MATCH PREVIEW: Stirling Albion v Forfar Athletic

What has gone wrong on the park in the last five weeks as far as the ‘Loons’ are concerned?

That is the question the fans are quite rightly asking and rest assured Gary and his backroom staff are working exceptionally hard on finding the answers and rectifying the situation.

Following a run of nine successive victories in August and September in the league and Irn Bru Cup, a record of four defeats and two draws in the next six has been to say the least disappointing and a shock to all.

These results have seen our substantial lead at the top of the Ladbrokes League 2 table cut to one point followed by a hard to stomach Scottish Cup exit at the second round stage on Tuesday past.

Can it be put right?

Of course it can and hopefully that process will begin with Saturday’s visit to the Forthbank Stadium to face a Stirling Albion side still under the charge of stand in boss Martyn Corrigan.

Forfar will head to the central belt with the same group of players that triumphed 4-1 over Albion at Station Park only seven weeks back, albeit as they say ‘a lot of water has gone under the bridge’ since!

In fact while the ‘Loons’ have faltered, the ‘Binos’ are unbeaten in their last four outings, a 2-0 win over Cowdenbeath and draws with Berwick and Clyde on league duty, while an impressive 3-0 cup tie success at Linlithgow was sandwiched in between.

As was the case for Tuesday night’s tie, the Athies management team have a full pool of players a their disposal for the game, Michael Travis apart.    There is good news on that front however with the popular central defender stepping up his training regime and hoping to be back in Development League action before their mid season break.

Hopefully a few staunch Forfar fans will make the trip to Forthbank to give the players their backing as all strive to get the season back on track.

First season Grade One official Graham Beaton who took charge of our opening league game at Meadowbank back in August is the man in the middle.

Admission prices are £13 for adults, £9 for Senior Citizens, £5 for Under 16’s while Under 12’s go free.