MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Peterhead

Following their semi-final success over two legs against Annan Athletic, Forfar Athletic have one final hurdle to climb in their second attempt this campaign to gain promotion to the Ladbrokes League 1.

Peterhead who finished second bottom of League 1 following a last day victory at home to Alloa Athletic provide the opposition in the two legged final, the first leg of which takes place at Station Park on Wednesday evening with a 7.45p.m. kick-off.

While the ‘Loons’ were coming out on top against Annan 6-4 on aggregate, their first half display against the Galalbank side in particular on Saturday past out of the ‘top drawer,’ Jim McInally’s players were completing a 4-1 success over Montrose.

Much has been made in the press over the past couple of days in regard to Peterhead’s talisman striker Rory McAllister being suspended for the second leg on Saturday, but looking towards the midweek joust in the first instance, both sides are likely to be at full strength.

Gary Bollan is unlikely to make many if any changes to the starting eleven from Saturday past, the squad enjoying a relaxing training session at Station Park on Monday evening in preparation for the clash.

Peterhead will of course feel ever so slightly at ‘home’ on the Station Park surface as they train in the ‘toonie’ on a weekly basis throughout the campaign.

The sides have already met once this season away back in late July, Peterhead coming out on top 2-0 at Balmoor in a Betfred Cup tie, prior to going on to in fact top the section.

‘Loons’ officials are hopeful that the Forfar public will turn out in substantial numbers on Wednesday evening to back their side and have again reduced admission prices to £10 adults, £5 concessions.

Season tickets are of course not valid for this fixture.

Premiership official Stephen Finnie will be the man in the middle, his only previous visit to station Park this season for the opening friendly of the campaign at home to Raith Rovers in late June.

Obviously both sides have a hard fought and nervy 180 minutes minimum in front of them to decide who will play League 1 football next season and all connected with Forfar Athletic can only ask and expect 100 per cent effort and application from the players, with similar energy hopefully being created from stand and terracing.

C’way the ‘Loons.’