East Fife vs Cove Rangers – Preview by Oli Anderson
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, Methil | 
Saturday 14th February | 🕒 Kick-off: 3:00pm
⚔️ The Challenge Ahead
East Fife are still without victory in 2026, after last weekend’s humbling at the hands of Inverness Caley Thistle. However, with players returning to fitness and Alan Trouten returning from suspension, as well as the return of Ruairidh Adams on loan will hopefully results in a change in fortunes this afternoon.
Our opposition today, Cove Rangers, are without a win since the end of December when they beat Peterhead 4-0 at Balmoor however do come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Queen of the South last weekend.
William Hill League One Table
| Rank | Teams | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Current form | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Inverness |
36 | 21 | 11 | 4 | DWWDW | 69 |
| 2 |
 Stenhousemuir |
36 | 18 | 13 | 5 | WDLWW | 67 |
| 3 |
 Queen of the South |
36 | 14 | 12 | 10 | DWDDW | 54 |
| 4 |
 Alloa Athletic |
36 | 15 | 8 | 13 | WLWLL | 53 |
| 5 |
 Peterhead |
36 | 12 | 7 | 17 | LLDLL | 43 |
| 6 |
 Montrose |
36 | 11 | 9 | 16 | LLLDL | 42 |
| 7 |
 Cove Rangers |
36 | 9 | 11 | 16 | WLWWD | 38 |
| 8 |
 East Fife |
36 | 9 | 9 | 18 | LWLDD | 36 |
| 9 |
 Hamilton Academical |
36 | 16 | 7 | 13 | LWWWL | 34 |
| 10 |
 Kelty Hearts |
36 | 6 | 11 | 19 | DWLLW | 29 |
🔁 Recent Encounter
- The last time the two sides met, East Fife pipped Cove, winning 1-0 at the Balmoral Stadium thanks to a late Gregor Nicol stirke. This proved to be East Fife’s last league win.
🕰️ Upcoming Fixtures
- 17th February @ Hamilton Academical
- 21st February @ Peterhead
- 28th February vs Alloa Athletic
🚑 Squad News
❌ Out
Adam Laaref, and Nathan Austin remain out through injury.
A couple of other players will have their fitness assessed prior to kick off this afternoon.
✅In
Alan Trouten has served his suspension, and is available for selection.
Michael McKenna and Brian Easton could return from injury this afternoon
Ruairidh Adams has also returned to the club on loan and is available for selection
Under 20s players Jaiden Fairley and James Linton are also both in the squad today.
🎟️ Match Tickets
Tickets (online purchase encouraged):
- Adults: £20
- Over 65s: £16
- Under 16s: £5
❗Full and half-season tickets are valid for today’s match.
🟡East Fife: Sections A–D
⚫Cove Rangers: Sections H+J
Turnstiles will be open from 2.00pm this afternoon.
Live Streaming
The game can be viewed on East Fife TV for our international supporters, using a monthly or annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator is Daniel Hughes.
There is no live streaming option for viewers within the UK/Ireland.
👕 Club Colours
East Fife will be in the MPH Group sponsored home kit, wearing the black and gold shirt with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear orange.
Cove will wear an all blue kit, with the goalkeeper in purple.
🧑⚖️ Match Officials
The referee for Saturday will be George Calder. His assistants running the lines are Paul McAvinue and Steven Traynor.
The Fun Bits
-
Club Bar: The club bar will be open from 12.15pm. We invite you to join us for a drink (or several!) before kick-off. Today’s hospitality Guest of Honour is John Allison. -
The Bayview – Issue #16 A 44-page issue of The Bayview will be on sale outside the ground, in the club shop and online for £3. -
Club Shop: Open from 1:45 pm 
Half-Time Draw Tickets: Available for £1
‘Mon the Fife! 
