Exiled Fifer

Fully agree. The reliable partnership between Blaney and Easton from the last games was non-existent, panic stations every time Bonnyrigg attacked. It was like all EF players had been told beforehand that their contracts would not be extended for next season and couldn’t give a f@@k. Maybe I’m being disrespectful to The Rose as they got their tactics spot on but still, EF were utter garbage this afternoon Small example, look at how McGachie “legally” hampered Fleming with his kicking from hand against the wind in the first half. That must have been planned. Let’s put that EF display down to a very bad day at the office and hope next season will be better.

Strange first half, EF went in at half time, one goal up but the best chances fell to Elgin with Fleming making 2 good stops and Dangana missing a snip when one on one with the keeper. 2nd half, I can’t remember Elgin causing any problems or creating any chances bar a fluffed clearance from Fleming causing a few anxious moments before the ball was hoofed clear by a defender. Good to see Healy back at at his jinky best , not cutting inside with every attack but going on the overlap , creating both goals, Millar correctly winning MOTM with his sterling performance and Shepherd just doing what he’s very good, holding play up to allow others to join the attack. Some of the passing football played by EF in the 2nd half , particularly after the 2nd goal was just sublime , pity parts of the first half weren’t the same. Anyhow, still in play off contention and all to play for next week against Stenny. Undefeated in the last 8 games, of which 5 wins, some record, chapeau to the new management staff, but also to the players.

Look who’ s talking. The biggest clown of them all, ready to heed the call.

I found it a very entertaining game, with EF coming out IMO deserved winners over the whole piece. The home team came out all guns blazing and with a bit more luck could have been 3 up after 20 minutes. Up to that point, Walls and Trouten were ruling the roost but Faz changed his tactics and that threat was nullified.Dumbarton thereafter came more into the game and probably ended the first half on top, with Gray missing a good opportunity to tie the game up. At the start of the second half, it was all Dumbarton and they quickly deserved their 2 quick fire goals to take the lead. . I think that up to about 60/65 minutes Dumbarton we’re playing okay confident football but again EF took over again. Once again, the EF subs played their part, with young Blaney being an able replacement for Page. I had the feeling that the game was going to end in a tame draw but up steps Fash.. In all honesty, I think EF’s 2nd and 3 rd goals are down to judgement errors from Hogarth but 3 goals, 3 points plus 3 shots against the woodwork, unbeaten in 5, made it a good day at the office for EF , although the EF management team will no doubt have methinks slightly other opinions. PS Good to see Pat Slattery back in the squad and also good to hear the EF U20 player taken to hospital during last night’s game is recovering well at home.

Over the piece , I thought that EF ran out deserved winners but I was impressed with The Spartans pressing in the first 20 minutes but the away defence stood tall and weathered the onslaught, I believe possession stats to that point showed 68/32 in Spartans’ favour. After the equaliser from Grandad Alan, the home time looked a bit shell shocked and from then on in, EF ruled the game, forcing an error from Armstrong , who presented Fash a gift which he gladly accepted. The lead up to the 2nd goal from Trouten was well worked, young Lyon and Sheps combining well before the former put Sheps through. The goalie parried the shot but Grandad Alan was on hand to tap in the rebound for his 4th goal in the last 3 games, these last 2 not coming from penalties, for a change. Performance wise, I thought that the back 4 were very solid, kept Henderson very subdued, with Newton seemingly improving week after week now after going off the boil for a while. The midfield was lively and came right back into things after the equaliser. Walls I thought was excellent with McManus also at his best. Trouten I think is more effective when he plays up front. Upfront, Sheps was just Sheps at his best. Holding up the ball when needed and creating the 3rd goal while Fash was slightly subdued, probably due to him being bedridden most of last week but still took his goal well. Like last week, the subs also played their part when they came on. Things are looking up there are still 9 games to play and in this league, strange things can happen as we see week in week out. Win next week and 4th place is within reach. But like the gospel hymn goes “ one day at a time sweet Jesus”

I believe appointing DC will most likely stem the decline and he will stabilise the league position. However I fear that his appointment would see the end of the youth system and we will no longer see the likes of Murray, Walls, Newton, Healy, Ramsay and others now on the brink with the U 20’s breaking through into the EF first team squad as DC will likely bring players in who will do a “short term” job for him and then leave. Just look at his track record at his previous clubs on blooding young and upcoming players. So, short term ( to the end of the season) probably a safe and good appointment but long term , I have my doubts. Just my opinion and views like.

Well that was very,very poor tonight. The Spartans never needed to get out of second gear all night, and after the first went in, the result was never in doubt. There was once again no plan B never mind plan C. Lose on Saturday and it is squeaky bum time. After the recent chain of results, I thought we had turned the corner. But no way, shite, shite and even more shite. Thank f**k I can watch the rugby on Saturday and not get irritated and wound up about EF, although I fear I will be watching both games.

What? No posts from Cambuslang Fifer and consortium tonight? Wonder why ? .Fuctivano . ️

Thru my Black and gold specs, I thought that EF fully deserved that win today. The players looked like they were up for it, unlike in the last few games. Easton was very resolute in defence along with McManus and PC Murdoch. Just before the Sons equalised, EF could/should have scored 2 more goals had they had a bit more composure and luck in front of Broun. Fair doos to Farrel for bringing the 2 winger subs, they caused a lot of trouble particularly on the right flank. Great resilience from The Fifers brought the peach of a second goal and thereafter they could / should have added a few more. Where the Dumbarton fans saw 3 stonewaller penalties, beats me. My MOTM , was undoubtedly Brogan Walls, who I hope is back to his best. And I agree with Son’s fans , Farrell does talk a lot of pish, just saying like.

Elgin were poor, very, very poor offering nothing bar 1 shot in the first half in horrible gusty conditions. The wind seemed to strengthen in the second half but Elgin could not utilise it . Dire straits up in the north methinks. The Fife on the other hand looked dangerous every time they attacked , that is until the final third. The final pass over hit, the wind holding the ball up, trying one pass too many, missing a golden chance after clever lead up play, (Shepherd) later being gifted a goal after a poor pass back from Draper. I think the score line reflects the difference in quality between the 2 teams (also the Stranraer and Clyde results) but EF need to start stringing a line of good results together to make the quality more apparent . Not one step forward and two back. as in previous weeks. PS If Pat S ever hangs up his boots, he’ll make a great permanent future co-commentator on EFTV.

Anybody know score and line up?.

EF were the better team until Rose took the lead, thereafter their heads seemed to drop until Fash scored out of nothing thanks to a blunder (IMO) from the Rose goalie. The pitch is a disgrace but it’s the same for both teams but not for playing ball on the deck football however Rose play to their strengths. Long balls into the box and big buggers getting on the end of them. Unfortunately EF do not have the muscle power up front to play that type of football so it was a lost cause. Where the 2 penalties came from? Fuctivano but put away as a penalty should. As previously stated in a post, not what fans expected after last Saturday, one step forward and two back. Based on their second half performance, Rose deserved their win but again the state of the pitch and the weather conditions were horrible but exploited and utilised far better by Rose.

Words to describe that EF performance this afternoon include woeful, terrible, lacking in confidence and guidance, clueless and garbage, but to name a few. Dumbarton were slightly better in the first half but squandered at least 2 good chances. The second half from BOTH teams was absolutely PISH, to put it mildly politely but the visitors leave with all 3 points. That’s 3 weekends in a row that EF have lost 1-0 and the players appear to lack any confidence, Healy cannot pass a shite these days never mind an opposing defender, any cross into EF’s penalty area sets off alarm bells every time and no plan B never mind a plan C ,seems to be available. Very worrying times ahead. Also stupid and needless yellow cards are being collected, both on and off the park. Totally unnecessary and lengthy suspensions are the last thing EF needs at this stage of the competition. Seriously contemplating going to watch the grandkids on the hockey pitch on a Saturday afternoon rather than watching that crap being served up at Bayview these days. Rant over…….. for the time being.

Convincing win, continuing on from last week’s performance. The wind made things difficult for both teams with Fleming hardly being troubled,even though Stranraer had the majority of possession (according to the Beeb). I think that EF have found a couple of gems in Docherty (his perseverance created the second goal) and Comerford who even found the time and confidence to go on a mazy run in the first half. Both Pagey and Murdo will have to pray that they get their starting places back. Newton is back to his old level after deservedly being dropped a few weeks ago and scored a well taken goal. Pick of the goals has to go however to the 3rd scored by McManus, finishing off a great team move. I hope that EF will not be too cocky and overconfident going into next week’s cup tie against Dunbar, who have nothing to lose , think back to Banks o’Dee and BSC.

Very poor from EF today, partly down to their own doing, and also down to Peterhead taking advantage of poor defending. Don’t get me wrong, Peterhead fully deserved to win and with a bit more luck ( twice against the bar) and more composed finishing could/should have scored more. And when EF did get opportunities, good blocking along with a safe and good goalkeeping prevented them from scoring. A positive result next week is a must otherwise….