In season 1934-35 Arbroath, managed by Bob McGlashan, completed their campaign with a 5-0 win over East Fife, a result that remains our biggest league victory over the Methil side. Arbroath had already clichéd promotion the previous week, but it was a fine way to complete the season. Alec Brand grabbed a hat-trick to bring his tally for the season up to 28 while the other goals came from Willie Carver and Jamieson.
East Fife’s biggest win over Arbroath was an 8-0 thumping at Bayview on 20th October 1945. Incredibly it was 0-0 at the interval but the Lichties collapsed in the second half. Fortunately, goalkeeper Ritchie pulled off “many fine saves” otherwise the outcome might have been even worse.
Gayfield as we know it today was officially opened on 25th August 1925 when East Fife visited for the Lichties first home game of the league season. An estimated crowd of 7,000 turned up for the gala occasion with the Earl of Strathmore heading the long list of invited guests.
It was the visitors, however, who took the plaudits at the end of the day as the Methil men ran out comfortable 4-2 winners
Of the 111 league games played between the sides, East Fife have won 43, Arbroath 51 and 17 have been drawn.
The clubs first met in the Northern League on 2nd December 1905, East Fife winning 2-1 at Methil. The Fifers won the return match by the same score at Gayfield.