Match Report - Edinburgh City

East Fife 2-0 Edinburgh City, Saturday 10^th August 2024

MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, William Hill League 2

East Fife romped to a 2-0 win over Edinburgh City at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium yesterday, righting the wrongs of the previous week.

A strong team performance saw Dick Campbell’s men control the vast majority of proceedings, pinning the Citizens into their own half for large spells of the game.

Despite this, the first half saw little chances created for either side, with Edinburgh having the chance of the half, on the brink of half time. Goalkeeper Liam McFarlane was forced into a great save, tipping the shot over the bar, denying the counterattack.

The second half is where the Fifers started to really flourish. Their first major chance came when Alan Trouten, Liam Newton and Nathan Austin all linked up, seeing Austin fire a shot from at most three yards out, which was well blocked by the City captain on the goal line.

Liam Newton broke the deadlock after 68 minutes, after he capitalised on Shepherd’s blocked effort. Newton made no mistake with his shot, launching it high into the goal.

Alan Trouten doubled the Fifers’ advantage and killed off the game just five minutes later. Kieran Millar did tremendously well, making a crunching tackle on the edge of the area, which saw the ball land at Trouten’s feet. The experienced forward then rolled his shot goalward, and a slight goalkeeping error allowed it to trundle over the line.

East Fife are back in action in the SPFL Trust Trophy on Tuesday, against St Johnstone B, while Edinburgh City do not play until Saturday afternoon where they will host Bonnyrigg Rose.

Reporter’s Man of the Match: Jess Norey

It was a fairly easy decision, and despite several top, top quality individual performances, no one stood out as much as our new signing Norey.

East Fife – McFarlane, Newton (Healy 81’), Easton, McManus, Munro, Millar, Norey, Trouten (Slattery 87’), Peggie, Shepherd (Laaref 87’), Austin. Subs not used: Fleming, Murdoch, Docherty

Edinburgh City – Weir, Gormley, Mitchell (Mair 90’), Robertson, Lynch, Stokes (Pitt 90’), Jones, Lawson (Walker 71’), McKinstry (Scally 56’), Young, Hamilton (Rennie 71’’). Sub not used: Coyle

Referee – Sean Murdoch

Attendance - 571

Ticket Info - St. Johnstone B

Tickets for our SPFL Trust Trophy R2 match against St. Johnstone B at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Admission Prices

Adults - £10

Under 16s* - £5

*Proof of age may be requested

Season tickets are not 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 for those unable to purchase online.

A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland.

Match Preview - Edinburgh City

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Edinburgh City

A disappointing start to our William Hill League 2 campaign saw us drop to the foot of the table following a 4-2 loss away to Elgin City last week. We must put that behind us though, as we get ready to play our first home game of the league season, hosting Edinburgh City, who also lost last week, conceding two late goals against Stirling Albion. Today grants us a great opportunity to get some points on the board and leave the last fortnight’s results in the past.

William Hill League 2 Table

	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Elgin City	1	2	3
2	Stirling Albion	1	1	3
3	Peterhead	1	1	3
4	Stranraer	1	0	1
5	The Spartans	1	0	1
6	Clyde	1	0	1
7	Forfar Athletic	1	0	1
8	Edinburgh City	1	-1	0
9	Bonnyrigg Rose	1	-1	0
10	East Fife	1	-2	0

Last Week’s Results

Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Peterhead

Edinburgh City 1-2 Stirling Albion

Elgin City 4-2 East Fife

Forfar Athletic 0-0 Clyde

Stranraer 2-2 The Spartans

This Week’s Fixtures

Clyde vs Stranraer

East Fife vs Edinburgh City

Peterhead vs Forfar Athletic

Stirling Albion vs Elgin City

The Spartans vs Bonnyrigg Rose

The Form

The Fifers

The League Cup campaign provided an opportunity to look further into our squad and better prepare for an exciting league season ahead.

The first game was against Championship outfit Greenock Morton, which saw the Methil Milan recording a 3-0 win over the second-tier side. Alan Trouten was a great contributor in securing the three points, bagging a hattrick on the day, and a place in the “Premier Sports - Team of the Group Stage” as a result. The Fifers found their rhythm after ten minutes into the game, and never looked back, having an exemplary five minutes, which led to a 2-0 lead at half time. This trend continued into the second half, both going forward, as well as at the back, with Trouten scoring an absolute stunner at one end, and Slattery, and McFarlane both contributing to great blocks and saves, keeping the clean sheet intact.

The second fixture came against Alloa Athletic, at Recreation Park. Despite a valiant fight against another higher tier opponent, we could not capitalise on chances created, and the game was forced to a penalty shootout. Munro stepped up first for Fife and had his effort saved, before all eight of the following penalties were converted, which ended up reading a 5-3 scoreline in favour of the Wasps, which gave our opponents the bonus point on the day.

Penultimately, the Fifers ran out 4-0 winners over Highland League runners up Brechin City. An even quarter of an hour blew wide open, after Liam Newton opened the scoring with a great header. Nathan Austin showed his striker’s instincts five minutes later, to pounce on Reis Peggie’s cross that was headed goal bound. Just before the break, Scott Shepherd capitalised on some nervy goalkeeping, to round the goalie and slot home for the Fifers. Within 60 seconds of the start of the second half, Austin grabbed his brace, following some fantastic work on the left-hand side from Healy and Newton. The performance matched the result and it arguable could’ve been more on the day.

The final League Cup game came against Premiership opposition. St Johnstone showed the levels between the two sides, as they came out 5-1 winners against us at McDiarmid Park. The scoreline was perhaps an untrue reflection on the game, as East Fife, who trailed 3-0 at half time, pulled a goal back, and squandered a great chance to get ourselves well and truly back in the tie. Alas, it was not to be, and two late goals from the Saints inflated the scoreline.

We then proceeded to make a start on the league proceedings, though it was not in the desired fashion, as we lost 4-2 to Elgin at Borough Briggs. A flurry within five minutes either side of the half time whistle saw East Fife trail 3-0 after 5 minutes. A spirited fightback got the Methil Milan back to 3-2, before a late goal from Ryan Sargent killed the game.

Our Opponents.

Edinburgh City have lost all five of their opening games this season, finishing bottom of their Premier Sports Cup group with no points.

They opened the campaign at Fir Park, where they fell 3-0 to Motherwell in what was a routine win for the Steelmen.

Their second game was a 5-0 drubbing at home to fellow League 2 outfit Clyde. Five different scorers contributed for the Bully Wee including former Fifer Kyle Connell.

It then went from bad to worse, as the Citizens conceded six against Partick Thistle. There were six different scorers as well, with every goal coming in the second half, after Clyde held firm in the first.

Their final league cup game saw them face a 2-1 loss away to Montrose. Edinburgh went 1-0 down after seven minutes, before Innes Lawson pulled them back into the tie. Blair Lyons’ 65th minute goal however, proved to be the difference on the day.

Edinburgh looked destined to start their league campaign well against Stirling, leading 1-0 with just four minutes left, thanks to a goal from Connor Young. The Binos dug their heels in however, and goals from Josh Kerr and Dale Carrick completed the turnaround for Stirling Albion.

Previous Encounter

Edinburgh City 0-1 East Fife: 0/7/12/2016 Scottish Cup Third Round Replay

Following a 1-1 draw at Bayview, East Fife were sent to the capital to play Edinburgh City at Meadowbank. A close fought game was only separated by a Chris Kane goal which came in the second half.

Today’s match is the first league meeting between the sides.

Squad News

The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully kick start our season with a bang.

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 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.

Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.

Supporters still to collect their season ticket cards can do from reception until 2pm today or from the club shop after 2pm until kick off.

Live Stream

For our international fans, live streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland today.

Team 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 yellow for the match.

Edinburgh City will be in their traditional colours of a white shirt, with black shorts and white socks. The Edinburgh keeper will be clad in turquoise for the clash.

Officials

The referee today will be Sean Murdoch, with Brian Christie and David Gallagher running the lines.

The Extra Bits

The Bayview issue 4 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. Today’s issue includes an interview with new signing Reis Peggie. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

The Stadium Bar will be open from 12.15pm this 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 at 2pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.

Mon the Fife!

           

Match Report - Elgin City

Elgin City 4-2 East fife, Saturday 3^rd August 2024

Borough Briggs, William Hill League 2

A nightmare start to the league campaign for the Fifers saw us fall 4-2 to Elgin City at the weekend in the Highlands. We were unable to bring our successful League Cup form to the William Hill League 2, and Elgin more than capitalised.

Both sides struggled to create in the opening exchanges, with the game hotly contested in the middle of the park. The first chance of the game finally came after 25 minutes. Murray sprayed a cross along the goal line that looked destined to be converted. Thankfully, Girvan mistimed his run, and failed to make contact with the ball.

Five minutes later, Jess Norey had a chance for the Fifers. Captain Murdoch slipped the ball into Norey, who unleashed an effort from a tight angle, which was unfortunately blocked while heading goal bound. Nathan Austin’s headed effort just minutes later, was well over too.

Elgin took the lead in the 38th minute, in what became an awful end to the half for East Fife. Girvan made no mistake this time around, as he met Booth’s cross with ease, slotting the ball into the back of the net from the far post.

Moments later, it should’ve been two, when Girvan forced McFarlane into a strong save. The ensuing corner did double Elgin’s advantage, as the Fifers were caught napping. No one closed down a short corner, which allowed the ball to be floated into Murray, who made no mistake about his header, nodding home with ease.

The second half started how the first half finished, with Elgin back on the scoresheet. Russell Dingwall picked up a loose ball in the middle of the pitch, and burst through the park, beating McFarlane with his bottom corner finish.

East Fife pulled one back, with 20 minutes to go, when Andy Munro headed home for the Methil Milan. McManus’ corner was half-cleared, giving the midfielder a second bite at the cherry. The cross found new signing Munro’s head and he stuck his header right into the top corner.

Five minutes later, we pulled ourselves right back into the contest, as Conor McManus fired home a fantastic 25-yard volley! Docherty’s cross bubbled out of the area, into the path of McManus, who unleashed his wonder strike into the top bins.

Elgin unfortunately grabbed a fourth in the dying embers to wrap the game up through Sargent, after a quick counterattack.

Far from the start of the season that we desired though there is plenty of time for improvement.

Reporter’s Man of the Match: Conor McManus

I wasn’t spoiled for choice on Saturday, though McManus was a shining light during his short stint on the park. Always looking for the aggressive pass to push the team on, he played a vital role in both of our goals.

Elgin City – McHale, Dolzanski, Murray, Cameron, Booth, Girvan (Cairns 84’), Hyde (Sargent 60’), Gallagher, Dingwall, Golding, Gavin (Dangana 68’). Subs not used: Allan, O McDonald, Taylor, MacLeman, Fraser, MacDonald

East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch (Docherty 54’), Easton, Peggie (Laaref 54’), Munro, Newton, Millar (Slattery 62’), Norey (McManus 62’), Healy (Shepherd 45’), Trouten, Austin. Subs not used: Fleming

Referee – Duncan Williams

Attendance – 703

Report by Oli Anderson

Photo by Kenny Mackay

Ticket Info - Edinburgh City

Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Edinburgh City 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

*Proof of age may be requested

Season tickets are valid for this match. Supporters who have still to collect their season ticket card can do so during normal office hours or from the club shop on matchday.

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 William Hill League 2 matches at Bayview this season.

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.

Please note, parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.

A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK and Ireland via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscripton. There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK or Ireland this weekend.