East Fife 2-1 Cove Rangers – Match Report by Oli Anderson
🏆William Hill League 1
📍MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
🗓️Saturday 14th February 2026 | Kick-off: 3:00pm
East Fife finally claimed their first victory of 2026, with a 2-1 win over Cove Rangers at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. Second half goals from Andy Munro and Destiny Oladipo saw the Fifers come from behind to overcome Paul Hartley’s men.
The Campbells made many changes to the side that were picked apart by Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with experienced players such as Michael McKenna, Alan Trouten and Pat Slattery all coming into the starting line-up, Ruairidh Adams also started in net, returning for his second loan spell with the club. Cove Rangers set up in an aggressive 4-2-4, which allowed East Fife to have the man-advantage in the middle of the park.
However, it was an all-too-common start to proceedings for East Fife, as errors and poor decisions led to Mitch Megginson opening the scoring for Cove Rangers. A slack goal kick was picked up on Cove’s right-hand side, before two crosses were put into the danger area. The first was a big, switched pass, while the second was right on the button, and Megginson nodded past Adams to score the first of the game.
East Fife after the opener looked to grow into the game, but at times lacked a cutting edge, particularly in the final third. East Fife went in at half time a goal behind, although they were absolutely in the game, and just needed chances in the second half.
East Fife looked better after the interval and started to pose more of a threat from set pieces and it was no coincidence, that is where East Fife’s first goal came from. Slattery’s corner was, in all honesty, mishit but the clearance was much worse, allowing for a second bite at the cherry. The ball flew back into the box and sprung into the air. Andy Munro caught the ball on its way down, unleashing an incredible volley from the penalty spot, which cannoned right into the top corner.
Five minutes later, East Fife were in front in a game for the first time in 2026. Substitute Freddie Rowe slipped the ball along the line, finding Destiny Oladipo. What happened next, was truly sublime. Oladipo bombed into the box, shrugging off two Cove attackers. He held another at arm’s length as he spun around and curled the ball into the back of the net. A fantastic way to open his East Fife account!
One thing that East Fife have perhaps lacked in recent weeks is game management, or the ability to hold on, with the defeat at home to Montrose springing to mind. However, this time round, East Fife not only managed the game well in the closing stages but actually looked most likely to score another as the game went on.
A deserved win in the end, and we don’t have long to wait for more. East Fife tonight will travel to North Lanarkshire to play Hamilton Accies. Another victory could all but seal safety, even with so many games to go.
East Fife – Adams, Peggie, Munro, Bah, Wilson, Millar, Norey (McManus 83’), Slattery, Trouten (Rowe 59’), McKenna, Oladipo (Halliday 78’). Subs not used: Hemfrey, Halsey, Fairley, Harek, Latona, Healy.
Cove Rangers – Mutch, Bisland, Harrington, Darge, Parker, Yule, Emslie, O’Donnell, Carrol (Masson 72’), Megginson, Maguire (J Eguiabor). Subs not used: Strachan, D Eguaibor, Teasdale, McAllister, Demus.
Referee – George Calder
Attendance – 576
