Arbroath v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview
As has been well documented Arbroath and Forfar Athletic meet for the first time in the Scottish Cup since the autumn of 1956 at Gayfield on Saturday first.
Of course, the paths of the ‘Lichties’ and the ‘Loons’ have crossed on many occasions since then, the most recent four league meetings as Dick Campbell’s side clinched the SPFL League One title in the 2018/19 season finishing seven points clear of the Athies who although they finished in the runner up spot, failed to clinch promotion through the play-off route.
Both teams go into Saturday’s tie in good fettle, though the home side will start as firm favourites to proceed to January’s fourth round of the competition.
The Gayfield side have had a remarkable season to date in Scotland’s second tier, despite being the only part-time club in that league.
They currently sit following a six-game unbeaten run in fifth position on goal difference, but significantly only two points off joint leaders Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers.
They will also go into Saturday’s contest on the back of a 1-0 win at Rugby Park over Tommy Wright’s side, Anton Dowds netting the 85th minute winner, this after the ‘Lichties’ had missed a penalty only six minutes earlier.
Gary Irvine’s side go into the game in good heart as mentioned above after consolidating their second spot in the cinch league2 last weekend with three late goals from Andy Munro, Grant Anderson and Matty Aitken against Cowdenbeath.
This victory was achieved without the services of the injured trio of Stefan McCluskey, Jamie Ness and Craig Thomson, Jamie however able to take part in a couple of full training sessions this week.
Although Saturday will be the home side’s first Scottish tie of the campaign, the Athies have already sampled action in the national tournament winning a second-round tie away to Formartine United by 2-0 in mid-October.
Scott Shepherd gave the visitors a first-half lead from the penalty spot, Grant Anderson was the scorer of the second half clincher.
Disappointingly referee Calum Scott who will also be in charge of this Saturday’s encounter issued two yellow cards to Andy Munro on the day which means the in-form central defender will sit out the clash against one of his former teams.
However, Arbroath will according to reports be without on-loan duo Joel Nouble and Anton Dowds who have not been given permission by their parent clubs to play.
Hopefully, a cracking contest is in store for all those who head to Gayfield on Saturday, with skipper Ross Meechan and others in the Station Park ranks stating in the local press during the week that they will head to the coast with no fears about the ninety minutes that lie ahead of them.
They can also take heart from the last two matches between the sides in that 2019/20 season won 2-0 and 2-1 by the Station Park outfit.
A reminder that strict segregation will be enforced at Saturday’s fixture.
Forfar Athletic supporters will enter the ground by the gate at the Harbour End.
Once inside the ground, away fans will be housed in Section ‘G’ of the main stand on a first-come basis and on the terracing obviously at the Harbour End.
We again emphasize to all supporters intending to travel to Gayfield on Saturday that Arbroath have adopted a policy this season whereby there are no cash turnstiles available on the day.
Admission prices on Saturday are as follows;-
Adults £15
Concessions £10
Parent and one child £17
Parent and two children £19
Full details of how tickets can be obtained can be found at;-
https://www.arbroathfc.co.uk/away-tickets/
