Venue – Station Park – Saturday 27th July – ko 3 p.m.
Betfred Cup – Group B
Summary – Despite their 2-0 defeat in sweltering conditions in the Highlands on Wednesday night, the ‘Loons’ go into Saturday’s home fixture against Premiership St. Johnstone with a still a realistic chance of progressing to the knock-out stage of the Betfred Cup.
Ross County have of course secured top spot with four wins from four, but if the Athies were to record a victory over their illustrious opponents and we all know how difficult that will be, the nine points they will accumulate should be enough to secure one of the four highest runners up spots.
Manager Jim Weir welcomes back skipper Michael Travis to his squad for the game and Dale Hilson is also available having served his one-game ban. However, Jamie Bain shown a yellow card in both the Montrose and Ross County fixtures will sit this one out.
Manager Jim Weir has rotated his squad in the three games to date, so there could potentially be a recall on Saturday for Sean Burns, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Gary Irvine who were all on the bench at the Global Energy Stadium.
The Perth Saints had a bad start to their Betfred Cup campaign losing to both Montrose and Ross County which scuppered any qualification hopes.
They did, however, bounce back in midweek defeating Brechin City 4-0 at McDiarmid, their goals coming courtesy of Scott Tanser, Chris Kane, Callum Hendry and Matty Kennedy.
However, there was a disappointment as well this week when a deal to bring Steve May back to the club seemed to falter if not collapse but if international clearance is received in time Estonian defender Madis Vihmann could make his debut for Tommy Wright’s side at Station Park.
The teams actually met at the same venue exactly twelve months back. On that occasion both sides went into the game with hopes of progression, the visitors prevailing to the tune of 3-1.
The home side this time round will be relying on their to date solid-looking rearguard and the goal-scoring prowess up the front of former Saint Andy Jackson and Dale Hilson to set the tone for the afternoon.
An interesting ninety minutes is in store of that there is no doubt!
Referee – Euan Anderson Assistant Referees – Joseph Lawson & Andy Taylor
In the sectional ties, three points are awarded for a win.
If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, each side receives one point. A penalty shoot-out then takes place under FIFA regulations and the winning side in the shoot- out receives one bonus point.
In the other Group B fixture being played on Saturday, Brechin City entertain Montrose.
Admission prices – Adults £12 Concessions (under 17’s and 65 & over) £6
Strict Segregation as previously announced will be enforced on the terracing at Saturday’s game. Forfar Athletic supporters should enter via the turnstiles in Carseview Road, while St. Johnstone supporters should utilise the turnstiles at the north-west corner of the ground adjacent to the Auction Mart Car Park.
Please note Forfar Athletic season tickets are not valid for this game.
The Club Shop will be open with replicas of the club’s new gold/navy change strip in stock.
Fixture lists and a limited number of new-look team sheets with some club news on the rear will be available free of charge from the Club Shop, Refreshment Kiosks or within the 1984 Lounge.
50/50 Tickets on sale from vendors within the ground.
Matchday Hospitality Guests;- Gary Balfour & Friends, Kris Davidson & Friends, Billy Douglas & Friends, Davie Fleming & Friends, Rhys Milne & Friends.
