Match Preview - Forfar Athletic

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Forfar Athletic

Our fairytale start to life under Dick Campbell and co. has finally come to an end, and it was an abrupt one at that, as we were on the receiving end of a 4-1 gubbing at the hands of Bonnyrigg Rose. We struggled to create chances, and while we struggled to adapt to the adverse winds, the weather was the same for both teams and Bonnyrigg capitalised. We now have to brush ourselves off and prepare to go again, as we gear up to play Forfar Athletic, in a must win game for us, if we are to keep alive our playoff chances. Our hosts today lost last week too, in a close affair with Peterhead. Jack Brown scored in the 80th minute for the Blue Toon, handing the Loons their defeat.

A message from the management team

Assistant manager Pink kept it nice and simple this week, and when asked about today’s game said: ‘Everyone is hurting from last week, and we will be demanding much better from everyone this weekend.’

The cinch League Two

	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Stenhousemuir (C)	33	21	66
2	Peterhead	33	18	55
3	Dumbarton	33	13	55
4	The Spartans	33	8	51
5	East Fife	33	2	44
6	Elgin City	33	-21	38
7	Forfar Athletic	33	-6	36
8	Bonnyrigg Rose	33	-4	35
9	Stranraer	33	-15	32
10	Clyde	33	-16	31

After Bonnyrigg dented our hopes of the playoffs last week, we must hope for them to do us a favour today, and take something from their game with the Spartans, who need just three points from their last three games to confirm a playoff place in their first Professional Campaign.

Last Week’s Action

Dumbarton 1-0 Clyde

East Fife 1-4 Bonnyrigg Rose

Peterhead 2-1 Forfar Athletic

Stenhousemuir 1-1 Elgin City

The Spartans 0-0 Stranraer

Today’s Fixtures

Bonnyrigg Rose vs The Spartans

Clyde vs Stenhousemuir

Elgin City vs Peterhead

Forfar Athletic vs East Fife

Stranraer vs Dumbarton

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides met, saw us play out a 1-1 draw with the Loons back in February at the MGM Tiimber Bayview Stadium. It was a game of two halves, with the first half seeing us perform drastically under par, with the Loons leading at half time. The second was much more enjoyable, and it cannot be argued that the Fifers took control of the second period, and deserved at least their one point, potentially more.

The game had a painfully slow start, with neither team having a chance until the 17th minute, when we won our first corner of the 90. We never made anything of it however, as Kieran Millar’s effort soared well over the crossbar.

Allan Fleming was put under pressure 10 minutes later, as he was forced into an excellent save with his feet. He just nicked it and no more, keeping us level.

We slowly grew into the game, with Jack Healy creating a chance, before the linesman’s flag intervened, as well as Trouten forcing the Forfar goalie off his line with an intelligent pass.

Sadly, it counted for nothing in the first period, as Forfar took the lead through Allen from a set play and his header looked to cross the line in slow motion.

The goal really took the sting out the game, seeing us go in at half time a goal down.

Dick Campbell then “took the paint off the walls”, as he put, at half time, and what we saw in the second period was much easier on the eyes from a Fife perspective. There was hunger, grit, and aggression in the squad, which saw some tantalising football be played.

Just 5 minutes into the half, Marc McCallum was forced into a wonder save by Nathan Austin, as Fash looked destined to score from an Alan Trouten cross.

The roles were reversed just moments later, as Austin whipped a cross into Trouts, although East Fife’s number 10 could not keep the ball down.

Liam Newton then tried his luck from the edge of the area, but his volley was on the wrong side of the crossbar.

The all-important turning point came in the 66th minute, when the Campbell’s made a fantastic triple substation. Brogan Walls, Robbie Hamilton and Scott Shepherd all entered the fray and added a much-needed pace injection to the 11 on the park.

Just two minutes later, we saw the immediate impact, as East Fife’s sharp link up won a penalty after the faultless McCallum finally made a mistake. Who else but Alan Trouten to step up, and do what he does best, that of course being scoring a penalty. Finally, the Fife were on level terms.

After the equaliser, there was only one team that was going to win, that being the Methil Milan. The chance came for us too, just 5 minutes after, but another world class save from Marc van der McCallum kept out Austin, ensuring that the score line stayed level, and both teams shared the spoils.

The Form

The Fife

In our last 6 games, the Fifers have recorded 3 wins 2 draws, and a solitary loss, scooping up 11 points in cinch League Two in the process.

Our loss came last week against Bonnyrigg and was painful to say the least. The visitors controlled the game from the word go and ran out deserved winners in a 4-1 demolition job.

Our two draws have come in varying fashion. The first came when we shared the spoils with Peterhead on the 16th of March. We struggled massively in the first half, and Pawlett sent the Blue Toon in at the break with a deserved lead. We, however, managed to bounce back in the second period, and Alan Trouten done what he does best, and stuck the ball in the onion bag for the Fife. Our most recent draw came two weeks ago against Stenhousemuir, as we played out a goalless affair.

The first of many wins came in dramatic fashion recovering a 2-1 deficit to defeat Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. ‘Stone Cold’ Nathan Austin (PFA TOTY member) was at hand to gift us the opener inside 3 minutes, in what was definitely a ‘glass shattering start’. We were pegged back in the second period by the Sons though, as goals from Finlay Gray and James Hilton flipped the game on its head. We would not go down without a fight though, and centre half Brian Easton made it two in two for himself, nabbing an equaliser. The game was not finished, and we made sure to take all three points, with Fash bagging a second for the day, sending the Fifers into a frenzy of celebration. It was a great performance, with a fantastic moment, and result to match.

The 23rd of March saw us grab our 2nd win in 6, coming from behind to overcome Stranraer. Matty Grant scored the opener from a very deep free kick (which looked to have been largely assisted by the wind.) James Lyon converted at the start of the second half for the Fifers, pulling us level, before Jack Healy scored a fantastic soaring volley to hand us the lead, and the three points.

Finally, the following week made it two on the trot, as Alan Trouten and James Lyon were both on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win against Elgin City where Jack Healy starred.

The Loons

Forfar have won 1, drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 6 games, only amassing 5 league points in the process. They are also without a win since the 9th of March.

Said win came over bottom of the league Clyde, with Rayan Mohammed and Matty Allen completing the turnaround to win 2-1 for the Loons.

The following two results were both draws, ensuring the Forfar gained some much-needed points at crunch time in the league. They firstly drew with Champions Stenhousemuir 1-1. It was Adam Hutchison who grabbed a late Forfar equaliser in that game, before the next week they matched the scoreline when they played Elgin City in the Highlands. A first half equaliser from Craig Thomson was enough to ensure that the spoils were shared.

Their 3 losses have also come consecutively in the last 3 weeks, opening the doors for the Fifers to potentially return to winning ways this afternoon. All three losses have also come against our playoff opposition, handing them a great opportunity in securing their chances of promotion. It was firstly The Spartans who beat Forfar, winning 1-0 at Ainslie Park, before they then lost to Dumbarton 2-0 at Station Park. As previously mentioned, last week they succumbed to a late Peterhead winner from Jack Brown, which cancelled out Daniel Scally’s earlier equaliser meaning that Forfar lost for the third consecutive week at the Balmoor.

Squad News

Skipper Stewart Murdoch is once again available for selection, and Nathan Austin returned to training this week, though it may be too soon to see Fash back in action this afternoon. We will also have to assess the fitness of a couple of players pre-kick off today.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the away, Taxi-Centre kit this afternoon, with a Pink Shirt and Socks being paired with Black shorts. The Fife goalie will be clad in all yellow.

Forfar will be in their traditional colours of all navy, with the Loons goalie wearing green today.

Match Tickets

Please find prices below for today’s match. Cash gate available.

(Terraced Price/Standing Price)

Adult- £14/15

65+- £8/9

U17s- £5

Live Stream

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 or Ireland this weekend.

Officials

The on-pitch official this afternoon will be Peter Stuart while his assistants running the lines are Paul McAvinue and Owen Lawrence.

Final Remarks

Last week was obviously a major setback, although the playoff dream is still achievable. Let’s get behind the lads for one last push this season.

Mon The Fife!

Match Report - Bonnyrigg Rose

East Fife 1-4 Bonnyrigg Rose, Saturday 13^th April 2024

MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League 2

East Fife’s unbeaten start to life under Dick Campbell and team came to an abrupt halt this past Saturday, as Bonnyrigg Rose disposed of us with ease, beating us 4-1 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The game could prove vital in the visitors’ survival though has crushed our playoff hopes.

The Rosey Posey had the ball in the back of the net early doors; however, it was chalked off for offside. We responded well to the disallowed goal by venturing up the other end and scoring, with Alan Trouten nodding home Liam Newton’s cross, handing us a lead after an action-packed start to the game.

Our lead only lasted 6 minutes however, with Neil Martynuik equalising via a headed effort of his own.

The action didn’t stop there, and Bonnyrigg were ahead a further 10 minutes later. Dean Watson’s floated cross found Ross Gray, and his volley at the near post was unstoppable.

Before half time, Bonnyrigg had made it three. Dean Watson hit a 35-yard half volley, which rattled the crossbar and bounced back into play. The rebound fell to Bradley Barrett, who could not miss. 3-1 Bonnyrigg.

In the second half, Bonnyrigg kept on pushing and eventually got their fourth with 15 minutes on the clock with Kerr Young scored for the Rose, killing the game in the process.

Bonnyrigg now lie 4 points clear of the drop zone, whereas East Fife sit 7 points adrift of the playoff places.

It was certainly the poorest performance of The Campbell era, where the physicality and pace of the game looked to pass a few of the Fifers on the day.

After the game, Dick Campbell gave an honest account of proceedings, saying:

“As you all know, I get angry easily, but I don’t think we ever, ever got out of the blocks today. They had three chances before they scored, and then it was constant waves and waves of attack. Even in the second half we did not create anything. If you’re playing in front of your home fans and you’re playing for us at East Fife, you need to do much better than that.”

All heads turn to this weekend now, where we travel to Forfar Athletic, the playoff dream will be over this weekend, should The Spartans win on Saturday.

Report by Oli Anderson

 

East Fife – Fleming, Newton (Slattery 62’), Docherty (Walls 62’), Blaney, Easton, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Lyon (Schiavone 45’), Shepherd (Hamilton 77’). Subs not used: Page, Nicol, Murray, Beveridge, Ramsay.

Bonnyrigg Rose – Martin, Mailer, Martyniuk, Young, Peggie, Currie, Gray (Doan 90’), Watson (McGale 87’), Barrett, Connelly, McGachie (Osadolor 71’). Subs not used: Mercer, Jarvis, Dunsmore, Stewart, Grigor, Andrews.

Referee – Andy Gamble

Attendance - 698

Match Highlights - Bonnyrigg Rose

Highlights from yesterday's match against Bonnyrigg Rose along with post-match reaction from Dick Campbell, Jack Healy and Brian Easton.

Healy Signs Contract Extension

We’re delighted to announce that Jack Healy has signed a 1-year extension to his contract.

Having initially come through the East Fife Community Football pathway, Jack returned to the club in 2019 for the inaugural campaign of our under 20s side and making his first-team debut as a 17-year-old against Dumbarton in November of that year.

Following a successful loan spell at East Stirlingshire, Jack signed his first professional contract in February 2022 and is now approaching 100 appearances for this first-team to add to his 9 goals.

Assistant Manager Ian Campbell: “Jack is a first-class talent and can be a real game changer. We’re looking forward to him realising his potential and playing an important role for East Fife moving forward.”.

Match Report - Stenhousemuir

Stenhousemuir 0-0 East Fife, Saturday 6^th April 2024

Ochilview, cinch League Two

Last weekend saw us further extend our unbeaten run under newly awarded League Two Manager of the Month Dick Campbell, as we drew 0-0 away to Stenhousemuir. The draw proved to be enough to crown the Warriors as Champions of the division, and they thoroughly deserve that title after the season that they have had.

There was a distinct lack of clear-cut opportunities in the game, though Newton created a half chance after 13 minutes of action. His cross found Alan Trouten (March’s player of the month for League Two), who used a whole bundle of experience to knock the ball down to Kieran Millar, but his shot was saved by Darren Jamieson.

5 minutes later, we looked to have another opportunity when the Warriors’ goalkeeper fumbled Healy’s free kick, though the Stenny defence cleared their lines.

Stenhousemuir then took control of the remainder of the half, with Matty Yates forcing Allan Fleming into two saves in two minutes, before Brown cannoned a volley off the crossbar before the half time whistle.

Stenhousemuir almost took the lead 5 minutes after the restart, as Aitken tested Fleming from very long range.

We slowly warmed our way into the half however, and James Lyon almost grabbed the opener, just failing to latch onto a Jack Healy cross.

It was an end-to-end affair with the two sides struggling to create, though East Fife looked destined to score in the 76th minute, when Jamieson spilled a Healy free kick for the second time in the game. It fell to Trouten this time, and the Warriors’ goalie redeemed himself with a strong save.

Healy blasted wide in the last chance of the game for the Fifers. It was a cagey finish, with Stenhousemuir edging ever closer to the league title. When the final whistle blew, you could hear a pin drop at Ochilvew as the Stenhousemuir faithful awaited the result of the Peterhead game. Notifications started appearing on phones, as celebrations ensued, with Stenhousemuir becoming league champions for the first time in their history.

Report by Oli Anderson

Stenhousemuir – D Jamieson, Buchanan, Bilham, Lynch, Wedderburn (Jacobs 78’), Yates (Taylor 74’), Brown (Kirkpatrick 74’), O’Reilly (Berry 89’), Anderson, Aitken. Subs not used: Stirling, Lyle, Rodden.

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch (Docherty 45’), Newton, Blaney, Easton, Lyon (Schiavone 68’), Shepherd, Trouten, Healy. Subs not used: Slattery, Nicol, Hamilton, Walls, Murray, Beveridge, Ramsay.

Referee – Ryan Lee

Attendance – 1,035