MATCH PREVIEW: Annan Athletic v Forfar Athletic

Following a 110 mile trip north on Monday, the ‘Loons’ head south on Saturday on the 170 mile excursion to Annan in search of a three point haul to consolidate their seven point lead at the top of the Ladbrokes League 2.

The fixture at Galabank also heralds the commencement of the second half of the league campaign and there is little doubt that the 39 points accrued in the first half has exceeded expectations, but all connected with the Station Park outfit know there is long road ahead as they target an immediate return to the SPFL’s third tier.

Annan were in fact visitors to Station Park less than a month back for a midweek fixture which saw the home side triumph 5-1, Lewis Milne with a brace, supported on the night by counters from David Cox, Tam O’Brien and Danny Denholm.

Lewis was also on the score sheet in a 2-1 win at Annan back in September, Andy Munro the other scorer on that occasion.

Since their Station Park demise, which followed hard on the heels of a 4-0 cup tie exit at Formartine, Jim Chapman’s side have shown a distinct improvement in fortunes and go into Saturday’s tussle with two wins over the festive period.  

Last Saturday they triumphed by the odd goal in five away to Clyde, having won 3-1 at home to Berwick Rangers on Christmas Eve, former Brechin striker David McKenna netting three of the goals over the piece.

Those results have seen Annan move into fifth place in the table, 14 points adrift of the ‘Loons’ but only one goal short of being actually in a play-off spot.

Gary Bollan’s side though will head south in good spirits following hard fought 2-2 draw at Elgin on Monday in which the players again displayed great team spirit and also a fair degree of skill, the point gained in the end well merited despite being down to ten men for the final half hour of the contest.

Andy Munro made a confident return to the first team ranks at Boroughbriggs while every Athies fan present was thrilled when Michael Travis made his long awaited and assured re-appearance from the bench during the second period.

Stuart Malcom sits out this weekend’s contest following his red card at Elgin though hopefully Tam O’Brien will return to the ranks following his absence on Monday as he attended the birth of his son.

Lewis Milne again faces a fight to be fit for the contest but with four important months of the campaign remaining he will not be rushed.

Jim Lister may also come into contention for a starting berth up front following another excellent cameo appearance in the latter stages at Elgin following his four week lay-off in late November and early December.

Yes there is no doubt that the ‘Loons’ will head south on Saturday in good heart and full of confidence, but they will also know that a hard fought, no holds barred ninety minutes lies in front of them.

Craig Charleston one of the most experienced non FIFA whistlers on the Grade One list is the man in charge, the second time he has handled a Forfar fixture this season.