Premier Sports Cup – Group F
Saturday 11 July 2026
Sarens PSG Stadium
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Preview by Oli Anderson
The new season begins with a long trip north as East Fife open their 2026/27 Premier Sports Cup campaign against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. With only the eight group winners and three best runners-up progressing to the knockout stage, every point is likely to prove crucial, making a positive start all the more important. East Fife have been drawn alongside Inverness, St Johnstone, Greenock Morton and Linlithgow Rose in what promises to be a competitive Group F.
The Story So Far
East Fife look forward to our second consecutive season in the William Hill League 1, following survival on the final matchday of last season. Dick Campbell’s side will be eager to hit the ground running as competitive football returns. The Premier Sports Cup provides an early opportunity to build momentum before league action begins, and the Fifers will be hoping to make an immediate statement against higher-league opposition.
Our hosts enter the competition in confident mood after securing promotion back to the Scottish Championship, having won the League 1title last season under Scott Kellacher. Returning to the second tier has restored optimism around the Highland club, and they’ll be keen to make home advantage count in the opening group fixture.
The Opposition
Few Scottish clubs boast the recent history of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. League Cup winners in 2014 and Scottish Cup winners in 2015, the Caley Jags have spent much of the last two decades competing in the Premiership and Championship. While recent seasons have brought their challenges, last year’s title-winning campaign has them heading into the new season with renewed belief.
Scott Kellacher’s side are expected to combine experienced campaigners with exciting younger talent as they look to establish themselves back in the Championship.
One to Watch
Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Alfie Stewart
The Caley Jags strengthened their squad this week with the return of young midfielder Alfie Stewart on loan. Stewart has just signed on for his third consecutive season at Inverness Caley Thistle, first arriving in January 2025. He contributed 17 goals in 51 League One games, averaging out at a contribution every three games, which is not to be sniffed at, at just 19 years old.
Key Battle
East Fife’s midfield v Inverness’ engine room
Cup ties are often decided in the centre of the pitch. If East Fife can establish possession, win second balls and disrupt Inverness’ rhythm, they’ll give themselves every chance of leaving the Highlands with a positive result.
Squad News
Out: This afternoon comes slightly too quick for Adam Laaref, but we are edging ever closer to the winger’s return. A couple of other players are rated as doubtful, however no final decision has yet been made on their involvement.
In: New signings Tom Milne, Cameron Ross, Derek Gaston, Myles Gaffney and Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton are all available for selection.
U20s graduates James Linton and Jaiden Fairley are both available for selection
There is a travelling trialist with the squad for this afternoon’s game.
Ticket Info
Please Note that from the Start of the 2026/27 Season, ICTFC will operate a card only system.
Away Supporters will be seated in the South Stand- Sections G-L. Prices for this afternoon’s contest can be found below:
Adult: £15
O65: £10
U16: £6
Tickets can be purchased from the club shop, online at www.eticketing.co.uk/ictfc, or over the telephone at 01463 222880.
U16 Tickets are not available online but can be purchased in store or over the telephone.
Kit Colours
Today’s hosts will wear their traditional colours, donning the red and blue striped top with blue shorts and socks.
East Fife will wear our brand-new Stuart’s Bakers sponsored home strip, pairing the black and gold striped shirt with black shorts and socks. The Fifers’ goalkeeper will wear all yellow for the tie.
Match Officials
Today’s clash will be refereed by Sean Murdoch. His assistants running the lines are Paul McAvinue and Tommi Kerr.
Did You Know?
East Fife will be looking to make history, in progressing into the second round of the League Cup for the first time since the introduction of the group stage format. We most recently breached the first round in 2015, when we defeated Dumbarton on penalties.
Prediction
Opening-day cup ties can often be difficult to call, particularly with both sides still finding their rhythm after pre-season. Inverness’ home advantage and Championship status make them slight favourites, but East Fife have shown on plenty of occasions that they can compete with clubs from higher divisions.
If the Fifers remain organised defensively and take their chances when they come, there’s every reason to believe they can start their Premier Sports Cup campaign with a valuable result.
Mon the Fife!
