East Fife are on their travels again this evening as they head to Angus to take on a Montrose side who have been rejuvenated in the last 12 months, winning the SPFL division two championship last season. Stewart Petrie’s team are also off to a flying start in the Betfred Cup, recording an impressive 1-0 victory in Falkirk on Saturday, thanks to an early goal from Martin Rennie.
Bayview boss Darren Young was also a happy man following his side’s goalless draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park at the weekend. Despite missing out on a bonus point following the penalty shoot-out, there were many positives to take from a very encouraging performance, as the Fifers restricted their Premiership opponents to only a few goalscoring opportunities with a well-organised display and some resolute defending, particularly at set-piece situations.
In terms of personnel, East Fife should be along the same lines, with goalkeeper Craig McDowall, Scott Linton and Mark Docherty still sidelined through injury. Midfielder Scott Agnew is expected to be available for selection for Sunday’s game against Forfar Athletic at Locality Hub Bayview Stadium.
There are several familiar faces in the Montrose squad, including ex-Fifers Allan Fleming, Ross Campbell and Jordan Millar. The Gable Endies have also recruited Josh Skelly and Patrick Cregg from Arbroath and Forfar Athletic respectively during the summer.
East Fife’s record in recent years against Montrose has been decent, but they will be aware that the Angus side’s form has been excellent and can boast an unbeaten run at Links Park, stretching back to January. An interesting contest awaits.
East Fife head north to McDiarmid Park tomorrow to take on St Johnstone in the opening game of the season in the Betfred Cup. It goes without saying that this will be an extremely tough challenge for the Fifers, with the Perth Saints now an established Premiership side under the stewardship of Tommy Wright, who has retained the core of his playing staff, bringing in Drey Wright from Colchester United and former Celtic player Tony Watt. There are also several familiar faces in the Saints squad in Jason Kerr, Mark Hurst and Greg Hurst, who all spent time at Bayview recently in loan spells.
Having completed four friendly fixtures against St Andrews United, Dunfermline Athletic, Queen of the South and Lochee United, Manager Darren Young expressed satisfaction at his side’s preparation for the season ahead. Several new faces have arrived at Bayview, including experienced campaigners Scott Agnew, Liam Watt, Ross Dunlop, Ross Davidson, Scott McBride and Daryll Meggatt. Goalkeepers Brett Long and Craig McDowall have also put pen to paper, in addition to young strikers Jonathan Court and Anton Dowds.
The Methil men are likely to be without the services of Scott Linton and Mark Docherty, who remain sidelined through injury, while midfielder Scott Agnew is also unavailable for selection.
You have to go back to 2006 to find the last time the two sides faced each other, with St Johnstone emerging 3-1 winners at McDiarmid Park, also in a League Cup tie. After a goalless first half, Jason Scotland found the target for the home side, hitting a double, with Martin Hardie also finding the net. Jonathan Smart scored his first goal in East Fife colours with ten minutes left on the clock.
The supporters who intend travelling to support The Fife against Lochee United on Saturday, 7th July in Dundee, should note that the Kick Off time has been altered from 2.30pm to 1pm.
Bayview Stadium is hosting a friendly game tonight (4th July) KO 8pm, between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic. We have been asked to point out to both sets of supporters that our upstairs bar (Jeek Fleming Suite) is reserved for Rovers Supporters only and our downstairs bar, (Jimmie's Bar) is for Dunfermline Supporters only. All supporters are very welcome to our stadium.
St. Johnstone have asked us to pass on detail of their matchday hospitality for our Betfred Cup tie on the 14th of July. See below for details.
Saints will entertain East Fife FC at McDiarmid Park in the Betfred Cup on Saturday 14th July, in what will be the club's first competitive fixture of the new season.
The club is delighted to offer fans the opportunity to take in this match in style by enjoying our renowned match day hospitality with this special package.
Guests will be welcomed into our Centenary Suite where they will receive the following for just £35 per person:
- A hot buffet prepared by Head Chef, Robert McKinnie
- Access to a cash bar
- Complimentary match programme and teamsheet
- Half-time refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits
- Post-match visit from players
To book your place, please phone 01738 455000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As the Black 3rd tops were not bespoke, our suppliers could only stock us with sizes up to 2XL. However, the supplier has agreed, in view of the demand for larger sizes, to make a special run of these. Therefore we will take orders by phone, e mail or visit to the office of the sizes required for 3XL, 4XL and 5XL. We have an order list for those who have already put their names down for those sizes and anyone who wishes to add their name can do so as soon as possible please.
We are expecting these sizes to be delivered by the end of August and beginning of September 2018. We have asked for 25. It should be noted that the price for the larger sizes are £45 per top.