Stranraer v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ make the lengthy midweek trip to Stair Park. Stranraer on Tuesday evening to meet a home side who following a 2-0 win over Spartans on Saturday past have opened up an eight point gap on Jim Weir’s side.

The Forfar Athletic players though will make the journey and head into the contest buoyed without doubt by their second half showing in particular at Peterhead on Saturday.

Two goals in arrears at half time having battled the elements and a very poor refereeing decision to award the penalty which led to the home side’s second counter, they turned the game on its head in the second period to the delight of Jim Weir and no doubt the hardy band of Forfar fans who made the trip north. Two well taken goals, from Russell Mclean and debutant Declan Byrne, secured the point and in all fairness only one team looked like capturing all three points the longer the second period moved on.

Jim Weir though acknowledges the importance of Tuesday night’s clash, coming just ten days after Chris Aitken’s outfit headed home from the Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park with all three points, courtesy of Grant Gallagher’s 51st minute headed effort. Jim is well aware how important it is to defeat the sides within striking distance in the league table and the re-arranged fixture tomorrow night is the first of at least three opportunities that the Athies have in this regard in the weeks ahead.

The ‘Loons’ Saturday morning acquisition on loan from Hibernian Reuben McAllister was heavily involved in the build up to the equalising goal at Balmoor and he could well prove to be a real asset in the remainder of the campaign. He will be part of the squad who travel to the south west tip of the country tomorrow afternoon in preparation for the 7.45pm. kick-off, but Adam Hutchinson is ruled out following his hamstring tweak on Saturday past. Josh Skelly is also an absentee but a late decision will be made on Mark Whatley’s fitness.

Work also continues behind the scenes to augment the squad options for the remainder of the campaign. Although the registration window shuts on Monday evening, players not contracted to clubs at the midnight deadline can still be signed while temporary transfers from within Scotland are still permitted for clubs at League2 level until the end of February.

Back to the Stair Park clash and the home side have to date brought in two additions to their squad since their visit to Angus a week past Saturday, one of the duo Sean Docherty signed from East Fife, one of their marksmen in the victory over Spartans, the other Elliot Dunlop who returned from Airdrie on loan playing by all accounts a prominent part over the ninety minutes.

Jim Weir and his squad will be up for the challenge, of that there is no question and keen to pick up their second three point haul on the road this campaign, prior to our only home fixture of the month on Saturday first when Edinburgh City come calling.

There are two other midweek tussles in League2 tomorrow evening. Bonnyrigg Rose make the trip to Elgin while Stirling Albion play host to Spartans.

The man in the middle at Stranraer on Tuesday evening is experienced whistler Steven Kirkland.

Admission prices at Stair Park are as follows;-
Adults £15
Over 65’s £10
5/16 year olds £5

C’mon the Loons.