Stenhousemuir v Forfar Athletic – match preview

The cinch league2 campaign gets underway on Saturday with the ‘Loons’ facing a tough opening day fixture against Stenhousemuir at Ochilview.
Last season the spoils between the sides were shared with a win apiece and two draws and again this time round on paper there is the potential for a few tight tussles.

Ray McKinnon’s side head into the opener on the back of what was undoubtedly a successful Viaplay Cup campaign, albeit ending with the agony of failing to qualify for the last sixteen due to an inferior goal difference.

There was much to be pleased about in the overall performance in the quartet of games, a fact acknowledged by the management team.

Ray is naturally looking forward to the season ahead but is no doubt that his charges have been handed a tough opening assignment. He is still hoping to augment his squad numbers this month, those numbers depleted against the ‘Warriors’ by the absence of Roberto Nditi. The popular defender serves a one match suspension following his ridiculous sending off in the final game of last term against East Fife.

On the plus side Andy Munro will return to the match day squad following his late substitute appearance at Paisley, while Darren Whyte continues to make progress.
Callum Moore is also back fit and well following his sickness bout which ruled him out of the St. Mirren clash.

Josh Skelly will be hoping to mark his league debut for the club with a goal or two, but as has been seen in the fixtures to date, goal scoring opportunities have been created and converted from all quarters.

Saturday’s opponents spent last weekend on a trip to the Channel Islands where they triumphed 4-1 over the Jersey Bulls. This followed on a Viaplay Cup campaign which saw a victory over St. Johnstone followed by defeats from Ayr United, Stirling Albion and Alloa Athletic.

Manager Gary Naysmith has to date made nine summer acquisitions including three familiar faces to ‘Loons’ fans namely Matty Aitken, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Ross Meechan. All three will no doubt be relishing Saturday’s encounter.

Ray and the Station Park squad have been so impressed with the level of support they have received from the stand and terraces so far this term and hopefully a fair smattering of the Athies faithful will be able to make the trip to the central belt on Saturday to back the side.

The match has the normal 3p.m. Kick-off.

Admission charges are £15 for adults, £10 concessions and £5 for under 16’s.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, see the ‘Warriors’ website for details, https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=3573 but cash turnstiles will also be in operation on the day.

Greg Soutar is the man in the middle.
Saturday’s other cinch league2 fixtures are;- Bonnyrigg Rose v Dumbarton, East Fife v Peterhead, Elgin City v Stranraer, Spartans v Clyde