Clyde v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview

Forfar Athletic head for Hamilton on Saturday for a clash with Darren Young’s Clyde side knowing that a victory would see them move up a place in the William Hill League2 table and that is the target Jim Weir has set a squad that have picked up thirteen points from their last six outings. On top of that impressive record that has seen the ‘Loons’ move six points clear of Bonnyrigg Rose, they have now not conceded a goal in their last three encounters against Stranraer on their own patch as well as the top two sides in the league Peterhead and East Fife. This statistic is testament to some rock solid defensive work from the back four marshalled by skipper Stuart Morrison and Matty Allan.

Jim Weir a defender himself is well aware as are all devotees of the beautiful game of the importance of not conceding goals and the defence apart, he also acknowledges the work of last weekend’s record breaker Marc McCallum who tomorrow will also make his 140th consecutive competitive starting appearance in between the sticks for the club.

Although retaining our SPFL status was the mission for Jim and Gavin when they arrived at Station Park in late November and that is still far from confirmed the management duo have now set their sights on improving our current league standing into the bargain over the final quartet of fixtures.

They fully realise as do the players that securing a victory over a ‘Bully Wee’ side that won three fixtures in March month, including a 1-0 success at Station Park will prove to be no easy task. However Athies fans will be hoping that the team as a whole will perform to the same level as in last week’s hard fought encounter with East Fife.

The home faithful were certainly delighted to see Craig Slater put in his best performance since his return in January in the engine room against the Fifers, Danny Denholm potentially it would appear in the twilight of his career, adding his experience to a midfield where on loan Reuben McAllister and Alex Ferguson continue to impress. The depth of the Forfar match day squad is also enhanced for the trip to Lanarkshire by the return to full fitness of Adam Hutchinson, though Declan Byrne remains on the injury list.

As mentioned above Clyde go into the game despite last week’s 2-1 defeat away to Edinburgh City on a fine run of form, veteran striker Martin Rennie having picked up the League2 Player of the Month award for March earlier in the week.

A tense ninety minutes obviously lie in store for all involved on both ‘sides of the fence’. However a win and the three points that would bring would certainly have all connected with the ‘Loons’ in great heart prior to the visit of Bonnyrigg Rose to the ‘toonie’ on Saturday week.

Saturday’s key encounter will be refereed by Colin Whyte.

Admission prices at New Douglas Park for Clyde fixtures are as follows;-

Adults £17
Over 65’s £14
Under 18’s £5

Match tickets can be purchased in advance online, see the official Clyde website for further detail. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the game from the ticket booth within the main stand.

A supporters bar facility is housed within the main stand at New Douglas Park and fans of both sides are welcome.

Saturday’s other William Hill League2 fixtures;- Bonnyrigg Rose v East Fife, Edinburgh City v Elgin City, Peterhead v The Spartans, Stirling Albion v Stranraer