MATCH PREVIEW: Stranraer v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ make the long trek to Stranraer on Saturday for what if one is being entirely honest is a clash between the two sides in the league with the poorest records of late.

The Athies as has been well documented have won only one of their last eleven league fixtures, to be fair drawing three including last week’s match at Ochilview.

The Stair Park outfit triumphed 1-0 over Airdrieonians on the first Saturday in October, the week after they had in fact also secured three points at Station Park, but since then have picked up only one point in five games.

That point was actually secured on Tuesday evening of this week with a 1-1 draw up at Peterhead in a match bedevilled with floodlight problems, but no doubt to the relief of the visitors, a conclusion was eventually reached.

Manager Dick Campbell will be able to welcome back Thomas O’Brien to his squad after a two match suspension, both he and Derek Young getting an hour of match action under their belt in Tuesday’s Development fixture.

On loan Michael Rose though is likely to continue in a defensive role, while all at Station Park were delighted this week with the news that Scott Martin’s temporary transfer has been extended into the New Year.

That elusive victory, their last having come back on September 12th, looked to be well within the ‘Loons’ grasp when they went two up against the ten men ‘Warriors’ last Saturday, but it was not to be, but at the end of the day what could be a vital away point was secured.

Michael Travis and Michael Dunlop are still ruled out through injury, though the former may come into contention for next Saturday’s cup tie.

As mentioned above Brian Reid’s side triumphed 2-1 at Station Park back in late September in an easily forgotten ninety minutes for the home side.   Mark McGuigan and Chris Aitken were the visiting marksmen on that occasion.

Since then Stranraer have added to their squad with the acquisition of a familiar face to Forfar fans in Jamie McCluskey from Morton and have also recruited an Argentinian striker in Luciano Nequecaur.

Ayrshire based Kevin Graham who handled the first leg of Forfar’s play-off final last season will be the man in the middle at Stair Park.