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Match Preview - Forfar Athletic
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Forfar Athletic
This afternoon, the Fifers are back in action at the wooden fortress, hosting Forfar Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, in a mouth-watering encounter. East Fife kept their unbeaten run in-tact last week, with a fantastic comeback from 2 goals down, salvaging a draw against newly promoted The Spartans at Ainslie Park. Another goal for Scott Shepherd along with Nathan Austin’s first goal this league campaign saw the Methil Men bringing a point home from the Capital, showing that there is still much fight in the Fifers.
Our opponents are also on a 3-game unbeaten run themselves, most recently picking up their maiden league win of the season, overcoming Stranraer 2-0 at Stair Park. Goals from Ryan Paterson after 10 minutes, and then Josh Skelly just before half time did the damage, giving the Loons a platform to build on, that hopefully the Fifers can knock down this coming Saturday.
The Standings
|
Position |
Team |
Played |
Pts |
GD |
|
1 |
Stenhousemuir |
7 |
14 |
7 |
|
2 |
Peterhead |
7 |
13 |
4 |
|
3 |
Bonnyrigg Rose |
7 |
11 |
5 |
|
4 |
Dumbarton |
7 |
11 |
2 |
|
5 |
Stranraer |
7 |
11 |
-4 |
|
6 |
The Spartans |
7 |
10 |
1 |
|
7 |
Forfar Athletic |
7 |
7 |
-1 |
|
8 |
East Fife FC |
7 |
6 |
-4 |
|
9 |
Elgin City |
7 |
5 |
-5 |
|
10 |
Clyde |
7 |
5 |
-5 |
Across the League Last Week
Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Stenhousemuir
Clyde 2-1 Elgin City
Dumbarton 0-1 Peterhead
Stranraer 0-2 Forfar Athletic
The Spartans 2-2 East Fife FC
This Weekend’s Action
Dumbarton (4) vs Stranraer (5)
East Fife FC (8) vs Forfar Athletic (7)
Peterhead (2) vs Elgin City (9)
Stenhousemuir (1) vs Clyde (10)
The Spartans (6) vs Bonnyrigg Rose (3)
The Form
The Fife
East Fife have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in their last 6, accumulating 5 points from 5 league game, as well as progression in the SPFL Trust Trophy. The two losses came against Stenhousemuir, at Bayview last month, when goals from Buchanan and Brown sunk the Fifers. Our other loss was “through the west”, as we fell short against Dumbarton at the Rock, despite looking the better outfit for the majority of the contest. It was another late goal which stung us, as Crighton’s bullet header soared in in the 88th minute.
Our first draw was against The Spartans last week, where the Fifers stood up, and were all counted putting in a shift in the second half to rescue the point. Our other draw was not quite as positive a result, as we slumped in the first half against Elgin City in August, going into the half time interval a goal down. The Fifers showed signs of promise, but could not find the clear-cut opportunity, relying on an Alan Trouten penalty to ensure that we did not leave the Highlands empty handed.
Our first win in the last 6 came against Albion Rovers in the 3rd round of the SPFL Trust Trophy. As has been the story of our season, the Fifers sauntered in at the interval a goal down, after a goal from Niyah Joseph after 30 minutes gave the Rovers the lead. This did not deter the Fifers however, who with fire in their bellies, dominated the second period, grabbing two goals, completing the turnaround thanks to goals from Jonathan Page and Connor McManus. Our other victory came a fortnight ago against Clyde, in a game the Fifers controlled from the 1st to the 91st. Scott Shepherd scored early on, breaking East Fife’s hoodoo of conceding the first goal, and Trouten was able to add to the lead after 70 minutes, killing the game as a result.
The Visitors
The Loons have faced a similar fate in their last 6 games; however, they lost out in the Trust Trophy second round on penalties to Elgin City.
Their league form has also seen one win, two draws and two losses in their last 5. Their win came last week, against Stranraer while their two draws came against newly relegated Clyde, in a goalless affair, and also against newly promoted The Spartans, drawing 2-2. Forfar had to fight back as well, as they trailed 2-1 at half time, but a Kieran Watson own goal was enough to get them over the line.
The Loons’ losses came at the hands of Dumbarton and Bonnyrigg Rose. They actually took the lead against Dumbarton through Seb Ross, but it was all for naught as a late flurry put the Loons to bed, as Dumbarton ran out 3-1 winners.
The side dropped to 10 men against Bonnyrigg, after already being 2-1 down, which made it routine for the Rosey Posey, who dispatched of Ray Mackinnon’s struggling men.
Previous Encounter
The two sides last met on the final day of the cinch League Two season from the previous campaign. Due to Fife’s heroics in the prior week, the playoff spot was already confirmed, making this game an unimportant contest, and manager Greig McDonald opted to rotate the majority of the side.
East Fife started brightly as their young front line of Aiden Denholm, Connor Young and the standout performer Taylor Steven all had too much pace and flair for the Loons’ backline.
After 7 minutes, there was a penalty shout for East Fife, however the referee booked Denholm instead for simulation.
Ten minutes later, Roberto Nditi ended up in the book for a poor challenge as he clattered through two Fife men on his venture to retrieve the ball.
He was eventually sent packing after he was given a second booking for diving after half an hour of play. East Fife did all but score in the remainder of the first half, as they forced Marc McCallum into making an incredible save, and the two sides went in at the break even.
The second half was more of the Marc McCallum show as he made two fantastic saves in the half. He first denied Aidan Denholm’s curled effort, doing well to pluck it out of the bottom corner.
McCallum also denied substitute Schiavone from point blank range, with an outstretched arm directing the ball off target from the 6-yard line.
The telling moment of the half came with just 5 minutes to go. East Fife built up play superbly, in a 3-on-2 situation, Steven used his pace to burst away before laying it to Schiavone on the penalty spot for a one-on-one with the ‘keeper. Unbelievably, the youngster could not keep his shot down, as it flew over the crossbar.
Forfar took this as a boost and they charged down the other end and scored the winner as Matthew Aitken tapped a cross past Beveridge from close range, ending East Fife’s 22/23 league campaign with a defeat.
Squad News
Outs- Pat Slattery, Stewart Murdoch and Charlie Murray still miss out due to previous injuries and are joined this week on the injury list by midfielder Kieran Millar
Ins- No fresh returns this week leaves Toro with a slightly depleted squad for the weekend.
However, there is some good news to report as Slattery has started running again and Murray has begun light training as they both continue their rehab from early season injuries. Also, Murdoch calf injury isn’t as bad as first feared and the Club Captain could be looking at a return within the next 2-3 weeks.
Team Colours
East Fife will don the 120th anniversary black and gold top, matched with white socks and shorts today, while the goalkeeper will be clad in the new, all yellow kit for the match.
Forfar Athletic will be in mint green and navy for the clash, with mint socks, while the Loons goalkeeper with wear all green.
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
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 strongly encouraged to buy their tickets online where possible however they can be purchased from the matchday receptions for those unable to do so.
Parent & Child tickets must be purchased in person.
Live Streaming
Live Streaming of the game will be available on East Fife TV for our international viewer. This can be accessed through a monthly or season pass.
Unfortunately, this game isn’t available to viewers within the UK or Ireland.
Officials
The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Alex Shepherd while his assistants running the line are Michael MacDermid and Regan Wallace.
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 also be open after full-time for post-match refreshments.
Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm. Both cash and card are accepted.
Match Programme
Issue Number 6 for the 2023/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match for £2.50. This week’s edition includes a free East Fife Supporter pennant.
Those unable to attend tomorrow’s match can order their programme online for home delivery.
MON THE FIFE!
Fixture Confirmation - The New Saints
Our SPFL Trust Trophy 4th round match against The New Saints will take place on Saturday 14th October at Park Hall Stadium with a 5:15pm kick off.
Ticket prices will be announced in due course.
The 1903 Travel Club will be running a bus to this fixture. The approximate cost of the trip is £35/person (final cost dependant on final numbers) and seats must be filled by this Monday (2nd October).
Anyone wishing to travel on the bus should contact Ian Lowson before Monday to reserve their seat.
Weekly Goldmine Lotto
You only have half an hour to get a ticket online for this week's Goldmine Draw. The jackpot is £200 this week.
Good Luck Everyone
https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2264&PC=0&RP=#Anchor
Ticket Info v Forfar Athletic
Tickets for our cinch League Two match against Forfar Athletic on Saturday 30th September 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.
Scottish Cup Draw
We have been drawn away to Dunbar United in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup.
Match Report - The Spartans
The Spartans 2-2 East Fife, Saturday 23rd September 2023
Ainslie Park, cinch League Two
The Fifers unbeaten streak continued after a spirited second half fight back saw the Fifers rescue a point at Ainslie Park. McDonald’s men came back from 2-0 down, with goals from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin doing the damage.
The Fifers had the first clear cut chance of the match 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 The 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 modern day 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, he has now scored two in two, scoring on the break. Props have to 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 the 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 actually 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.
Next week, the Fifers are back in home action, at the Wooden Fortress that is MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, to host the Loons, Forfar Athletic. This weekend, a first half flurry from Forfar was enough to deter ex-Fifer Scott Agnew’s Stranraer side, handing the loons their maiden league win this season.
The Spartans – Heraghty, Watson, Waugh, Allan (Tapping 89’), Sonkur, Armstrong, Whyte, Dishington (Morrison 81’), Craigen, Russell, Henderson (Brown 89’). Subs not used: Meek, Brown, Jones, Newman, Lamont.
East Fife – Fleming, Page, Easton, Newton, Docherty, Walls (Mitchell 72’), McManus, Schiavone (Austin 53’), Trouten, Healy, Shepherd (Nicol 81’). Subs not used: Beveridge, Comerford, Philp, Millar, Hambrook
Referee - Jordan Curran
Attendance - 572