East Fife v Forfar Athletic – match preview

The ‘Loons’ are on the road again tomorrow with East Fife their opponents over in Methil and as ever manager Ray McKinnon is looking forward with keen anticipation to the contest.

Even more so on the back of last Saturday’s impressive 2-0 victory at Strarnaer, a result that could well have been even more emphatic on the balance of chances created by the end of the ninety minutes.

Ray though acknowledging that following a similarly sticky start as encountered by his own charges, East Fife one of the pre-season favourites for the cinch league2 title would appear to be hitting some sort of form as the first quarter of the campaign edges closer.

However he is determined that Andy and his colleagues will go into the match on Saturday with a three point haul firmly in the forefront of their thinking.
There is good news on the injury front. Tomas Brindley is back in the match day squad, while Euan Mutale will resume full training with parent club Dundee next week.

A couple of the players have shown slight flu like symptoms during the week but the manger is hopeful all will report fit and well come Saturday afternoon.

A pleasing aspect over the past couple of games for all connected with the Athies has been the impact of the second half substitutes against both Spartans and Stranraer, their performance levels when introduced showing hopefully the depth of pool available at present.

All were also delighted to see Josh Skelly regain his goal scoring touch at Stair Park, following on Ryan Paterson’s stunning 35 yard lob for the opener.
However the solidity shown on the day at the back, not for the first time this season was also evident.

East Fife go into Saturday ‘s game sitting one point behind their opponents and on the back of a dramatic fight back in the Capital City last week against Spartans. In the Ainslie Park encounter they fought back from 2-0 down to share the spoils courtesy of goals from former ‘Loon’ Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin who returned to Bayview from Kelty in the close season.

Greig McDonald’s side edged the Station Park men out of a play-off spot last season, in fact winning the first three encounters of the campaign between the sides, prior to Forfar notching a late winner at Station Park on the league season’s closing day.

This is both side’s local derby for the second season running emphasised by the scheduled visit of the Fifers to Station Park on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year.
It will no doubt be another close and hard fought encounter.

A reasonable number of the Station Park faithful would appear to be making the trip over the Tay on the day and their backing will be appreciated as the ‘Loons’ attempt to complete and unbeaten September month.

A reminder that tickets for the game, parent and child options apart require to be purchased on line in advance.
Adult tickets are £18, concessions £14 and under 16’s £5.

Parent and child tickets are available prior to kick off from the Bayview reception area.

Alex Shepherd is the man in the middle.

Saturday’s other ‘derby’ day fixtures in the cinch league2 are;- Dumbarton v Stranraer, Peterhead v Elgin City, Stenhousemuir v Clyde, The Spartans v Bonnyrigg Rose.