MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Airdrieonians

Ladbrokes League 1 football returns to Station Park this Saturday when Airdrieonians visit Station Park for the opening fixture of the campaign.

The Lanarkshire outfit reached the Championship Play-Offs at the end of last season but fell at the semi-final stage, losing in a penalty shoot-out against Alloa.

This was followed by the departure of the club owner followed by Manager Mark Wilson and Director of Football Gordon Dalziel still in fact remains in charge of the first team squad as the season commences.

They began their Betfred Cup campaign with a win over Stranraer but this was followed by defeats from Livingston, Partick and St. Mirren.

To date they have only brought in one new face in the summer defender David Brownlie from Ross County, while of course the ‘Loons’ will know to be wary of striker Andy Ryan who spent a successful stint on loan at Station Park from Hamilton Accies in the latter part of the 2015/16 season.

The home side also go into the game on the back of a slightly disappointing Betfred Cup campaign, but there was an undoubted improvement in the level of performance against Inverness Caledonian Thistle last week.

Manager Gary Bollan has no fresh illness of injury worries with only Grant Adam and Murray MacKintosh ruled out.

Scott McBride who was on the subs bench in the last two matches more as a precaution may well return to the starting line up while there will also likely be a berth in the back four for latest signing Conor Quigley.

With tough away games to follow at Ayr and Kirkcaldy a three point haul against the Diamonds would certainly be a boost for all involved at Station Park.

Second season Grade One official Steven Reid is the man in the middle.

The match is sponsored by the Astute Group while all four hospitality lounges are also occupied.

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

Season tickets will be on sale prior to kick-off from the Secretary’s Office.

The 1984 Lounge will be open from 12.30p.m. till kick-off and on the final whistle until approx 7.30p.m.