Match Report - Clyde

East Fife 5-1 Clyde, Saturday 31^st August 2024

William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

An emphatic 5-1 victory over pre-season favourites Clyde at a bouncing MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday saw the Fifers keep the pressure up on those at the sharp end of the league table.

The opening ten minutes of the game were very close, though Nathan Austin continued his fine form, breaking the deadlock after just 12 minutes with a well-placed headed effort.

It went from good to great for East Fife, as they doubled their lead ten minutes later through Alan Trouten, who slotted home from the spot, as per usual. The build up to the penalty saw a lot of tussling between both sides, though the referee was confident in his decision.

Clyde managed to hit back just before the break, in what looked like it could have been a pivotal moment. Jack Healy fouled his runner in the box, which saw Marley Redfern then convert from the spot.

However, the Fifers replied quickly, as Nathan Austin scored a world class whipped goal from the edge of the box, right on the stroke of half time.

The second half was well managed by the Methil Milan, as Andy Munro and Brian Easton defended all of Clyde’s threat well.

The Fifers were unrelenting, and put the Bully Wee to the sword as the second half went on. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Alan Trouten made it four, as he capped off an excellent team manoeuvre. Adam Laaref and Connor McManus linked up on the right-hand side, before the latter dinked the ball into the back post for none other than Trouten, as the forward beat Kinnear for the second time.

Adam Laaref made it five for Fife, with just 10 minutes left on the clock when he tucked away his first goal in the famous black and gold. Going alone, he burst into the box and managed to stab home his audacious Trivela effort. The result saw the Fifers stay just one point behind leaders Peterhead after five games played.

Reporters Man of the Match: Reis Peggie

The boy ran all day long – 3 lungs!

East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (McManus 23’), Easton, Peggie (Slattery 82’), Munro, Newton, Millar (Shepherd 82’), Norey, Trouten, Healy (Laaref 72’), Austin. Subs not used: Fleming

Clyde – Kinnear, Robson (D Lyon 80’), Hamilton, Howie, McKay, Grant (Allan 55’), Docherty (R Lyon 80’), Murdoch, Scullion, Redfern (Connelly 55’), Connell (Rennie 72’). Subs not used: Kennedy, Leitch

Referee – Gary Hanvidge

Attendance – 704

Report by Oli Anderson

Photographer by Goerge McLuskie

Match Preview - Clyde

Three consecutive league wins (4 in all competitions) has seen East Fife leap to second place in William Hill League 2. Last week’s 4-nil victory over Stirling Albion saw us record our best run of form since January-December 2020/21 where we also picked up four wins on the spin.

This week’s opposition Clyde started the season as the bookie’s favourites but have had a relatively poor start to the season win only 1 win and 1 draw from their opening 4 matches. Last week’s defeat to Bonnyrigg Rose saw the Bully Wee slop to 8^th in the league table and they’ll be without the services of defender-come-striker Logan Dunachie was sent off in last weekend’s match.

This is the 101^st league meeting between the sides with Clyde slightly edging it with 35 wins compared to our 32. There have also been 33 draws between the sides.

William Hill League Two Table

	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Peterhead	4	3	10
2	East Fife	4	4	9
3	Elgin City	3	3	7
4	Stirling Albion	4	-1	6
5	The Spartans	3	2	5
6	Edinburgh City	4	0	4
7	Bonnyrigg Rose	4	-2	4
8	Clyde	4	-2	4
9	Stranraer	4	-2	4
10	Forfar Athletic	4	-5	1

Last Week’s Results

Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Clyde

Forfar Athletic 0-3 Edinburgh City

Stirling Albion 0-4 East Fife

Stranraer 1-1 Elgin City

The Spartans 0-0 Peterhead

This Week’s Fixtures

Bonnyrigg Rose vs Stranraer

East Fife v Clyde

Edinburgh City vs Peterhead

Forfar Athletic vs Elgin City

Stirling Albion vs The Spartans

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s last 6 matches have seen us pick up 4 wins and 2 loses.

Three consecutive home wins against Edinburgh City (League 2), St. Johnstone B (SPFL Trust Trophy), Forfar Athletic (League 2), along with last week’s 4-0 victory over Stirling Albion has seen us extend our winning run to 4 matches.

The two defeats have both come on the road. Firstly, on the final weekend of the League Cup group stages away to Premiership side St. Johnstone before succumbing to a 4-2 opening day defeat against Elgin at borough Briggs.

Our Opposition

Clyde’s last 6 matches have seen them suffer 4 defeats in all competitions but have picked up four league points so far this season with a 1-0 victory over Stranraer and a 0-0 draw with Forfar Athletic on the opening day of the season.

Defeats for the Bull Wee have come via Montrose in the League Cup and Rangers B in the SPFL Trust Trophy, along with league defeats to Stirling Albion and Bonnyrigg Rose.

Previous Encounter

Clyde 1-0 East Fife, Saturday 27^th April 2024, New Douglas Park

The last time the two sides played, Clyde emerged with the three points to lift them off the foot of the table thanks to a first half strike from Martin Rennie.

The game was void of many chances but the Bully Wee found the majority of their success through their long ball, passing up multiple chances but it was a poorly defended corner which lead to Clyde’s goal on the day.

Squad News

Speaking yesterday, Assistant Manager Ian Campbell confirmed that they have a full squad available once again for today’s match

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, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.

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

Supporters still to collect their season ticket cards can do from reception until 2pm today or from the club shop after 2pm until kick off.

Live Stream

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

Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear light blue for the match.

Clyde will be in their traditional colours this afternoon of white shirts, black shorts and red socks. The Clyde goalkeeper will be in navy blue.

Officials

The referee today is Gary Hanvidge and his assistant referees are Craig Macrae and Scott McGregor.

The Extra Bits

The Bayview issue 6 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. Today’s issue includes an interview with Adam Laaref. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

The Stadium Bar will be open from 12.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground today from 2pm. Both cash and card are accepted.

Mon the Fife!

Ticket Info v Clyde

Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Clyde at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 31st August 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. Supporters who have still to collect their season ticket card can do so during normal office hours or from the club shop on matchday.

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 - Stirling Albion

Match Report - This Time It’s The Fash that Does the Smoking 

Niall Anderson looks back at Saturday’s match against Stirling Albion.

East Fife travelled across the M9 to face Stirling Albion last Saturday in their fourth fixture of the league season. Both teams went into the game following positive results last week, Stirling winning against title favourites Clyde, and East Fife against Forfar Athletic. The Methil men made two changes from last week as Jack Healy came in for Scott Shepherd with Stewart Murdoch taking the armband and replacing Connor McManus in the starting line-up. 

East Fife made their intentions clear inside the first 5 minutes as Reis Peggie was released through on goal by Trouten, narrowly missing the back of the net as the left winger’s effort fizzed past Gaston’s upright from a tight angle. Stirling soon had their own chance to open the scoring on 8 minutes where a mix up in the East Fife defence allowed Carrick to flick the ball back to his strike partner on the edge of the box but, fortunately for the Fife, the effort was right down McFarlane’s throat. 

Perhaps the best chance of the first half should have put the Fifer’s ahead on 25 minutes. McFarlane’s low flighted long ball to Austin was expertly flicked on to Trouten with only the keeper in his way, however the striker was caught in two minds as he tried a lob with his weaker foot and Gaston was able to collect easily. 

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, well think again! Norey collects the ball on the edge of the box, Norey is fouled, Fash stands over it… Heard that one before? Perhaps a little more central than last week but the exact same outcome. Austin fired an unstoppable freekick on 39 minutes at the keeper’s near side to give us a 1-0 lead!

The goals wouldn’t stop there though - following a tussle in the middle of the park Trouten collected the ball, before laying it off for Peggie on the edge of the box and he fired in an equally impressive finish to double our lead, fooling both defender and goalie as he reversed the ball into the bottom corner! The local lad scoring his first goal for the black and gold (wearing blue and white) since his move during the summer break. It could’ve been three on the stroke of half-time when Andy Munro headed the ball into the back of the net but was flagged for offside. 

Half Time Stirling Albion 0-2 East Fife 

If the first half an hour was a fairly even affair, the second half was almost entirely dominated by the away team. Perhaps feeling slightly aggrieved to not have been set up for his second of the match a minute earlier, Austin extended the Fife’s lead on 52 minutes! After another fantastic tackle in the centre circle by Millar, he gave the ball to Fash who stone cold smoked his marker with a cheeky nutmeg and fired the ball past Gaston for 3-0!

Austin almost repeated the effort 30 yards out, but his speculative effort was held by Gaston at the second attempt. The front man completed his hat trick on 83 minutes following a good interchange down the right-hand side. McManus delivered a curling cross to the back post for Austin to power the ball into the back of the net with a side footed volley - 4-0! Adam Laaref almost added a fifth in the dying moments as he jinked through the Stirling defence but dragged his effort wide. 

Full Time Stirling Albion 0-4 East Fife 

East Fife welcome Clyde to Bayview this weekend with the chance to top the table if results go our way. East Fife sitting in lofty 2nd place on 9 points whereas Clyde sit in 8^th place after poor starting to the season with just 4 points.

Reporter’s MOTM - Who else? Nathan Austin! The man was absolutely on fire. The Stirling defence didn’t know whether it was Pancake Tuesday or Sheffield Wednesday, beating them both in the air and on ground. “It’s as good a hattrick as I’ve ever seen”. 

Stirling Albion – Gaston, McGeachie, Sula, Weir (Davidson 79’), Dall, Kerr, Wright (Knox 60’), Waugh (McKinlay 60’), Crane (Milne 79’), Carrick, Roy. Subs not used: Featherstone, Howe, Reilly, McIlravey.

East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (Docherty 45’), Newton, Easton, Munro, Millar (Slattery 75’), Norey (McManus 76’), Trouten (Shepherd 76’), Healy (Laaref 76’), Austin. Subs not used: Fleming.

Referee – Sean Murdoch

Attendance – 794

Report by Niall Anderson

Match Preview - Stirling Albion

Three wins in the last seven days has seen the momentum swing round following our opening day defeat against Elgin City 3 weeks ago. Last week’s 2-1 victory against Forfar Athletic sees us currently sitting in 4^th position in the William Hill League 2 table going into today’s game.

This week’s opposition Stirling Albion are coming off the back a good win themselves last weekend when they defeated bookies favourites Clyde at New Douglas Park.

William Hill League Two Table

	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Peterhead	3	3	9
2	Elgin City	2	3	6
3	Stirling Albion	3	2	6
4	East Fife	3	1	6
5	The Spartans	2	2	4
6	Clyde	3	-1	4
7	Forfar Athletic	3	-2	1
8	Stranraer	3	-2	1
9	Edinburgh City	3	-3	1
10	Bonnyrigg Rose	3	-3	1

Last Week’s Results

Clyde 0-2 Stirling Albion

East Fife 2-1 Forfar Athletic

Edinburgh City 2-2 Bonnyrigg Rose

Peterhead 1-0 Stranraer

This Week’s Fixtures

Bonnyrigg Rose vs Clyde

Forfar Athletic vs Edinburgh City

Stirling Albion vs East Fife

Stranraer vs Elgin City

The Spartans vs Peterhead

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s last 6 matches have seen us pick up 4 wins and 2 loses.

Wins have come curtesy of a 4-0 home victory over Brechin City in the League Cup, and three consecutive home wins against Edinburgh City (League 2), St. Johnstone B (SPFL Trust Trophy) and last week against Forfar Athletic (League 2), where goals from Nathan Austin and Alan Trouten saw up dispatch the Loons.

The two defeats have both come on the road. Firstly, on the final weekend of the League Cup group stages away to Premiership side St. Johnstone before succumbing to a 4-2 opening day defeat against Elgin at borough Briggs.

Our Opposition

Their last 6 matches have seen the Binos pick up 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses.

The two victories have both come away from home in the league against Edinburgh City and last weekend at New Douglas Park against Clyde.

Their two draws were both back in the League Cup group stages against Hamilton Academical and Stranraer with Stirling going on to pick up the bonus point on both occasions.

The two defeats came at the hands of Premiership side Ross County in the League Cup and at home two weeks ago against Elgin City where a first half goal from Mark Gallagher was enough to see the Highlanders head back up the road with all three points.

Previous Encounter

Stirling Albion 2-2 East Fife

8^th April 2023, Forthbank Stadium

The last times the sides met was towards the end of the 2023/24 season where a back-and-forth encounter ended in a share of the points following a 2-2 draw.

Jack Healy opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a left-footed volley following good work from Alex Ferguson down the right-hand side. The Binos hit back 3 minutes later through a Dale Carrick header. Carrick put the home side ahead just after the half-hour mark with an acrobatic effort.

Aaron Steele levelled the match again 7 minutes into the second half with a looping header from Liam Newton’s cross before East Fife had to see out the match a man down when Alan Trouten was dismissed for a second booking with 15 minutes left to play.

Squad News

Sean Docherty returns to the squad after missing out last weekend meaning the management team have a full squad at their disposal this afternoon.

Speaking yesterday, Assistant Manager Pink Campbell commented: “Stirling have had a good start to the season, so we’ll be giving them our upmost respect, but we’re really looking forward to the game after a really good week’s training.”

Match Tickets

East Fife fans will be housed in the East Stand this afternoon. Tickets for the match can be bought online or via cash at the turnstiles, with admission prices below:

Adults - £17

Concessions - £12

Students - £8

Under 18s - £8

Under 12s – Free with a paying adult

Please note, Stirling do not permit under 12s to attend the game unaccompanied.

Turnstiles will open at 2:00PM.

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 Lee Gillies.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, Back Onside sponsored away kit of blue & white striped shirts with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the match.

Officials

The referee today is Sean Murdoch and his assistant referees are Chris Gentles and James Duffy.

The Extra Bits

The speciality pie this afternoon is a South Indian Garlic Doner pie.

Mon the Fife!