Montrose v Forfar Athletic – match preview

Venue – Links Park – Saturday, July 20^th – Kick-off 3 p.m.

Betfred Cup – Group B

Admission Prices – Adults £12 Concessions £6

The ‘Loons’ play their second of four Betfred Cup group stage fixtures this Saturday when they visit Montrose.

It will be the start of a busy eight-day period for Michael Travis and his colleagues with three ties scheduled.

They will come up against a Montrose side on Saturday who will be rightly ‘cock-a-hoop’ after their excellent and well deserved 1-0 victory over St. Johnstone on Tuesday past, Terry Masson the scorer on the night of a wonder goal winner.

Forfar though will head to the coast in good heart as well following an excellent pre-season which was followed by a comfortable win over an under-strength Brechin outfit at Station Park last weekend.

Prior to that game, Jim Weir hinted that he might ‘mix and match’ his players over the opening two Betfred ties, but any changes are likely to be limited.

There could however be a starting berth for Callum Tapping now free of suspension, while Connor Coupe an early second-half sub against City is another option perhaps.

The home side who like the ‘Loons’ enter the fray this time round on the back of an excellent 2018/19 season have not made many additions to their squad over the summer.

They did, however, complete the signing this midweek of the sought after Kerr Waddell, released in May by Dundee.    Blair Lyons a capture from Lowland League Stirling University is another to perhaps watch out for in the season ahead.

Forfar looked solid if not spectacular in last weekend’s victory and all concerned at Station Park will be relishing the tests in front of them, which begin at Links Park, then continue in Dingwall next Wednesday before the visit of St. Johnstone on Saturday week.

Hopefully, despite the holiday period and other summer pursuits available, a healthy visiting support will make the trip to the coast on Saturday to give the players their backing.

Referee – Craig Napier  Assistant Referees – Calum Spence & Jonathan Bell

In the sectional ties, three points are awarded for a win.  

If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, each side receives one point.     A penalty shoot-out then takes place under FIFA regulations and the winning side in the shoot- out receives one bonus point.

In the other Group B fixture being played this weekend, St. Johnstone are at home to Ross County on Sunday, the match being televised live on BT Sport.

Results to date in Group B;-

Forfar Athletic 3 Brechin City 0

Ross County 4 Montrose 1

Brechin City 0 Ross County 4

Montrose 1 St. Johnstone 0