MATCH PREVIEW: Peterhead v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head to Peterhead on Saturday on the back of two successive 2-1 defeats in league fixtures. They also travel to the Buchan coast in the knowledge that they have already lost on two occasions at the Balmoor Stadium this calendar year.

The first reversal came in a midweek clash in March, the second, a crushing blow to the Athies title hopes in late April.

Peterhead have made a stuttering start to the campaign, sitting on ten points from their eight games played, three behind the Station Park men.

They are however still in the Petrofac Cup, with a quarter final tie due on Saturday week.

The month of September saw them lose surprisingly at home to Brechin City and record three draws, the last of those a share of the spoils at Ayr last weekend. Jamie Redman netted their late equaliser in that game.

Their main threat will as ever come from the Ladbrokes League 1 Player of the Month for August Rory McAllister.

‘Loons’ supporters will be eager to see if manager Dick Campbell will choose to again ring the changes following last Saturday’s fairly dismal showing against Stranraer.

Mark Baxter returned to action in the Development League fixture on Tuesday past and will certainly come into contention for a starting berth.

Rab Douglas is also almost back to full fitness, but it is likely that Scott Gallacher will continue between the sticks.

All in all however the Station Park squad will no doubt be extra keen to put a fairly disappointing September month behind them and return to winning ways prior to the International break.

The match will be refereed by first season Grade One whistler Stevie Kirkland who will make the lengthy journey from Ayrshire to handle a Forfar fixture for the first time.

A reminder to supporters making the 80 mile trip north that no cash is taken at the turnstiles at Balmoor, tickets having to be purchased in advance of kick-off from the ticket office adjacent to the main stand.