Match Preview - Dumbarton

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Dumbarton

I still cannot believe that that happened last week! We saw 90 minutes of domination, and a second half which will never be forgotten at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, on Saturday past. East Fife’s biggest home win since the 1960s gave them a huge boost in the playoff race, in a game which felt like the Fifers picked up 4 points by overcoming their negative goal difference too. Back in the playoff spots, the Methil Men look forward to this week where they travel to Dunbartonshire to face the Sons. Failure to win this afternoon for Dumbarton will hand Stirling Albion the cinch League Two title regardless of the Binos own result against Annan Athletic. As previously mentioned, East Fife romped to an 8-0 victory last weekend, demolishing a disheartened Stranraer side who were most certainly not at the races. Dumbarton played midweek against the league leaders, and the gruelling encounter finished 0-0. Three points for the Sons would have brought them right back into the title race, though now they need a large point and goal difference swing if they want to have any chance at the title.

Form

Dumbarton are on a poor run of form at the minute, only recording 5 points from their last 6 games, though they have picked up four of them in the last 7 days. Three defeats in a row, against other promotion pushing teams, saw them lose their lead at the top of the table, and plummet into the playoff places. They lost 1-0 at the Rock against Forfar Athletic, before missing out on their own patch again against Stenhousemuir. They finally travelled to Galabank where they were beaten for a third time. Their points came through the aforementioned game against Stirling Albion on Tuesday, as well as a 2-2 draw with the league leaders some weeks ago, and a 3-1 win against Bonnyrigg Rose last weekend.

East Fife remain on a strong run of form, recording 11 from their last 6 games, only dropping 7 points in the process. Those came in the form of a 1-1 score draw against now 9^th placed Bonnyrigg Rose, a 2-2 draw against leaders Stirling Albion, and a 1-0 loss to Annan Athletic. McDonald’s men have recorded 3 wins in their last 6, first scoring late against Stenhousemuir to record another comeback victory this season. The game at Ochilview Park saw Scott Shepherd return to the score sheet as he got onto the end of Brogan Walls’ headed cross to tap in the winner. We’ve also seen a routine victory against Elgin City during our Friday Night Football, before last week’s unforeseen score line, as we ran out 8-0 winners against Stranraer.

Last Week’s Performance

In a truly dominating display, East Fife delivered a score line of a lifetime as they dispatched of Stranraer 8-0, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. It was the first time since the 1960s that the Fifers have won at home by such a margin. A rampant second half was the difference maker, as the Methil Men scored 6 in the last 45 minutes, against a 10-man Blues side.

It was not all roses however, as East Fife started slowly, and missed a barrage of chances in the first half, with Ryan Schiavone squabbling chances from close range on three separate occasions. On top of this, even though he scored an own goal, which was rather unfortunate, Stranraer goalkeeper Luke Scullion made another 3 great saves across the 90 to keep the score down for the visitors.

East Fife opened the scoring through a Luke Watt own goal after 20 minutes of play, after a killer ball from Connor McManus could not be cleared. Watt converted the cross after trying to block it.

Stranraer’s only chance of the game came 5 minutes later when James Hilton’s chip beat Fleming and the crossbar.

After 40 minutes, the Fife doubled their advantage through Alex Ferguson, whose composed head was able to convert a driven ball that was pinged across the box.

In the first half of stoppage time, Blues defender Scott Robertson was sent off in bizarre fashion after an off the ball challenge on Aaron Steele following a set play.

Half Time: East Fife 2-0 Stranraer.

Five minutes after the restart, Schiavone made up for his missed chances, as he slotted past Scullion to make it 3-0 East Fife. This is when the Black and Gold really took off. The finish also marked Schiavone’s first goal at MGM Timber Bayview this season.

A further ten minutes later saw Shepherd match Schiavone’s feat also scoring his first goal in front of the Methil Faithful this year to make it four, with half an hour still on the clock.

Number five came courtesy of a Luke Scullion own goal, which was created by a fantastic long-range effort from Brogan Walls. The shot ricocheted off the crossbar and hit Scullion before crossing the line.

The sixth was Fife’s easiest of the day, after a very smart run from Sam Denham gave him a free header from a corner, which the centre half converted.

Goals at Bayview have been like London Buses for Scott Shepherd, he has waited all season to open his home tally, and in the penultimate league game at the Timber Fortress, he got two at once, capping off a great team move to make it seven.

The eighth goal was scored in stoppage time, converted by Rangers loanee Connor Young. His shot was so powerful it went through Scullion on its way to rippling the net for his first senior goal.

The win has seen East Fife return to the playoff spots in emphatic fashion, with a performance worthy of promotion.

The everchanging cinch League Two Table:

Position	Team	Played	Points	GD
1.	Stirling Albion	33	67	29
2.	Dumbarton	33	58	10
3.	Annan Athletic	33	50	13
4.	East Fife	33	47	5
5.	Forfar Athletic	33	45	-5
6.	Stenhousemuir	33	44	-1
7.	Stranraer	33	38	-18
8.	Elgin City	33	37	-14
9.	Bonnyrigg Rose	33	35	-15
10.	Albion Rovers	33	33	-4

Squad News

Alan Trouten returns to the squad having now served his suspension. Aidan Quinn also returned to full training this week though it is likely that Saturday has come just too soon for the Montrose loanee.

Previous Encounter

East Fife kept all three points in Methil in the last encounter against Dumbarton after a strong defensive performance allowed the Fifers to overcome the then League Leaders.

It was Dumbarton who had the chances early doors, with Ally Love and Ryan Wallace trying their luck from range, though they were both off target.

Unfortunately for both sides, after 20 minutes, Fife’s Aidan Quinn and Dumbarton’s Gregg Wylde both had to be replaced due to injury. Quinn’s departure allowed room for Kieran Millar to return to the line-up, having missed the previous 2 matches through suspension.

Just 5 minutes later, East Fife broke the deadlock, with Aaron Steele leaping like a salmon and stinging like a bee, to drill his header past Brett Long from Alex Ferguson’s excellent corner kick.

The remainder of the half saw the Fifers contain Dumbarton, not allowing them to put the ball into any dangerous areas. Liam Newton saw his name go in the book, after a challenge on Kalvin Orsi, and in the 45^th minute, Jack Healy went down inside the box, though the referee deemed that he was looking for the penalty, and thus he was shown yellow just before the break.

The second half started as the first half ended, with Dumbarton piling on the pressure, and East Fife remaining firm, and united. Sam Denham was excellent in stopping anything that came in the air or along the ground, and Pat Slattery once again controlled the tempo, marking Ryan Wallace out of the game, rendering the front man useless for the proceedings.

Although they had more of the ball, Fife had the best chance of the first 10 minutes after the restart, with Alex Ferguson’s long-range effort being plucked out of the top corner by ex-Fifer Long.

With 60 on the clock, Dumbarton’s golden chance came, though Fleming was equal to it. Russell McLean’s effort from close range was leathered right into the midriff of the East Fife shot stopper.

The game then died down, with East Fife sponging up pressure, and Dumbarton struggling to find any way to break down the Black and Gold wall. The game deciding moment came in the 89^th minute however, when ex-Fifer Ryan Wallace got his first clear cut chance of the day, standing over a free kick from less than 20 yards out. His effort was only good enough to hit the team bus though, and East Fife survived unscathed.

It went from good to great for the Methil Men in the 93^rd minute too, as they hit the league leaders on the break, Scott Shepherd burst away from his man, and dinked a cross in to youngster Ferguson, whose calm finish was good enough to double their advantage and seal all three points for the second week in a row.

Team Colours

East Fife are back in their away kit this week, donning the pink shirt with black shorts and pink socks. The ‘keeper will wear the all-green kit for the tie. 

The home side will be clad in their away colours too, wearing white for the tie. The Sons Goalkeeper will be dressed in all Grey for the match.

Match Tickets

Note, it is cash turnstiles 1 and 2 in the home end for away entry today. Prices below.

Adults- £15

Seniors (65+)/ Students (with valid ID)- £10

U16s- £5

The Supporters’ Bar will be open from 1.30pm today to both sets of supporters and can be accessed after entering through the turnstiles.

Officials

Our on-pitch official for Saturday will be Ross Hardie His two assistants running the lines will be Scott Anderson and Cameron Stirling.

Live Stream

Unfortunately for our British and Irish-based support, the match is not able to be watched to UK blocked hours. Luckily for our International support, the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or season pass!

Admission Info v Dumbarton

Admission for our cinch League Two match against Dumbarton at the Dumbarton Football Stadium will be via pay-at-the-gate.

Admission Prices

Adults - £15

Concessions* - £10

Under 16s** - £5

*Over 65s/Full-Time Students/– proof of age/eligibility may be requested

**Proof of age may be requested.

The stadium bar will be open from 1.30pm and can be accessed after entering through the turnstiles.

There will be no Live Stream for viewers in the UK or Ireland, however for international fans the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or season pass.

Match Report - Stranraer

East Fife welcomed Stranraer in what was a must win for the Methil men as they looked to keep their playoff ambitions alive. Last weekend, East Fife battled out a 2-2 draw against league leaders Stirling Albion thanks to a sweet strike from Jack Healy and a header from Aaron Steele. This was the fourth meeting between East Fife and Stranraer this season with the visitors having the better on the encounters so far winning 3-1 and 2-0 in the last two meetings. East Fife did however manage to pick up a point was in august as the clubs drew 2-2. 

Greig McDonald made one enforced change to the team that drew 2-2 against the Binos. Alan Trouten dropped out of the squad through suspension with his place in the starting line-up taken by Connor McManus.

East Fife got the game underway and had the first chance of the match when lofted ball into the centre of the box found Stewart Murdoch however his lobbed header landed on the roof of the net. A few minutes later Stranraer had one of their very few chances when Josh Walker drove down the wing and curled a cross into James Hilton, but he could only direct his header wide of the post. 

In the 16th minute East Fife had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Brogan Walls played a defence splitting pass through to Ryan Schiavone putting into a 1-on-1 with Scullion, however Scott Robertson recovered to block the shot. The Stranraer man did however pick up a yellow card for his troubles after venting his frustration at the lack of an offside flag.

In the 18th minute East Fife took a deserved lead after a barrel of pressure. Connor McManus picked up the ball on the corner of the box and sent a low cross into the danger area which was turned into his own net by former Fifer Luke Watt.

The Fifers kept up the momentum and just a few minutes later Healy cut inside and curled the ball towards goal which forced Scullion into a very good save. The Methil men had yet another chance shortly after when Ferguson played through Schiavone who had drifted away from his marker, but he again failed to hit the target, this time firing wide. 

Stranraer’s best chance of the match came in the 24th minute. A chipped ball over the top of the East Fife defence put Hilton through on goal but his attempted lob was too high and sailed over the bar. 

After half an hour of football East Fife had another golden opportunity to double their lead. Healy, weaving in and out, managed to get to by-line and cuts the ball across goal for Schiavone who dragged his effort wide. 

With 5 minutes of the first half remaining, East Fife finally doubled their lead. A neat 1-2 between Scott Shepherd and Walls puts Shepherd clear down the left wing and he cut the ball across goal where Ferguson was on hand to slide the ball into bottom corner of the net giving the Methil men a comfortable 2-0 lead. 

Seconds before half time, Stranraer were reduced to ten men when Robertson lashed out at Steele which resulted in him picking a second yellow and being sent for an early shower.

HALF TIME: East Fife 2-0 Stranraer

Early in the second half, East Fife added a third which essentially killed the game off. An excellent cross field ball from Walls found Schiavone who, with a first time shot, guided the ball in the corner, giving the Fifers a controlling 3-0 lead. 

On the hour mark, East Fife added another with Walls again the provider. Walls fed Shepherd who did well to hold off the Stranraer defender to slots the ball into the bottom corner, giving East Fife their fourth. 

Five minutes it was 5-0 when Walls, from about 25 yards out, rifled in a long strike that cannoned off the crossbar before rebounding off the Blues keeper and into the net. 

With twenty minutes left, East Fife won a corner on the fire side that was lofted into the box by Ferguson where it was met by Sam Denham who powered a header into the roof of the goal to make it 6-0.

With the game is coming to an end, Shepherd added his second and East Fife’s seventh when he turned in Taylor Steven’s cutback from close. 

After a second minute of injury time, East Fife scored an insane eighth goal. Aidan Denholm battled through the midfield, skipping past most of the opposition midfielders, to feed Shepherd who laid the ball off for Connor Young who rifles the ball past Scullion for his first East Fife goal. 

FULL TIME: East Fife 8-0 Stranraer

A sensational result for the Fifers saw them climb to 4th in the League Two table, and into a playoff position. The high scoring result was the first time East Fife have scored 8 goals in a match since 1963 when Alloa Athletic were on the end of an 8-0 drubbing. Next up is an away fixture against second place Dumbarton. 

East Fife Team: Fleming, Steele (Page 61'), Denham, Murdoch, Newton, McManus, Schiavone (Steven 61'), Walls (Denholm 69'), Healy (Young 69'), Ferguson (Slattery 80'), Shepherd

Stranraer: Scullion, Robertson, McIntosh, Watt, Ecrepont, Grant, Forrest (Brown 34' (Ngandu 58'))m Brady, Gallagher, Walker (Malcom 77'), Hilton

Referee: Alastair Grieve

Attendance: 535

Report by Andrew Laing

Agnew Leaves to Become Manager at Stranraer

Scott Agnew has left the club to take over the vacant managerial position at Stranraer.

Agnew returned to Bayview as Player/Coach in January after spells as Assistant Manager at Airdrieonians and Raith Rovers. During his first stint at the club as a player, Aggy made 96 appearances and scored 25 goals over 3 seasons at the club.

Scott Agnew: “I’d like to thank the club for the opportunity to come back this season, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the staff and players. I’ve never hidden the desire to have my own opportunity at management and want to thank everyone at East Fife for being so supportive towards this.”

“I’d also like to make a special mention to the supporters who have been great with me on my return this season. I wish nothing but the best for the club moving forward and will be back to see everyone the first chance I get.”

Manager Greig McDonald added: “I’m absolutely delighted for Aggy to get this opportunity. We’ve built a good relationship over the last few months, and I’d like to thank him for his contribution since returning to the club. He goes with the best wishes of everyone at East Fife.”

Everyone at East Fife would like to wish Aggy all the best in his new role at Stair Park.

 

March Preview - Stranraer

Oli Anderson previews tomorrow ‘s match against Stranraer.

The Fifers picked up a well-deserved point when we travelled to league leaders Stirling Albion last weekend. A brace from Dale Carrick, including an impressive bicycle kick, was enough to deny the Fifers what would have been a justified victory.

Tomorrow, we face Stranraer, a side who we have struggled against this season, at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The Blues are in a tussle at the lower end of the table, with every point essential for both sides this weekend. Stranraer are currently sat 7^th in cinch League 2, just 5 points clear of bottom placed Albion Rovers. The Blues are coming off the back of a goalless draw against our playoff rivals Forfar Athletic. The Fifers are just one place above the Blues, although we have the privilege of being able to look up the table, rather than down, as we find ourselves 6 points clear of Stranraer, and just one from the fabled playoff places.

Form

Stranraer have recorded 6 points from their last 6 losing twice, winning once and drawing three times. They picked up a much needed 3 points from Albion Rovers a few weeks ago which could prove crucial in their survival race. Their 3 draws have also come against teams all at the sharp end of the table, with last week’s goalless draw against Forfar Athletic being matched by another goalless game against Annan Athletic at Galabank, and a 1-1 draw against league leaders Stirling Albion too. Their two defeats finished 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. They came at the hands of the now struggling Dumbarton side, and Bonnyrigg Rose. Their loss against Bonnyrigg was the game which pulled the Rosey Posey up off of the foot of the table, and put a bit more pressure on Stranraer, and the teams surrounding them, Elgin City and Albion Rovers, as well.

East Fife also remain on their strong run of form, despite last week’s draw, recording 11 points from their last 6 games, only dropping 7 points in the process. Those came in the form of a 1-1 score draw against now 8^th placed Bonnyrigg Rose, and last week’s draw with top of the table Stirling Albion. Our only loss comes from Aidan Smith’s last-minute goal for Annan Athletic, the last time the Fifers hosted anyone at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. McDonald’s men have recorded 3 wins in their last 6, first striking at the death through Alan Trouten to put Forfar Athletic to bed, before then scoring late against Stenhousemuir to record another comeback victory. The game at Ochilview Park saw Scott Shepherd return to the score sheet as he got onto the end of Brogan Walls’ headed cross to tap in the winner. Most recently, the Fifers showed their danger from set pieces, as Aaron Steele’s corner header, paired with Alan Trouten’s penalty was enough to bed a struggling Elgin City side.

Last Week’s performance.

Last week, the Fifer’s travelled to play league leaders Stirling Albion at a sun kissed Forthbank. A result would have helped to restore some much need faith for the Methil Men, who showed on Saturday that they were more than capable of taking on any team in the division.

It was a fast-paced encounter, with the Stirling duo of Jack Leitch and Dale Carrick showing their quality in the early stages, with their movement and quick feet.

The back-and-forth encounter brought lots of chances for both teams, with Brogan Walls firing wide with just two and a half on the clock.

The opening goal of the game came after 16 minutes and was in favour of the Fifers. Ferguson’s control of the ball was fantastic as he dribbled into space before floating a cross into the back post, which local lad Jack Healy met with his week foot, volleying the ball past the keeper, leaving him with no chance.

Stirling showed why they were top of the league however, as right from the restart they forced Allan Fleming into making another wonder save, adding to his already impressive highlight reel from this season. The save was all for naught though, as Fife’s inability to properly clear the resulting corner gave Stirling a second bite at the cherry, and this time the cross found the head of Dale Carrick, who beat Fleming from close range.

The Binos then pulled in front 15 minutes later through a bicycle kick from the aforementioned Carrick. A long throw found the head of Jordan McGregor who flicked it into the striker’s path, with his acrobatics being too much for Fleming to make it 2-1 to Stirling.

East Fife had a mountain to climb in the second half, trying to keep up pace with the rampant Stirling, and they started the second half slow, struggling to bed in.

After getting themselves going, back up to speed, East Fife struck. Liam Newton recovered the ball just outside the Stirling box, before lofting a ball in which no-one tracked, except for Aaron Steele, who leaped like a salmon to meet the ball, looping his header over Blair Currie.

The second half continued like the first and was back and forth, either side looking like they could take all three points, with half chances flying for both sides. That was until the 75^th minute, when Robbie Hamilton chipped the ball into the path of Trouten’s arm. The referee deemed this as a deliberate attempt to halt play, and gave Trouten a second booking, sending the Fifers down to 10 men with 15 minutes on the clock.

This did not stop the Fifers though, who came together to produce a fantastic final 15 minutes, totally controlling the game, making their opposition look like they were the team who were a man down. The game finished 2 goals apiece, and the point has kept East Fife in the playoff race, just 1 point off of 4^th place.

The everchanging cinch League Two Table:

Position	Team	Played	Points	GD
1.	Stirling Albion	31	63	28
2.	Dumbarton	31	54	8
3.	Annan Athletic	32	47	9
4.	Forfar Athletic	32	45	-3
5.	Stenhousemuir	32	44	0
6.	East Fife	32	44	-3
7.	Stranraer	32	38	-10
8.	Bonnyrigg Rose	32	35	-13
9.	Elgin City	32	34	-16
10.	Albion Rovers	32	33	0

Squad News

Aidan Quinn is still unavailable for selection, though we are hopeful he will be fit for the run in. He is joined by Alan Trouten who will serve his 1 match ban after his double booking against Stirling Albion last weekend.

Previous Encounter

East Fife succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Stair Park the last time the two sides met in a disappointing showing. The performance and result were a stark contrast to the Black and Gold’s form at the time the sides met.

The hosts started quickly, doing lots of damage, forcing Allan Fleming into a tricky save within 90 seconds of play. There was more for the East Fife back line to do five minutes later, as a stramash in the box led to a square ball being cleared by one of the Fifers.

The deadlock was broken by Stranraer after just 13 minutes of action. Anton Brady glided down the left, and floated a cross right along the goal line to be converted by forward Matt Grant.

After the restart, Fife had two half chances, the first coming from Aidan Denholm, who’s header forced a save from the Stranraer keeper, and the second came from Jack Healy. The youngster done well on the left flank to break into the box, but his resulting shot was high and wide.

The half closed with Stranraer on the ascendency again, causing many a problem in the 18-yard box. East Fife had to dig in defensively to only be one down at the break.

Half-Time: Stranraer 1-0 East Fife.

It went from bad to worse for the Fifers at the start of the second half, as the Blues doubled their advantage within 5 minutes of the restart. Killie loanee Aaron Brown did very well to control Ngandu’s pass before laying it off for James Hilton, making it 2-0 in what was an all too easy move.

The game ground to a halt after the second goal went in, as Stranraer were able to settle down, and marshal the play. Fife could not break the Blues down, who were first to every ball in the contest.

The visitors’ best chance came with 10 minutes to go, as Scott Shepherd broke through, although his good shot was met with a better save from Connelly to keep the Stranraer clean sheet intact.

Team Colours

East Fife are back in their home kit this week, donning the tartan shirt with black shorts and socks. The ‘keeper will wear the all green kit for the tie. 

The visitors will be clad in their traditional blue and white for the tie, with white shorts. The Blues Goalkeeper will be dressed in all pink for the match.

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 will be valid for the game.

Turnstiles will be open from 2.00pm.

Prices Below:

Adult- £18

Concessions- £14

U16s- £5

Parent & Child- £21

Parent & 2 Children- £24.

Officials

Our on-pitch official for Saturday will be Alastair Grieve. His two assistants running the lines will be Gordon McCabe and Frazer Bushell.

Live Stream

Unfortunately for our British and Irish-based support, the match is not able to be watched to UK blocked hour. Luckily for our International supporters, the game can be watched on EFTV with a monthly or season pass!

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 also be open at half time.

Programme

The Bayview Programme issue 21 is available from vendors outside of the stadium for £2.50. Also, half time draw tickets will be available pre-match.