MATCH PREVIEW: Arbroath v Forfar Athletic.

The ‘Loons’ head to Gayfied on Saturday for the first time on league duty since February of 2014 determined to get their season back on track after two successive 3-1 home defeats.

Derby fixtures between the two sides have always been special and there is no hiding from the fact that extra spice is added to this occasion by the appearance in the home dugout of Dick Campbell, his brother Ian and John  Young, all of whom had such a successful spell in recent times at Station Park.

Gary Bollan will hope that Thomas O’Brien and Lewis Milne both late-call offs from the starting line-up against the New Saints will be available for selection come 3p.m. on Saturday, while David Cox remains a doubt.

The Station Park manager has to date been thwarted in attempts this week to bolster his playing squad, but there is still a chance of a new face in the playing pool prior to the visit down to the coast.

The ‘Lichties’ have had a mixed first quarter of the campaign finding it difficult at times to turn draws into wins.  In fact their last three fixtures have ended up a point apiece against Edinburgh City, Cowdenbeath and Annan Athletic.

Dick like Gary made a host of close season signings including Omar Kader, Michael Dunlop and Gavin Malin who formerly wore the Athies colours.   The summer also saw the return to the Gayfield ranks of striker Steven Doris alongside Bryan Prunty from Airdrie and Josh Skelly on loan from Arbroath to work alongside the prolific Bobby Linn.   Another of the newcomers, central defender Jassem Sukar on loan from Dundee United will sit out Saturday’s fixture through suspension.

The Arbroath website has hailed the game as ‘El Classico’, so let’s hope it lives up to the billing!

Craig Napier who was in charge of our fixture with Stirling Albion last month is again the man in the middle.

Admission prices are £13 for adults, £7 concessions.   A parent and child gate is available at £15.

As has been previously intimated, strict segregation will be enforced at this fixture with Forfar Athletic supporters utilising the turnstiles at the Pleasureland end of the ground for both stand and  terracing.   

‘Loons’ fans who wish to sit in the stand should occupy Sections A&B.

Supporters of both sides are asked to co-operate with the match stewards at all times and most importantly enjoy the match.