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Match Preview - Bonnyrigg Rose
Oli Anderson preview today’s match against Bonnyrigg Rose
East Fife sit proudly at the top of the William Hill League Two following a hard-fought victory away to The Spartans last week. Our first test as leaders comes against Bonnyrigg Rose this afternoon at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. It will prove to be a challenging game, with our home form against the Rosey Posey being nothing to shout about so far.
Bonnyrigg are coming off the back of a 1-0 loss at New Dundas Park against Forfar Athletic, so Calum Elliot’s men will be looking to bounce back from misery.
A Message from the Management Team.
Speaking with the media team before kick-off today, assistant manager Ian Campbell said: “We have another home game to look forward to today against Bonnyrigg. Once you reach the top of the league, the hard part is staying there but we will be giving it our best efforts against a tough opponent.”
In Memoria
Pre-kick off today, there will be a minute silence for former East Fife player Bobby Gillon. We kindly ask that everyone is in their seat in time to observe this. Thoughts go out to Bobby’s family. Signing for the Fifers in 1950, Gillon featured 26 times for East Fife, in what was a very successful time for the football club.
William Hill League Two Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Fife | 8 | 11 | 18 |
| 2 | Peterhead | 8 | 6 | 17 |
| 3 | Elgin City | 8 | 4 | 14 |
| 4 | Stirling Albion | 8 | -2 | 12 |
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 8 | 0 | 10 |
| 6 | The Spartans | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| 7 | Forfar Athletic | 8 | -4 | 8 |
| 8 | Clyde | 8 | -6 | 7 |
| 9 | Edinburgh City | 8 | -4 | 6 |
| 10 | Stranraer | 8 | -6 | 5 |
Last Week’s Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Forfar Athletic
Elgin City 3-3 Edinburgh City
Peterhead 2-2 Clyde
Stranraer 0-2 Stirling Albion
The Spartans 0-1 East Fife
This Week’s Fixtures
Clyde vs The Spartans
East Fife vs Bonnyrigg Rose
Edinburgh City vs Stranraer
Peterhead vs Elgin City
Stirling Albion vs Forfar Athletic
The Form
The Fifers
The first game in our last six was a resounding win for the Methil Milan as they trounced Stirling Albion 4-0 at Forthbank Stadium. Fash was on fire, netting a hattrick, with Reis Peggie also on the scoresheet just before half time.
We then kept our fine scoring form ticking over, as we ran out 5-1 winners over Clyde at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Austin was on fine form once more, scoring a brace, one of which being an early ‘goal of the season’ contender. Trouten also bagged twice for the Black and Gold, while Adam Laaref opened his account too.
Our two losses have come in consecutive weeks, with the first coming against Dunfermline in the 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 last weekend, 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 never lasted long however, as Stranraer retook the lead just minutes later, which East Fife could not recover from. Calamity in the final moments saw goalkeeper Liam McFarlane sent off for (?), which saw gaffer Dick Campbell see red in the aftermath.
The last two weeks have seen a total upkeep in form, as we have beaten two of the other best sides in the division. Firstly, 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.
Last week, 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.
Our Opposition
Bonnyrigg’s form makes for some interesting reading. In their last six games, the Rosey Posey have recorded three wins, a draw and two losses.
Their wins have come against Stranraer and Clyde at home, while they also beat Stirling Albion away at Forthbank. Bradley Barrett has been the most prolific of the Bonnyrigg team, bagging two in those three games.
Their draw came away to city rivals Edinburgh City. Kerr Young and Neil Martynuik found the scoresheet for Bonnyrigg.
Defeats to Forfar and Elgin City wrap up their last six games.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 1-4 Bonnyrigg Rose
13th April 2024, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
The last time the sides met, East Fife were on the end of a drubbing at the hands of the Rosey Posey. Despite a promising start, seeing the Fifers take the lead through Alan Trouten, Bonnyrigg responded well, scoring three goals in the first half, knocking the stuffing from East Fife. Kerr Young would add a misery compiler in the dying embers of the game, in what was all-in-all, a weekend to forget for East Fife.
Squad News
Defender Brian Easton and club captain Stewart Murdoch both miss out this week due to injury.
A couple of players will also have their fitness assessed this afternoon pre-kick off.
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.
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 for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, Argentina-esque ‘Back Onside’ sponsored away kit. They will wear a sky blue and white striped shirt, with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear orange for the tie.
The visitors will wear their all-red kit this afternoon with the goalkeeper in yellow.
Officials
The referee today will be Alex Shepherd, with his assistants Will Pare and Kenny Brown.
The Extra Bits
The Bayview issue 9 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 contains an interview with new signing Andrew Tod. If you can't make it to today's game, programmes can also be purchased 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! After the match today, local musician Mackintosh will be performing in the club lounge! We hope you can join us there.
Mon the Fife!
New Partnership with Seescape
East Fife Football Club are delighted to announce a partnership with Fife based charity Seescape, who support blind/partially sighted individuals, providing a season ticket for the use of Seescape service users.
Sandy Allan (pictured below), a Seescape client and EFFC fan, recently went along to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium to collect the season ticket on behalf of Seescape.
Stephen Mill, East Fife FC Disability Access Officer and audio-descriptive commentator, commented: “Having partnerships with community groups such as Seescape is really important to all of us here at East Fife FC. We are determined to welcome as many fans as possible here to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium for matches and I really hope this initiative encourages those who may not have the confidence to come to games, to take advantage of this offer and give it a try.
“Football has given many of us some real highs and lows over the years but the one thing that brings us all together is the love of the game. This is a great opportunity to get more people involved and I would encourage people to do so.”
Seescape, formally Fife Society for the Blind, is the leading provider of support services for people with a visual impairment in Fife.
Match Report - The Spartans
The Spartans 0-1 East Fife, Saturday 28th September 2024, William Hill League 2, Ainslie Park
East Fife climbed to the summit of the William Hill League 2 on Saturday after a brilliant away win at The Spartans.
A slow start from the Fifers saw Allan Fleming (who retained his place in the starting lineup following an excellent performance at home to Peterhead) forced into a strong save from Hamish Ritchie in the opening five minutes.
On top of this, skipper Stewart Murdoch’s afternoon came to a rather abrupt halt as he had to be substituted early doors due to injury. This, however, opened the door for Jess Norey to come back into the fold following his spell out of the team.
Chances then started to flow for the Fifers after we settled back into the game, with Trouten challenging Carswell from the edge of the box. Five minutes later, Nathan Austin stood over a free kick which was just outside of the area. Despite hopes he would match his feats from earlier in the season, this one found the wrong side of the crossbar and the score remained goalless.
The Spartans were not without threat, unfortunately, and just after the half an hour mark, ex-Fifer Brogan Walls set up the chance of the half. He dinked a routine free kick into Ayrton Sonkur, who’s header challenged Fleming. Flem made no mistakes and tipped the ball over the crossbar, with Fleming again called into action to keep out an effort from the resulting corner.
That took the sides in at the break goalless, in what was an incredibly tight game.
During the half time interval, the Fifers made a change which would prove crucial in the contest. Jack Healy came on for Reis Peggie, and he made an instant impact on the game. Jack beat his man on the wing and raced to the by-line. He whipped in a cross for new signing Andrew Tod, though it floated over him, and into the path of Trouten, who launched an effort at Carswell, though the goalkeeper saved with ease.
Healy continued to be a nuisance for The Spartans and created another opportunity bang on the hour mark, this time for Nathan Austin. Jack intercepted a rather sloppy back pass and pinged the ball across to Fash, though The Spartans’ keeper pulled his defence from the gutter with yet another smart stop.
They say things come in threes and that certainly was the case for Healy, and this time it paid dividends! The Fife’s number 11 bombed forward with the ball at his feet before sending a beautiful early cross which looked destined for Trouten. It bounced over Trouts though, and into the path of Fash, who slotted home with a beautiful finish into the bottom corner, securing his tenth goal of the season in all competitions.
Carswell continued to perform for The Spartans, even after East Fife ramped up the pressure. Just minutes after East Fife opened the scoring, we went for two. With Andrew Tod and Alan Trouten both having efforts in quick succession forcing a double save from the goalie.
East Fife continued to push, though we just could not put the game to bed. We had one last chance before the full-time whistle, as Austin found himself through on goal in a one-on-one scenario, though the goalie held firm and denied Fash.
That was the last chance of the game, which saw East Fife walk away with all three points, and due to results elsewhere, saw us go top of the league, somewhere we would like to stay for the foreseeable.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Jack Healy.
It is not often that we a see a substitute walk away with the man of the match award, though Healy completely changed the game last Saturday. Not only was he pivotal in setting up the only goal of the contest, but his introduction in the match put The Spartans to the sword, as he created numerous chances, and caused all sorts of bother at Ainslie Park. It was a Saturday to remember for Healy.
The Spartans – Carswell, Waugh, Denholm (Hunter 89’), Sonkur, P Watson, Dishington (Whittaker 89’), Ritchie (K Watson 71’), Walls (Stowe 71’), Craigen, Whyte, Henderson. Subs not used: Scott, Wylie, Meek.
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch (Norey 8’), Newton (Slattery 71’), Munro, Walker (Docherty 80’), Millar, McManus, Trouten, Peggie (Healy 45’), Tod (Shepherd 80’), Austin. Subs not used: Laaref, McFarlane.
Referee – Alastair Grieve
Attendance - 589
Admission Info v Bonnyrigg Rose
Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Bonnyrigg Rose at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 5th October 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.
Scottish Cup Draw - 2nd Round
We have been drawn at home to Banks O’Dee in the second round of the Scottish Cup.
The tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday 26th October 2024. Full details will be announced in due course.
Admission Info v The Spartans
Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against The Spartans at Ainslie Park on Saturday 28th September are now on sale. Pay-at-the-gate is also available.
Admission Prices
Adults - £17
Concessions* - £12
Youths (13-15) - £5
Under 12s - Free
*Over 65s and 16-18-year-olds
Please note, all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland this via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.