MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Peterhead

The ‘Loons’ head into the month of April knowing that survival in the Ladbrokes League 1 is in their own hands with as has been stated time and time again five ‘cup finals’ to play before the end of that month.

They certainly don’t come much tougher than this Saturday’s opponents Peterhead. Jim McInally’s side have already qualified for the end of season promotion play-offs currently sitting in second spot in the league table four points ahead of third placed Ayr United, but well adrift of champions Dunfermline Athletic.

They also have the most important game in the club’s history on the horizon, the Petrofac Cup Final a week on Sunday at Hampden when they will carry the best wishes of most Ladbrokes League One and Two clubs with them in their clash with Rangers.

The ‘Blue Toon’ side’s amazing nineteen game unbeaten league run came to an end last week with a 1-0 home defeat from Cowdenbeath, a result that did not suit either the ‘Loons’ or their Angus neighbours up at the Glebe.

It will be interesting to see how the Balmoor outfit will react to that result, or whether they will have one eye on the final. In fact will Jim McInally’s team selection on Saturday reflect the importance of the following week’s game?

Enough of the opponents, what about Gary Bollan’s side.

It is an old adage but true. It is what you do on the field of play yourselves that will matter and you cannot count on the opposition to do you favours along the way.

Taking that into account, the Station Park faithful will be looking for a repeat of the excellent display of two weeks back against Ayr United in this Saturday’s encounter. That would certainly put the disappointment of Ochilview firmly on the ‘back burner.’

Quite a few of the home first team squad were in the treatment room rather than on the training field in midweek, but the long term injuries apart, Gary was hopeful that most of the ‘walking wounded’ will be passed fit by 3p.m. on Saturday.

News is also awaited from his parent club Dundee United as to whether Euan Spark will be able to resume his defensive duties on the right flank following the shoulder injury he sustained in the closing moments of the last home game.

One or two of the Athies players looked nervous and failed to get ‘out of the blocks’ against the ‘Warriors last Saturday, but all connected with the club will hope and trust that the opposite will be the case in what will be the third last home game of their league campaign for Gavin and his team mates.

The visitors won 2-0 on their previous visit to Station Park on a December Tuesday night, Forfar having in fact twice been 2-1 up in the second period in the clashes between the sides at Balmoor. Sadly late goals from Leighton McIntosh on both afternoon’s clinched on the first occasion a point, on the second all three points for his side.

Saturday’s fixture will be refereed by Premiership official Stephen Finnie whose last Station Park appearance in January lasted all of six minutes before the floodlights failed!

The match is sponsored by that great supporter of the club Iain Bett.

Forfar Athletic season ticket holders should utilise voucher 23.

Admission prices are the normal £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the terracing.

A reminder that the 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open form 12.30p.m till kick-off and again on the final whistle till approximately 7.30p.m. All supporters welcome.