MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Dunfermline Athletic

Scotland’s goal scoring ‘machine’ Dunfermline Athletic now under the astute stewardship of Alan Johnston will arrive at Station Park on Tuesday night to meet a Forfar Athletic side who have yet to concede a goal in competitive action.

The fact that both sides have won all four league and cup ties to date sets the scene for what should be an intriguing Petrofac Cup tie, which will hopefully merit a four figure attendance.

The fifers have astonishingly won ther four fixtures to date by margins of 4-1, 5-1, 6-1 and on Saturday 7-1 at home to local rivals Cowdenbeath.

Moroccan striker Faissal El Bakhtaoui has netted twice in every one of these victories, while Joe Cardle who returned to East End Park in the summer also netted a brace in Saturday’s success.

With a heavy work load ahead, a League Cup tie on the horizon for both sides next midweek into the bargain, it will be interesting to see if either manager contemplates a change or two from their Saturday starting elevens.

As far as the home side are concerned it is the second of a great spell of four home games in ten days and they will go into the game on the back of a stunning second half performance against Albion Rovers, capped by two cracking goals from young striker Kerr Hay in the final quarter of the contest.

It is at the back though where the foundation of the  ‘Loons’ so far successful start to the season has been cemented, with newcomers Kevin Nicoll and Thomas O’Brien outstanding.
Tuesday night though will be a severe test no doubt of their credentials.

The visitors will no doubt also be keen for a successful outcome to the contest, especially in the light of the fact that they failed to get the better of their opponents in four attempts last season.

Forfar also recorded a 3-2 home victory over the ‘Pars’ on the last occasion they met in this competition in the first ever game on the Station Park 3G pitch two seasons back.

Supporters of both sides are asked to arrive as early as possible for the game which has a 7.30p.m. kick-off.

Admission prices are as follows;-Stand – Adults £13 Concessions (65&over, under 17’s)£7   Ground £12/£6.

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 7.

The 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open from 6.15p.m. till kick-off and for approximately one hour after the final whistle.

The referee for the game is experienced Premiership official Crawford Allan who in the past week has been in charge of televised fixtures involving both halves of the Old Firm.