MATCH PREVIEW: East Fife v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head to Methil on Saturday as the paths of East Fife and Forfar Athletic cross for what will be the fifth time this season with still another joust scheduled for late March at Station Park.

Remarkably Dick Campbell’s side have come up trumps on all four previous occasions, with home and away victories in the league being sandwiched between successes in both the Ramsdens Cup and William Hill Scottish Cup. It has to be said that in both cup ties, Forfar had home advantage.

Following back to back wins over Brechin and Stenhousemuir at the start of the year, Forfar gave a great account of themselves in Monday night’s televised battle with Rangers before losing 2-0, both the Ibrox side’s counters coming in the final fifteen minutes of an absorbing contest.

The Station Park management team with no fresh injury worries are likely to stick with much the same starting eleven although there could be a berth for the fit again Mark Baxter.

East Fife whose scheduled fixture down at Stranraer last Saturday was called off just eighty minutes before kick-off, a frustrating experience to say the least have strengthened their squad considerably over the past week with the arrival from Cowdenbeath of midfield player Marc McKenzie, former St. Johnstone defender Kevin Rutkiewicz and Kevin Smith, all of whom are likely to feature on Saturday. Manager Gary Naysmith is also rumoured to be considering a return to the playing front.

The visitors go into what should be an intriguing contest hoping to stretch their current five point advantage over the Fifers, but know it will be no easy task.

Hopefully as is often the case quite a few ‘Loons’ followers will make the short trip over the Tay to back their side, the players in recent games certainly showing that they deserve the support.

The home club have informed Forfar officials that Jimmy’s Bar and Lounge at the New Bayview Stadium is open prior to kick-off and ‘Loons’ supporters would be very welcome.

The match will be refereed by Kincardineshire based headmaster Mat Northcroft, a familiar figure to fans of both clubs in recent times.