MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Stirling Albion
[Thursday, 26 March 2015 19:27]
The ‘Loons’ entertain bottom of the table Stirling Albion at Station Park on Saturday, knowing from experience that it will be no easy task to secure the three points on offer.
All three previous matches between the sides this term have been close run affairs.
Back in September at Forthbank, Albion fought back from being two goals down, Omar Kader and Gavin Swankie the scorers to rescue a point courtesy of a brace from sub on the day Sandy Cunningham.
The in mid December at Station Park, a close range header from Martyn Fotheringham in the 81st minute secured a 2-1 win for the homesters. Only six weeks later, Gavin Malin netted the only goal of the game at Stirling in the 38th minute to clinch the points, though it has to be said that on this occasion, Dick Campbell’s troops had the bulk of the play and possession.
Stirling will also travel north, boosted by their first home league victory of the season last weekend, a 2-1 win over Peterhead, sealed by an 84th minute counter from Andy Stirling currently on loan to Albion from Dunfermline Athletic.
In saying that the home side must start favourites, especially after three well deserved victories over the past three Saturdays against the trio of clubs currently sharing the top four spots in League One with the Station Park outfit.
The ‘Loons’ boss will be forced into at least one change from the starting line-up at the Glebe last week with Michael Travis due to serve a one game suspension. Michael Dunlop, so influential in the Athies back four before injury struck a couple of months back, but now back to full fitness is almost certain to be the replacement.
Derek Young who limped off in the first half at Brechin was making optimistic noises about his fitness at Tuesday night’s training session, but that may be a late decision for the ‘Loons’ backroom staff.
Stuart Malcolm remains side lined as he sits out the third game of a four game ban.
The home side’s fringe players got a great run out in Tuesday night’s Development League fixture an added bonus for the Station Park management team.
Without doubt, Forfar Athletic embark on Saturday on six of their most important league games for well over two decades with the possibility of a return to the second tier of Scottish football for the first time since April of 1992, the ‘carrot’ for all concerned with the club.
The fans can undoubtedly play their part as evidenced by the superb backing the players received at Brechin last week and hopefully that support will be carried into and beyond this weekend’s encounter.
The visit of the ‘Beanos’ is sponsored under the Murdeas banner by those great supporters of the club Scott Murdie and Lesley Deas.
For the second week running a Premier League official on this occasion Stephen Finnie, is the man in charge of proceedings.
Admission prices are the normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the ground.
‘Loons’ season ticket holders should utilise voucher 21.
A reminder that the 1984 Lounge situated a the west end of the main stand will be open from 12.30p.m. till 2.45p.m.and again on the final whistle until approximately 7.30p.m. and all supporters are welcome.