Match Preview - Dunfermline Athletic

Oli Anderson previews today’s SPFL Trust Trophy match against Dunfermline Athletic.

We have found ourselves on a bumper run of form in recent weeks, stretching our winning run to five straight games, though this afternoon looks to be our biggest test on paper so far. We gear up to face local rivals Dunfermline Athletic in the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.

Recent Form

Our opponents: Dunfermline Athletic

The Pars have struggled for form since the start of the league campaign, having only registered one point in their opening four games in the Championship. Three defeats and a draw have put Dunfermline at the foot of the second tier, as they have struggled to find the net, scoring just once, last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Championship leaders Ayr United. Losses against Livingston, Falkirk and Hamilton Academical have also contributed to their poor start.

However, this could be a fresh start for Dunfermline, and the Fifers must be wary of the Pars, despite the contrasting form.

The Fife’s Fine Form

A poor opening day result in the league has been more than made up for in recent weeks, with now five consecutive wins in all competitions. Four league victories against Edinburgh City, Forfar Athletic, Stirling Albion and Clyde have seen us recover from the 4-2 loss to Elgin City on the opening day. On top of that, our victory over St Johnstone B in the Trust Trophy got us here today.

Previous Encounter

28th June 2024- East Fife 2-0 Dunfermline Athletic: MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

Our first friendly game this season saw an impressive victory over championship opposition, and county rivals, Dunfermline Athletic.

Playing a long ball over the top, Dunfermline struggled to find any success due to new signing Andy Munro and Brian Easton’s formidable partnership. Watching the resolute defending on both sides, it became clear that it would take a moment of magic to break the deadlock.

Kieran Millar took it upon himself to break the deadlock, rifling a shot into the top corner. It was so well placed that even two goalkeepers would not have been able to stop it. He caught it as sweet as a nut and wheeled away in celebration when the ball burst the net- Deservedly so!

The second half saw a large rotation, with trialists coming into the fold. One of which, who wore number 16 on the day, played an outstanding pass into Scott Shepherd, who slotted home into the Pars.

Shep tucked his goal into the bottom left-hand corner, ridding the goalkeeper of any opportunity to keep it out. The goal brought a close to the action, as we punched well above our weight, to overcome the side from the west of Fife.

Squad News

New signing Gordon Walker available for selection today and there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.

Match Tickets

Season tickets are not valid for Cup matches, with prices below:

Adults- £15

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £10

Under 16s- £5

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 (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.

Additionally, the Community Gate will not be in operation this afternoon.

Live Stream

Live Streaming is available worldwide this afternoon via East Fife TV for £15.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear blue for the tie.

Dunfermline will be in their traditional black and white stripes, with white shorts and socks. Their goalkeeper will be clad in red for the tie.

Officials

The referee today will be Iain Snedden with Andy Milne and Ross Anderson running the lines.

The Extra Bits

The Bayview issue 7 will be available pre-kick off for £3 from sellers outside the stadium. It can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1:15pm. This week’s edition contains an interview with first team coach Stuart Malcolm. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

The Stadium Bar will be open from 12:15pm afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm.Both cash and card are accepted.

Mon the Fife!

Gordon Walker Signs On

We’re delighted to announce the signing of Gordon Walker until January 2025.

25-year-old Gordon joined Arbroath in January 2024 after previously playing for League of Ireland side Cork City and made 12 appearances for the Lichties before leaving the club last month.

Gordon is predominantly a right back but can also cover central defence and is available for selection for tomorrow’s match against Dunfermline Athletic.

Assistant Manager Ian Campbell commented: “When you are trying to build a squad with a winning mentality you need the right kind of player & Gordon fits that mould perfectly. He is an excellent footballer and a character who has fitted right into our dressing room having been training with us for the last 3 weeks. He is good on the ball, will get forward at every opportunity & has good experience. He is a welcome addition to our squad.”

Welcome to Bayview Gordon!

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Ticket Info v Dunfermline Athletic

Tickets for our SPFL Trust Trophy 3^rd round match against Dunfermline Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 7th September 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 unable to attend can watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription (outside the UK and Ireland) or via a PPV pass (worldwide).

Match Report - Clyde

East Fife 5-1 Clyde, Saturday 31^st August 2024

William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

An emphatic 5-1 victory over pre-season favourites Clyde at a bouncing MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday saw the Fifers keep the pressure up on those at the sharp end of the league table.

The opening ten minutes of the game were very close, though Nathan Austin continued his fine form, breaking the deadlock after just 12 minutes with a well-placed headed effort.

It went from good to great for East Fife, as they doubled their lead ten minutes later through Alan Trouten, who slotted home from the spot, as per usual. The build up to the penalty saw a lot of tussling between both sides, though the referee was confident in his decision.

Clyde managed to hit back just before the break, in what looked like it could have been a pivotal moment. Jack Healy fouled his runner in the box, which saw Marley Redfern then convert from the spot.

However, the Fifers replied quickly, as Nathan Austin scored a world class whipped goal from the edge of the box, right on the stroke of half time.

The second half was well managed by the Methil Milan, as Andy Munro and Brian Easton defended all of Clyde’s threat well.

The Fifers were unrelenting, and put the Bully Wee to the sword as the second half went on. With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Alan Trouten made it four, as he capped off an excellent team manoeuvre. Adam Laaref and Connor McManus linked up on the right-hand side, before the latter dinked the ball into the back post for none other than Trouten, as the forward beat Kinnear for the second time.

Adam Laaref made it five for Fife, with just 10 minutes left on the clock when he tucked away his first goal in the famous black and gold. Going alone, he burst into the box and managed to stab home his audacious Trivela effort. The result saw the Fifers stay just one point behind leaders Peterhead after five games played.

Reporters Man of the Match: Reis Peggie

The boy ran all day long – 3 lungs!

East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (McManus 23’), Easton, Peggie (Slattery 82’), Munro, Newton, Millar (Shepherd 82’), Norey, Trouten, Healy (Laaref 72’), Austin. Subs not used: Fleming

Clyde – Kinnear, Robson (D Lyon 80’), Hamilton, Howie, McKay, Grant (Allan 55’), Docherty (R Lyon 80’), Murdoch, Scullion, Redfern (Connelly 55’), Connell (Rennie 72’). Subs not used: Kennedy, Leitch

Referee – Gary Hanvidge

Attendance – 704

Report by Oli Anderson

Photographer by Goerge McLuskie