East Fife vs Dunfermline preview - Fife ready for Pars test

Posted Friday, August 09, 2013 by PA

East Fife host Fife neighbours Dunfermline in a league game for the first time in 26 years.

They welcome back Gary Thom and Adam Bouzid from suspension, however Craig Johnstone is out with a ban.

The game is close to being sold out and manager Willie Aitchison is hoping that his young side show maturity to handle the occasion.

"This is a big game for everyone connected to the club and will have a cup tie atmosphere attached to it and our youngsters have to be ableto handle it," he said.

"Dunfermline are a good side but we have players that can pose them problems going forward."

Dunfermline's Stephen Husband will miss out after being dismissed in a midweek under-20 game. However, skipper Josh Falkingham should play after returning to training on following a knee injury.

Andy Geggan is in line for his first start of the season after a substitute's role in the 2-0 win over East Stirling last Saturday, with manager Jim Jefferies warning his youngsters that they will face extremely motivated hosts.

He said: "East Fife have a number of ex-Dunfermline boys that will be out to put one over us. They also have more experience in their ranks than we do so it is a tough start to the season."