MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Montrose

The ‘Loons’ return to ‘active combat’ on Saturday when they entertain near neighbours Montrose in the first round of the Petrofac Training Cup.

It will be the first time in five years that the club’s paths have crossed in a competitive fixture.

Both sides go into the game having also played their last competitive fixtures over the weekend of May 16th/17th with differing outcomes.

While all connected with Forfar suffered the agony of defeat in the Championship Play-Off final, Montrose in a day of high drama and emotion secured their SPFL status with victory over Brora Rangers at Links Park.

Dick Campbell’s side however are keen to quickly put that disappointment behind them and have been unbeaten in to be fair, a low key pre-season fixture list.

Somewhat unusually the home side will go into Saturday’s contest with a full injury free squad, with all three newcomers to the club likely to feature in the contest at some point.

The ‘Gable Endies’ have had only two open door outings in pre-season as Paul Hegarty has worked tirelessly to put together a squad after a few departures following their end of season success.

In those games they lost by a 3-1 score line to both Cove Rangers and Buckie Thistle, by coincidence, teams that the ‘Loons’ also ‘traded blows’ with over the past three weeks.

One absentee for the visitors will be former Station Park favourite Ross Campbell who will not come against brother Iain, as he is best man at wedding over in Ireland.

What is certain is that as ever a tasty local derby will be on the cards as both teams strive for victory and a place in Monday afternoon’s second round draw.

Referee for the contest is Alan Newlands, starting his second full season on the Grade One list. Hopefully it is not an omen for the home side, but Alan was the man in charge of their dismal first round exit at East Fife last July.

Normal league admission prices will apply;-

Stand – Adults £13 Concessions (65 & over & under 17’s) £7

Ground – Adults £12 Concessions £6

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 5.

The 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open to supporters of both clubs from 12.30p.m.with last orders at 2.45p.m.

It will re-open on the final whistle till approximately 7.30p.m.

It will also be open during the half-time interval to accommodate Hospitality Voucher holders only.