MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v East Fife

Just three weeks after they met in Scottish Cup action and for the fourth time this season, the ‘Loons’ and East Fife will go head to head at Station Park again on Saturday on this occasion in a quest for three league points.

Willie Aitchison’s men will cross the Tay hoping to break their duck against the homesters who have triumphed on all three previous meetings.

Back in July the home side triumphed 2-1 in the Ramsdens Cup at Station Park. Dick Campbell’s side then went on to win the league joust at Methil 3-1 in September, before their 2-1 cup tie success in horrific overhead conditions at Station Park earlier in the month.

On that occasion, Dale Hilson gave the home side the lead just on the half-time whistle, Chris Templeman notching the second, before Craig Johnstone reduced the leeway.

Since that cup tie on the 2nd of the month, Forfar have only been in competitive action once, their 2-0 home derby success over Brechin City. They did however have a very worthwhile run out against St. Andrews United last Saturday to keep them ticking over.

The Fifers followed up their cup exit with a 2-2 draw at Arbroath, the ‘Lichties’ equaliser coming in the dying stages of the game. Then last week at Bayview, Stranraer picked up the points courtesy of a 2-1 win, with the clinching goal coming yet again in the closing seconds of the contest.

Manager Campbell has a rare problem with nearly a full pool of players to choose from with no new injury worries. Craig Storie signed on a temporary transfer from Aberdeen just prior to the Brechin fixture is certain to continue in midfield, the starting eleven likely to be along similar lines to the fixture with City.

The players will no doubt be extra keen to secure all three points as a birthday gift to their management duo. The Campbell twins reach their 60th birthday milestone on the Friday and will no doubt hope the celebrations can continue with a victory on the Saturday, but a tough ninety minutes will lie ahead for certain.

The match is sponsored by Graham Environmental Services from Blairgowrie and the referee is Ayrshire based Kevin Graham.

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 12.