East Fife vs Montrose – Preview by Oli Anderson
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, Methil | 
Saturday 31st January | 🕒 Kick-off: 3:00pm
⚠️Safety Announcement
Supporters are advised that fans will not be permitted to leave the stadium once today’s match has kicked off. This means there will be no smoking area available during the game.
This decision has been taken following intelligence suggesting that groups of youths may attend with the intention of causing disruption. We apologise for the inconvenience; however, the safety of all attendees is our priority.
There will also be an increased police presence before, during, and after the match.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
⚔️ The Challenge Ahead
East Fife are still without victory in 2026 after last weekend’s humbling at the hands of Queen of the South. However, two new signings could prove the difference as East Fife have bolstered their attacking options this past week.
Our opposition today, Montrose, are also on a losing run, of three consecutive defeats, though, these were primarily against Championship opposition in the Scottish Cup (Partick Thistle) and the KDM Evolution Trophy (Airdrieonians). However, the losing run does stretch across 2026 for Montrose too.
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
Montrose won 2-1 when the sides last met at Links Park in November. It was a game of two penalties, as Euan Loudon scored his for the hosts, while Michael McKenna’s 90th minute strike was saved.
🕰️ Upcoming Fixtures
- 7th February @ Inverness Caledonian Thistle
- 14th February vs Cove Rangers
- 17th February @ Hamilton Academical
🚑 Squad News
❌ Out
Injury: Adam Laaref, Jess Norey, Brian Easton and Nathan Austin all remain out through injury.
Suspension: Today Alan Trouten serves the first of his two-match ban, following suspension against Queen of the South.
✅In
New signings Destiny Oladipo and Dennis Halliday are both available for selection for today’s game.
🎟️ 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
⚫Montrose: Sections G-H
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 yellow.
Montrose will be in all blue for the clash with their goalkeeper in all green.
🧑⚖️ Match Officials
The referee for Saturday will be Euan Anderson. His assistants running the lines are Steven Traynor and Stuart Stevenson
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. 
The Bayview – Issue #15 A Bumper 48-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! 
