The ‘Loons’ return to William Hill League2 action on Saturday no doubt still with a ‘heavy heart’ following last weekend’s cup shocker.
Jim Weir has not shied away from the fact that he felt that the players and the management team let all connected with the Forfar Athletic cause down at Bo’ness last Saturday and they must now work hard to make immediate amends especially to the Athies fanbase.
That attempt to get back to winning ways begins at Forthbank against Stephen Whittaker’s side who suffered a similar fate last Saturday losing out to a Lowland League side as well. Renfrew recording a 2-1 home success over the ‘Binos.’
Thankfully conditions look they will be better for all concerned this weekend, but Jim has at no time utilised that as an excuse for the cup demise as they were of course the same for both sides on the day at a rain and wind lashed Newtown Park.
The manager was disappointed with the penalty decision that went against his side and led to the Bo’ness equaliser, but he was even more disappointed with the way his players handled the situation from there on in.
Three points against Albion prior to home games against The Spartans and Edinburgh City would be a welcome lift, but it will be no easy task against a home side who had prior to their cup tie demise won two and drawn one of their three league games since October dawned.
The ‘Loons’ will again be without the services through injury of Adam Brown, Jake Dolzanski and Mackenzie Lemon, but Blair Alston will return to the match day squad.
The Forfar management team will be emphasising to the players about the necessity to adopt a positive attitude from the first whistle on Saturday, while the loyal band of away supporters will hope beyond hope that if a lead is secured, we can hang on to it, a problem in a few recent outings.
The home side triumphed in the fixture against Stirling at Forfar in August, goals from Aaron Arnott, Scott Shepherd and Adam Brown securing a 3-0 success on the day. O’ Happy Days!
Gary Hanvidge is Saturday’s man in the middle.
Admission prices at Stirling are as follows;-
Adults £18
Concessions (65&over) £13
Students & Under 17’s £8
Under 12’s free of charge if accompanied by a paying adult
Tickets can be purchased in advance see the Stirling Albion website for further detail but they are also available at the turnstiles on match day.
Saturday’s other William Hill League2 fixtures;-Edinburgh City v Dumbarton, Kelty Hearts v Elgin City, Stranraer v Clyde, The Spartans v Annan Athletic
