New Central Park in Kelty is the destination for the ‘Loons’ on Saturday as they continue on their travels, a fixture against a Kelty Hearts side who sit one point above them in the William Hill League2 table on the ‘menu.’
Looking ahead to what will obviously be another tough encounter, Jim Weir is naturally keen that his side rediscover the winning formula, especially away from home.
End results of late have been disappointing, but the manager does feel in certain instances the final outcome at the end of the ninety minutes has been a harsh one.
There is no doubt that the Athies have played some good football over the piece, even up at Dingwall on Tuesday evening for example with no reward.
However, especially in league fixtures, Jim has continued to emphasise to the players that they must stop ‘ shooting themselves in the foot’ with obvious consequences.
The ‘Loons’ management team are considering all options as regards their starting line-up for Saturday, especially taking into account the contributions made by players entering the fray from the bench last Saturday and also the performances of certain players introduced to the starting line-up at Victoria Park in midweek.
The meeting with Ross County also saw Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia net his first goal for the club.
Injuries, though, will yet again play a part in determining that decision. Jake Dolzanski remains sidelined, while Mackenzie Lemon was injured during the warm-up on Tuesday evening, and Adam Brown, who picked up a knock during the contest, will also sit out the clash with Michael Tidser’s side.
Good news for all of a Forfar Athletic persuasion, however. Craig Slater took part in a full training session on Thursday evening as was anticipated and could come into the reckoning for the Scottish tie at Bo’ness next Saturday.
Jim will also welcome back the four loan players on Saturday, unavailable to him on Tuesday, including Luca Perrie, now the scorer of the Athies’ last four goals in league games against Spartans, Annan, Dumbarton and Elgin.
Kelty and the ‘Loons’ met on the first day of the league campaign at the Parkgrove Stadium @ Station Park, an Angus Mailer goal on the quarter-hour mark securing the points for the home side.
On our two previous visits to the West Fife in Kelty’s debut and championship-winning season in league football in 2021/2, the ‘Loons’ secured a 1-1 draw on the day the home side were presented with their trophy and medals in late April, having lost out by the only goal of the game earlier in the campaign.
Back to the present, the Fifers were by all accounts slightly unlucky to lose out 2-1 at Stirling last weekend, having recorded an excellent 2-0 win away to the Spartans the previous week. A place in the knockout stage as team number 22 in the rankings in the KDM Trophy was also confirmed midweek, this despite losing on by the odd goal in three at East Kilbride in their final group stage encounter.
Referee on Saturday is Connor Ashwood, who will be handling a Forfar fixture for the first time this season.
Admission prices at Kelty are as follows;-
Adults £16
Concessions £12
Under 16s £5
Under 12s: free
Tickets can be purchased in advance through Fanbase; see the Kelty Hearts official website for full details.
However, payment on the day at the turnstiles by cash or credit card is also an option.
Saturday’s other William Hill League 2 fixtures;- Clyde v Annan Athletic, Dumbarton v Stirling Albion, Elgin City v Edinburgh City, The Spartans v Stranraer
