MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Morton

To say that Saturday’s visit of Morton to Station Park is a mouth watering prospect would in all probability be an under statement.

The Greenock side who sit one point behind the ‘Loons’ in third place in the SPFL League One table, Dick Campbell’s side having a game in hand, travel north having been highly active to date in the transfer window.

They have made four high profile signings in strikers Peter MacDonald from Dundee and Ross Caldwell from St. Mirren, both of whom were on the mark in the televised 2-0 win over Dunfermline Athletic last Saturday as well as defender Ross Forbes from Dunfermline and goalkeeper Grant Adam who had an all to brief spell on loan with the Station Park outfit a few years back.

The home side will go into the game however in good heart having got back to winning ways over the past two weeks, their overall performance at Stirling last week giving a fair degree of encouragement that the style of play which delighted the fans earlier in the season may be on the verge of returning into the bargain.

The clash with Jim Duffy’s side may just come to quick for Dale Hilson following his injury against Stenhousemuir two weeks back. However his recovery is going along quicker than had been first anticipated. Mark Baxter also still remains a doubt so the home side could well be along similar lines to Forthbank a week back.

The Station Park management team have not given up hope of bringing in another new face even before Saturday, but certainly hopefully before the ‘Window’ slams shut on Monday at midnight. However all ‘Loons’ supporters will realise despite the hard work being undertaken on a weekly if not daily basis behind the scenes, finances are tight.

This does certainly not seem to be the case with some of our more ‘illustrious’ competitors for the promotion/play-off spots.

The two games between the sides this campaign have had contrasting fortunes for Gavin Swankie and his team mates. Back in late August at Station Park, the final score line of 3-2 in the Athies favour did not do justice to what was on the day a commanding performance from the home side. The home goals that sunny afternoon came from Gavin with a brace and Danny Denholm.

However the opposite was the case on a dreich November day at Cappielow, with Morton dominating a lack lustre visiting side, fully meriting their 2-0 win through goals from Jon Scullion and the now departed Andy Barrowman.

So it will be all to play for on Saturday and with the Angus area not having been hit by as bad weather as had originally been forecast to date, there are no problems with the 3G playing surface at Station Park in pristine condition.

Morton usually bring a fair travelling ‘army’ and it is to be hoped that the home support which has undoubtedly increased in number this term will turn out to give their favourites their backing at the beginning of an important spell of three home game sin four weeks.

Saturday’s match will be refereed by Lanarkshire based first season Grade One official Alan Newlands who has handled Forfar away fixtures this term at East Fife and Brechin.

The match is sponsored by keen ‘Loons’ supporter Barry Quinn of Montrose based Quinn Safety Consultancy Ltd.

Admission is as normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the ground.

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 17.

A reminder that the 1984 Lounge at the ground, situated at the west end of the main stand is open from 12.30p.m. to 2.45p.m. and straight after the final whistle until approx. 7.30p.m.

Supporters are most welcome to enjoy a refreshment in this facility which has become such a popular addition to the Station Park scene this season.