MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Queens Park

Following last Saturday’s 1-1 draw in atrocious overhead conditions at Hampden, Forfar Athletic and Queens Park will battle it out at Station Park on Saturday in a William Hill Scottish Cup third round replay.

They will do so for the right to visit either Wick Academy or Linlithgow Rose in round four of the tournament on January 9th.

In last week’s tie, the ‘Loons’ undoubtedly had the better of the early exchanges, Chris Duggan’s terrific strike for the ‘Spiders’ which saw them take a first half advantage, coming slightly against the run of play at that stage of the contest.

However Queens took control in the second period and it took a ‘magic moment’ from Danny Denholm to net the equaliser for Dick Campbell’s charges. Even then Rab Douglas had to come to his side’s rescue on a couple of occasions in the dying embers of the tie.

Dick has again been in discussion this week with Alan Stubbs at Hibernian about the possibility of Scott Martin being allowed to play in the replay, he is not optimistic about the outcome.

Aberdeen and Dundee are definite in their decision about the no availability of Michael Rose and Andrew Black.

Both teams are therefore likely to be on similar lines to last Saturday, although there is doubt in the home camp about the fitness of Martyn Fotheringham, with midweek hat trick hero in the Development side Kerr Hay a potential replacement.

The match which will see Gus McPherson’s squad make their first visit to Station Park since May, 2010 will be decided on Saturday, with extra time and a penalty shoot-out on the ‘menu’ if required.

The experienced John McKendrick who got through last Saturday’s hard fought battle without issuing a solitary yellow card will again be in charge.

Normal league admission prices will apply. Stand admission is £13 for adults, £7 for those 65 & over and under 17. Ground is £12/6.

Forfar Athletic season tickets are not valid for Scottish Cup ties.

A reminder that the 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open from 12.30p.m. till 2.50p.m. and from the final whistle until approximately 7.30p.m.

It will also be open during the half-time interval to hospitality voucher holders, even though it is a cup tie.

Saturday’s other William Hill Scottish Cup ties

Third Round

Wick Academy v Linlithgow rose

Third Round Replays

Annan Athletic v Inverurie Loco Works
Arbroath v Cowdenbeath
Cove Rangers v Formartine United
East Kilbride v Stenhousemuir
Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale v Huntly