MATCH PREVIEW: Albion Rovers v Forfar Athletic

Forfar Athletic will pay their first visit to Cliftonhill since March of 2013 this Saturday to take on an Albion Rovers side who have undoubtedly been the surprise packet in the Ladbrokes League 1 to date.

In fact since they were beaten 4-0 at Station Park in mid August, Rovers under the stewardship of Darren Young, brother of Derek, have gone from strength to strength.

Last Saturday they consolidated their third place spot, a Gary Fisher goal clinching all three points at Ochilview against Stenhousemuir.

That 4-0 win back in the opening month of the league campaign certainly seems a long time ago for ‘Loons’ fans, second half goals from Kevin Nicoll, Craig Smith and a brace from substitute on the day Kerr Hay clinching what was an emphatic victory.

The Athies now sit ten points adrift of the Cliftonhill outfit, still of course seeking their elusive first league win since September 12th.

Stewart Petrie assisted by Barry Sellars has been in control of preparing the side for the trip west this weekend and a slight tinkering of the starting eleven from last week is in prospect.

There are of course still a few injury doubts with Michael Dunlop definitely side lined, but Derek Young could return to the fold following a sickness bug which saw him miss both the Peterhead and Cowdenbeath fixtures.

After a traumatic week for all involved at Station Park, hopefully the players may be able to provide some pre-Christmas cheer for the supporters.

The match will be refereed by second season Grade One official Gavin Ross.