw at Station Park saw East Fife fail to score in a league game for the first time this season, which considering that we have played ten games already, is not too shabby.

Our Opposition

Banks O’Dee’s form shows just how strong a side they are. In their last six games, the Dees have recorded five wins, and just a singular loss.

Their only loss came to currently Highland League leaders Brechin City, as Banks O’Dee fell 3-1 on the day. That was back on the 18th of September though.

Since defeat, our opponents have gone on a 5-game winning run, scoring 18 goals in five games, gaining wins against sides such as Gala Fairydean Rovers and Rothes (who they beat 7-1).

Previous Encounter

Banks o’ Dee 2-1 East Fife

27th November 2021, Spain Park

Scottish Cup Third Round

The last time these sides met, it was a day to forget for the Fifers. Despite taking an early lead through Jamie Semple, an own goal saw East Fife pegged back by half time. A horror second half saw Aaron Dunsmore sent off, allowing Mark Gilmour to hand Banks O’Dee the lead with just ten minutes to go. East Fife were down to nine men by the end of the contest, with Scott Mercer also being sent down the tunnel.

Match Tickets

Match tickets can be purchased online before the game. Note that there are no cash turnstiles at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Please find match ticket prices below:

Adults- £15

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £10

Under 16s- £5

Season tickets are not valid for cup matches and we strongly encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online to avoid queues at reception. Out ticketing platform now supports both Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Turnstiles open at 2:00pm this afternoon.

Live Stream

For our International Fans, Live Streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK and Ireland this weekend.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the traditional home kit, with the MPH Group sponsored black and gold shirt, with black shorts and socks. Our goalkeeper will be in yellow for the tie.

Banks O’Dee will be in their home colours of a sky-blue and navy striped shirt, with white shorts and light blue shorts. The Dee’s goalkeeper will wear all green for the clash.

Officials

The referee today will be Daniel Graves, with his assistants running the line, Jamie Andrews and Calum Foreman.

Miscellaneous

Issue 10 of our programme ‘The Bayview’ will be available for purchase before kick-off, for just £3. This week’s edition features an interview with club physio Jeb Spink as well as a tribute to former player Bobby Gillon.

The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm today, with the pie-stalls and club shop open this afternoon too!

Mon the Fife!

Jim Moffat Appointed Goalkeeping Coach

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Moffat as our Goalkeeping Coach.

Jim is no stranger to East Fife after first making 40 appearances for the club as a player between 1989-1993 before returning as manager in 2002 and guiding the club to promotion is his first full season.

Jim joins us from Cowdenbeath, and we’d like to thank our friends at Central Park for their assistance in concluding this move for Jim.

Manager Dick Campbell: “I’d like to welcome Jim back to Bayview. He has great experience and that will be very beneficial to our goalkeepers over the coming months.”

Welcome back Jim!