MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Albion Rovers
[Thursday, 25 February 2016 11:00]
The ‘monkey is off the back’ following the emphatic 4-1 win at Central Park on Tuesday evening.
The question on the lips of the ‘Loons’ die hards will now be can Gary Bollan’s charges build on that performance and secure all three points in Saturday’s home game with Albion Rovers.
It will be no easy task however against a side who without doubt have surprised many with their overall performance this term to date.
There was no hiding the relief shown by Forfar Athletic management, officials, players and the hardy band of supporters who had made the trip at the conclusion of the midweek contest at Cowdenbeath, but also a great deal of satisfaction in the way the victory over the Central Park side had been achieved.
The ‘stats’ speak for themselves. The Athies had twenty-one shots on goal, twelve on target, the hosts four, only one of which troubled Darren Hill.
Forfar will go into the game with Iain Campbell still a major doubt, while Michael Dunlop substituted at half-time on Tuesday evening will have his injury assessed at training tonight(Thursday).
That apart the home side are likely to be along similar lines come 3p.m. on Saturday afternoon with home fans getting their first view of the new striking partnership of Steven Craig and Andy Ryan who have already netted six goals between them.
Rovers travel north on the back of a 4-1 home win on Tuesday over Brechin City, Ally Love with a brace, Scott McBride and Andy Barrowman their scorers on the night.
Managed by Derek Young’s brother Darren, they have had a superb season to date following their promotion as League Two winners last term and currently sit fourth in the table, a point ahead of local rivals Airdrie but with a game in hand.
Their last two away games have resulted in a share of the spoils at Stranraer and a 2-1 win at Cowdenbeath, this continuance of their good form coming despite losing key player Josh Mullin to Livingston in the ‘window.’
Away back in mid August second half goals from Kevin Nicoll, Craig Smith and a double from Kerr Hay clinched a 4-0 home win for the ‘Loons,’ while Kerr was again on the mark with the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Cliftonhill on the Saturday before Christmas, this after Paul Willis had given Albion the lead.
Throughout the troubled season that the club has had, the home support have been fairly solid in their backing for the team, so let’s hope that in the remaining six home fixtures, the players will give all something to shout about starting on Saturday.
The match will be handled by second season Grade One official Alan Newlands whose last visit to Station Park was on the opening day of the competitive season for the Petrofac tie with Montrose.
Due to a late call-off there is no actual match sponsor on Saturday, but consequently all five lounges are full to overflowing with hospitality guests.
Admission charges are the normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the terracing.
Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 20.
A reminder that the 1984 Lounge will be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off when supporters will be able to enjoy the opening half of the Italy v Scotland Six Nations game before heading through the turnstiles and again on the final whistle till approximately 7.30p.m.