MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Brechin City
The curtain will come down on a without doubt disappointing and frustrating season for all connected with the ‘Loons’ at around 4.50p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
After last week’s defeat at Albion Rovers, coupled with results elsewhere, the Athies will ply their trade in the fourth tier of the SPFL next season, an outcome that no one expected away back in the heady days of August of last year when the league season commenced with three straight victories.
Post mortems will continue well into the close season in many quarters but the Directors, Management team and players must move forward in a positive frame of mind to take on the challenge in hand.
Hopefully the fact that the final act of the campaign involves a home local derby will motivate the depleted squad available to Gary Bollan to raise their game on the day and send the so loyal home support off on their close season break from hostilities with a wee smile on their face.
Michael Dunlop who failed to survive the ninety minutes at Cliftonhill is added to the ever growing injury list and Thomas O’Brien and Kerr Hay are still suspended for the visit of City, quite a few of the club’s development squad likely to find at least a place on the subs bench.
Brechin have had a fantastic, there is no other word to describe it couple of months.
From March the 1st when they thumped a lack lustre ‘Loons’ side 4-0 up at the Glebe they have picked up 21 points from a possible 27 to lift themselves off the bottom of the table. It would be fair to say that many pundits both locally and nationally had by the end of February written off City’s hopes of surviving relegation.
Quite frankly if they do complete the great escape, Darren Dods must be a strong contender to pip Dunfermline’s Alan Johnston for the Ladbrokes League 1 Manager of the Season award.
Back to Saturday and a victory would certainly see City secure their third tier status, but with Cowdenbeath currently well adrift of City on goal difference due to head for promotion seeking Stranraer, one would fancy their survival bid could end in success.
Saturday’s match will be refereed by Mat Northcroft, a familiar face over the years to both clubs.
The match is sponsored by the ‘Loons’ Honorary Patron Lord Lyell of Kinnordy.
Admission prices are the normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the terracing.
Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 25.
The 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off and again on the final whistle till approximately 8p.m.
Supporters of both sides welcome.
The close season break will again be a short one, especially for clubs involved in the play-off fixtures, with the revamped League Cup due to commence on July 16th.
Forfar’s revamped squad will commence pre-season training on June 14th, with a first friendly in all probability due to be scheduled before the end of that same month.
