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Match Preview - The Spartans

Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against The Spartans.

We’re back at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, but under the lights this evening as we prepare to face The Spartans in a rescheduled fixture which could prove crucial in both sides’ playoff chase. We will be hoping to continue our current good run of form as we have started steadying the ship. We have now reached 5 games unbeaten for the first time this season, with 2 wins in that run. One of those wins came at the weekend, as ‘Stone Cold’ Nathan Austin’s goal was the difference between us and Stranraer. The Spartans are coming into tonight’s contest following a 1-1 draw with Clyde at the weekend. After going 1-0 down inside 4 minutes, Rhys Armstrong equalised for the side from the capital.

The cinch League Two

Position	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Stenhousemuir	22	52	24
2	Peterhead	22	39	13
3	Dumbarton	20	34	11
4	The Spartans	19	33	10
5	East Fife	21	26	1
6	Bonnyrigg Rose	20	24	-1
7	Stranraer	21	22	-15
8	Forfar Athletic	21	21	-6
9	Elgin City	20	18	-21
10	Clyde	20	14	-16

Last Week’s Results

Elgin 0-1 Dumbarton

Forfar 0-0 Bonnyrigg

Peterhead 2-1 Stenhousemuir

Stranraer 0-1 East Fife

The Spartans 1-1 Clyde

Tonight’s Fixtures

East Fife vs The Spartans @ MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Elgin City vs Clyde @ Borough Briggs.

The Form

The Fife

We have recorded 9 points from our last 6 league games. We’ve started pulling together some results and we haven’t lost in our last 4 games. Our only loss came some time ago, in fact, on the 23^rd of December, when we lost 3-0 to Bonnyrigg at Bayview.

Our first draw came against Forfar at the end of December. A wind, and rainswept Station Park proved too much for the Methil Milan, who could not capitalise on their man advantage, which they had for a large portion of the game, leading to the sides playing out a goalless affair.

Our penultimate draw came a few weeks ago in a disappointing contest with Clyde, the Fifers never got going in the second period after a fast start, which saw Nathan Austin strike inside five minutes, and that led to the spoils being shared, sadly.

The most recent of the draws came a week past Saturday, where it was a true 2 points dropped situation. Once again, Fash scored inside the first 10 minutes, before Jonathan Page doubled our advantage on the 23^rd minute mark. Sadly, the second half did not go quite to plan, Jordon Brown scored early in the half, and despite some resolute defending, we conceded at the death, with Scott Ross ensuring the spoils were shared against Peterhead, with the last kick of the game.

Our first win came in truly emphatic fashion. It was the first game of 2024 against Dumbarton where Kieran Millar’s first half strike, paired with Walls’ second half wonder finish was enough to bed the Sons at the Rock. We bossed the game from the first whistle to the last, in my humble opinion, and the despite Dumbarton equalising in the game, we were the only side that looked like they would take all three points.

The second was a much closer contest, as we nipped past Stranraer at the weekend. Austin’s scoring form has no doubt contributed greatly to our upkeep in form.

The Visitors

In their last 6 games, The Spartans have featured in both the league and the Scottish Cup. They have recorded 10 points from their last 5 league games, seeing a loss, a draw and 3 wins. They also faced defeat in a closely run game in the Scottish Cup with Premiership side Hearts.

Their first of three wins stretches back to the 16^th of December where The Spartans demolished Elgin 4-0 at Borough Briggs. They looked comfortable in the contest, no doubt thanks to a hat-trick from Blair Henderson.

Their second victory came against Stranraer the next week, where they toppled the Blues 3-0 at Ainslie Park. This time it was ex-Fifer Danny Denholm on the scoresheet, alongside centre back Ayrton Sonkur - the third goal came via a Stranraer own goal.

The Spartans then started 2024 in style, beating 2^nd place Peterhead at the Balmoor 1-0. It was Blair Henderson once again on the scoresheet, showing that he could be the danger man tonight.

Thankfully for the Fifers, The Spartans have not won in 3 weeks, and with East Fife’s recent improvement, there is potential for a result.

Their draw was courtesy of Clyde, and it came last week, at home. The Spartans fought from a goal down, showing the Fifers that there is no room for complacency, and it is most certainly crucial that we capitalise on chances.

Their first loss came against Stenhousemuir, at Ainslie Park, as they were toppled 2-0 by the league leaders. Goals from Matty Yates, and Matthew Aitken either side of the half time whistle bedded the Spartans.

Our opposition also crashed out of the Scottish Cup on the 20^th of January, though it was not for a lack of trying. They ran the Jam Tarts right to the final whistle and were only beat by Frankie Kent’s 92^nd minute winner. James Craigen scored the goal for the Spartans in the all-Edinburgh affair.

Previous Encounter

The last time the sides met, East Fife relied on a spirited comeback to rescue a point against The Spartans, with goals from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin doing the damage.

The Fifers had the first clear cut chance of the game however and controlled the game well in the opening stages. Walls’ cushioned pass to Shepherd was met by The Spartans’ goalkeeper, before a stramash in the box stopped Fife’s number nine converting the chance.

Ten minutes later, the game was flipped on its head, as Armstrong gave The Spartans the lead. He latched onto a poor East Fife clearance, and whipped his effort inside the far post, beating Fleming, allowing the hosts to take the lead.

East Fife continued to have chances however, and were knocking on the door before the interval, though it has to be said that Spartans were in control after the opener.

On the half an hour mark, Schiavone fired in a beautiful cross, though Heraghty just beat Shepherd to it, keeping the Spartans in front.

There was also a revived flurry in the dying embers of the first half, with McManus having a shot saved, and Ryan Schiavone cannoning the follow up off the woodwork, sending the Fifers into the second period a goal down.

Half Time: The Spartans 1-0 East Fife.

The second half started poorly for the Fifers as well, with Schiavone having to come off injured, though he made way for club legend Nathan Austin.

Unfortunately, there was no instant impact and after 55 minutes, the Fifers looked down and out going 2-0 down through Henderson, who got onto the end of a drilled cross into the box.

It was a swift reply from the Fifers though, as Scotty Shepherd was the man to convert scoring on the break, his second in as many weeks. Props must be given to local lad Jack Healy, who’s pass was incredibly composed, putting the chance on a plate for the front man.

15 minutes later, the Black and Gold handed The Spartans a misery compiler when Nathan Austin opened his league account for the season. He took the zipped ball under pressure after a nifty pass from Shepherd, and unleashed an astonishing first-time finish, handing the Fifers a lifeline, in what was an incredible fightback, halting the nervy start.

It looked like East Fife could nick it at the end, after Jack Healy found himself in “Healy territory” though it was clear that Herarghty had done his homework, and positioned himself well, so that the shot did not trouble him.

Squad News

Outs: Pat Slattery, Jacob Comerford and Brendan Ramsay all continue to miss out this evening however there are no fresh injury concerns heading into tonight’s match.

Ins: New loan signing Robbie Hamilton could make his debut for the club tonight after shaking off the illness that saw him miss out on Saturday.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the 120^th anniversary black and gold top, matched with white shorts and socks this evening, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the green kit for the match.

Our opponents will be in the away colour of royal blue at the Wooden Fortress, while the Spartans goalkeeper will be wearing all-yellow for the clash.

Match Tickets

Full and half-season tickets are valid for this game, with prices below:

Adults- £18

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £1

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 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 Streaming

As this match takes place outside blocked hour, a live stream is available to viewers worldwide for £15 You can access this HERE! Regular overseas viewers can access the match with their usual monthly or annual subscription.

Officials

The on-pitch official tonight will be Chris Fordyce while his assistants running the line are Graham McNeillie and Kenny Brown.

Refreshments

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 at both ends of the stadium will be open 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 includes an interview with Matty Rollo as well as all of the regular features.

Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

This programme was printed for the original match on 2^nd December however an additional wrap-around cover has been added.

Mon the Fife!

Changes to the Board of Directors

We’re pleased to confirm the following changes to the Board or Directors.

John Donaldson has been appointed to the role of Vice-Chairman while Stephen Mill and Tom Brown have been appointed full directors having both previously held the position of Associate Director.

John joined the board in 2007 and, apart from a short spell away, has been with the club ever since. He also serves as the Club Safety Officer. In addition to keeping the club on the right side of the SFA and Fife Council, John enjoys helping out at Bayview as part of the stadium maintenance team.

Stephen joined the East Fife board in 2015 after first becoming involved on the media side as a commentator for East Fife TV and for a visually impaired support, a role he still performs. Stephen currently edits our matchday programme The Bayview, is the club’s resident ‘statto’ and is on hand to answer any queries relating to the history of the club.

Tom joined the board in April 2022 after a number of years as a club volunteer, both as part of the stadium maintenance team and taking on the role of first team kitman. Prior to that Tom was involved with the Young Fifers now East Fife Community Football Club) as both a coach and committee member.

Match Report - Stranraer

Stranraer 0-1 East Fife, Saturday 27^th January 2024

Stair Park, cinch League Two

East Fife got over the line against Stranraer at the weekend, beating the Blues 1-0 at Stair Park. The Methil Milan controlled the contest for the large majority of the game and were deserving of all three points. The win has seen us move up to 5th in the cinch League Two table and extends our unbeaten run to five matches.

We started quickly and created a chance very early doors. Jack Healy dinked the ball into the box for Scott Shepherd, though East Fife’s number 9 was denied by a strong save from the Stranraer goalkeeper.

The game was real end-to-end stuff in the opening stages as Stranraer hit the post after 7 minutes too! East Fife managed to deal with it, just, and the resulting counter nearly saw us in front as Nathan Austin’s curled attempt, from a quick break, fell on the wrong side of the post.

After 13 minutes, the Fifers should have gone ahead as a loose ball saw a footrace between Austin and goalie Budinaukus. The ‘keeper beat Fash to it, however his clearance was only as far as Brogan Walls and young midfielder tried to dink the ball into the empty net from just past the halfway line, though it soared over the bar.

The only goal of the game came just five minutes later, as “Stone Cold” Nathan Austin touched the ball round Budinaukus before slotting into an empty net from a tight angle. The goal was the striker’s 3rd in 3 and 12th of the season. It is great to see him finding form at such an important time of the campaign.

We continued to be the team in control, with Austin and Millar both missing half chances, until the 39th minute when Stranraer started putting on pressure in an attempt to finish the half strong by drawing level. It was at this time that Allan Fleming stepped up and did what he does best, pulling off a magnificent save to keep the Fifers in front at half time.

The second half did not start in an ideal manner for East Fife with Brian Easton losing his footing on the tricky surface at Stair Park and sending Tam Orr toward goal in a one-on-one with Fleming. Thankfully for us, the shot was fired well wide, and our lead remained intact.

Ten minutes later, we had another chance of our own with Brogan Walls testing Budinaukus from the edge of the box. The loanee Hibee ‘keeper doing well to get down low to his left, clutching the ball in the process.

We had yet another chance with twenty minutes still on the clock. Walls again causing the Stranraer backline some major trouble as he bombed into the box, however, as the midfielder went to pull the trigger, the Blues’ defence cleared their lines.

The only other highlights of the game after this saw the return of Sean Docherty, Ryan Schiavone and Charlie Murray into the fray as we saw out the game, in what was a dire second half.

We’re back in action on Tuesday now in a crucial game against The Spartans at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.

Repot by Oli Anderson

Stranraer – Budinauckas, Girven, Ross, McQueen, Ecrepont (Gilmartin 73’), Robertson, Dolan, Forrest, Johnston (Hawkshaw 62’), Grant, Orr. Subs not used: Downie, Williamson, Fleming.

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Easton, Millar (Docherty 74’), McManus, Healy, Walls (Murray 90+1’), Shepherd (Schiavone 81’), Trouten, Austin. Subs not used: Page, Nicol, Cunningham, Beveridge.

Referee – Andy Gamble

Attendance – 370

Spartans Tickets

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