Queen's Park 4 Forfar Athletic 1

Though one cannot argue that Championship outfit Queens Park deserved their victory in what was the ‘Loons’ first competitive outing of the season at a sunny Ochilview on Tuesday evening, the 4-1 score line at the end of the ninety minutes was harsh on the visiting side.

In fact the Athies were very much in the game until the last ten minutes despite being far from full strength, prior to the full-time ‘Spiders’ scoring two late goals to put a gloss on the final outcome.

Forfar could indeed have taken the lead in the opening minute of the game Craig Slater’s shot from the edge of the box brining out the best of Calum Ferrie in the home goal.

Both sides then had chances to get that elusive first goal in this Premier Sports tie, to be fair Marc McCallum the busier of the two keepers.

The ‘Loons’ were dealt a blow midway through the half when Darren Whyte had to limp off after a penalty box clash, one can only hope the diagnosis is not to serious for the defender who has been so unlucky in this regard in recent times.

Queens eventually made the breakthrough with five minutes of the half remaining with a goal simplistic in nature.

Louis Longridge fired the ball across the face of goal, Lee Kilday supplying the final touch.

Stefan McCluskey replaced Matthew Aitken at the start of the second period and the move paid immediate dividend when Stefan netted a close range equaliser in the 47^thminute, the ‘Loons’ first goal of the campaign and hopefully the fist of many.

For lengthy periods the visitors with newcomers James Keatings and Nathan Flannigan absent for the ranks through injury looked comfortable in possession and held the home side at bay.

However with twenty minutes remaining, the visiting defence were caught napping as Scott Williamson ran clear from a Simon Murray knockdown, before showing good composure to round McCallum and slide the ball home.

Two late goals, the first a stunning strike from former Forfar loanee Lewis Moore, the second a tap in from Kilday sealed a final rather flattering final score for Owen Coyle’s side.

Gary Irvine though will take heart from the performance of many of his squad on the night as they now prepare for a visit from another Championship side on Saturday first when Hamilton Accies are the visitors to Station Park.

Forfar lined up at Ochilview;-(4-4-2)  McCallum, Nditi, Munro, Whyte(Hussain), Brindley, Jack(Thomson), Slater, Hutton, Moore(Hanratty), Aitken(McCluskey), Armour   Subs not used – Sanderson, Harkins, Irvine

Elsewhere in Group H on Tuesday, Hamilton Accies defeated Stranraer 5-2 at New Douglas Park.   

Matthew Shields netted a brace, Andy Winter, Andy Ryan and Lewis Smith their other scorers on the night.

Accies now visit Station Park on Saturday first, as the Premier Sports Cup sectional ties reach match day three, the kick-off 3p.m.

Admission prices are Adults £12,  Concessions (65 & over) £7, Under 17’s £4

Forfar Athletic season tickets are not valid for this game.