MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Stranraer

The ‘Loons’ return to Station Park action on Saturday when Stranraer provide the opposition, no doubt determined to erase the memory of their last home game when they shipped five goals against near neighbours Arbroath.

Amazingly Stranraer also lost heavily that day 4-0 to Albion Rovers, following this up with a 6-2 reverse at home to the ‘Lichties’ last Saturday.

It cannot have happened often that two teams have met in a league match in Scotland having conceded an aggregate of eleven goals over the previous two weekends to the same opponent, but that will be the case come 3p.m. on Saturday.

Stuart Balmer will again be in charge of the home side and will  no doubt be contemplating changes following the 3-0 defeat at Methil last Saturday.

One player definitely out is defender Michael Kennedy following his red card early in the second half at Bayview.

Fellow defender Darren Whyte signed on loan from St. Mirren on the eve of the visit over to Fife will make his home debut, while there are no fresh injury worries.

Scott McBride ruled out last week will have a late fitness test.

Stranraer sit on ten points from their seven games played and are still in the Irn Bru Cup.

However Manager Stevie Farrell is certain to ring the changes from last week’s side according to reports from the home camp.

All connected with the Athies know that they must start putting points on the board soon or they could be cast adrift at the foot of the table and hopefully with the backing of the home support, the players can begin the recovery process this Saturday.

Referee for the contest is Edinburgh based Scott Millar.

The match is sponsored by well known locally based architects James F. Stephen, while all five hospitality packages are fully subscribed.

Admission prices are the usual £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the terracing.

The 1984 Lounge a the ground will be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off and on the final whistle till approximately 7.45p.m.