Forfar Athletic v Arbroath - Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ will return to league action on Saturday following a three week break due to cup commitments and of course the postponement of last weekend’s trip to Coatbridge and what a mouth watering prospect it is. Neighbours Arbroath fresh from their heroics against Celtic make the short trip to Station Park with the home side hoping it will be third time lucky as far as results against the ‘Lichties’ go this season.

Back in August Paul Sheerin’s men triumphed 3-2 in a highly entertaining Ramsdens Cup tie at Gayfield, while a month later the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw, a heroic display in many a respect by the visitors who finished the contest with only nine men after Michael Bolochoweckyj and Stephen Tulloch saw red.

Dick Campbell’s players have been able to keep in trim since the Ayr United cup tie thanks to their 3G surface with three training sessions and closed door friendlies against the Forfar West End and Tayport Juniors. Long term injury victims Keith Gibson, Odmar Faeroe and Derek Soutar are still side lined while the match comes a week to early for Danny Denholm. Gavin Swankie may also face a late fitness check. The homesters will also go into the game without skipper Mark McCulloch who is still to serve his one match ban for his rather unfortunate red card at Glebe Park.

On the plus side Dale Hilson will return to ‘Loons’ colours following his short term loan from Dundee United, while goalkeeper Jack Hamilton and Willie Robertson will make their first league appearances following their debuts in the cup win over the ‘Honest Men.’
Their could also be a spot on the bench for midfielder Gavin Malin who has moved north of the border from the Blackpool area and has joined the Station Park outfit on an amateur basis in the short term.

Arbroath will no doubt be along similar lines to Wednesday night’s starting eleven against the Glasgow giants, a match in which they did the SFL proud in front of a nationwide television audience and are sure to be backed tomorrow by a strong and vocal visiting support.

The game is sponsored by John Bennett and the referee is Iain Brines one of Scotland’s most experienced officials whose last visit to Station Park was in fact for the play off final between the sides back in May, 2010.