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Match Preview - Bonnyrigg Rose
Oli Anderson previews today's match against Bonnyrigg Rose.
The Black and Gold are back at Bayview this week for what should prove to be an enthralling game against Bonnyrigg Rose. The Rosey Posey find themselves in 9th place in the cinch League Two table, only sitting above bottom placed Forfar on goal difference. East Fife are sat in 5th place, slipping out of the playoff spots for the first time this season. Fife are 2 points behind 4th placed Stranraer, with a game in hand. Remarkably, there are only 5 points between us in 5th (21 points) and bottom of the table Forfar Athletic (16 points) so it is definitely all to play for in the lead up to Christmas. Both sides have been without a win in their last 3, with East Fife recording back-to-back-to-back losses, and Bonnyrigg turning out 3 consecutive 1-1 draws.
Last week, Fife were beaten 3-1 by Annan Athletic at Bayview, in a game in which the Fifers struggled to deal with the Annan frontman Tommy Goss. Despite a quick reply to an early goal and Allan Fleming denying Goss from the spot, Annan proved too strong on the day and bossed Fife for the majority of the game.
Bonnyrigg pulled off a major upset last week, sharing the spoils in a game against league leaders Dumbarton. The hosts took the lead thanks to a Neil Martyniuk penalty in the 45th minute mark, but the Sons’ equaliser came 15 minutes after the break thanks to a Josh Grigor own goal.
Squad News
nly positives this week for Fife as far as the squad news is concerned. There’re no fresh injuries or suspensions, and Hibernian loanee Joao Balde returns to the squad, after his illness left him unavailable last week. Unfortunately, our long-term injury list has not changed, and we’re left without Rabin Omar, Connor McManus, Brogan Walls, and Scott Gallacher, however all 4 have been given the go ahead to step up training by their respective surgeons.
Pre-match
Pre-match, East Fife FC players will wear White Ribbon t-shirts, to stand in solidarity with the global campaign “Activism to End Violence Against Women”. There will be a stall set up inside the stadium, handing out leaflets and white ribbons. More info here.
Team Colours
East Fife are back in their third kit this week, donning the green and white shirt, with white shorts and socks. The goalie will be in the standard all blue kit.
Bonnyrigg will be clad in their red and white hoops, accompanied by their matching red socks and shorts. The away goalkeeper will be dressed in neon green for the matchup.
Previous Encounter
When the Fifers made their first visit to New Dundas Park on matchday 11, the result matched the performance as East Fife romped to a 4-1 win against Bonnyrigg Rose. It was the hosts who struck first though and led from a set-piece within 90 seconds. This made the platform for the boys though, as once again were under the cosh trailing Bonnyrigg like they did on matchday 2. We saw then-interim manager Greg McDonald’s character though, as the Black and Gold bounced back, in what was a masterclass from two teenagers, Ryan Schiavone and Alex Ferguson. Each of them turned in braces on the day, along with Ferguson setting up another 2. It was a massive statement game for the coaching team and done wonders for the confidence and belief in the team, as they gathered 10 points from the 4 surrounding games.
East Fife Team
On the day, East Fife lined up with a back 4, a midfield diamond and a strike partnership of Schiavone and Shepherd:
Fleming, Murdoch (Healy 80’), Steele, Denham, Mercer, Millar, Ferguson, Newton, Balde, Schiavone (Steven 77’), Shepherd (Parker 92’).
Bonnyrigg Rose Team
The Rosey Posey lined up with their usual 3 centre halves, two wing backs, a 3-man midfield and a strike partnership up top:
Weir, Young (Wilson 47’), Horne, Doan, Grigor (Gray 74’), Stewart, Currie (Barrett 74’), Connolly, Gray, Hunter, Mitchell (McGachie 66’).
Match Tickets
This week, ticket prices have been discounted! Please see updated prices below. There will be no cash turnstiles for the game this weekend, and we encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online in advance. You can also get tickets from the club, either in person, or over the telephone at 01333 426323.
Season tickets are valid for the game.
Turnstiles will be open from 2pm.
Prices below.
Adult- £18 £14
Concessions- £15 £10
U16s- £5 Free! (Under 12s should be accompanied by an adult)
Free tickets need to be collected on the day from the club office.
Live Stream
Unfortunately, there will be no available livestream for viewers within the UK and Ireland. For our international fans, the match will be available on East Fife TV with a monthly or season pass.
Match Officials
The on-pitch official this weekend will be Ross Hardie. His assistants running the line will be Paul McAvinue and Douglas Ross.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm for pre-game refreshments and will open again post-match too. The pie stalls will be open prior to kick-off and remain open until after half-time.
Programme
The Bayview Programme issue 12 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.
End Violence Against Women Campaign
East Fife FC players will today wear White Ribbon t-shirts to show their support to the global campaign 16 days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, which runs annually from 25th November to 10th December.
A local programme of events has been pulled together by Fife Violence Against Women Partnership (FVAWP), a group of organisations working together to address Violence Against Women in Fife. The Scottish Government definition of Violence Against Women and Girls, refers to a range of actions that harm, or cause suffering and indignity to women and children. This includes, but is not limited to, rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation and honour-based violence. We know that, although not in all cases, these types of actions are mostly carried out by males. For example, 2020-21 statistics show that 4 out of 5 domestic abuse incidents involve a female victim and a male accused.
Partnering with White Ribbon Scotland, FVAWP want to raise awareness that most men do not commit violence against women, but that all men have a role in ending it. If we all start by making a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms, that will make a huge difference.
Speaking up about violence, is one aspect of Police Scotland’s latest sexual crime prevention campaign – That Guy. It asks men to change their attitudes, language and behaviours towards women, as well as challenging those of their peers, to help affect a culture change to tackling sexual crime against women.
Can you give us your support?
- Watch and share the That Guy Video - https://youtu.be/sVcu8Hwv8u8
- Wear a white ribbon, available today before the game and at half time or from www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk
- Pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.
- Even though this is the final day of the campaign, look over the programme for some of our activism tips. https://tinyurl.com/3uwcdbry
- Talk to your family, friends, work circles and social networks about this issue and what it means to you. #KeepTheConversationGoing
- Support us on social media. Using #16DaysFife and #WhatNext
Anything you can do will make a difference. Thank you for your help in creating a positive change in Fife.
Ticket Info v Bonnyrigg Rose
Tickets for our cinch League Two match against Bonnyrigg Rose on Saturday 10th December at the Locality Hub Bayview Stadium are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Admission Prices
Adults - £14
Concessions* - £10
Under 16s** - Free
*Over 65s/Full-Time Students/Disabled – proof of age/eligibility may be requested
**Proof of age may be requested.
Under 16s tickets cannot be reserved online. Tickets should be collected on the day. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
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.
Match Report - Annan Athletic
After week break, the Methil Men took to the field once again to play Annan Athletic at Bayview. Last time out East Fife suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of 2nd placed Stirling Albion and were hoping to put that result behind them and pick up some points at home. The two sides previously played out a 2-2 draw at Galabank earlier in the season.
One change was made to the team that lost to Stirling Albion last time out as Aaron Steele, available again after a 1 match suspension, was brought back into the starting line-up however Joao Balde missed out through illness.
East Fife had a chance in the opening minute of the match as Healy slides through Mercer on the right wing who tried to cut the ball back across goal for Trouten however Annan ‘keeper Fleming was able to gather.
Annan took the lead on 8 minutes when Johnston flicked the ball on to ex-Fifer Wallace whose half volley from inside the box flew into the net, putting the Galabankies 1-0 up.
Four minutes after taking the lead, Annan were gifted a penalty when Millar was adjudged to have pulled back Hooper inside the box with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Goss stepped up for Annan however Fleming guessed the right way and saves the weakly struck penalty.
As East Fife were pushing to get an equaliser, Shepherd had a shot trickle past the post from his long-range effort before the same player had another chance in the 25th minute when he got in behind the Annan defence to get a shot away, but Fleming was out quickly to make the block.
With five minutes left of the half East Fife equalised when Ferguson’s shot from outside the box was blocked on the line however Denham was on hand to slot the ball home for his first East Fife goal.
East Fife had the last chance of the half when a beautiful curling effort from Trouten bounced just past the post.
HALF TIME: East Fife 1-1 Annan Athletic
5 minutes into the second half, Ferguson played an exquisite ball through to Healy on the right wings who found himself one on one with Fleming, however the stopper was once again out quickly to stops the ball from going into the net.
Moments later, Annan took the lead again when Johnston plays a very accurate ball to Goss at the back post who knocks in from close range. East Fife looked to get a quick leveller but Millar’s flicked header from the corner falls just wide of the post.
After an uneventful 25 minutes Annan scored another which secured them the three points with ten minutes remaining. A lofted ball over the top by Johnston found Wallace inside the box who slotted the ball home at the near post.
East Fife are back at home next week as the team take on Bonnyrigg Rose. The two previously meetings between the sides this season have resulted in emphatic wins for the away side with the Rose winning 3-0 at Bayview and East Fife putting in perhaps their most dominant display this season with a 4-1 victory at New Dundas Park.
FULL TIME: East Fife 1-3 Annan Athletic
East Fife Team: Fleming, Denham, Murdoch, Mercer, Steele, Newton (Steven 67’), Millar, Ferguson, Healy, Shepherd, Trouten
Annan Athletic Team: Fleming, Hooper, Barnes, Kilsby, Lowdon, Johnston (Docherty 83’), Wallace (Williamson 90+2’), Luissint (Hunter 45’), Lyon, Goss (McCartney 90+2’), Smith
Referee: Colin Whyte
Attendance: 464
Match Preview - Annan Athletic
Oli Anderson previews tomorrow’s match against Annan Athletic.
The Fifers return to action this week after a gap in the schedule due to Cup ties. We host Annan Athletic at Bayview in what is a crucial clash for the Fifers. The Galabankies currently find themselves sat in 8th in the cinch League Two table, but the race for the playoffs is extremely tight as there is only nine points separating 3rd to 10th in the table. A fortnight ago, Fife were on the wrong end of the score line, losing out 3-1 to title challengers Stirling Albion. The backline took a while to warm into the game and we found ourselves 2 goals down inside the opening 10 minutes. The Black and Gold found themselves on the ascendency for the remainder of the game but unfortunately left themselves with too much to do.
The visitors drew 1-1 with Stranraer in a game with little chances, Annan only registering 2 shots over the 90 minutes. They have matched East Fife’s form over the last 5 games too, also winning 2, losing 2 and drawing 1.
Squad News
Aaron Steele’s one-game suspension has now been completed so he will return to the squad this week. Also, talisman Ryan Schiavone has come back from his hamstring injury and is available for selection against the Galabankies. Our long-term injury list remains the same, as McManus, Walls, Omar and Gallacher are still side-lined.
Team Colours
East Fife are back in their home kit this week, donning the tartan top, with black shorts and socks. The ‘keeper will wear the standard neon yellow kit.
The away side will be clad in their red and black top, accompanied with their matching red and black shorts and socks. The Annan goalkeeper will be dressed in all blue for the match.
Previous Encounter
When the Fifers travelled south to Galabank for the 8th matchday of the season, the two sides shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. The Fifers started fast, and a first half brace from number 9 Scott Shepherd handed Fife the advantage. Hopefully Shepherd can match his scoring form from that performance as he has failed to find the net since.
Despite the impressive 1st 45 minutes, Annan were the better team for the second period and striker Tommy Goss matched Shepherd, scoring 2 goals in 3 minutes, splitting the points on the day.
East Fife Team:
On the day, Fife lined up with a back 4, a midfield 4 and Trouten playing just off of Shepherd:
A. Fleming, Mercer (Healy 84’), Steele, Denham, Murdoch, Steven (Newton 66’), Millar, Ferguson, Williamson (Baldé 66’) Trouten, Shepherd (Schiavone 82’)
Annan Athletic Team:
Annan played with two banks of 4 and a bank of 2 last time out, attempting to contain the Fife attack:
G. Fleming, Barnes (Luissint 45’), Hooper, Kilsby, Lowdon (Hunter 45’), Johnston, Lyon (McCartney 65’), Docherty, Wallace, Muir, Goss.
Match Tickets
There will be no cash turnstiles for the game this weekend, and we encourage supporters to purchase their tickets online in advance. You can also get tickets from the club, either in person, or over the telephone at 01333 426323. Parent and Child tickets must be bought directly from the club office.
Season tickets are valid for this game.
Turnstiles will be open from 2pm.
Prices Below:
Adult - £18
Concessions - £15
U16s - £5
Parent & Child - £21
Parent & 2 Children - £24.
All child members of EFCFC & EFG&WFC have been granted free admission with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all of our home league matches this season! Tickets for this are organised through EFCFC. We hope to see as many of you present as possible, to help support the team.
Live Streaming
No live stream is available to viewers with the UK & Ireland.
Viewers outside the UK & Ireland can watch the match via East Fife TV with a monthly or season pass
Match Officials
The on-pitch official this weekend will be Colin Whyte, and his two assistants running the lines will be Sean Carr and Scott Anderson.
Refreshments
The stadium bar will be open from 12.15pm for pre-game refreshments. The pie stalls will open prior to kick-off and will remain open until after half-time.
Programme
The Bayview Programme issue 11 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.
Charity Christmas Trees at MGM Timber
For the next few weeks, our friends at MGM Timber will be adding a little festive magic to their range – Christmas trees!
They have sustainably sourced, Scottish Christmas trees (Nordmann fir) available for you to pre-order online at www.mgmtimber.co.uk or in one of their 14 MGM Timber branches located throughout Scotland. For every tree sold, they’re donating the profit to Cash For Kids: Mission Christmas, to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Every sale could mean a lifeline for a family this Christmas and beyond.
So, this Christmas, allow MGM Timber to take away the stress of sourcing your Christmas tree with a straightforward pre-ordering and collection service, safe in the knowledge that your festive tradition is helping to improve the lives of those in need.
