Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir drew 2-2 with East Fife at MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in the William Hill League One.

Stenhousemuir took the lead through Gregor Buchanan in the 23rd minute before Mikey Anderson struck from distance to make it 2-0 to the Warriors just two minutes after the restart.

However, two quick goals from East Fife, courtesy of Andrew Munro and Nathan Austin within the space of two minutes, ensured the points would be shared at a blustery Bayview.

Gary Naysmith made two changes to his starting XI from the Kelty Hearts match, with Olly Whyte and Scott McGill coming into the side in place of Dale Carrick and Leyton Grant.

Olly Whyte had the first opportunity of the match but saw his effort deflected behind for a corner.

Both sides then fell into a momentary lull as they struggled to adjust to the difficult conditions, with a strong easterly wind battering Bayview and affecting the flight of the ball.

Nathan Austin had the hosts’ first chance of the game, forcing Darren Jamieson to get down low and make a smart stop.

Ross Meechan took aim shortly after, but his curling effort drifted just wide of the far post.

The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute as captain Gregor Buchanan reacted quickest to a loose ball, rifling it into the roof of the net.

A strong penalty shout for Stenhousemuir around the half-hour mark was waved away by the referee after Matty Aitken was brought down inside the box as he burst through on goal.

Half-Time: East Fife 0-1 Stenhousemuir

Two minutes after the restart, Mikey Anderson doubled the Warriors’ lead, firing an effort from distance into the top right-hand corner.

East Fife began to grow into the game through set-pieces, with their first corner of the half tipped over the bar by Darren Jamieson.

Andy Munro reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute, meeting a corner to find the back of the net as the hosts pushed for a comeback.

The hosts completed their comeback just a minute later, as Nathan Austin reacted quickest inside the Stenhousemuir box to fire home and level the scores.

Ross Taylor had the final chance of the match, looking to snatch all three points, but his effort drifted wide of the target.

East Fife’s quick-fire comeback from set-pieces meant the spoils were shared in Methil, denying Stenhousemuir the chance to go top of the league and secure a William Hill Championship play-off place.

The Warriors now require a minimum of one point next week against Hamilton Academical to secure that position.

Full-Time: East Fife 2-2 Stenhousemuir

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir travel to the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium this Saturday to take on East Fife in William Hill League One action, with kick-off at 2:00pm.

The Warriors come into the fixture in excellent form, having recorded a 2-0 victory over Kelty Hearts at Ochilview Park last weekend.

Ross Taylor opened the scoring in style with a superb strike from distance, before Matty Aitken added a second late on to secure all three points.

That result leaves Gary Naysmith’s side just one point behind league leaders Inverness Caledonian Thistle, while also extending their unbeaten run in the league to 13 matches.

East Fife, meanwhile, were held to a 2-2 draw with Queen of the South in their most recent outing.

Reece Lyon gave the visitors the lead, but Myles Gaffney quickly responded to bring the Fifers level. Lyon struck again before the break to restore Queen of the South’s advantage, however Sam Culbert pulled one back in the second half to ensure the points were shared.

The Methil side currently sit seventh in the table and have won just one of their last 14 league fixtures.

The last meeting between the sides saw the Warriors run out emphatic 5-0 winners at Ochilview Park with Ross Taylor grabbing a brace on the afternoon, and Olly Whyte, Dale Carrick and Nicky Jamieson also getting on the scoresheet in a dominant display.

A victory on Saturday would secure Stenhousemuir a William Hill Championship promotion play-off place for the second consecutive season, with just two points required to mathematically confirm a top-four finish.