Match Preview - Dumbarton

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumabrton.

An opinion splitting performance last week against Forfar Athletic saw the Fifers fail to take 3 points from the Loons at Station Park, despite our hosts dropping to 10 men early on in the contest. We struggled to challenge Marc McCallum all game, and even when we did get near him, he produced some very important and impressive saves, to keep Forfar level. The same can be said for Fleming however, who produced a magnificent save in the game, denying what looked to be a certain goal.

This afternoon we tee up to visit the Rock for the second time this season, to face title challengers Dumbarton. While the Sons are currently sat in third place in the cinch League Two, the sit a massive 13 points behind Stenhousemuir the league leaders. However, Dumbarton have two games in hand on pole position, and every team in the division understands that a run of games, particularly at this stage of the season could make, or break, the campaign.

Their last game came a fortnight ago where they fell foul to an almighty comeback by Clyde, who are sat in the trapdoor spot currently. Tony Wallace opened the scoring for the Sons via the penalty spot, before ex-Fifer Connor Young drew level for Clyde. Soon after, Ji Stevenson stuck the ball into the back of his own net, which restored Dumbarton’s advantage. This did not repel the Bully Wee however, as the man who broke East Fife hearts last year, Martin Rennie converted a penalty two minutes later, making the score two-a-piece at half time. Dumbarton controlled the majority of the second half, and boasted a 4-2 lead by the 86th minute, thanks to finishes from Aaron Lynas and another former Fifer. Kian Leslie and Logan Dunachie both chipped in, scoring two goals in stoppage time, achieving the unachievable, sharing the spoils 4-4 at Dumbarton Football Stadium.

The cinch League Two

Position	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Stenhousemuir	18	43	21
2	Peterhead	17	32	13
3	Dumbarton	16	30	13
4	The Spartans	16	29	11
5	Bonnyrigg Rose	17	22	0
6	Stranraer	17	19	-14
7	East Fife	17	17	-1
8	Forfar Athletic	18	17	-6
9	Elgin City	17	15	-20
10	Clyde	17	9	-17

This Week’s Fixtures

Clyde FC vs Bonnyrigg Rose @ New Douglas Park

Dumbarton vs East Fife @ The Rock

Elgin City vs Stranraer @ Borough Briggs

Peterhead vs Spartans @ Balmoor Stadium

Stenhousemuir vs Forfar Athletic @ Ochilview Park

Last Week’s Results

Bonnyrigg Rose vs Spartans- Postponed

Clyde 1-2 Stenhousemuir

Elgin City 2-1 Peterhead

Forfar Athletic 0-0 East Fife

Stranraer vs Dumbarton- Postponed.

The Form

The Hosts

Dumbarton boast 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their last 6 games: a rather impressive run.

Their only loss came to top of the league Stenhousemuir, as an 87th minute James Berry winner was enough to nick it for the Warriors.

Their draw came last week in the 8-goal thriller against Clyde. A devastating result for the Sons considering as the clock hit the 90th minute they had a 2 goal lead.

Their 4 wins have come in varying fashion. Firstly, they were victorious over us at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, as Kalvin Orsi scored early doors, claiming the only goal of the game. A Tony Wallace penalty was also enough for them to beat strugglers Elgin City 1-0 the following week. They then utilised extra time to pip League 1 side Annan Athletic 5-4. Finlay Gray scored in the 88th minute to force extra time at 3-3. Annan retook the lead in the 100th minute, before Dumbarton replied in the 113th, and James ‘Jinky’ Hilton claimed the tie in the 118th minute.

Their other win was a 4-2 victory over Forfar. Despite Seb Ross being on target again for the Loons, it was not enough to take anything from Dumbarton on the day.

The Fife

We can only claim 7 points from our last 6 league games, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses.

Our losses have come mainly at the hand of Bonnyrigg, who have beaten us twice in the last 6. We firstly lost 4-2 during our re-arranged fixture at New Dundas Park, with Austin and McManus on the scoresheet for the Fife. The we were picked apart by the Rosey Posey in our own back garden a fortnight ago, falling 3-0, and being second best on the night.

Our other loss was much more positive however, as we fell 2-1 to Stenhousemuir at Ochilview, and should’ve taken something from the game. A fast first 45 from Stenny saw them lead 2-0 at the break. In the second half, we scored a perfectly legal goal, although the matchday officials adjudged Austin to have been offside. We finally, after controlling the second period, fed the Fash, and he did score, albeit in the 91st minute. McManus then had a chance to complete the comeback in the 93rd, although the shot was right at Darren Jamieson which saw the Warriors keep all three points on the day.

Our draw came last week, in the goalless affair against Forfar, in what was a difficult watch, possibly also due to the outrageous weather conditions.

Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Elgin at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. There were lots of similarities in the games, which look to be somewhat a mirror of the other. Both games saw fast starts, with us leading 2-0 at the break. On top of this, Nathan Austin and Brogan Walls, both found themselves on the scoresheets in the games, with Walls bagging a brace against Elgin City. Sean Docherty and Alan Trouten both found themselves on the scoresheet against Clyde, while Scott Shepherd was the other scorer against Elgin City.

Previous Encounter

East Fife sprang no surprises when the two sides last met, as they endured their third consecutive loss to Dumbarton. The hosts fell 1-0, however it would not to be unfair to suggest that the score line was perhaps flattering, in favour of the Methil Milan. The result was matched with the level of performance as the Fifers were not up to par and were unable to make the most of the few chances they had. The game was action packed in the first 45, keeping supporters on the edge of their seat, even though there were unfortunately more positives for the visitors. Despite the quick start, the second 45 could only be compared to nails on a chalkboard, as East Fife pushed for an equaliser, but Dumbarton held firm.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best chance of the ninety, for either side, came after 15 seconds, and was in favour of the Fifers. A defensive mishap opened space for Jack Healy who powered into the box. Unfortunately, he was met by Brett Long, and East Fife missed out on the perfect start.

Two minutes later, the game totally crumbled for the Methil men, as a woven pass found Kalvin Orsi inside the box. Unlike Healy, there was no hesitation from the Sons winger, and he fired the visitors ahead.

In the 31st minute, it was a miracle that there was only one goal in it. Some more disappointing defending forced Fleming into an all-important double save, the second of which forced him to leave the goalmouth completely. This opened the door for Dumbarton, who should have put themselves two to the good, and would have if it wasn’t for Liam Newton. The full back threw himself into harm’s way, blocking the shot, giving East Fife a dog’s chance in the game.

In the 35th, the Sons should have made it 2 for the second time, and were only denied by another Allan Fleming double save, akin to his first 5 minutes prior. This, like last time, left the Fifers’ goal open to some vulnerability, but we managed to clear our lines, literally, as the Black and Gold were able to get back, in the nick of time, hoofing the ball out for a throw in.

It looked to be third time lucky for the side from the West, but this time, it was the linesman’s job to provide a lifeline, as even though they managed to tuck the ball past Fleming, the flag shot up. We (somehow) held on.

In the 41st minute, we should have had our golden chance, as East Fife hit fast on the break. A cross was attempted, but was blocked by the first man’s arms, inside the area, for what could only be described as a blatant stonewaller. Alas, the referee waved play on, and we went into the break a goal down. If only there was some kind of technology in Scotland that could review those incidents…

There were no chances of note between the penalty claim at the end of the first period and the 92nd minute, when East Fife were piling men forward. A lovely ball was sprayed into the Sons’ box for Scott Shepherd, but the forward could not convert in the dying embers, ensuring that the Fifers succumbed to another defeat.

Team Colours

East Fife will don the 120th anniversary home shirt, the famous black and gold striped top, with white shorts and socks. Oor goalie will be clad in all yellow this afternoon.

Our hosts, Dumbarton, will wear a black and pink top, with black shorts and socks. The Sons’ goalie will be dressed in Orange.

Squad News

It will be another headscratcher for the gaffer, as we continue to struggle with some injuries and illness, although we will see the return of a fully fit Ryan Schiavone, Jack Healy and Charlie Murray, all of whom are available for selection.

Match Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or on Dumbarton’s TicketTailor page. Prices below:

Adult- £17

Concession- £11

U16- £5

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!

Officials

The on-pitch official today are Duncan Williams while his assistants running the line are Sean Carr and Liam Duncan.

This is an opportunity to start our 2024 the right way, let’s get behind the team!

Mon the Fife!

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Match Report - Forfar Athletic

Forfar Athletic 0-0 East Fife, Saturday 30^th December 2023

Station Park, cinch League Two

Happy New Year Fife Fans! Here’s hoping we can start our 2024 in a more convincing manner than we finished our 2023!

The Fifers closed out their 2023 year in disappointing fashion last weekend, as they played out a goalless draw against Forfar Athletic at a rain-battered Station Park. East Fife failed to capitalise on a first half straight red card for Loons; with Josh Skelly being sent for an early bath at the tail end of the first period.

There was only one change to the starting 11 from our 3-0 dismantling at the hands of Bonnyrigg Rose, despite it being a severely depleted squad which travelled to Angus. Loanee Kieran Mitchell got the start in place of Jack Healy.

Despite the majority team struggling, and putting in a largely lacklustre performance on Saturday, the same can’t be said about Brogan Walls, and the U20s graduate put in a cracking shift in the middle of the park, particularly in the first half. After 7 minutes, he created the first half chance of the game, splaying a lovely ball through for Nathan Austin to fire a cross into the area. Unfortunately, it was overhit, and Marc McCallum easily collected it, something which became a recurring theme during the proceedings.

On the 20-minute mark, Forfar had a chance from a free kick that was roughly 20 yards from goal. Ross stepped up for the Loons though his strike was a touch wide of the right-hand post.

The free-kick started a mini barrage, which also saw Forfar’s number 9, Josh Skelly, being denied by the best shot-stopper in the league, Allan Fleming. The Fife veteran reacted quickly, after Skelly got a touch on a deflected pass. Inglis was first to the parried shot and lashed an effort goalward. Luckily for the Black and Gold, it rattled against the woodwork, and out of play.

The turning point of the game should have come in the 37th minute of play, when Brain Easton was mowed down by a very, very late sliding challenge from Josh Skelly. The rash tackle left referee Iain Snedden no choice but to show the forward a straight red.

East Fife then had the best chance of the game seconds after the dismissal, when the resulting free kick wound up with Walls. Brogan floated a ball to Nathan Austin, whose diving header was somehow denied by Marc McCallum, as the goalie produced a wonder save to tip the ball round the post.

That was the last true piece of action, as East Fife struggled to break down the robust Forfar defence.

The game was fought largely in the middle of the park, as the Forfar team played what looked to be a 4-2-3-0, with their attacking talent, which included ex-Fifer Darren Watson, coming deep to support their teammates.

There was no action in the second half, until the hour mark, although there was nothing much to shout about. Alan Trouten played a simple ball into Brogan Walls, though the midfielder’s shot was rather timid, allowing McCallum to make an easy save.

East Fife’s last chance of the game came with 15 minutes still on the clock. Fresh substitute Gregor Nicol lofted a free kick into the 18-yard box, which was met by McManus. The makeshift defender was able to unleash a shot, though it was caught in the pack, and bounced out for a corner.

Despite being a man down, credit must go to Forfar, who fought till the very end, and, at times, looked the more likely of the two sides to nick all three points. Morrison got on the end of Paterson’s cross with just five minutes on the clock. Thankfully, the flicked header fell on the wrong side of the post, and The Methil Milan were able to return to the Kingdom with at least something.

All eyes are on this weekend, where we are on the road again. This time, we are headed west to Dunbartonshire, to face Dumbarton at the Rock. We will be hoping for a much-improved performance, and consequentially, an improved result this weekend, although we have struggled on the Sons’ patch in recent outings.

Mon the Fife!

Report by Oli Anderson

Forfar Athletic – McCallum, Allan, Morrison, Hutchinson, Whatley, Inglis (Thomson 54’), Robson, Skelly, Ross (Mutale 76’), Watson (Paterson 62’). Subs not used: Paris, Ferguson, Macleod

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Easton, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Mitchell (Nicol 72’), Walls, Shepherd, Austin. Subs not used: Schiavone, Black, Briggs, Rollo, Ramsay

Referee – Iain Sneddon

Attendance - 485

Ticket Info v Dumbarton

Admission prices for our cinch League Two match against Dumbarton on Saturday 6th January at the Dumbarton Football Stadium have been confirmed as follows:

Adults - £17

Concessions - £11

Under 16s - £5

Tickets can be purchased online in advance of the game.

Viewers outside the UK & Ireland can watch the match on East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.

Match Preview - Forfar Athletic

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Forfar Athletic

Apologies all, after a truly manic festive period, I forgot entirely to provide a match report on last Friday night’s match against Bonnyrigg. Thankfully, there was nothing much to comment on, and the (brief) report will feature in this week’s preview.

This weekend, the Fifers head to the home of the Bridie, as they gear up to play Forfar Athletic at Station Park, in an attempt to put last Friday’s poor performance against Bonnyrigg Rose behind us.

Last Week

The Fifers

The contest last Friday was, for lack of a better word, dire (at times), although the majority of the first half was quite closely contested. We held more of the ball, and created a few half chances, although we inevitably sat too deep, perhaps giving the Rosey Posey too much respect, which led to them romping to a 3-0 win, in what was arguably the Methil Milan’s poorest performance of the season.

The opener came right on the stroke of half time, when Bradley Barnett’s long range shot snuck past Allan Fleming. The Black and Gold defence had three opportunities to dispose of the ball, but failed to get close to it, allowing the Bonnyrigg midfielder to capitalise and hand the visitors the lead.

It went from bad to worse 5 minutes after the interval, as defender Kerr Young scored an absolute wonder goal, finding the top corner with his back to goal. It was a misery compiler for the Fife, but Bonnyrigg smelled blood, and put their pedal to the metal at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.

Their aggression paid dividends just 3 minutes later as Fleming wiped out the Bonnyrigg frontman, leaving referee Chris Fordyce with no choice but to point to the spot. Neil Martynuik stepped up and fired home killing the contest.

The game died out, although the visitors could have pushed for four or five, in a performance where the Fifers looked lost at sea.

The Loons

There was plenty to cheer about for Forfar last week, as they did the unthinkable, and overcame title chasers Peterhead at the Balmoor Stadium. While the result still sees them stuck in 8th place, they will be hoping to kick on, at the expense of the Fifers this weekend.

Seb Ross opened the scoring for Forfar inside 15 minutes, when Finn Robson set him up. Despite the shot coming from a difficult angle, Ross managed to squeeze it past the Blue Toon’s keeper, giving the Loons the lead.

The game was later paused after a nasty collision between two Peterhead players, which resulted in David Wilson being taken away in an ambulance - we wish David Wilson a healthy and speedy recovery.

Shortly after the referee’s whistle blew to restart the game, Forfar doubled their advantage, through Seb Ross yet again, providing the two-punch knockout.

After going 2-0 down, Peterhead replied quickly, and halved the deficit 60 seconds later through Brown, but it wasn’t enough, and the Loons held on, recording a massive win.

The cinch League Two

Position	Team	Played	Pts	GD
1	Stenhousemuir	17	40	20
2	Peterhead	16	32	14
3	Dumbarton	16	30	13
4	The Spartans	16	29	11
5	Bonnyrigg Rose	17	22	0
6	Stranraer	17	19	-14
7	East Fife	16	16	-1
8	Forfar Athletic	17	16	-6
9	Elgin City	16	12	-21
10	Clyde	16	9	-16

This Week’s Fixtures

Bonnyrigg Rose vs The Spartans @ New Dundas Park

Clyde vs Stenhousemuir @ New Douglas Park

Elgin City vs Peterhead @ Borough Briggs

Forfar Athletic vs East Fife FC @ Station Park

Stranraer vs Dumbarton @ Stair Park

Last Week’s Results

East Fife 0-3 Bonnyrigg Rose

Dumbarton 4-4 Clyde

Peterhead 1-2 Forfar Athletic

Stenhousemuir 2-0 Elgin City

The Spartans 3-0 Stranraer

The Form

The Fife

We boast a measly 6 points from our last 6 league games, winning two and losing the other 4 contests, which is certainly far from ideal.

Our 2 wins came against Clyde on the road, and against Elgin, three weeks ago, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. There were lots of similarities in the games, which look to be somewhat a mirror of the other. Both games saw fast starts, with us leading 2-0 at the break. On top of this, Nathan Austin and Brogan Walls, both found themselves on the scoresheets in the games, with Walls bagging a brace against Elgin City.

Our four losses have been tough to take, two of which came against last week’s opponents, as Bonnyrigg beat us 4-2 at New Dundas Park, in a midweek game not too long ago. Also, last week’s dreadful showing has added to our misery. Other than the Rosey Posey, our other losses came against those challenging for the League. We lost 2-1 against Stenhousemuir (1st), and 1-0 vs Dumbarton (3rd).

The Hosts

Forfar’s form too is far from stellar. In their last 6 outings, they have recorded 1 league win, 1 draw and 3 losses, and a victory in the Scottish Cup (away to Tranent Juniors, at the tail end of last month).

Their win was the result vs Peterhead last week, while at the start of December, they shared the spoils with Stranraer 1-1.

Their three losses came away to Elgin, then away to The Spartans, both 1-0 defeats. Their other loss was a goal fest, as they fell 4-2 to Dumbarton. Despite never leading, they ran the title challengers close. They went 1-0 thanks to James ‘Jinky’ Hilton, before Skelly equalised from the spot. Shiels then re-gave the Sons the lead, before Seb Ross equalised in the 1st minute of 1st half stoppage time. It was all for naught however, as Finlay Gray handed Dumbarton the lead for the third time before the interval, and the 2nd half performance that followed saw Dumbarton cruise to a 4-2 win.

Previous Encounter

The sides had to settle for a draw last time they met at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium earlier this season in what was a hotly contested battle.

The Loons had two great chances in the opening 10 minutes due to unforced errors, and they forced stopper Allan Fleming into two reaction saves, but they could not capitalise on Fife’s nervy start.

After 12 minutes however, the Methil Men took the lead against the run of play. Nathan Austin fantastically nodded the ball down to Alan Trouten, who hit the ball with the outside of his boot on the half volley, nestling the ball in the top corner, leaving the goalie with absolutely no chance.

There were little opportunities in the rest of the first half, though Forfar controlled the contest, particularly in the middle of the park, and it was clear that the half time whistle benefitted the Fifers more than the Loons.

Forfar also had the lion’s share of the attacks in the opening stages of the second period too, with Paterson causing the Fife backline all sorts of bother, cutting inside and beating his men on the outside on numerous occasions.

Despite this, the Fifers should have killed the game in the 65th minute and would have if it weren’t for the world class defending from Morrison. Shepherd broke away and hammered down the right flank with blistering pace, he then cut inside, along the by-line and steadied himself, before a lovely, drilled pass was fired along the ground. Healy looked set to meet it, and bag his first of the season, but Morrison got there first and flicked it behind for a corner.

The equaliser came in the 80th minute, in a scramble from a whipped ball allowing Morrison to head home and ensure they did not return to Forfar empty handed. It was a disappointing way to end the game, as East Fife had shown resilience and patience throughout as they struggled on the park.

Team Colours

The Fifers will don the away pink, Taxi Centre-sponsored kit, paired with matching pink socks and black shorts. Oor goalie will be clad in all yellow for the match.

Our hosts, Forfar Athletic, will wear all navy this afternoon, while the Loons’ keeper will be dressed in green.

Squad News

It will be a head scratcher for McDonald this weekend, as there is a number of injuries and illness within the East Fife camp. Final confirmation of the matchday squad will not be determined until the morning of the game.

In positive news, skipper Stewart Murdoch has managed to bounce back from the knock he received last week and will be available for selection this weekend.

Match Admission

Admission for the match is exclusively by cash in the turnstiles on matchday with prices below:

Standing (Terrace)- Adults- £14

                               Concession- £8

                               U16- £5

Seated (The Stand)- Adults- £15

                                 Concessions- £9

                                 U16s- £5

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 stream available this weekend for viewers within the UK or Ireland.

Match Catering

The 1984 Lounge at Station Park is open to all supporters from 12.30pm for pre-match refreshments, and again following the full-time whistle.

The Refreshment Kiosk will also be open after entering the ground via the turnstiles.

Officials

The on-pitch official on Saturday will be Iain Snedden while his assistants running the line are John Stewart and Robert Mackinnon.