Forfar Athletic 0-0 East Fife, Saturday 19th October 2024, William Hill League 2, Station Park
East Fife and Forfar Athletic played out a goalless draw at Station Park last weekend, which saw our lead at the top of the William Hill League 2 shrink to just two points following victory for Elgin City.
Despite the lack of goals in the game, the contest was not void of action, with both sides having their fair share of attempts on goal albeit without really troubling the scoresheet.
East Fife controlled the early proceedings, without challenging the Loons’ goalkeeper, with Gordon Walker’s cross for Andrew Tod the closest we came to breaking the deadlock.
Scott Shepherd had an opportunity just before the twenty-minute mark, though some tidy defending saw his effort knocked behind for a corner.
Centre back Andy Munro created the chance of the half, from absolutely nothing, after half an hour of football. His audacious attempt at a volley looked destined to find Nathan Austin, who was on his own in the box, though Fash could not organise himself quickly enough, and the chance went awry.
Austin hit the post at the death of the first half too, after a long free kick was drilled into the box. Unfortunately to no success for the Methil Milan.
Forfar had two real attempts themselves in the first half, though neither of them tested Allan Fleming in between the sticks.
East Fife were stumped by some top-quality defending at the start of the second half, as Laaref was denied by a last gasp sliding challenge.
The game then teetered out, with it being closely fought in the midfield areas, and neither side were able to challenge the goalkeeper, until the 75th minute. Peggie and Trouten linked up well on the left-hand side of the pitch, before the ball was slotted back to Jack Healy on the edge of the area, though his shot was just over the crossbar.
The last chance of the game came for Peggie at the back post, though his effort was well over, which spelled an end for the game.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Andy Munro
It was tricky to pick a man of the match this week, with every player performing to a very similar standard. In celebration of yet another consecutive clean sheet, this week I have opted for Munro. He has been a stalwart since signing in the summer, and the defensive record this season speaks for itself.
Forfar Athletic – McCallum, Morrison, M Allan, Taylor, MacLean (Whatley 78’), Inglis (Malcolm 78’), Robson, Cannon, F Allan (Skelly 59’), Rodden (Mylchreest 69’). Subs not used: Klimionek, McLean, Cocks, Paris, Mohammed.
East Fife – Fleming, Peggie, Laaref (Healy 62’), Munro, Walker, Millar, McManus, Shepherd (Docherty 81’), Trouten, Tod, Austin. Subs not used: Briggs, Winn, Blake, McFarlane.
Referee – Jordan Curran
Attendance - 655
Report by Oli Anderson
Photograph by East Fife Media
Tickets for our Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup 2nd round match against Banks O’Dee at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 26th October are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Admission Prices
Adults - £15
Concessions* - £10
Under 16s* - £5
*Proof of age may be requested
Season tickets are not valid for this game however season ticket holders can purchase their regular seat by selecting the “I am a Season Ticket Holder” option.
The Community gate will not be open this week.
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.
Those outside the UK and Ireland can watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK and Ireland this weekend.
East Fife FC are proudly continuing their support of Show Racism the Red Card’s Match Actions Campaign during Saturday’s William Hill League 2 match against Forfar Athletic. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism Education Charity, working within schools, workplaces, sports, and community organisations to educate children, young people, and adults on challenging prejudice and stereotypes. Using the power of football is a powerful tool to initiate conversations about anti-racism and our club has supported their messages of tolerance and inclusion for many years. Now more than ever, the importance of active anti-racism cannot be overstated.
Across Scottish football, clubs will show their commitment to anti-racism over one weekend – Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October. This weekend also coincides with Show Racism the Red Card’s UK-wide annual fundraising drive, Wear Red Day, taking place on Friday 18th. On this day, individuals and groups up and down the country are encouraged to wear red and donate to show their support for the campaign and its message.
Billy Singh, Campaign Manager from Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland had this to say: "We are delighted once again that Scottish football is supporting our much-needed anti-racist message. With the recent race riots in England and the continued demonisation of migrant communities across the UK we all have a collective responsibility to challenge all acts of racism not only within football but in our communities, workplaces and social spaces. In our schools we have, on average, 50 recorded racist incidents a week and on our streets there are on average 9 recorded racist incidents a day. Thankfully in Scotland we did not have the race riots that they had in England but there are people in our communities that want to divide us.
Football fans can be a force for good and by being active anti-racists we can change hearts, minds and lives. Please continue to support our campaign."
East Fife Captain Stewart Murdoch: “Everyone at East Fife is proud to be supporting Show Racism the Red Card’s annual fortnight of action again this year. Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world and matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, regardless of their background. We all have a part to play in challenging racism in football and I encourage everyone to unite behind the efforts to Show Racism the Red Card.”
Football is a sport that is loved across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, of all backgrounds. Education is the key and since our formation in 1996 Show Racism the Red Card has engaged with over 1 million learners. East Fife Football Club are proud to support the campaign to reach their next big milestone and to ensure Scotland is equipped with the tools to challenge and eradicate racism from football and society.
Further information:
Website: www.theredcard.org
Education Hub: www.theredcardhub.org
Video platform: www.voices.theredcard.org
Wear Red Day: www.theredcard.org/wear-red-day
And follow them on:
Instagram @SRtRCScotland
Twitter @SRtRCScotland
Facebook.com/theRedCardScotland
Admission for our William Hill League 2 match against Forfar Athletic at Station Park on Saturday 19th October have been confirmed as follows:
Admission Prices
Adults - £15
Concessions* - £10
Under 17s* - £5
*Proof of eligibility may be requested
Entry on the day is via cash turnstiles however tickets can also be purchased in advance.
A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland this via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.
The Club Office will be closed from Tuesday 8th October and will reopen at 9am on Monday 14th October.
Congratulations to Dick Campbell and Alan Trouten who have picked up the Glen’s Vodka League 2 Manager and SPFL League 2 Player of the Month awards for September.
Despite starting the month with a 2-1 defeat away to Stranraer, we bounced back to pick up consecutive victories over Peterhead and The Spartans to see us finish September at the top of League 2.
Commenting on his award, Manager Dick Campbell said: "It's remarkable that I am still able to win these awards but that is due to the hard work of my background staff and players. This award is as much for them as it is for me. As always, I am grateful to the voting panel for awarding me the League 2 Manager of the Month award for September."