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Match Preview - Elgin City
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Elgin City.
It has been an even hotter minute since we have been able to watch the Black and Gold, as a result of the Scottish Cup third round being followed by East Fife’s second postponed game of the season. We now gear up to play Elgin City, a side who find themselves in the bottom four, with ourselves, Forfar Athletic, and Clyde, and who find themselves 5 points adrift at the foot of the cinch League Two table.
This afternoon’s game is of paramount importance for the Methil Men, as it gives us yet another opportunity to put some space between ourselves and the dreaded trapdoor.
Elgin’s match against Clyde last week was also postponed, so will be well rested ahead of this 6-pointer.
There will be a minute’s applause prior to kick off this afternoon in memory of club legend Billy McPhee and supporters Eric Walker and Podge Robertson who have sadly passed recently. We kindly ask that all supporters are in their seats in time to observe this.
The cinch League Two Standings
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Stenhousemuir |
14 |
31 |
16 |
|
2 |
Peterhead |
13 |
28 |
14 |
|
3 |
Dumbarton |
13 |
26 |
12 |
|
4 |
The Spartans |
13 |
20 |
3 |
|
5 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
14 |
18 |
-1 |
|
6 |
Stranraer |
14 |
15 |
-13 |
|
7 |
East Fife |
13 |
13 |
-1 |
|
8 |
Forfar Athletic |
14 |
13 |
-4 |
|
9 |
Elgin City |
13 |
12 |
-11 |
|
10 |
Clyde |
13 |
7 |
-15 |
Last Week in the cinch League Two
After our postponement vs The Spartans, there were only 2 cinch SPFL League Two games played out last week. The first of these saw Stenhousemuir build a gap at top of the table, when they beat Bonnyrigg Rose 1-0 in a close encounter. The second of the two games saw the two teams directly surrounding us, Forfar Athletic and Stranraer, draw 1-1, which means that a win today would move us into 6th, just 2 points away from Bonnyrigg Rose in 5th. This would also give us a much bigger gap to those currently below us.
This Week’s Fixtures
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Peterhead
Clyde vs Stranraer
Dumbarton vs Stenhousemuir
East Fife vs Elgin City
The Spartans vs Forfar Athletic
The Form
The Fife
We currently hold a form which shows 6 points from 5 cinch League Two games, and a premature exit in the Scottish Cup, which is certainly far from ideal.
Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Stranraer, back in October, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. There were lots of similarities in the games, which look to be somewhat a mirror of the other. Both games saw fast starts, with us leading 2-0 at the break. On top of this, Nathan Austin and a full back found themselves on the scoresheet in both games (Newton against Stranraer, and Docherty against Clyde).
Unfortunately, not all of our results have been quite as emphatic.
We have succumbed to 4 defeats in our last 6, losing to Dunbar in the Scottish Cup 1-0, through a penalty in what was a devastating game. Before witnessing two defeats in the weeks that followed, against Peterhead and Dumbarton, failing to score in either.
Our last defeat was in our most recent games, losing out to Bonnyrigg 4-2. We looked slack at set pieces on the day, which proved to be our downfall, conceding from a concerningly deep free kick and two penalties. Austin once again found himself on the scoresheet however, which gives some hope that he could be up and running now for the remainder of the season.
The Visitors
Elgin have recorded their best run of form so far this season, despite seeing three losses in the last 6 outings. The manner of the losses is most certainly a cause for concern, however, recording two wins, and a draw with league leaders Stenhousemuir is no mean feat.
Their losses came at the hands of, most recently, Dumbarton, who were victorious at the Rock, 1-0, thanks to a 67th minute penalty from Tony Wallace. Before that, it was Stranraer who got the better of the Black and Whites. Goals from Forrest, Grant and Dolan were more than enough to supersede Rob Jones’ 76th minute consolation, ensuring that Elgin lost at Stair Park. Their final loss was a diabolical one for the club, as they were completely gubbed by Jeanfield Swifts 6-0 in the Scottish Cup 2nd Round at the Riverside stadium. There were three braces on the day for the non-league side, with the doubles coming from Dayle Robertson, Chris McLeish and Chris Scott.
Their draw against Stenny at Borough Briggs was an action packed one, as Elgin left it late to salvage a point against the 10-man Warriors side. Adam Brown opened the scoring for the visitors, before his teammate Meechan was sent for an early shower with only 40 minutes on the clock. It took Elgin some time to find their breakthrough, but they eventually did, and Rory MacEwan’s 86th minute goal was enough to share the spoils.
Their two wins have also come at Borough Briggs, showing that they are much stronger in the Highlands than they are on the road. They toppled Bonnyrigg 2-0, thanks to goals from Rory MacEwan and Connal Ewan. Forfar were Elgin’s other victims, as a goal from Ryan MacLeman in the 13th minute bedded them a fortnight ago.
Squad News
Outs- Trouten now has to serve his suspension, given for his accumulative bookings this season. On top of this Kieran Mitchell is doubtful as he continues to recover from injury. Sadly, Pat Slattery has returned to the injury table, after picking up a knock in training through the week.
Ins- Brendan Ramsay has been called up from the Under 20s side, as Greig McDonald will look to add him into his first team plans.
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
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are strongly encouraged to buy online where possible. Tickets can also be purchased from the matchday reception for those unable to buy online.
Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!
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! There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK/Ireland this weekend.
Officials
The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Ryan Lee while his assistants running the line are Ross Nelson and Mark Harris.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm pre-kick off on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again following the full-time whistle for post-match refreshments.
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the stadium from 2:00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Programme
Issue Number 10 for the 23/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match. This week’s edition contains a tribute to club legend Billy McPhee, an interview with Brogan Walls and a look back at when East Fife beat the then Norwegian champions Sportsklubben Brann 7-1, as well as all of the usual features.
Those unable to make today’s game can purchase their programmes online for home delivery.
Ramsay Promted to the First Team
We’re delighted to announce that Brendan Ramsay has been promoted to the first-team squad.
18-year-old Brendan joined the under 20s set up in the 2021/22 season after coming through the ranks at East Fife Community FC. He made his first-team debut against St. Johnstone B in the SPFL Trust trophy last season before going on to make a further 2 first team appearances; against Forfar Athletic at the end of last season, and most recently as a substitute against Clyde.
Brendan has been a stand-out for the under 20s this season, with 5 goals in 12 appearances and a number of impressive performances which have caught the eye of the first team management.
Manager Greig McDonald: “Brendan did pre-season with the first team and has been training with us regularly since. He has done really well for the under 20s so far this season, and recently coming on against Clyde and having a hand in our fourth goal. He’s another home-grown player we’ve added to the first team squad and I’m looking forward to seeing him challenge for a place in the first team”.
Congratulations Brendan!
Weekly Goldmine Lotto
You have until 12noon to get a ticket online for this week's Goldmine Lotto.
The jackpot is £200. Good luck everyone!
Ticket Info v Elgin City
Tickets for our cinch League Two match against Elgin City on Saturday 9th December at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium 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
*Over 65s/Full-Time Students/Disabled – proof of age/eligibility may be requested
**Proof of age may be requested.
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 cinch League Two matches at Bayview this season. Tickets for this are arranged through EFCFC.
Season tickets are valid for this match.
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.
Please note, parent and child tickets cannot be purchased online and should be bought directly from the club office.
There is no live stream available for viewers within the UK & Ireland this weekend, however overseas supporters can watch the match via East Fife TV with a monthly or season pass.
Match Postponed - East Fife v The Spartans
Following an 11:00am pitch inspection, today's match against The Spartans has been postponed.
Match Preview - The Spartans
**Today’s game is subject an 11.00am pitch inspection**
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against The Spartans.
There will be a minute’s applause prior to kick off this afternoon in memory of club legend Billy McPhee and supporter Eric Walker who we sadly recently. We kindly ask that all supporters are in their seats in time to observe this.
It has been a hot minute since we have been able to see the Fifers in action, due to the third round of the Scottish Cup being played out. Our opponents, The Spartans, were in action and managed to pull off a remarkable win against Championship Opposition in Arbroath. Our last game was a week past Tuesday, as we contested a goal-filled battle with Bonnyrigg Rose. Unfortunately, we fell 4-2, after the Rosey Posey ran riot in the second period. We are hoping to put that result behind us though and look forward to our second clash with the Spartans this year. After things ended all square at Ainslie Park last time out, it is clear that the Fifers would like to turn that draw into all 3 points on Saturday.
The cinch League Two Standings
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Stenhousemuir |
13 |
28 |
15 |
|
2 |
Peterhead |
13 |
28 |
14 |
|
3 |
Dumbarton |
13 |
26 |
12 |
|
4 |
The Spartans |
13 |
20 |
3 |
|
5 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
13 |
18 |
0 |
|
6 |
Stranraer |
13 |
14 |
-13 |
|
7 |
East Fife |
13 |
13 |
-1 |
|
8 |
Forfar Athletic |
13 |
12 |
-4 |
|
9 |
Elgin City |
13 |
12 |
-11 |
|
10 |
Clyde |
13 |
7 |
-15 |
Across the League Last Week
There were no League Two games last week, due to the third round of the Scottish cup. There were 7 SPFL League Two teams who entered the third round, and 5 who made it out in what was a relatively successful showing for the League. Bonnyrigg Rose, Clyde and Forfar Athletic all bested non-League sides to progress, as Albion Rovers, Jeanfield Swifts and Tranent Juniors all fell short against the SPFL Teams.
Dumbarton went one better, and scraped past Annan Athletic in extra-time, in a rematch of their playoff tussle last season. A late goal from Finlay Gray forced extra time, before Ruth and Hilton both scored in the last 5 minutes of the further 30 minutes given, to answer Aidan Smith’s brace, toppling Annan in the process.
Our opponents for this weekend, The Spartans, went one further than that, beating 2nd tier side Arbroath, inside 90 minutes. Craigen scored to put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes, giving The Spartans a narrow lead at the interval. Nonetheless, David Gold equalised in the 49th minute for the Lichties before The Spartans went right up the other end and reclaimed their lead just 60 seconds later.
The only two defeats came against Championship opposition, as Airdrieonians beat Stranraer 1-0 at Stair Park, and Peterhead were sucker punched by Ayr United. Sean McGinty scored for the Honest Men in the 96th minute (with the last kick of the ball) to force extra time, after the Blue Toon took the lead on the hour mark. Then with four minutes to go, Fraser Bryden sealed it for Ayr.
This Week’s Fixtures
East Fife vs The Spartans
Elgin City vs Clyde
Forfar Athletic vs Stranraer
Peterhead vs Dumbarton
Stenhousemuir vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Form
The Fife
We currently hold a form which shows 6 points from 5 cinch League Two games, and a premature exit in the Scottish Cup, which is certainly far from ideal.
Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Stranraer, back in October, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. There were lots of similarities in the games, which look to be somewhat a mirror of the other. Both games saw fast starts, with us leading 2-0 at the break. On top of this, Nathan Austin and a full back found themselves on the scoresheet in both games (Newton against Stranraer, and Docherty against Clyde).
Unfortunately, not all of our results have been quite as emphatic.
We have succumbed to 4 defeats in our last 6, losing to Dunbar in the Scottish Cup 1-0, through a penalty in what was a devastating game. Before two defeats in the weeks that followed, against Peterhead and Dumbarton, failing to score in either.
Our last defeat was last Tuesday, losing out to Bonnyrigg 4-2. We looked slack at set pieces on the day, which proved to be our downfall, conceding from a concerningly deep free kick and two penalties. Austin once again found himself on the scoresheet however, which gives some hope that he could be up and running now for the remainder of the season.
The Visitors
The Spartans are on a decent run of form at the minute, winning 4 games, and losing two. However, their two losses were both very tight battles against Stenhousemuir and Peterhead, the two sides chasing that League Trophy. They conceded late against Peterhead to fall to the Blue Toon and were blown away by a strong second half from Stenhousemuir, who managed to turn a 1-0 deficit at half time, into a 3-2 final whistle, sending The Spartans home empty handed.
They’ve recorded 2 League wins and 2 Cup wins too. They beat both Arbroath and Brechin City 2-1 in the Scottish Cup, securing their place in the 4th round of the competition.
Their league wins came against Clyde and Dumbarton. 2 goals in the first half were too much for the Bully Wee to contend with, and The Spartans eased to the 3 points. Dumbarton was a different story however, as they controlled the game for the vast majority of proceedings but had to wait until deep into the second half for their chance. They bided their time, and struck at the right moment, twice actually, beating the Sons 2-0.
Squad News
Outs- Trouten now has to serve his suspension, given for his accumulative bookings this season. On top of this Kieran Mitchell misses out to injury.
Ins- Liam Newton is back in the squad for Saturday, recovering from his injury which had him side-lined for the last two matches.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th Anniversary black and gold top, matched with white shorts and black socks, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the new, all yellow kit.
The Spartans will also wear their home kit at the weekend, wearing white tops, red shorts and white socks. The Spartans’ goalie will be in sky 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
There are no cash turnstile at Bayview, so supporters are strongly encouraged to buy online where possible. Tickets can also be purchased from the matchday reception for those unable to purchase online.
Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!
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! There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK/Ireland this weekend.
Officials
The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Chris Fordyce while his assistants running the line are Graham McNeillie and Kenny Brown.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm pre-kick off on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will be open again following the full-time whistle for post-match refreshments.
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the stadium from 2:00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.
Programme
Issue Number 9 for the 23/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match. This week’s edition contains a tribute to club legend Billy McPhee and an interview with goalkeeper Matty Rollo as well as all of the usual features.
Those unable to make today’s game can purchase their programme online for home delivery.