Match Preview - Dumbarton

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumbarton

This weekend, the Fifers play host to league Leaders Dumbarton, after a successful trip to Coatbridge last week saw us take all three points back to Methil.

The Sons are on top of the cinch League Two tree, with 47 points from 22 games. Stirling Albion are still keeping up chase though, with 43 from just 21 games. The Fifers on the other hand, are quite some distance back still. We find ourselves up to 6th after our recent good results, on 30 points from 24 games, currently within 3 points of the playoff places. Unfortunately, we are not out of the woods just yet, as we are only 7 points clear of bottom placed Bonnyrigg Rose, though the gap is slowly stretching between East Fife and the Relegation Zone.

In Dumbarton’s last 6, they have amassed 13 points from the 18 available. With our last clash on Christmas Eve one of their 4 wins in the last 6. They did drop points to Stenhousemuir though, in a 1-1 draw, and were even beaten 2-1 by Ray Mackinnon’s currently rampant Forfar Athletic side.

In Fife’s last 6, we have accumulated 8 points from the 18 available, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing in 2. Our last two games have been an incredible improvement on our recent form, taking all three points home from Coatbridge, while being unlucky not to take all three points in the clash against Stirling, the last time we were at home.

Last Week

The Fife

East Fife returned to winning ways last weekend, with another strong performance, as they ran out 1-0 winners against Albion Rovers.

The action started quickly, as the opening, and winning goal, came just after 5 minutes of football. St Johnstone loanee Alex Ferguson glided past two Albion defenders and slotted an inch perfect through ball to Ryan Schiavone, who fired past Leighfield with ease.

Fife then settled into the game well, and marshalled the game from the back, particularly Aaron Steele who after he found his feet, completely nullified Albion Rovers’ star man Charlie Reilly. Steele’s performance won him the League Two Player of the Week on Twitter’s SPFL Past and Present page, and also granted him the nickname of “The Black and Gold Cafu”.

East Fife were very affective playing on the counter with the composed backline clearing up every half-chance which came for the Rovers. Their best chance since the goal came shortly before the half time whistle, an East Fife corner whipped in by Aidan Denholm found the feet of Sam Denham, but his shot was only good enough to cannon off of goalkeeper Leighfield’s chest.

Half Time- East Fife 1-0 Albion Rovers.

The second half was certainly more favourable for Albion Rovers. The hosts created several chances at the start of the half and were unlucky not to draw level in the early stages.

Their first chance came from a corner kick, which was not able to be cleared. After a muddle in the box, a shot was fired towards goal, but Schiavone was there to poke it off the line at the very last second.

Just before the hour mark, Albion had another golden opportunity, a cross came in from Charlie Reilly, and bobbled along the goal line, whistling past both posts on its way past.

10 minutes later, the Rovers had a free kick from the corner of the 18-yard box, though the cross came in and passed through everyone.

The 80th minute marked the return of long-term absentee Connor McManus who came onto the park and played like he had never been away with his composure.

Into stoppage time, substitute Scott Shepherd was played over the top and eventually brought down inside the box, leaving referee Scott Lambie no choice but to point to the spot. Scott Shepherd stood over the penalty himself, but Leighfield produced a great save to deny the forward.

In the astonishing 6 minutes of added time, which felt like an eternity, Jonathan Page made his (second) debut for East Fife, signing on deadline day, and looking assured at the back as he helped East Fife see out their win.        

The Visitors

The Sons ran out 2-1 winners last weekend at the Rock, against 3rd placed Annan Athletic. Dumbarton started fast going 1-0 up inside 5 minutes, through ex-Fifer Ryan Wallace. Though this did not stop the Galabankies, who controlled the majority of the ball during the day in what was a back-and-forth encounter.

The second half started well for Annan, who clinched their equaliser through Tommy Goss less than 10 minutes into the second period. Unfortunately for Annan, it was all for naught, as with 10 minutes on the clock, Russell McLean fired the Sons back in front, securing all 3 points for the league leaders.

Squad News

There are more challenging decisions to be made from McDonald today, as Stewart Murdoch has returned to the selection pool after missing the last 3 matches through injury. On top of this, Kieran Miller’s suspension has now been served and he too is available for selection. St Johnstone loanee Taylor Stephen remains out injured.

Previous Encounter

It was a Nightmare before Christmas for the Fifers as they fell victim to a 2-0 loss to the league leaders Dumbarton.

The Sons started well, with ex-Fifer Ryan Wallace putting a shot wide in the opening five minutes. Kalvin Orsi made a great run to create the chance as he completely outclassed both Liam Newton and Liam Parker over the course of the game.

East Fife looked shaky defending set pieces, and Dumbarton Captain Gregor Buchanan caused havoc from every arial ball into the box. The first came after 20 minutes and was narrowly missed by the oncoming defender.

The second of the flurry came ten minutes later, after Allan Fleming pulled of a great stop to deny a Wallace header from inside the 6-yard box. The ball was fizzed in with venom from the corner, and a leaping Buchanan was only good enough to leave the crossbar reverberating.

The resulting stramash led to a throw-in which brought Dumbarton’s opener. East Fife were all caught ball watching, as the Captain’s looping header found itself in the back of the net. With ten minutes left in the half, East Fife looked totally lost.

Straight away from kick-off, Fife full-back Scott Mercer was called upon to make a great sliding tackle, denying a square ball into the penalty area.

The first half fizzled out, but the second have started with a bang, Dumbarton extending their lead in the game. Stewart Murdoch tried to pass the ball to a fellow defender, but it landed right in the path of Ryan Wallace, who’s through-ball was perfect for David Wilson, who coolly struck past Fleming.

East Fife became very wasteful with the little time on the ball that they had, being very easy to dispossess in the match.

Their first of two great chances came when a ball was laid off for Trouten on the penalty spot, but unfortunately the front man never used his wealth of composure and experience and blasted his shot over the bar.

East Fife’s only other chance came from a free kick right on the edge of the box, with 15 minutes to play. The ball was laid off by Healy to St Johnstone loanee Alex Ferguson, whose curled effort was kept out by an excellent save from ex-Fife goalie Brett Long. That was the last chance of the game, meaning Fife spent another week without a win.

Team Colours

East Fife are back in their away kit this week, donning the pink shirt with black shorts and socks. The ‘keeper will wear the all turquoise kit for the tie.

The away side will be clad in all white for the tie while the Sons’ goalkeeper will be dressed in all grey for the match.

Officials

Our on-pitch official for today will be Peter Stuart. His two assistants running the lines are Michael Banks and Barry Reid.

Match Tickets

There will be no cash turnstiles for the game this weekend, and we encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online in advance. You can also get tickets from the club, either in person, or over the telephone at 01333 426323. Parent and Child tickets must be bought directly from the club office.

Season tickets will be valid for the game.

Turnstiles will be open from 2pm.

Prices Below:

Adult- £18

Concessions- £14

U16s- £5

Parent & Child- £21

Parent & 2 Children- £24   

All child members of EFCFC & EFG&WFC have been granted free admission with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all of our home league matches this season! Tickets for this are organised through EFCFC. We hope to see as many of you present as possible, to help support the team.

Live Stream

Unfortunately for our fans in the UK and Ireland there will be no livestream for the clash this weekend. However, for our global audience, the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or Season pass.

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm for pre-game refreshments. The pie stalls will open prior to kick-off and will also be open at half time. Both cash and card are accepted.

Programme

The Bayview Programme issue 17 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.

Ticket Info v Dumbarton

Tickets for our cinch League Two match against Dumbarton on Saturday 18th February at the Locality Hub 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.

Full and half-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 Report - Albion Rovers

McDonald’s men took the trip to Reigart Stadium to face 9th placed Albion Rovers. The Fifers were off the back of an excellent performance against high flying Stirling Albion last weekend and the team were aiming to pick up the maximum points against a struggling Albion Rovers side. This was the third time the two teams have faced each other this season, the first ended in a 1-0 win for the Methil men away at Albion, and the second was a 3-2 home loss after a last-minute penalty winner for the Rovers. 

No changes were made to the team that drew against Stirling Albion as Millar, Murdoch and Steven all remained side-lined. Trouten retained the captain’s armband and Pat Slattery kept his place in the starting squad after an impressive performance last weekend.

After only five minutes, East Fife had an early lead when Alex Ferguson managed to battle his way through the whole midfield and found himself in a position to thread a pass through to Schiavone whose first time effort beat Leighfield at his neat post.

East Fife went in search of a second when Denholm’s drilled a corner was cleared back to him on the left to cut the ball back across goal towards Healy, however his effort lacked power and was easily blocked by the Albion defence. 

Towards the end of the first half, a few half chances were passed up by the travelling side. The first came from some good work by Slattery in midfield to find Schiavone who laid the ball off from Trouten however his effort is fired over the bar with the aid of a deflection. From the resulting corner, Denholm lofts the ball in toward Quinn whose header is guided just wide of the post. 

HALF TIME: Albion Rovers 0-1 East Fife 

After an uneventful first 15-minute of the second half, Albion were pressing for an equaliser which saw Reilly charge his way into the box and cut the ball back across the face of the goal however no takers from the Albion side and the ball rolled out for a goal kick.

In the 66th minute, East Fife had a chance to extend their lead through a short corner when Denholm spotted Healy in space, but his first-time curling shot however was comfortably held by Leighfield.

Towards the end of the game, East Fife were handed a chance to seal the three points when Connor McManus, making his first appearance in over a year, sent a lofted ball over the top of the Albion defence for Shepherd who reached the ball slightly ahead of Fagan only to be clattered into by the defender and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. 

With regular penalty taken Trouten already off the pitch, Shepherd stepped up to take the spot kick but unfortunately for him, Leighfield guessed right and got down well to his left to deny the East Fife man. 

The last chance of the game fell to the rovers when a long throw from Fagan is cleared by the East Fife back line but only as far as Duncan whose long-range effort was held by Fleming ensuring East Fife picked up maximum points on the road.

FULL TIME: Albion Rovers 0-1 East Fife 

A much needed and very valuable three points was taken back to Methil and the win moves East Fife up to 6th in the league, only a point behind 5th and a point ahead of 7th. Next up is a home fixture against top of the league Dumbarton. The Fifers are yet to score against the Sons so far this season, so hopefully this time  the team can get a result and pick up some points at Bayview. 

Albion Rovers: Leighfield, Fernie (Fagen 79’), Sonkur, Graham, E Wilson, Leslie (Duncan 69’), Fleming (Roberts 62’), Malcolm, C Wilson, Bevan (Wright 61’), Reilly

East Fife: Fleming, Steele, Quinn, Denham, Newton, Trouten (McManus 86’), Slattery, Ferguson, Denholm (Walls 69’), Schiavone (Shepherd 68’), Healy (Page 90+5’)

Referee: Scott Lambie

Attendance: 329

Report by Andrew Laing

Match Preview - Albion Rovers

Oli Anderson previews tomorrow's match against Albion Rovers.

The Standings

East Fife currently find ourselves in seventh in the cinch League Two table boasting 27 points after 23 games played. Albion Rovers are hot on our tail however, as they sit in ninth, on 24 points, with a game in hand. We are also only 4 points shy of the playoff places, so there is every chance that a promotion push is on, should we string together some good performances and results.

In Albion’s last 6, they have recorded 7 points to East Fife’s 5. This run has saw them string together back-to-back 4-0 victories, firstly against Bonnyrigg Rose and then the following week against Stranraer.

Despite a much-improved performance against Stirling Albion, we were unable to come away with the win, and now have only 1 win in the last 11 games.

Last Week

The Hosts

Albion Rovers made the trek up north to Elgin last weekend, where they played out a 1-1 draw at Borough Briggs. It was the man in form who opened the scoring, when Charlie Reilly put the Rovers 1-0 up after 22 minutes of action. The game was then back and forth, no side doing any damage, until the 73rd minute when Reilly went from Hero to Zero, dragging Angus Mailer down inside the box. Russell Dingwall converted from the spot, ensuring that the game finished as a draw.

The Fife

East Fife played incredibly well last week but were unable to grab all 3 points against 10 man Stirling Albion.

Greig MacDonald made a whole host of changes, which came up trumps, as Ryan Schiavone and Pat Slattery both returned to the starting line-up, with the latter putting in perhaps one of the performances of the season so far.

The first half had a real lack of any chances, and apart from a fantastic Allan Fleming save at the East Fife end, and new signing Aidan Denholm being denied a stonewall penalty, there was no action to report.

The second half, however, was quite the opposite. The opening goal of the game came just two minutes after the start of the second period. Ex-Fifer Greig Spence hit his free kick, which took an enormous deflection, dumbfounding the keeper as it bounced goalward.

This never stopped East Fife though, as it had in previous weeks, as they pushed for the equaliser. Youngster Alex Ferguson bombed at the backline just four minutes later, and was brought down by Binos’ full back Cammy Clark, who was sent to the stand after picking up his second yellow for the challenge.

Fife were incredibly unlucky from the resulting free kick, as Healy stood over it, and cannoned his shot off the post, there was a stramash in the box for the second ball, but no Fife player could convert.

The Black and Gold capitalised on their man advantage well, as they penned in Stirling, and they were eventually well rewarded, when after 66 minutes, Jack Healy done what Jack Healy does, rocketing a magnificent, curled effort from almost 30 yards out, adding another wonder goal to his tally for the season.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Stirling Albion were incredibly fortunate to still be level, a lovely passage of play saw East Fife have the ball in the 6-yard box, but no one could get any decent connection on the ball, and it was eventually gathered up by the Stirling ‘keeper.

All credit has to go to Stirling who valiantly held on for the last 10 minutes, at times even looking like they may have gone on to nick a winner. With 5 minutes to go, loanee Aiden Quinn dunted his back pass into the ground, forcing Fleming to win a foot race against former Fifer Aaron Dunsmore, which he did.

Speaking with manager MacDonald after the game, he said: “We’ve had a couple of body blows the last couple of weeks, against Stranraer and Annan, and today we could’ve gone under, instead when we went a goal down, we got the ball went up the park and created another chance. When we eventually got the goal, we kept going as well. It’s a hard thing to do, to play with intensity from the first to the final whistle, but the boys managed today, and this is the benchmark for our performances for the rest of the season.”

Squad News

Skipper Stewart Murdoch and Taylor Steven both remain out this week due to muscular injuries. Kieran Millar is also still unavailable as he is serving the second match of his suspension following his red card at Annan two weeks ago.

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides met, it was an absolute goal fest at Bayview, however the Fife walked away empty handed, due to a last-minute penalty costing the Fifers any points. The game was end to end, and both sides went at it from minute one.

The game was not without controversy however, as on the 6th minute mark, referee Chris Fordyce sent Aaron Steele off, accusing him of kicking the Albion attacker in the face, while lunging for the ball.

Despite being a man down, the Black and Gold went a goal up, thanks to a touch of class from Hibs loanee Joao Balde. The Portuguese maestro played an excellent diagonal pass to Mercer from the halfway line to the edge of the penalty area, before making a bursting run into the penalty area to nod home the captain’s cross. A fantastic way to open his East Fife scoring account.

Charlie Reilly equalised for the visitors soon after when Healy’s scuffed pass was intercepted. The forward drove the ball up the park and weaved through the defence, firing a shot which beat Fleming at his near post.

East Fife started to go again, creating a few half chances, and looking like the better team, but it was the Rovers who went into the break with a lead after Blair Malcolm slid the ball over the line, making it 2-1 to the visitors’ minutes before the interval.

East Fife fought valiantly in the second half, playing with fire in their bellies and a spring in their step. They were fast on the attack; with Healy redeeming himself causing the Albion full back many an issue.

The Methil side were creating lots of chances, but just didn’t have anyone who was able to use their end product. Up stepped man of the moment Joao Balde, whose goals were only comparable to London Buses as two came at once, firing home from another cross, as confidence oozed from him.

There were still twenty-five minutes on the clock and 3 minutes after equalising Fife were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead for the second time in the match. The Albion Rovers’ ‘keeper Jack Leighfield wiped out Shepherd in the box. However, since he made a play for the ball, the ‘double jeopardy’ rule was enforced, and the stopper only saw a yellow. Balde stepped up, but failed to convert, keeping the score level at 2-2.

The game looked destined to finish in favour of East Fife who played excellently, particularly in the 2nd half, but it was not to be, as Newton committed a foul in the box, giving Albion a penalty of their own. Charlie Reilly stepped up, firing at Fleming, who parried it into the net. Albion nicked a win with the last kick of the ball.

Team Colours

East Fife will be clad in their white and green away kit for the game this weekend, accompanied by the matching white socks and shorts. The man in between the sticks will don the turquoise goalkeeper kit.

Albion Rovers will be in all black for the affair, with the keeper in yellow.

Match Tickets

Admission will be PATG for the game this weekend. Cash and Card are both accepted at the turnstiles.

Prices below:

General Admission: £14

Concession: £10

Under 14s: £3

Carers go Free.

Live Stream

Unfortunately for our fans in the UK and Ireland there will be no Livestream for the clash this weekend. However, for our global audience, the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or Season pass.

Officials

Scott Lambie will be the on-park official. His assistants running the lines will be Graham Chambers and Paul McAvinue.

Admission Prices v Albion Rovers

Admission for our cinch League Two match against Albion Rovers on Saturday 11th February at the Reigart Stadium is via pay-at-the-gate. Turnstiles accept both cash and card.

Admission prices

Adults - £14

Concessions* - £10

Under 14s - £3

*Senior citizens, Students, 14–17-year-olds

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.

There are still seats available on the 1903 Travel club’s bus to Coatbridge on Saturday. The bus will depart Leven at 12.00pm, with pick-ups at Methilhill Bowling Club (12.05pm) and the Lomond Centre (12.15pm). The bus will be stopping at Cue Here pre-match for snacks and drinking before arriving at the stadium around 2.30pm. The cost of the bus is dependent on the final numbers travelling. Anyone interested should contact Ian Lowson to book their seat.