MATCH PREVIEW: Arbroath v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head for Gayfield on Saturday no doubt desperate to put their Scottish Cup exit which came in such disappointing fashion behind them and at the same time extend their unbeaten league run to four games.

It will be no easy task against the ‘Lichties’ with no supporter of either side requiring reminding of what happened when the sides met in the early autumn at Station Park.

Jim Weir returns to one of his old stomping grounds with a depleted first team pool at his disposal.   Long term absentees Mark Miller and Marc Scott  are now joined in the treatment room by Murray MacKintosh and Michael Kennedy who are sidelined following injuries picked up against East Fife and Formartine United respectively.

Hopefully others will ‘step up to the plate’ in their absence and lift the spirits of all connected with the Station Park outfit as we enter a vital pre-Christmas phase of league fixtures.

Arbroath had a comfortable home win over Berwick Rangers to progress in the cup last weekend, this following a 4-1 home defeat from Ayr United and a 2-0 win at Hampden in league jousts earlier in the month.

Dick Campbell will no doubt have one of two familiar faces in the home ranks as far as Athies fans are concerned, though it would appear there are injury doubts regarding Gavin Swankie and Thomas O’Brien.

Hopefully quite a few ‘Loons’ supporters will make the short trip to give Michael Travis and the lads their backing.

Referee on Saturday is Lanarkshire based Alan Newlands who will be refereeing a Forfar fixture for the second time this campaign.