East Fife 2-0 Edinburgh City, Saturday 10th 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
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.
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!
Elgin City 4-2 East fife, Saturday 3rd 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
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.
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Elgin City
A sore defeat to St Johnstone last Saturday left us out of the last 16 in the Premier Sports Cup. It has since become of paramount importance for us to look toward the league campaign, where we first travel deep into the highlands to face Elgin City at Borough Briggs. With both sides failing to qualify for the knockout rounds of the League Cup, we will both be looking to start well tomorrow.
Group F Final Results
Saturday 13/07: East Fife 3-0 Greenock Morton @ MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Tuesday 16/07: Alloa Athletic 0-0 (5-3 on penalties) East Fife @ The Indodrill Stadium
Tuesday 23/07: East Fife 4-0 Brechin @ MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
Saturday 27/07: St Johnstone 5-1 East Fife @ McDiarmid Park
Group F’s Final Standings
|
Team |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
Pts |
GD |
1 |
St Johnstone |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
6 |
2 |
Alloa Athletic |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
East Fife |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
Greenock Morton |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
-3 |
5 |
Brechin City |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
-8 |
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.
Last Saturday, 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.
Our Opponents
Elgin City finished bottom of Group C in the Premier Sports Cup, with 2 points and a staggering -11 goal difference.
The campaign started in horrid fashion for City, as they fell 5-0 to Hibernian. They were clearly outmatched on the day, failing to register a shot on target against the Hibees. A Dylan Vente hattrick matched Trouten’s matchday one feat, before goals from Marvin Ekipeta and Martin Boyle completed Hibs’ steamrolling of Elgin City.
Elgin bounced back at Borough Briggs in their next fixture, when they recovered from being a goal, and a man behind, to draw 1-1 with Kelty Hearts, before beating them on penalties. It was Jake Dolzanski who saw red on the half-hour mark, and Michael Dangana who pulled City into the tie. Scott Allan’s miss for Kelty made the difference, as Elgin converted all five spot kicks.
They were back in action against Peterhead, on the 20th of July, where the Blue Toon ran out 4-2 winners at the Balmoor Stadium. Ben Armour scored the only goal of the first half, before goals from Murray and Golding saw Elgin lead with just twenty minutes to go. Goldie brought Peterhead back level, before Jason Brown scored twice in the last ten to secure the win for the Highland side.
Elgin City’s last game ended in a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Queen’s Park. A Roddy MacGregor first half brace was matched by Dom Thomas and Joshua Scott in the second half, as the Spiders cruised to victory.
Previous Encounter
30th March 2024- East Fife 2-0 Elgin City @ MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
The last time these two sides met, East Fife ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Elgin City.
The Fifers started fast, with Jack Healy testing the goalkeeper and Scott Shepherd rattling the crossbar from a free kick, both within the first ten minutes. Shep’s free kick was agonisingly close.
Despite the missed chances, we kept the pressure up and took the lead after 22 minutes. Jack Healy flopped a lovely cross into Alan Trouten, who directed his header over the head of the stranded Elgin goalie. The lead was deserved, and despite Elgin creating more in the latter stages of the first half, we made it to half time in the lead.
Healy continued his dominance after the restart, placing in another two tidy crosses. Unlike for Trouten’s opener, the Black and Whites managed to clear their lines. Jack misplaced a pass just moments after though, and Elgin had their best chance of the ninety, though Dangana slid his effort wide of the post.
After the break, East Fife kept their foot on the gas, with Shepherd failing to convert a couple of chances to double the lead.
The man who did step up, did so the week before too too. James Lyon converted for the second week on the spin, and was also set up by Jack Healy, who gave the Fife faithful a performance to celebrate today. Lyon got on the end of Healy’s cross and leathered his volley into the back of the net, inevitably killing the contest.
The Methil Milan had a chance to make it three in the dying embers following a stramash in the box, though it was not to be, and we had to settle for just the 2-0 win.
Squad News
The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully start the season with a bang.
Match Tickets
Please find match ticket prices below. Tickets can be purchased on Elgin’s Fanbase page, or at the turnstiles today.
Adult- £16
Concessions- £10
Under 16-Free with a paying adult.
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 Stephen Mill.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the new, Back Onside sponsored away kit. They will wear the Argentina-esque sky blue and white striped kit, with white shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the match.
Elgin will be in their traditional colours of a black and white shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Elgin ‘keeper will be clad in turquoise for the clash.
Officials
The referee today will be Duncan Williams, with Ross Anderson and Michael Bonner running the lines.
This is a great opportunity to start the season well, which I trust we are more than capable of doing.
Mon the Fife!