MATCH PREVIEW: Stenhousemuir v Forfar Athletic

Forfar Athletic continue their promotion quest with a visit to Ochilview on Saturday to meet a home side who currently sit equal on points with Ayr United a the other end of the league in a two ‘horse’ race to avoid the play-off spot at that end of the table.

The ‘Loons’ will into the game on the back of four successive Saturday victories which sees them sit one point adrift of league leaders Stranraer with five games remaining.

Dick Campbell will welcome back Michael Travis after a one game ban and Derek Young from injury to his squad. This fact allied to the performance of all three substitutes when they entered the fray against Stirling Albion last weekend will make the selection of his final starting line-up a difficult but nevertheless pleasurable experience for the ‘boss.’

Stuart Malcolm will again sit the game out as he serves the last match of his four game suspension.

The ‘Warriors’ currently under the stewardship of Brown Ferguson will also see the return of two key players who missed the 2-1 defeat at Airdrie last week. Player-coach Colin McMenamin served a one match suspension in that fixture, while Paul McMullen on loan from Celtic was on national youth team duty.

After wins over Stranraer and Peterehead at the beginning of the month the Ochilview outfit have failed to win in their last three outings against Ayr, Dunfermline and against the ‘Diamonds’ last week.

They will however no doubt be keen to improve on their record against the ‘Loons’ this season. To date the Athies have won all three fixtures with an aggregate score of 6-0.

Saturday’s game will be refereed by second season Grade One official Gavin Ross who took charge of Forfar’s home match with Stirling Albion in December.

Stenhousemuir have advised Forfar officials that the terracing behind the goal at Ochilview will be open this coming Saturday.

A reminder that seats are still available on the ‘Loons’ supporters coach to this so vital game for both sides which takes place almost 31 years to the day that Forfar clinched their first ever promotion at the same venue.