William Hill League 1
Saturday 19th September 2026
Bayview Stadium
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Preview by Oli Anderson
The Story So Far
East Fife return to William Hill League 1 action this afternoon as Montrose make the journey to Methil for what promises to be another competitive encounter at Bayview.
The Fifers head into today’s game sitting sixth in the table, having collected eight points from their opening seven league matches. Dick Campbell’s side have proven extremely difficult to beat, with just one league defeat so far, although five draws mean the Fifers will be keen to start turning solid performances into three-point hauls.
Last weekend saw East Fife return from Palmerston with a point following a 1-1 draw against Queen of the South. Connor Young put the hosts ahead shortly after the interval before Andy Munro responded just three minutes later to ensure the Fifers took something back to Methil.
Since then, East Fife have continued their impressive recent form in the KDM Evolution Trophy. Tuesday night’s 4-1 victory over Motherwell B followed an identical scoreline away to Clyde the previous week, meaning Campbell’s men have now scored eight goals across their last two cup outings.
The challenge this afternoon is transferring that attacking form into the league. East Fife have drawn their last four League 1 matches, and a victory today would provide a welcome boost heading towards the end of September.
The Opposition
Montrose arrive at Bayview as one of League 1’S form sides.
The Gable Endies currently occupy third place, having collected 12 points from their opening seven matches. After a mixed beginning to the campaign, Montrose have hit their stride in recent weeks and arrive in Methil on the back of three consecutive league victories.
A 2-1 win against Queen of the South was followed by an impressive 3-0 victory away to Peterhead. Montrose then maintained their momentum last weekend with another 2-1 success, this time against Cove Rangers at Links Park.
Their good form has not been restricted to league action either. A 3-2 victory against Dundee B in the KDM Evolution Trophy means Montrose arrive at Bayview having won each of their last four matches across all competitions.
That run ensures East Fife can expect a difficult afternoon. However, with the Fifers themselves unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, something will have to give in Methil this afternoon.
One to Watch
Montrose – Blair Lyons
Lyons remains one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Montrose side and has already demonstrated his ability to make the difference in important moments.
Direct, energetic and capable of contributing goals, he gives the Gable Endies a threat whenever they move forward. East Fife’s defence will need to limit the space available to him and prevent Montrose from finding him in dangerous areas.
Keeping Lyons quiet could go a long way towards helping the Fifers secure all three points.
Key Battle
East Fife’s midfield vs Montrose’s momentum
Montrose arrive at Bayview full of confidence after three successive League 1 victories, so preventing the visitors from settling into the contest will be important.
East Fife have shown throughout the opening weeks that they can compete with anyone in the division. The battle in midfield could therefore be decisive, particularly in determining which side is able to dictate the tempo.
If the Fifers can win the second balls, move possession quickly and get their attacking players involved early, they can put the Gable Endies on the back foot and make home advantage count.
Squad News
Out: Long-term absentees Adam Laaref, Pat Slattery, David Wilson and Liam Walker are all confirmed to miss the fixture.
Ticket Info
Prices below for today’s game.
Adult: £20
Concession: £16
U16: £5
Parent & Child: £23
Parent & 2 Children: £25
Due to essential maintenance work taking place at Bayview Stadium, all supporters will be housed within the away end (Dubbieside) of the stadium.
East Fife supporters: https://bit.ly/4rlFrj2Montrose supporters: https://bit.ly/4hyLw7h
Please note, that there will be no in person sales for Montrose supporters this afternoon.
Live Streaming
East Fife TV Gold Subscribers can watch the game with their annual or monthly pass via East Fife TV.
There is no live stream for viewers within the UK/Ireland this weekend.
Today’s commentator is Daniel Hughes.
Kit Colours
East Fife will be in their traditional black and gold colours at Bayview this afternoon, sponsored by Stuart’s the Baker and Buthers. The East Fife goalkeeper is in yellow.
Montrose will wear a white shirt with blue socks and shorts. The Gable Endies goalkeeper will wear green for the tie.
Match Officials
Greg Soutar is today’s referee with Chris Gentles and Cameron Telfer running the lines.
Did You Know?
East Fife and Montrose became very familiar opponents last season, meeting four times in League 1.
The Gable Endies proved something of a thorn in East Fife’s side across those encounters, meaning the Fifers will be particularly keen to put that record right on home soil this afternoon.
There is also very little separating the clubs geographically, making this one of East Fife’s shorter journeys of the League 1 season when the return fixture comes around at Links Park.
The Match
On paper, there is little between these two sides.
Montrose sit third on 12 points, while East Fife are sixth on eight, meaning a home victory would pull the Fifers to within a single point of the Gable Endies.
Montrose bring the stronger league winning run into the fixture, but East Fife’s recent record should not be overlooked. Campbell’s side have become increasingly difficult to beat and have produced two emphatic 4-1 victories in cup competition over the past fortnight.
The next step is turning draws into victories in League 1.
With East Fife back at Bayview and confidence in front of goal growing, today’s encounter represents an excellent opportunity to do exactly that.
Prediction
Montrose’s recent run makes this a difficult one to call, but East Fife have lost just once in their opening seven league matches and come into the game having scored eight goals across their previous two cup outings.
If the Fifers can reproduce that attacking edge in league action, home advantage could make the difference.
Prediction: East Fife 2-1 Montrose
Mon the Fife!
