Premier Sports Cup – Group F
Saturday 25 July 2026
McDiarmid Park
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Preview by Oli Anderson
East Fife’s last Premier Sports Cup group stage game is fast approaching as we gear up to face Premiership opposition this afternoon. Following two consecutive positive results, the Fifers have given themselves an outside chance against St Johnstone in Perth.
The Story So Far
East Fife head to McDiarmid Park for the final round of Premier Sports Cup group fixtures knowing qualification remains within reach. Dick Campbell’s side have enjoyed an impressive campaign to date, beginning with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, before narrowly missing out on the bonus point in the penalty shootout. Any disappointment from the Highlands was quickly put behind them as the Fifers defeated Championship side Greenock Morton 2-0 at Bayview, before producing an excellent second-half comeback to overcome Linlithgow Rose 3-1 on Tuesday evening.
Those results have left East Fife firmly in contention heading into the final group fixture. A positive result against Premiership opposition would not only continue the momentum built over the opening three matches but could also secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time since 2019.
The Opposition
St Johnstone, on paper at least, provide East Fife’s toughest test of the group stage. The Perth side returned to the Premiership at the first attempt after winning last season’s Championship title and have carried that momentum into the Premier Sports Cup campaign. Saints have already recorded victories over Linlithgow Rose and Greenock Morton before suffering a narrow defeat away to Inverness on Tuesday, leaving them with plenty to play for heading into the final group fixture.
Managed by Simo Valakari, St Johnstone have blended experienced professionals with exciting younger talent and will be determined to finish the group strongly in front of their home support. McDiarmid Park is never an easy place to visit, but East Fife have already shown throughout this campaign that they are more than capable of competing with full-time opposition.
One to Watch
St Johnstone – Jamie Gullan
The striker has made an impressive start to the Premier Sports Cup campaign, including a brace from the penalty spot in Saints’ convincing victory over Greenock Morton. A clever mover with an eye for goal, Gullan is equally capable of finishing inside the penalty area or creating opportunities for those around him. East Fife’s defence will need to keep him quiet if they are to leave Perth with a positive result.
Key Battle
East Fife’s defensive organisation vs St Johnstone’s attacking quality
The Fifers have conceded just two goals across their opening three group fixtures and have looked organised against every opponent they’ve faced. St Johnstone, however, possess plenty of attacking quality and will expect to control possession on home soil. If East Fife can remain compact, frustrate the Saints and make the most of opportunities on the counter-attack, they’ll give themselves every chance of causing an upset.
Squad News
Injury: Adam Laaref remains unavailable as he continues his recovery, although the winger is edging ever closer to a return. We have a couple of players who are struggling with knocks following Tuesday’s tie with Linlithgow.
Suspension: Cammie Ross also misses out through suspension this afternoon after picking up his second booking of the competition on Tuesday night.
In: Rhys Berry and Jake Watson get their first call up from the U20s.
Ticket Info
Away supporters will be accommodated in the Ormond Stand at McDiarmid Park, with tickets available through St Johnstone.
Admission prices are
Adult: £15
Concession: £10
U16: £6
Car Park – £5/card (cash or card)
Live Streaming
For supporters unable to attend in person, a live stream of the match will be available to viewers outside the UK/Ireland with a monthly or annual pass via East Fife TV.
Today’s commentator is Daniel Hughes.
Viewers within the UK/Ireland can watch the match via Premier Sports
Kit Colours
St Johnstone will wear their away kit this afternoon, playing in all-yellow. The Saints’ goalkeeper will wear green.
East Fife will wear the club’s Away Kit ‘A’ sponsored by Ramzans. East Fife will pair the sky-blue shirt with white shorts and socks. The goalkeeper will wear orange.
Match Officials
Today’s match officials have been appointed by the Scottish FA and will oversee the final Group F fixture. Referee Peter Stuart will be supported by his assistants Graeme Stewart and Brian Christie.
Did You Know?
East Fife have not reached the knockout stages of the League Cup since 2019. A positive result in Perth could see the Fifers make history by progressing beyond the groups for the first time in seven years.
Prediction
On paper, St Johnstone will start as favourites. They’re back in the Premiership, playing at home and possess the quality expected of a top-flight side. However, East Fife have already proved throughout this group stage that they can more than hold their own against full-time opposition. If Dick Campbell’s men can produce the same discipline, work rate and attacking intent shown against Inverness, Morton and Linlithgow Rose, there’s every reason to believe the Fifers can leave Perth with the result they need.
Mon the Fife!
