MATCH PREVIEW: Montrose v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ are in local derby action for the second week running when they make the short journey to Links Park this Saturday to face a Montrose side whose record this season has improved out of all recognition since the appointment in late November of Stewart Petrie to the managerial role.

Forfar despite the fact that they have not managed to secure a victory over their hosts this season to date, one defeat and two draws the record, will still travel in good heart despite only picking up a point from an intense and certainly hard fought ninety minutes against Arbroath last Saturday.

Manager Gary Bollan was delighted with the application of his players in that fixture, a game which to be honest either side could have won with chances missed at vital times at both ends.

The Manager also felt that the Athies were unlucky to have the free-kick awarded against them that led to the ‘Lichties’ goal at Station Park, video analysis of the incident proving if anything inconclusive.

The share of the points however maintained Forfar’s one point advantage at the top of the table with four games remaining.

Gary should have a full squad to choose from this coming weekend with despite a few niggles, no major new injury worries reported and more importantly no suspensions to contend with.

Obviously the boss will have to decide if Thomas O’Brien and David Cox will return to the starting line-up after their one match bans which saw them sit out the Arbroath fixture.

Montrose are on a good run of three wins and one draw in their last four games and sit only four points adrift of a play-off spot in fifth place in the table.

Stewart Petrie a former Station Park player and coach has rejuvenated the Links Park playing squad which includes an astonishing number of players who have at one time or another worn the Forfar Athletic colours.

In fact in an amazing ‘stat,’ ten of the ‘Gable Endies’ last  twelve league goals have been scored by former ‘Loons.’

All connected with the Station Park club were delighted by the attendance at last week’s visit of Arbroath.

Although there was no doubting the numbers that made the eighteen mile journey to back the visitors, the home support was also substantially above the ‘norm.’

Hopefully therefore a substantial number will make the effort to head for the coast this Saturday to give Gavin and his fellow players their backing in what goes without saying is another vital fixture.

Second season Grade One official David Munro takes charge of his second Athies fixture of the season, the first back at Annan in September.