SPFL 2 Preview: Spartans v East Fife

Posted on Friday, September 22nd, 2023

The Spartans get set for the first of two exciting back to back home fixtures to bring September to a close when they welcome East Fife to Ainslie Park on Saturday in Round 7 of the SPFL 2 season.

After an entertaining draw at Forfar last week, Spartans will be keen to maintain their impressive start to life in the league.  Whilst currently sitting 6^th in the table, two places above this weekend’s opponents, the reality of the results thus far means that Douglas Samuel’s men are but two points off joint top spot.

With the ‘top four’ in action against each other, a big Spartan Army support getting behind the lads will hopefully be the catalyst behind another excellent performance on home ‘soil’ (synthetic).

East Fife have yet to win on the road, with a pair of draws and a defeat on their travels to far.  They head to North Edinburgh after an impressive 2-0 win over Clyde last week. 

Like many of the our games this year, previous competitive encounters have taken place in the Scottish Cup and its no different for the men from Methil.

The first match between the clubs took place in the first round of the 1988/89 competition at Bayview.  Former Hibs man Colin Campbell netted early on for Spartans, only for the Fifers to find four in reply. 

Then, in 1995/96, after a 2^nd Round 0-0 draw in front of 997 folk inside City Park, the sides met in the replay a week later. 

It took until the 162^nd minute of cup tie action before the deadlock was broken courtesy of host player Richard Gibb.  Andy Nixon set up an exciting finale by equalising for the North Edinburgh amateurs who didn’t look out of place against their loftier opponents.  Then, with ten minutes left, it was Steve Archibald’s side who progressed when Gilbert Allan’s left footed effort settled proceedings.

East Fife were to finish that season in second spot behind Stirling Albion, earning themselves promotion to the 1^st Division.

There has been one match played between the sides since.  A pre-season friendly in July 2017 saw Ross Allum find the top corner to score the only goal of the game.

Supporters Update:

With Hibs and Hearts not in action until Sunday after their European efforts on Thursday evening, it’s an ideal opportunity for fans to get a weekend’s worth of football across the capital and Spartans continue to offer a half price offer for season ticket holders of both Premiership clubs.  Just show your club’s season ticket at the turnstile to benefit from this deal.

Kick-off is 3.00pm.

Admission prices are £15 Adults, £10 Concessions (Students / OAPS) and £5 for Youths aged 15-18.  Under 14s can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance via Fanbase  or pay at the gate.

Free Season Tickets are also available for Kids under 16.

Match Programmes are on sale priced £3. Cafe/Bar will be open pre-match.

First time to Ainslie Park?  Here’s our Supporter Guide to making the most of your day in North Edinburgh.

The rest of the SPFL 2 card:

Bonnyrigg v Stenhousemuir, Clyde v Elgin, Dumbarton v Peterhead and Stranraer v Forfar.