MATCH PREVIEW: Stenhousemuir v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head to Ochilview on Saturday in the knowledge that a win over the ‘Warriors’ would see them move above their opponents into seventh spot in the Ladbrokes League 1 table as we approach the final month of an at times agonising season.

On the evidence of the last three performances from Gary Bollan’s side, culminating in an excellent 3-1 win over Ayr United last Saturday, there is no reason why this cannot be the case come 4.50p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

Admittedly the Athies still have a seemingly never ending injury list to contend with, Iain Campbell, Michael Dunlop, Martyn Fotheringham, Bryan Hodge and Derek Young all being unable to take a full part in training earlier in the week, but to be fair the homesters have not had their troubles to seek in recent times either.

In fact Brown Ferguson’s side have lost their last four league games to Stranraer, Peterhead, Ayr United and Dunfermline Athletic, shipping sixteen goals into the bargain and have not recorded a victory since February 13th.

Back to the ‘Loons’ likely squad for the fixture and a couple of the players mentioned above may survive a late fitness check to become involved in Saturday’s action, Scott Martin who missed the game with Ayr due to a virus likely to be fit to resume his midfield duties.

Scott Smith who signed a short term deal in midweek will be in the pool for the game with the travelling support without doubt hoping that Andy Ryan and Steven Craig can continue their dynamic form up front, ably supported by the attack minded Gavin Swankie, Omar Kader and Danny Denholm.

The home side will be minus Jamie McCormack and Ross Meechan from last week’s starting eleven as both serve one match suspensions, a recall from the subs bench for former Station Park stalwart Stuart Malcolm a possibility for the home management team.

A goal on the stroke of half time by Stephen Stirling clinched the three points for the ‘Warriors’ at Station Park in January, while the ‘Loons’ threw away a two goal lead in the closing moments on their last visit to Ochilview in November, a 2-2 score line the final outcome. In the early season joust between the sides at Forfar, a then rampant home side ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Certainly three points on Saturday stating the obvious, would be another welcome boost for all connected with Forfar Athletic, especially with the top two teams in the League Peterhead and Dunfermline Athletic the next two ’dishes on the menu.’

Saturday’s fixture will be refereed by the experienced John McKendrick who took charge of both our cup ties with Queens Park in the latter part of 2015, as well as our Boxing Day clash with the ‘Pars.’

Admission prices at Ochilview are £13 adults, £8 concessions. Under 16’s are admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Forfar Athletic adult season ticket holders only will also receive a £3 reduction on the cost of admission on production of their season ticket booklet at the turnstile.

A reminder that seats can still be booked on the subsidised Supporters Coach which is scheduled to leave the Myre Car Park at 12.30p.m.