MATCH PREVIEW: Annan Athletic v Forfar Athletic

Forfar Athletic management and players will for the next four weekends concentrate on continuing their fine start to the Ladbrokes League 2 campaign, putting last Saturday’s excellent Irn Bru success over Raith Rovers and the excitement of the fourth round draw with New Saints on the ‘back burner.’

A first visit to Annan since a Tuesday evening in March of 2010 is the first ‘dish on the menu’ for the ‘Loons’ this Saturday, a fixture that undoubtedly will be a severe test for the Station Park outfit.

They will however obviously make the journey south in good heart and with no new injury worries.  

Jim Lister, a late call off against Rovers due to a stomach bug is likely to resume his front line role against Jim Chapman’s side, but as ever Gary Bollan will keep his team selection ‘close to his chest’ until just prior to kick-off.

Gary will also have to decide if Murray MacKintosh rested against Raith will resume his defensive role which was handed to another of the club’s younger crop of players Michael Kennedy against Raith.

Allan Smith is still completing a full recovery from his injury, while news is expected shortly as to whether long term injury victim Michael Travis can resume full training.

This will only be the Athies fifth visit to Annan, their record one win, one draw and two defeats.

The Galabank outfit have won both their home league encounters to date this campaign, both by a 3-2 score line, their opponents Clyde and Stirling Albion, this after an inconsistent start to the season.

This was perhaps to be expected after they brought in fifteen new faces in the close season, many of them still able to qualify for Development League football.

That inconsistency was perhaps summed up by an excellent performance when losing only 2-0 to Rangers at Ibrox in the Betfred, prior to crashing 5-0 to Celtic’s Under 20 side at Cappileow in the Irn Bru tournament.

A feisty clash looks on the cards for Saturday, the third of seven consecutive games that the ‘Loons’ will play on a 3G surface.

The referee on Saturday will be second season Grade One official David Munro.

A reminder to Forfar fans making the trip that there is a well appointed Social Club at the ground with away fans made very welcome by their hosts.