Forfar Athletic 0 East Fife 0

A goalless draw was the end result for the gutsy Loons players who put in a tremendous shift in horrendous conditions at The Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park despite playing almost 60 minutes with only 10 men.

The Loons pressed from the opening whistle creating the best chances in the first half but as has been the problem this season, the home team couldn’t find the net. A Seb Ross free kick from a good position was just wide of the post, Josh Skelly forced a save from centre of the box and Finn Robson shot agonisingly wide following good set up play. Seb Ross came closest to opening the scoring hitting the upright with a header which looked goal bound to everyone braving the elements.

The game changed dramatically on 37 minutes when Josh Skelly was shown a straight red for what looked to be a fairly simple attempt to block a defenders clearance however the Referee deemed it dangerous play and the Loons were down to 10 men for a second week in a row.

The ten man home team continued to battle the wind and rain as well as their opponents as they searched for the opener. East Fife had a couple of chances but never really threatened Marc McCallum in the Loons goal as the home defence stood strong.

Second half the Loons continued to push for the opener, an indirect freekick opportunity within the East Fife box was squandered following Fleming picking up a pass back. Stuart Morrison’s header came close but again was agonisingly wide.

Into the closing minutes of the game the Athies thought they’d finally unlocked the East Fife rearguard when Ryan Paterson was was played through and slotted it home beating the keeper however he was flagged for offside.

Fulltime 0-0

Loons manager Ray McKinnon commented after the game “It was disappointing to only get the draw as we were the better team even with 10 men, there’s no doubt the sending off changed the game but the guys gave everything out there.” When asked about the January transfer window Ray commented “Yes we are actively looking to strengthen the squad and there will be some changes.”

Next Saturday the Loons are away to Stenhousemuir before a run of 4 home matches including the Hibernian Scottish Cup game.