Annan Athletic 1 Forfar Athletic 0

SPFL cinch League 1 Play-off Semi-final
Galabank, Annan
Tuesday 3 May 2022 

Forfar will need to come from behind at Station Park on Saturday after a battling performance at Galabank.  

Still though, the message from Gary Irvine was one of positivity heading in to the second leg. The Forfar manager was quick to stress that the Loons are only at the half way point in the tie.  

The hosts set the tone from the off, with Tommy Goss and Tony Wallace both heading wide early on.

Although Annan were on the front foot Stefan McCluskey carved out a great chance for the Loons, albeit it was the visitor's only one of the first half. Gary Harkins fed a lovely ball down the wing before McCluskey danced past two players and forced a good save from Greg Fleming. 

Annan scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game in the 31st minute. Charlie Barnes controlled a ball over the top and looped in a cross. The ball looked to be well behind the byline as it swung onto the head of Michael Garrity who nodded in at the back post much to the bemusement of the travelling Forfar faithful. Marc McCallum was booked for his protests joining Ross Meechan, who had been cautioned earlier, into the referee's book.

Annan continued in the ascendancy and Forfar's fortunes were not helped by further bookings with Gary Harkins and Matty Aitken joining their teammates in the referees book in what was an interesting game for the official. 

The second half started much in the same vein as the first when Dominic Docherty struck the post from range but from then on the Galabankies did little to trouble Marc McCallum who comfortably beat away shots from Moxon and Goss.  

As the clock ticked down the hosts looked content to travel to Station Park with their one goal lead while Forfar continued to push on. McCluskey, Aitken and substitutes Grant Anderson, P.J Crossan and Scott Shepherd all had efforts scrambled away by the Annan defence as the Loons attempted to bundle in an equaliser.

The goal did not come and the Loons will have to overturn the deficit in front of their own fans to progress to the final. 

Gary Irvine was none too happy about the decision to award the goal but was positive about his sides chances on turning the tie around. 

There is no doubt that Captain Ross Meechan and the team will greatly appreciate the support of the Loons faithful as they look to progress to the play-off final.

A big thank you to the band of Forfar supporters who made the long trip south to back the team this evening. 

In tonight's other League 1 Play-off tie Edinburgh City were comfortable winners in the Capital city against Dumbarton  and will take a 4-1 lead to the 'Rock' on Saturday.