MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v St. Johnstone

As has been well documented Forfar Athletic for the second season running go into ‘battle’ in the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup tomorrow with Premiership St. Johnstone the highly attractive visitors to Station Park.

The McDiarmid Park side will obviously start as firm favourites to progress, but the home side have shown time and again over the past eighteen months that they can be a match for any side, not only on their home patch but notably in two cup ties earlier in the campaign at Dens Park.

Following on their superb performances at the turn of the year against Brechin City and Stenhousemuir, Dick Campbell’s side have stuttered slightly over the past three games which have seen them pick up only one league point, albeit the first of these games was a visit from Rangers.

They also ended last Saturday’s joust with Airdrie carrying a handful of injuries, but to the relief of all connected with the club, these would appear in the main to have cleared up. Even Odmar Faeroe who pulled up in the warm up at Methil two weeks back and looked likely to be out for a month could be a surprise contender for a place in the starting line-up.

Saints Manager Tommy Wright who witnessed the ’Loons’ epic victory over Brechin City in the previous round and also saw them in action against Rangers may decide to freshen his side up with some of his transfer window signings following the 4-0 League Cup Semi-final defeat to Aberdeen at Tynecastle last week.
Former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo signed from Scunthorpe came on as a sub in that game, while Michael O’Halloran another forward snapped up on his release by Bolton Wanderers scored in a midweek Under 20 league fixture. Youngsters James Dunne and Mark Davies a loan capture from Nottingham Forest where his father Billy is the man in charge could also come into contention.

Stevie May the Perth side’s prolific scoring striker will be the main threat to the home rear guard, his goals and overall performances this term one of the key factors to Saints current sixth placed position in the Premiership.

With goalkeeper Alan Manus side lined with injury, player-coach Steve Banks will continue between the sticks for the visitors meaning both goalkeepers on show will be past their 40th birthday. The home side’s Rab Douglas will in fact be making the 499th senior appearance of his lengthy career in the tie.
Both sets of officials are keeping their fingers crossed for a near 2,000 crowd with by all accounts many of the visiting fans making a day of it with a few coach loads already booked in for lunch at local hostelries.

It should make for a great atmosphere for a clash between two clubs who have enjoyed a great relationship over the past 25 years both on and off the park.
John Beaton who refereed the League Cup Semi-Final between Hearts and Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend will be the man in charge of proceedings.