Preview || East Fife

The Warriors are back on the road this week for the last time for a while!

Gary Naysmith’s side are fresh off a 2-1 victory last week giving both a winning start to 2023 and Gary Naysmith’s tenure as manager.

This will be the fourth meeting between the sides this season with two victories for The Warriors and a draw meaning they’re undefeated against the Fife side.

With Gary’s first game, and win, under his belt, we asked the gaffer how he was feeling as he approaches his second game.

“Looking forward to the game. The lads trained really well on Tuesday. We brought them in, congratulated them again, and then quickly made sure that that is in the past, that game, and we’ve got to focus on Saturday’s game and try and replicate all the good stuff that we done in the game against Stranraer.

“So, we’ve quickly got to get their focus back. Saturday’s game is in the past and we now need to focus on the game ahead.”

One negative from last week was the nasty injury to Conor which will keep the keeper out for some time. Gary was quick to act though and ensured that the goalkeeping position was not going to be neglected.

“We already knew players that are available all over the pitch and we’ve been finding that out. As I said when I came in, I feel that we need to add two or three bodies to the squad, and strengthen it a little bit. So by doing your work, you find out what players are available in certain positions. And, through that, we had an unfortunate injury to Conor, we knew that Curtis was going to be available.

“I had Curtis at Queen of the South when he was 17 or 18 as a back up keeper, so I’ve worked with him previously. I knew that he’s had a good season with East Kilbride, so I phoned Tony Docherty who gave him a good reference. I also spoke to Fraser Stewart who is the Kilmarnock Goalkeeping coach and just just tried to do as much homework as we could, and we had to act quicker due to Conor’s injury.

“We’ve been delighted with Curtis since he’s come in. He’s trained with the lads on Tuesday and Thursday. So we’re delighted to have him on board.”

As Gary looks to build the confidence in his squad, we asked how important the fans role is in moving The Warriors up to the right end of the table.

“The fans are important at any club and we need to try and get them onside. When a new manager comes in, you genuinely find that fans are already on your side and the easiest way to keep them there is to be winning games. It’s easier said than done! It’s been a while since I’ve heard that sort of ovation for a group of players when they’ve came off the pitch and the players are grateful for that.

“It’s been difficult for the fans, it’s been difficult for everyone at the club, it’s been difficult for the players with the run that we’ve been on. But that victory, hopefully, puts an end to that, and what we have to now try and do is build a bit of momentum and try and go on a little run where we’re undefeated in games. I don’t want us to be win a game, lose a game, win a game, lose a game.

“I want to try and get on a run, get some consistency and if the fans are behind us as we try to do that, it will make it so much easier.”

Conor Brennan joins Sean Crighton as the only absentees for tomorrows game.

 

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

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Kick-off: 3pm

Match Entry: East Fife are strongly urging fans to pay in advance as there are limited tickets available to purchase on the day. There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview Stadium. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

• £18 Adult
• £14 Over 65s & Concessions

• £5 Under 16s
• Parent/Child tickets are available on matchday from reception only (£21 Parent/child or £24 Parent/2children)

Referee: Calum Scott

Assistants: Chris Rae & Brian Christie

 

LEAGUE INFORMATION

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Bonnyrigg Rose vs Stirling Albion

East Fife vs Stenhousemuir

Elgin City vs Annan Athletic

Forfar Athletic vs Dumbarton

Stranraer vs Albion Rovers