MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Annan Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head into ‘Helicopter Saturday’ in second place in the Ladbrokes League title race sitting one point adrift of the new leaders Arbroath following last Saturday’s results.

While the ‘Lichties’ were defeating Elgin City 3-2 at Gayfield, the Athies could only grab a point from a 1-1 draw with Cowdenbeath at Central Park.

That meant that the long time leaders slipped agonisingly to second spot in the table on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign an eleven point advantage in mid February having slipped away.

All is not lost however for Gary Bollan and his players as far as the Championship is concerned and they must in the first instance ensure a victory over visitors Annan Athletic at Station Park to have any chance of securing the silverware come 5p.m. this Saturday.

They go into the game with a clean bill of health with no injury or suspension worries. 

Michael Travis is likely to return to the fold following a one game ban which saw him sit out the Central Park joust, little other change expected to the starting line-up.

The Galabank outfit make the long trek north safe in third place in the table following an excellent second half of the season,

They secured that spot with a 5-1 demolition of Montrose last Saturday, four of the goals coming in the opening eighteen minutes of the contest.   They now await the outcome of the battle for the title to see whether it is Forfar Athletic or Arbroath they will face in next week’s two legged play-off semi final.

‘Loons’ officials hope that the supporters will stick with their side for the last leg of the journey and become a 12th man on the day.

As mentioned earlier in the week, we have no influence on events at Forthbank, but are certain that the eleven players who take the field in navy blue at Station Park at 2.55p.m. on Saturday afternoon will give their all for the cause.

Turnstiles will open at 2.20p.m. and admission prices are the normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the ground.

The match is sponsored by The Kinnordy Farms Partnership in memory of Lord Lyell with all four lounges in the Hospitality Complex full to capacity.

Referee is Grant Irvine making his first visit of the season to Station Park having handled our away game at Cowdenbeath in December.

No matter the outcome of the match, it is intended to present the Supporters Club Player of the Year Awards in a pitch side ceremony just after the conclusion of the contest.

The 1984 Lounge will be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off and again after the final whistle.