MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Edinburgh City

Following two very successful months, few pundits or for that matter Forfar Athletic supporters would have expected Gary Bollan’s side to be going into their fifth match of October month still searching for their first victory.

That however is the picture, following derby defeats on league business to Montrose and Arbroath, an Irn Bru exit to the New Saints and last week’s Scottish Cup draw against Edinburgh City, a side who again provide the opposition on Saturday for the ‘Loons,’ this time on points gathering business.

In fact as has been well documented Saturday’s fixture will the second of a triple header against Gary Jardine’s side who will make the return trip to Station Park on Tuesday night of next week for the cup replay.

The home side go into Saturday’s league fixture still on top of the Ladbrokes League 2, three points clear of second placed Elgin City.

Yet again as has been the case throughout the month, Gary will not have a full squad to choose from.   Jamie Bain sits out the game due to a one match suspension following his red card at Gayfield two weeks back, while Murray MacKintosh is an absentee due to a family wedding.

Tam O’Brien and Lewis Milne absentees at Meadowbank last weekend will both face late fitness tests with the manager hopeful that at least one of the two might make the starting eleven.

On the plus side Eoghan McCawl signed on loan from St. Johnstone will make his Athies debut, while a defender recently released by a Premier League outfit could be listed as a ‘trialist.’

Martyn Fotheringham very effective on his return to the ‘engine room’ last weekend will certainly be looking for a big performance and with it hopefully three points, prior to his Testimonial Dinner later in the evening.

The Capital City outfit still looking for their first win in what will be their eleventh league outing gave a good account of themselves in last week’s tie.

Craig Beattie, Ross Guthrie and Mark McConnell in particular looked a threat at times while goalkeeper Andrew Stobie made a couple of memorable saves to deny Jamie Bain in particular.

Interestingly two of the three points that City have picked up to date have come on the road with 1-1 draws at Stirling and Annan.

Saturday’s man in the middle is first season Grade One official Scott Millar.

The match sponsor is Dundee based Chartered Accountants Findlay & Company, long time supporters of the ‘Loons’ cause, while all the hospitality lounges are full to capacity.

Admission charges are the normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the terracing.

The 1984 Lounge will as normal be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off, then on the final whistle till approximately 7.30p.m.

All supporters welcome.