MATCH PREVIEW: Stranraer v Forfar Athletic

Forfar Athletic go into Saturday’s second leg of their Championship Play-Off Semi Final down at Stranraer with a three goal cushion following an excellent display on Wednesday evening.

Second half goals from Omar Kader, Gavin Swankie and Kerr Hay put the seal on a fine all round display and few could have begrudged the ‘Loons’ their success come the end of the ninety minutes.

The ‘Loons’ management team and players will though be wary of a ‘sting in the tail’ from Stephen Aitken’s quality outfit.

Without doubt the tie is far from over and no one involved at Station Park will require reminding of the fact that at the same stage two years back, a two goal first leg advantage against Dunfermline quickly disappeared at East End Park.

The Athies will be forced to make at least one change from Wednesday’s line up.

Stuart Malcolm misses out as he serves a one match ban on the totting up process, Michael Dunlop who returns from a similar ban, the obvious replacement.

Dale Hilson who just missed out following a late fitness test on a groin injury in midweek, is hopeful of being fit and back in the side for the vital second leg of the tie, but Stephen Husband and Mark Baxter again look likely to be absentees.

Under 20’s side skipper Michael Kennedy who had such a promising first team debut on Wednesday evening is almost certain to continue in the left back role. Once again a fair sprinkling of the Development Squad including Craig Smith and Kerr Hay who made telling contributions late on in the first tie are likely to take up the majority of the places on the substitute bench.

The home side may freshen up their starting eleven, but like Dick Campbell, Stephen Aitken is limited in choice by a few niggling injury worries as a hard season for both clubs draws to it’s conclusion.

Considering the distance involved it looks as if the ‘Loons’ will again have the backing of a substantial travelling support with places still available on a second totally subsidised coach.

The man in the middle is top FIFA official and this season’s League Cup Final referee Bobby Madden who will be handling a Forfar fixture for the first time in over three years.

Of course if the scores were level on aggregate at the end of the ninety minutes on Saturday, thirty minutes extra-time would be played with the potential for a penalty shoot-out if necessary.

In a footnote which will be of interest to supporters of both clubs it has been confirmed that the first leg of next week’s final will take place on Wednesday evening with a 7.45p.m. kick-off with the second leg due on Sunday the 17th, the kick-off at the slightly unusual time especially for a Sunday fixture of 5.30p.m.

Both legs of the final will be screened live on BBC Alba.