Forfar Athletic v Dunfermline Athletic - Match Preview

For the third time in their history the ‘Loons’ will go into play-off action on Wednesday night, entertaining Dunfermline Athletic in the first leg of the First Division Play-Off Semi Final.

The ‘Pars’ will start favourites despite losing a handful of key players when the club went into administration in late March. That brought with it a 15 point penalty, the main reason that the East End Park club found themselves occupying second bottom spot in the First Division at five o’clock on Saturday past.

It was still however a major surprise that they did not overcome bottom club Airdrie United in front of a 4,000 plus crowd to secure their second tier status.

However they have in fact lost two of the three games played at home since administration, but are undefeated in their three away games over the same period.

This will be the ‘Pars’ second visit of the campaign to Station Park, the ‘Loons’ victorious by three goals to two in the Ramsdens Cup on the historic first game to be played on Station Park’s 3G surface.

Dick Campbell though certainly had a bigger choice of pool that sunny afternoon in July than he will have on Wednesday, but victories have been secured with similar numbers available to him in recent weeks.

Although Gavin Swankie returns after suspension and work commitments, Danny Denholm has joined the ‘posse’ in the treatment room. Hopefully though he will be fit for Saturday’s second leg.

The visitors will no doubt bring a substantial support with them on the night and the home side as what has been an excellent season draws to a close certainly a merit a few more locals turning out to give them some well merited backing. Hopefully this will be the case.

Premier League referee Crawford Allan who also handled this season’s Ramsdens Cup Final will be in charge.

The kick-off is 7.45 pm.