MATCH PREVIEW: Edinburgh City v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ and SPFL newcomers Edinburgh City meet for the fifth time this season at Meadowbank Stadium on Saturday.

On the opening day of the league campaign back in August, the Athies triumphed 3-2 in the Capital City, but over the course of three games in a ten day spell in late October/early November, they failed to get the upper hand over Gary Jardine’s ever improving outfit.

The sides fought out a goalless draw in Edinburgh in the second round of the William Hill Scottish Cup, City clinching the Station Park replay courtesy of an extra time counter.

In between those ties, the spoils were shared at Station Park on league business, the final outcome on the day a 1-1 draw.

Following that result, the former Lowland League side went on an eight game unbeaten league run which saw them move off the bottom rung in the table, prior to losing two weeks back at home to Arbroath.

Last Saturday they were inactive after their scheduled fixture at Cowdenbeath fell victim to the wintry weather.

The ‘Loons’ head to Edinburgh having extended their unbeaten run to six games with their hard fought draw against Stirling Albion last weekend, few if any connected with the Station Park club having any complaint about the eventual outcome.

That result coupled with the ‘Lichties’ second half rout of Berwick saw the gap at the top of the table cut to five points.

Gary Bollan will head east knowing he will be without the services of Martyn Fotheringham for the game as he serves a one match suspension, while Jim Lister is also rated doubtful having had to limp off in the second period against the ‘Binos.’

The manager does hope to add a new face to his squad prior to the game, in fact the paper work could be completed tonight and if that is the case the player concerned could go straight into the starting line up at a Meadowbank Stadium built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games but due to be demolished in the summer months.

The ‘Loons’ backroom staff will certainly be hoping that they may be afforded the luxury on Saturday of not chasing the game after going behind as has been the case in recent fixtures, but they will know and will emphasise to their players that they will have to be at their best against a hard working and well prepared home eleven.

Second season Grade One official Craig Napier will be the man in the middle, the third time he has handled a Forfar fixture this campaign.

Admission prices are £12 for adults, £6 concessions, Under 12’s admitted for £2.