MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Airdrieonians

The ‘Loons’ entertain Airdrieonians at Station Park on Saturday in the first of three successive home fixtures, the visit of the Lanarkshire outfit being followed by the cup tie with St. Johnstone and a visit from Dunfermline Athletic.

The home side go into the game keen to get back on winning ways in the league following defeats from Rangers and of course over at Methil against East Fife last Saturday.

The visitors make the trip north propping up the league table, but undoubtedly their form has improved of late under the guidance of Gary Bollan who took over from Jimmy Boyle in November.

In fact Boyle’s last game at the helm was Forfar’s visit to the Excelsior in mid October when goals from Jamie McCluskey and Ross Campbell clinched all three points for Dick Campbell’s side.

This followed a thrill a minute 3-3 draw between the sides at Station Park on the opening day of the league campaign.

The Station Park men sit nine points clear of the ‘Diamonds’, but will go into Saturday’s fixture minus the services of Odmar Faeroe, injured in the warm up last week. Mark Baxter who stepped in at the last minute will have benefited from the ninety minutes he got under his belt, following the injury received at Glebe Park.

Dick however is keeping his cards ‘close to his chest’ as to whether he intends to freshen the team up following last week’s reverse.

The visitors will be minus the suspended duo of Darren McCormack and Gregor Buchanan both of whom were in the starting line up in the 1-1 home draw with Stranraer last Saturday.

The match will be refereed by Barry Cook who was last in charge of a ‘Loons’ fixture when we exited the League Cup at Dens Park back in August.

The fixture is sponsored by those great supporters of the club J&E Shepherd, Surveyors, who have bases locally in Montrose and Dundee.

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 17.