MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Arbroath

The big games come thick and fast for Dick Campbell’s troops these days with another tasty local derby on the horizon for Saturday when Paul Sheerin’s ‘Red Lichties’ come to town.

There is little doubt that the home side will be up for the game on the back of their cup tie success on Tuesday evening and thirsting for revenge following a 3-0 defeat at Gayfield in the first encounter between the sides back in late September.

That afternoon the ‘Loons’ turned in what was in all probability their worst performance of the campaign, the Arbroath marksmen Andrew Cook, Lee Sibanda and the now departed Lee Erwin securing a well deserved three points for their side.

What eleven players eventually take the field in sky and navy on Saturday afternoon was a matter of conjecture as the clock ticked towards midnight at Station Park on Tuesday evening with skipper Gavin Swankie, Martyn Fotheringham and Odmar Faeroe all suffering knocks in what was a bruising cup-tie.

Dale Hilson is certainly still an absentee following his injury t Ibrox, but he is hopeful of a return to action over the festive period programme.

On the plus side Mark Baxter and Stuart Malcolm return to the squad following suspension.

Once again the Station Park management team may have to turn to their Under 19 squad to augment the bench, but Craig Smith showed on Tuesday evening that youth is no barrier in this day and age.

Since their win over Forfar back on September 28th, Arbroath have managed only on other victory over bottom club Airdrieonians at Gayfield and have in fact lost six of their last seven competitive games. This run has seen them slump to second bottom spot in the league one table.

However they will no doubt have been buoyed by the return on a short term temporary transfer of striker Steven Dorris from Dundee who made a goal scoring return in last Saturday’s clash with Stranraer.

The Forfar players following their hectic spell of matches culminating in the two and three quarter hour marathon against Brechin were given the night off training on Thursday, but they will report to Station Park for a light session on Saturday morning before heading to a local venue for lunch in preparation for the game.

Despite the close proximity to Christmas, hopefully both sets of fans will turn out in reasonable numbers for what should be a closely contested affair.

The match is sponsored by Gordon Dobbie Heating & Plumbing Ltd.

The man in the middle on Saturday is Premier League official Craig Charleston.

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 13.