Hamilton Accies v Forfar Athletic - Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ head for Cumbernauld on Saturday for the second leg of our Play-Off semi final two goals in arrears against a Hamilton Accies side who in stages on Tuesday evening showed why they would have secured a top four spot in League1 had it not been for the penalty points levied by the SPFL during the course of the season.

Nevertheless manager Jim Weir and his players are determined to show that the tie is far from over when the first whistle blows at Broadwood tomorrow. The management team and players analysed the first leg defeat in a positive manner at training on Thursday evening. Jim emphasised to the squad how important Scott Shepherd’s late goal could be. The mindset heading into the second stage of the contest is firmly on scoring the first goal in the contest and if this target can be achieved, well who knows? It would certainly give the Athies a foothold in the contest.

The only injury doubt for the ‘Loons’ is MacKenzie Lemon, but that apart the remainder are ready as they say to give it their ‘best shot.’

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s contest Accies manager Darian MacKinnon acknowledged that the tie was not over, though he was obviously delighted by his team’s overall performance on the night. Top scorer Ollie Shaw showed his capabilities with two of the visitors counters on the night, Kyle MacDonald the other marksman.

In a final word about Tuesday’s match, Jim Weir and his staff and players were delighted with the turnout of the home support and the backing they provided and hopefully more than a few ‘die hards’ will make the 80 mile trip west on Saturday. It will be appreciated rest assured.

The manager is also hopeful that the business completed behind the scenes in midweek with Martin Rennie, Aron Lynas and Jamie Richardson all agreeing to extend their contracts for another season will be a boost to their fellow players many of whom are already contracted for the 2026/7 campaign as well as the fans going into Saturday’s contest.

Commenting on the news of the trio committing their immediate future to the club, Jim paid tribute to the huge contribution Martin has made to the side this season in terms of goals and assists, the undoubted all round impact Aron has made to the side since arriving in early February and the hopes he has that Jamie Richardson will continue to show progression in the year ahead. Naturally Jim and Gavin cannot hide their delight in getting this business over the line at this stage.

Back to Saturday’s contest and everyone connected with the club from the Chairman to the youngest supporter is aware that the players will give their all in the cause against Hamilton as they have done all season. Whatever the outcome and we all live in hope that the campaign will continue for another week, one prime objective has undoubtedly been achieved over the past nine months or so by the management team and players who have represented the club. After two pretty hellish seasons you have importantly put the smile back on the faces of the ‘Loons’ support, of that there is no doubt.

The referee on Saturday is Sean Murdoch who in his playing career wore the colours of both the ‘Loons’ and the Accies!

Admission prices levied at Broadwood are as follows;-

Adults £20
Concessions £15 (over 65’s and students aged 18/21)
Under 16’s £10

Tickets require to be purchased in advance through Fanbase. See Hamilton Accies website etc for full details.

The weekend’s other play-off ties;

Friday – Premiership Quarter Final Play-Off 2nd Leg – Arbroath v Dunfermline Athletic (0-1)
Saturday – Championship Semi Final Play-Offs 2nd Leg – Airdrieonians v Alloa Athletic (0-1), Stenhousemuir v Queen of the South (1-1)
League1 Play-Off Semi Final 2nd Leg – The Spartans v Clyde (2-0)
League2 Play-Off Final 1st Leg – Brora Rangers v Edinburgh City