Match Report - Dumabrton

East Fife 0-1 Dumbarton, Saturday 11^th November 2023

MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, cinch League Two

East Fife slumped to their third consecutive loss this weekend, this time to Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The hosts fell 1-0, however it would not to be unfair to suggest that the scoreline could’ve been worse had it not been for some top-class goalkeeping from Allan Fleming. Although there was some good football played at times, 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. 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 up 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. 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 flag that provided a lifeline.

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.

All eyes now turn to a proverbial 6-pointer against Clyde at New Douglas Park this weekend.

Report by Oli Anderson

East Fife - Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Docherty, Comerford, McManus, Trouten (Schiavone 83’), Healy, Mitchell (Shepherd 66’), Walls, Austin. Subs not used: Millar, Slattery, Nicol, Philp, Murray, Hambrook, Rollo

Dumbarton – Long, Lynas, Malcolm, Shiels, Crighton, Orsi (MacLean 78’), Pignatiello, T Wallace, Gray, R Wallace (Wilson 70’), Ruth. Subs not used: Blair, Byrne, Vata, Broun

Referee – Jordan Curran

Attendance - 626

Match Preview - Dumbarton

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumbarton

East Fife failed to get back to winning ways after last week’s result in the highlands, as we fell 2-0 to league leaders Peterhead. We were unable to crack on when we needed it most, and the Blue Toon proved far too strong on the day, sadly. We look ahead to this afternoon where we face fellow Black and Gold side Dumbarton at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. This is the second time we will face the Sons this season and were on the receiving end of a sucker punch last time out. A late Crighton corner header, after the Fifers had dominated for essentially the whole game saw Dumbarton run out 1-0 winners.

Last Week

I will try to keep this brief, as there was little to shout about for the Fifers last week. We had a bright start, and undeniably got out of the blocks quicker than Peterhead, but robust defending stopped us being able to capitalise. After the first half an hour, the Blue Toon had settled into the game, and put us under the kosh for 10 minutes, in a period which ended with their opener as Kieran Shanks took down a ball with precision and slotted past Fleming.

We had two golden chances on either side of the half time whistle, but neither were taken. The former was when McKenzie rushed off his line, to neutralise Kieran Mitchell’s threat at the end of the first half, with the latter being when no Fifer could capitalise on a loose ball in the box.

The game then quietened down, until the 78th minute when player/manager Jordon Brown was alert to a parried shot and tucked the ball home killing the game.

Dumbarton on the other hand, made no mistakes last week, and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners against their playoff rivals, Bonnyrigg Rose. First half strikes from Tony Wallace (from the spot) and Finlay Gray were paired with strikes from Michael Ruth and Matthew Shiels which were enough to completely obliterate Bonnyrigg.

For the first time this season, last week’s results have meant that no teams have moved position across the entire league, which made the table significantly easier to update this week!

The cinch League Two Standings

Across the League Last Week

Clyde 1-2 The Spartans

Dumbarton 4-0 Bonnyrigg Rose

Forfar Athletic 1-3 Stenhousemuir

Peterhead 2-0 East Fife

Stranraer 3-1 Elgin City

This week’s Fixtures

East Fife vs Dumbarton

Elgin City vs Bonnyrigg Rose

Forfar Athletic vs Clyde

Peterhead vs Stranraer

Stenhousemuir vs The Spartans

Form

The Fife

Much less to shout about again this week, as the last fortnight’s negative results have also had a troubling impact on our last 6 games. We have seen just 1 sole win, 3 draws, one of which ended in defeat via penalty shootout and two defeats inside 90 minutes, both coming in the last two weeks.

We were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline last week against Peterhead, and the week prior we saw an awful result which ended our Scottish Cup campaign before it had started, losing to EoS Premiership side Dunbar United.

Our draws have varied in performances, some being very spirited, and others being desperate by the end, holding on with everything we had. We saw two very impressive 2-2 draws (I know that “impressive” and “draw” should never feature in the same sentence, though given the circumstances I believe that it is warranted) which given our inconsistent form this season, could have resulted in severely worse outcomes.

Firstly, we found ourselves 2-0 down to The Spartans at Ainslie Park, 4 weeks ago now, but we dug deep, found a fire inside, and cracked on, turned the game around, and looked like we would actually go on to win the game. Our other 2-2 was a valiant fight against Welsh Champions TNS, in the last 16 of the Trust Trophy. Penalties were eventually called upon, after Fife clawed back from 1-0 down to 2-1 up, conceding late to force a shootout. It was there that the Saints’ ‘keeper showed his quality and did the damage, getting a hand to all 5 of the Fife’s pens, saving Mitchell’s sending us out the cup.

Our only win came 3 weeks ago now, as we gubbed Stranraer 4-0 in the league, in our most complete performance of the season. We looked in total control as soon as the first went in, and it stayed that way until the full-time whistle.

The Visitors

Dumbarton have won 4 of their last 6, losing on the other two occasions. Their losses came only against league leaders Peterhead, where they lost 1-0, and against newly promoted The Spartans, who have proved a sticky outfit this season, who ran out 2-0 winners against the Sons.

Dumbarton, in their 4 wins, have scored 14 times, and when winning have not scored less than three. Their most recent win was the aforementioned trouncing of Bonnyrigg Rose, and the week before, they survived a scare from Banks O’ Dee in the Scottish Cup, scoring in the 7th and 12th minute of injury time to run out 3-2 winners. Their other wins were both in the league, as they destroyed a struggling Clyde 4-0 in their own back garden, the week after they had comfortably turned Stranraer over too, running out 3-1 winners.

Previous encounter

East Fife fell short to Dumbarton, losing 1-0 at the Rock, the last time the sides met. It was a truly disappointing result for the Black and Gold, who for the most part looked the better of the two sides. A last-minute winner from Sean Crighton though was enough to leave East Fife winless and the Sons unbeaten after 5 games in the season.

The first half was a stark contrast to how the Fifers had played this season, as they largely hit on the front foot. Inside the first two minutes, Scott Shepherd even cannoned a shot off the woodwork. East Fife implemented a high tempo and played a style of football similar to that which earned us a playoff spot last year.

New signing Brian Easton had the next chance of the game, as his flicked header from the corner was well timed, but unfortunately at too tight an angle, as it sailed out for a goal kick past the near post.

Dumbarton’s best chance at success was coming via a long ball to the onrushing strike partnership, James Hilton, and Finlay Gray. The former nearly fired the Sons into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, his driven effort from the edge of the area flashing wide.

Two minutes later, the hosts had another great opportunity, in the way of a direct free kick, and despite it being very well struck, Allan Fleming was able to pluck it straight from the top corner, to keep the scores level.

Jack Healy was then able to tip the scales in East Fife’s favour, as he carried the ball into the box from a short free kick, he lasered the ball across the touchline, though there were no takers and it remained goalless.

Trouten and McManus both had long range digs at Brett Long, though the shots were right at the ex-Fifer.

Right on the stroke of half time, Jack Healy was cannoned into the back of inside the penalty area, but the referee adjudged that there was no foul, and the sides went into the break goalless.

The second half saw the game massively open up, and Dumbarton put us under the cosh in the opening stages, Fleming was forced into another two great saves, one to deny a dinked effort, before seconds later parrying the second off of the post, keeping East Fife’s clean sheet in-tact.

Shortly after, Scott Shepherd who has been re-positioned out wide put a lovely ball into the mixer, but Austin could not convert unfortunately. A further 10 minutes later seen East Fife squander two fantastic opportunities to break the deadlock.

Kieran Mitchell, the new striker on loan from local rivals, championship side Raith Rovers made his debut, and showed his blistering pace on the wing. He came on alongside Brogan Walls, who had a good chance with 10 on the clock, ushering himself into a small patch of space before firing wide.

The game entirely opened up, and it looked like if either side would win the game, it would be the Fifers, although that was not to be. In the 88th minute, Sean Crighton got on the end of an out swinging corner and met it with what can only be described as a bullet to hand Dumbarton the lead in the dying embers.

Squad News

Outs- Our only fresh injury concern this week is Brian Easton. The decorated centre half is unfortunately unavailable for selection this week after picking up a knock last weekend.

Ins- Nathan Austin returns to the squad after missing last week’s trip to Peterhead.

Team Colours

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

Dumbarton will wear their all-white away kit today. The Sons’ goalkeeper will be in all blue.

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 turnstile at Bayview so we strongly encourage supporters to buy online in advance however ticked can also be purchased from the matchday reception for those unable to buy online.

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 will be Jordan Curran while his assistants running the line are Stuart Stevenson and Lewis Hogarth.

Refreshments

The stadium bar will be open from 12:15pm pre-kick off today! We welcome you to join us for a drink before the match. The bar will also be open after the game for post-match refreshments.

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground from 2:00pm today. Both cash and card are accepted.

Programme

Issue Number 8 for the 23/24 edition of The Bayview will be available from vendors outside the ground pre-match.

Programmes are also available to buy online for home delivery.

A Moment to Remember

Pre-match, this afternoon, we invite you to join us in a minute’s silence to mark Armistice Day, as we remember those who gave their lives for the country.

This silence will be particularly poignant for the club this year too, as the minute will be shared as we remember those who lived and breathed Black and Gold. Rab Waddell, a true Fife fan, and truer gent will be remembered in this time, along with John Watson, who was the caretaker for the Community Use of the pitch.

On top of this, we will be mourning the loss of Davie Fairley, father of current Under 20s midfielder Jaiden Fairley. We will also utilise the minute’s silence to remember Mitchell (Chell) Collins, a season ticket holder for a number of years at Bayview, who sadly passed away last week.

All four men had a true passion for both football, and East Fife. Thoughts are with the families of Rab, John, Davie, and Chell at this very sad time.

Weekly Goldmine Lotto

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

The jackpot is £100. Good luck to everyone who has bought a ticket.

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Match Report - Peterhead

Peterhead 2-0 East Fife, cinch League Two

Saturday 4^th November 2023, Balmoor Stadium

East Fife slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Peterhead, in the Highlands last weekend, as we recorded our second defeat on the spin. The loss sees us further adrift from playoff contention, as we sit just four points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Greig McDonald made 3 changes from the disastrous defeat at New Countess Park last weekend, with Jack Healy and Sean Docherty being replaced by Brogan Walls and club captain Stuart Murdoch. The other change saw loanee Kieran Mitchell start in place of Nathan Austin, giving us plenty change in the front line.

In the opening stages of the game, these changes looked to prove dividends as well, as the pacey front line of Shepherd, Mitchell and Walls terrorised the Blue Toon’s back line in early proceedings. For example, with 10 on the clock, some tidy football from the attackers forced a good clearance from the Peterhead centre back to stop a good opportunity for Scott Shepherd.

After 25, Walls had his golden opportunity, bursting into the box, he let a shot go, forcing McKenzie into a comfortable save.

The tide slowly started turning after this, and Peterhead began to take control of the tie. After thirty-five minutes they had their first real shot, although it was blazed well over the bar.

Five minutes later, they broke the deadlock through new signing Kieran Shanks, who joined from championship side Arbroath in the summer. The pacey striker chased down a flick on, and took it expertly well, before lashing his shot past Allan Fleming, putting the Fifers on the back foot. The goal also helped Kieran Shanks reach the summit of the league two scoring charts, highlighting his good form this season.

East Fife had a chance to reply before the break, but Peterhead goalkeeper McKenzie done very well in shutting down Mitchell, snuffing out any danger.

Half Time: Peterhead 1-0 East Fife.

At the start of the second period, the Fifers had another chance to get on level terms, but it was squandered. We saw some very tidy football out wide, which ended with Kieran Millar firing in a sensational ball, which broke loose after a stramash in the area. Unfortunately, there were no Fife takers, and it was cleared before there could be any danger.

Ten minutes later, Peterhead had another good chance of their own, although Allan Fleming did well, denying McKee from a cross come shot.

Other than Ryan Schiavone (harshly) finding himself in the book 30 seconds after being subbed on, there was no real action until the 78th minute. Sadly, for us, it was the two-punch knockout, and Peterhead doubled their advantage, killing the contest with 10 on the clock. Player manager Jordon Brown got the goal, after Robert Ward done superbly on the wing, turning our defenders into pretzels before lashing a cross into the box. Fleming parried it away, though sadly into the path of the Blue Toon gaffer, who slotted home from rather close.

The goal ended any of East Fife’s threat, and the game sadly teetered out. Peterhead clearly showed why they are top of the league on the day, with a result that few Fife fans can say was undeserved.

This weekend, we host Dumbarton, in what will be another tricky contest. We will be hoping to match the performance we had against them last time out as we bossed the game at the Rock for the vast majority of proceedings. We will also be hoping to better the result however, as a late bullet header for the Sons sent us back home empty handed last time out.

Report by Oli Anderson

Peterhead – McKenzie, D Strachan (Goldie 53‘), Jason Brown, R Strachan, Ross, McCarthy (Jordon Brown 53’), Jack Brown, McKee (Ward 76’), O’Keefe, McAllister (Reid 86’), Shanks. Subs not used: Armstrong, Wood, Thompson

East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Easton, Comerford, Millar (Healy 64’), McManus, Trouten, Shepherd (Nicol 83’), Micthell (Schiavone 74’), Walls. Subs not used: Slattery, Docherty, Murray, Hambrook, Rollo

Referee – Chris Fordyce

Attendance - 633

New Date For Christmas Fixture

Our cinch League Two match against Bonnyrigg Rose scheduled for Saturday 23rd December at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium has been brought forward to Friday 22nd December with a 7.30pm kick off.