MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Clyde

Clyde Football Club make their first visit to Station Park on Boxing Day since astonishingly February of 1999.

The ‘Bully Wee’ currently sit in fourth place in the table ten points adrift of the ‘Loons’ as we approach the half way point in the Ladbrokes League 2 season.

The Broadwood outfit, despite a 5-0 Scottish Cup success over Arbroath have stuttered a little in recent weeks in the league tasting victory only once in their last five outings.

Managed by the legendary Barry Ferguson, 45 times capped for his country, one of his key players is veteran Player-coach Peter MacDonald who has already netted eleven times this campaign, while goalkeeper John Gibson who had a spell on Forfar’s books is one of three ever presents alongside defender Ewan McNeil and midfield player Scott McLaughlin.

The home side will go into the game full of confidence following their 5-1 home success against Annan and their last gasp winner against Cowdenbeath last Saturday.

Lewis Milne a first half casualty at Central Park will hopefully be fit to take his place in midfield and little change is expected to the starting line-up.   Murray MacKintosh has fully recovered from his illness and will be in the squad, while Michael Travis continued his recovery with a run out in a midweek friendly.

Jim Lister is still a doubt following his hamstring tweak earlier in the month.

The ‘Loons’ will be desperate to continue their winning run and end the year on a high note, although they are already certain to go into the New Year in top spot in the table.

When the sides met at Cumbernauld on a rainy day in late September, the visitors clinched the points courtesy of a 40th minute header from Tam O’Brien, complimented by a gutsy second half performance.

Kincardineshire school teacher Mat Northcroft will be the man in the middle.

With the fixture being the only game in Tayside on Monday afternoon, home officials are hopeful of a boost to the attendance figure, especially with a reasonably favourable weather forecast.

The kick-off is at the normal time of 3p.m. with admission charges £13/7 for stand, £12/6 for the terracing.

The match is being sponsored by the Kirriemuir Dental Practice, with all four hospitality lounges also full to capacity.

The Club Shop will be open and will be accepting names for those interested in making the trip on a proposed Supporters Coach to Elgin on Monday week.

Finally the usual reminder that the 1984 Lounge, situated to the west of the main stand will be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off and again on the final whistle until around 8p.m.