Falkirk 6 Forfar Athletic 0

The ‘Loons’ conceded six goals in a competitive fixture for the first time since the autumn of 2013 at the Falkirk Stadium yesterday, while to compound matters both Clyde and Peterhead secured victories with late counters.

To be fair no one could have seen the total collapse that occurred in the closing stages yesterday coming, although throughout the ninety minutes the visitors mustered only two shots at goal, neither of which was on target.

Steven Doris made his debut while last week’s other signings BJ Coll and Ryan Shanley were on the bench.

Forfar in fact held out for 45 minutes with relative comfort.   Marc McCallum pulled off a spectacular double save on the 20 minute mark, while Aidan Connolly undoubtedly the man of the match spurned a couple of chances for the ‘Bairns.’

However just as we entered added on time it was the home side who broke the deadlock, a right wing cross being diverted into his own net by the unfortunate George Stanger.

Falkirk were on the attack from the off in the second period, McCallum again brining off a save of some distinction to thwart Declan McManus.

Eventually the home pressure told with what was a relatively simple second counter in the 72 minute.   Ben Hall unchallenged netted from six yards out after getting on the end of Connolly free kick.

There then followed a bizarre last seven minutes to the proceedings.

Whether the ‘Loons’ defence wilted following the constant pressure or the homesters full-time training told, but in a blistering spell Falkirk netted four times with the ‘Loons’ in disarray and their loyal away following in despair.

Aidan Connolly netted a brace, Ben Hall his second while Paul Dixon rattled home number six on the 90 minute mark, all the gaols striking in their similarity.

Not a day to remember for all connected with the Athies it has to be said.

The management team will now have a big job on their hands over the next week to rebuild the confidence and put the ‘fire back in the bellies,’ prior to the visit of Clyde to Station Park on Saturday first.

The game against the ‘Bully Wee’ followed by the away game at Peterhead and the home clash with Stranraer over the next three Saturdays will undoubtedly now define Forfar Athletic’s season, with victories essential if we are going  to have a realistic hope of avoiding second bottom spot in the table come early May.

Forfar lined up on Saturday;- McCallum, Meechan, Bain, Whyte, Stanger, Docherty, MacKintosh (Robertson), Irvine, Doris, Forbes (Shanley), Kirkpatrick

Subs not used – Travis, Coll, Tapping, Aitken, McGuff

Crowd 3,522

Referee – Craig Napier

Yellow Cards – Kirkpatrick, Whyte