Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic - Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ go into Saturday’s game against Alloa Athletic on the back of a six game unbeaten league run, but it is likely that the visit of Paul Hartley’s ‘Wasps’ will be as stiff a test as they have faced in recent weeks.

Although the Recreation Park side’s form has been mixed since bouncing back in one season to Division Two as runaway Third Division Champions, reports on their form from all quarters has been positive.  In fact away from the ‘Rec’ they have won twice, compared to only one home success to date in their seven league outings.

They have a real mix of youth and experience in their ranks with youngsters such as goalkeeper Scott Bain a member of Scotland’s Under 21 squad and striker Robert Thomson on loan from Dundee United alongside  Darren Young, Stephen Simmons and Graeme Holmes all with a wealth of Premier League football behind them.   Earlier this week they also brought in Mitch Megginson on loan from Aberdeen and the forward goes  straight into the ‘Wasps’ pool for the Station Park visit.

Dick Campbell was obviously delighted with his team’s performance against Albion Rovers last Saturday  especially when three changes had to be made to the starting line up from the previous  week due to suspension and unavailability.    Michael Bolochoweckyj is still out this week as he serves the second game of his two match ban, while Keith Gibson and Jamie Bishop remain on the side lines through injury.   However Steven Tulloch and Iain Campbell return to bolster the pool.    Duncan Reid who was allowed to play for Lochee United where he is currently on loan in a Scottish Junior Cup tie last weekend is also  likely to find a spot on the bench this week.
One striking feature of the ‘Loons’ campaign to date is the fact that goals have been coming from all parts of the team, hat trick hero last week Ross Campbell becoming in the process the twelfth Forfar player  to net so far this season in competitive fixtures.

Hopefully with the summer sport season drawing to a close a few extra locals might stir themselves to make the trip up to Station Park for this Saturday’s match prior to  another International break on the horizon next Saturday.

The game with Alloa  sponsored by those great supporters of the club Findlay and Company, the Dundee based accountants will be refereed by experienced Lanarkshire based whistler John McKendrick.