Match Preview - Dumbarton

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumbarton.

After last week’s fantastic performance and result, beating The Spartans 3-1 on the road, we prepare ourselves to face our most important game yet. The Fifers host Dumbarton this afternoon at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium with 9 points separating the sides, with 9 games to play. Failure to win would most likely spell an early end to our late playoff surge. If there was ever a time to play Dumbarton though, it would be today, as the Sons are coming off the back of a 5-0 thumping midweek at the hands of Stranraer.

We had to come from behind in the capital last week though, as a nightmarish start saw The Spartans bag early doors. Alan Trouten fretted not however, bagging two goals which along with a tidy Nathan Austin finish capped off an excellent team display.

The cinch League Two

	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Stenhousemuir	27	21	60
2	The Spartans	27	11	44
3	Peterhead	27	12	43
4	Dumbarton	27	5	42
5	East Fife	27	1	33
6	Forfar Athletic	27	-3	31
7	Bonnyrigg Rose	27	-3	30
8	Stranraer	27	-10	30
9	Elgin City	27	-21	29
10	Clyde	27	-13	24

Last Week’s Results

Saturday 2nd March

Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Stenhousemuir

Clyde 2-1 Elgin City

Dumbarton 1-0 Peterhead

Stranraer 0-0 Forfar Athletic

The Spartans 1-2 East Fife FC

Tuesday 5th March

Bonnyrigg Rose 2-2 The Spartans

Stranraer 5-0 Dumbarton

This Week’s Fixtures (current league positions)

East Fife FC (5) vs Dumbarton (4)

Elgin City (9) vs Bonnyrigg Rose (7)

Forfar Athletic (6) vs Clyde (10)

Peterhead (3) vs Stranraer (8)

Stenhousemuir (1) vs The Spartans (2)

A mouth-watering top of the table clash, as well as our playoff battle are the highlights of matchday 28. This however does not detract from the ramifications that these games will have on the league. With Clyde’s upturn in form, the relegation battle just got a lot more interesting as we move into the final quarter of the season.

Previous Encounter

The last time the two sides met, we were, solid… solid at the Rock!

For the first time in almost half a decade, we strolled into Dunbartonshire, and strolled back out later that day, with all 3 points under our belt. The score line read 2-1 to the Fifers, although it could have read much more, with East Fife struggling in front of goal at times.

The game was in doubt before a ball was kicked due to the quality of the turf. The referee gave the green light however, and despite the hard conditions, the Black and Gold ran rampant, keeping in trend with our first trip, when we produced some of our best football of the season, but failed to capitalise. There was no failure to capitalise back in January though.

We started fast, and Healy (who returned starting line-up after being unavailable against Forfar) had the first chance of the game. He broke away from the Sons’ full back before lashing his shot goalward, unfortunately it was well over, and it stayed goalless.

We had another opportunity 5 minutes later, when Austin’s tidy first touch set him off away from the defender, unfortunately Fash never had him for pace, and the ball was poked away in some excellent defending.

On the 20-minute mark, Scott Shepherd got his chance as he burst into the box from the right wing. Unfortunately, he couldn’t take it, and his shot passed both posts on the way out.

A further five minutes later, Jack Healy tried his textbook shot, and although it was closer than his effort early doors, it was still well over the bar.

The opening goal came on the half an hour mark and came from a throw in routine. Murdoch took the throw-in, before asking for the ball back right by the by-line. He then delivered a peachy cross, which caught goalkeeper Broun out as he missed it entirely. Austin won the ‘header’, though it was cleared off the line, and it looked as though the Fife would yet again squander a golden opportunity against Dumbarton. Those worries dissipated instantly, as the goal line clearance wound up in the path of Kieran Millar on the edge of the box. The on-form midfielder launched his long-range effort into the right-hand side of the goalkeeper-less net.

Dumbarton had a spell at the tail end of the first period, with Michael Ruth having the most notable chance. This, however, was routinely dealt with by Allan Fleming, sending us in at half-time a goal to the good.

East Fife were caught napping at the beginning of the second period, and it looked as though Dumbarton would capitalise when their number 9 played in a quick corner. One man was most certainly awake though, Allan Fleming, and the goalie kept it out with his feet.

On the hour mark, Dumbarton should’ve pulled level, although none of the Sons could capitalise on a stramash in the box.

Austin had a chance up the other end moments later, although he blazed his shot over.

We showed some resolute defending when the Sons hit us on the break again, with a last-ditch block from goal scorer Kieran Millar keeping us in front.

The lead was evaporated moments later, when Ruth’s shot bobbled past Fleming, it looked to have taken a slight deflection on the way in, as it wrongfooted our Number 1 as well.

We were back in front before we knew it however, with a goal of the season contender. Brogan Walls must have posters of Jack Healy in his bedroom, as he lashed a curled effort into the top right corner from the left-hand corner of the box. It was a true moment of quality which was just what we needed.

We closed the game out on the ascendency as well, as Austin forced Broun into two saves in 5 minutes as we tailed closer to the end of the game.

One very notable positive at the end was U20s graduate Brendan Ramsey, who came on and looked more than up to the task. He sent his full back round the houses and won the Fife a free kick right on the by-line, killing the contest.

Current Form

The Fife

In our last 6 games, the Fifers have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, scooping up 8 points in cinch League Two in the process.

The First of the two losses came against The Spartans, where Blair Henderson showed his quality. Pairing his performance with a litter of defensive errors from the Fife backline, and the end result is tragic. It ended 3-0 to The Spartans, and adding salt to the wounds, Blair Henderson returned to the capital with the match ball. The other loss came against Elgin City, where we fell 1-0 at Borough Briggs, in what proved to be Greig McDonald’s last game in charge of the club. Brian Cameron scored the only goal, right on the stroke of half time for City.

Our two draws have both come at Bayview, with the earliest of the two being against league leaders Stenhousemuir. A nightmare start for the Fifers saw us go a goal down inside 5 minutes, but Austin got a well-deserved equaliser just before half time, as the two sides shared the spoils. Our most recent draw came a fortnight ago against Forfar Athletic. We trailed after 35 minutes when Matty Allan put the Loons ahead, but in the second half, we found our equaliser through Alan Trouten, who is on a rich vein of scoring form, as he slotted home from the spot.

Our wins have come in very different fashion, with our first coming against Bonnyrigg Rose. Despite a well fought first half hour, the Fifers came into control and dominated proceedings. The goals came in a flurry, and the strikes from Easty and Trouts proved just too much for the Rosey Posey to compete with. The second came last week, as we took revenge on the Spartans, winning 3-1 at Ainslie Park. Blair Henderson scored for the Spartans inside 3 minutes, and despite a slight period of dominance from The Spartans, East Fife bounced back, and grew into the game, more and more eventually equalising through Alan Trouten. After the first went in, we never looked back, dominating proceedings running out 3-1 winners in the end, with Fash and Trouten on the scoresheet, with the latter bagging a brace.

The visitors

Dumbarton also have 8 points from their last 6, with their form mirroring our own, 2 wins, draws and losses.

Their two losses have come at the hands of Clyde, where they lost 2-0 at New Douglas Park, as well as midweek, where they lost to Stranraer 5-0 at Stair Park.

Their two draws both came some time ago, as they drew consecutive games back in February, firstly 2-2 with Forfar Athletic, with Michael Ruth and Marc Kelly scoring for the Sons, before a goalless affair with The Spartans.

Their two wins have both come at home, with their last away win stretching back to January, where they beat Elgin City 1-0 at Borough Briggs. In their last 6 games though, it was a 1-0 win over Peterhead, and a 2-1 victory over Stranraer (before the Blues took their revenge one week later). Michael Ruth scored in both games, with Tony Wallace netting the winner against Aggy’s men.

Squad News

Jacob Comerford is the only man to remain out of action, meaning we are incredibly close to a full squad, which could prove vital to our chances in the run-in.

Team Colours

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

Our opponents will be in their away colours at the Wooden Fortress, with a black shirt, with black shorts. They will wear white socks to complete the get-up.

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.

Live Streaming

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/Ireland this weekend.

Officials

The on-pitch official this afternoon will be Scott Lambie while his assistants running the lines are Kevin Buchanan and Paul O’Neill.

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm on Saturday! We welcome you to join us for a drink (or 3!) before the match. The bar will be open again after 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 16 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 on-loan midfielder James Lyon.

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

Final Thoughts

Michael Ruth has been the danger man in recent weeks, so our backline will have to be on top form to stop him. With our upturn in performances and results, I slightly favour us going into this 6-pointer (though that could be the Black and Gold tinted specs talking!)

Mon The Fife!

Ticket Info v Dumbarton

Tickets for our cinch League Two match against Dumbarton on Saturday 9th March 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.

Full and half 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. 

A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK & Ireland via East Fife TV.

Ticket Info v Dumbarton

Tickets for our cinch League Two match against Dumbarton on Saturday 9th March 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.

Full and half 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. 

A live stream is available to viewers outside the UK & Ireland via East Fife TV.

Match Report - The Spartans

The Spartans 1-3 East Fife, Saturday 2^nd March 2023

Ainslie Park, cinch League Two

East Fife have made it 4 games unbeaten under the new management team as a fantastic performance gave the Fifers a well-deserved 3-1 victory over 2nd placed The Spartans, at Ainslie Park. After results midweek, East Fife now sit in 5th place, just 9 points off Dumbarton in the last playoff place, with 9 games still to go. The last quarter of the 23/24 campaign is nail-biting, as after Saturday, it looks like there is a slight chance that East Fife could achieve the unachievable, and sneak into the League One playoffs. While the primary goal remains safety in the division, there is no reason we cannot look up given our upturn in form in recent weeks.

Despite my high level of praise for the Fifers, it was another nightmarish start as we found ourselves a goal down inside 4 minutes. Cammy Russell latched onto a flicked header and beat Fleming in the 1-on-1, handing The Spartans an early lead.

Flem was forced into a great save in the 20th minute, stopping Russell from getting his brace, in the moment which looked to turn the tide, after The Spartans’ opening dominance.

After Fleming’s crucial save, the Methil Milan advanced up the park, grabbing the equaliser two minutes later through Alan Trouten. Loanee Robbie Hamilton delivered a deadly cross which met Trouts’ head and the fox in the box drew us level.

We could’ve taken the lead after 35 minutes when The Spartans failed to clear their lines, but after a series of blocks in the box, the Edinburgh based side were able to clear.

This took us into the break on level terms, where despite a fast start from the hosts, it cannot be argued we were the stronger of the two sides in the opening 45.

The second period, however, saw us take total control, taking the lead just 10 minutes into the half. Nathan Austin got the break of the ball after a defensive error, and charged toward goal, lashing his shot past Carswell, 2-1 Fife.

Despite an impressive performance going forward on Saturday, props must also be given to the backline, namely, Brian Easton. He showed some sublime defensive prowess, popping the ball out of Blair Henderson’s feet when he looked destined to equalise for The Spartans.

In the 70th minute, Dick Campbell made a double change which would richly benefit the Fifers, with Lyon and Healy replacing Hamilton and Austin. This marks the second consecutive week in which the substitutions have changed the game in the latter stages.

This was most prominent in the 84th minute, when James Lyon did excellently well in creating a chance for Scott Shepherd. East Fife’s number 9 was unfortunately denied by Carswell, but that did not stop Alan Trouten being first to the rebound, bagging a true poacher’s goal, and a brace for the day.

The turnaround was complete, and spelled another victory for the Fifers under Dick Campbell, amassing 8 points from the last 4 games played.

Speaking after the game, Assistant Manager Ian Campbell said: “From the time we scored I thought we were in control of the game. We were first class. We can take a great deal out of the game today, I thought we were tremendous. It was great to see the fans celebrating so much too.”

The Spartans – Carswell, Booth, Tapping, Sonkur, P Watson (K Watson 66’), Russell, Denholm (McNulty 60’), Armstrong, Craigen, Whyte, Henderson. Subs not used: Waugh, Jones, Brown, McCready, Laing, Thompson.

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Page, Easton, McManus, Trouten (Nicol 89’), Hamilton (Healy 70’), Walls (Millar 88’), Shepherd, Austin (Lyon 71’). Subs not used: Schiavone, Blaney, Beveridge, Ramsay.

Referee – Andy Gamble

Attendance - 534

 

Weekly Goldmine Lotto

You have until 12noon to get a ticket online for this week's Goldmine Lotto.

The Jackpot is £100.

Good luck everybody.

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