Match Preview – Forfar Athletic v BSC Glasgow

William Hill Scottish Cup Third Round

Venue – Station Park

Date – Saturday, 24th November 2018

Admission Prices – Stand & Terracing – Adults £10   Concessions (65 & over) £5    Under 17’s £3    

Entry to the stand by normal turnstile at the east end of the stand.   Three turnstiles for terracing entry, each marked for a specific price band will be open at the main turnstile block in Carseview Road.

Forfar Athletic season tickets not valid for this fixture

Summary -  The ‘Loons’ head into Saturday’s third round William Hill Scottish Cup third round tie against  our most welcome first time visitors BSC Glasgow undoubtedly hoping to erase the painful memories of recent seasons when defeats from Linlithgow Rose, Edinburgh City and Formartine United have been a ‘sair dunt’ to the club and in particular our loyal band of fans.

However, Jim Weir and his players know they have no easy task in front of them against the Lowland League side managed by former Stranraer defender Stephen Swift. 

BSC reached this stage of the national tournament for the first time in their history with a comprehensive 4-1 away victory in a Lowland League derby with Cumbernauld Colts and only last Saturday they moved into third place in the league with a 3-2 home win over Spartans.

The home side though will go into the game in confident mood.

To say they bounced back in style last Saturday from their ‘blip’ at Brechin the previous week would perhaps be an understatement.   The overall display against Dumbarton was at times breathtaking and certainly pleasing to the eye, the final 3-0 scoreline on their own admission flattering the ‘Sons.’

The home management team are almost certain to go with the same starting line-up especially after the news received earlier in the week in regard to the availability of Mark Hill and Lewis Moore.    The squad is still however stretched with the three long-term injuries and it is likely only four outfield players will be on the bench.

BSC will no doubt travel north in fine fettle following that victory last Saturday, coming as they did from 2-1 down to defeat the Ainslie Park side at Alloa.   Declan Hughes netted a brace, while skipper Ross McMillan was the other marksman on the day.

As with the Athies this result banished from the memory bank a disappointing 3-1 defeat the previous week in the South Challenge Cup from Bonnyrigg Rose.

As has been mentioned in previous dispatches, BSC have two players who spent short loan spells with the ‘Loons’ in their ranks in David Winters and Martin Grehan.   David who sensationally scored a hat-trick in an eight-minute spell on his Forfar debut some seventeen years ago did not feature in the starting line-up for the Glasgow outfit last week.

There is no doubt that a hard fought ninety minutes lies ahead with the romance and magic of the cup always something to look forward to for officials, players and supporters alike and certainly the financial rewards of progressing to the fourth round stage a great boost for the sixteen clubs who make it through from the third round ‘dog’ fight.

Hopefully, Forfar fans boosted by recent performances, four wins in the last five outings will turn out in numbers to get right behind Michael and his colleagues.

Match Officials – Referee –  Grant Irvine  Assistants – Jordan Stokoe & Chris Rae

Hospitality Complex Guests –  Ralph Brand & Friends, Ross Davies & Friends, Keelan Deas & Friends, Kirrie 2006 Dads, Dave Pearson & Friends

Scottish Cup Information – If Saturday’s tie ends in a draw after 90 minutes, the replay is scheduled for the Indodrill Stadium in Alloa on Friday, November 30th with a 7.45p.m. kick-off.

The draw for the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup is due to take place at Hampden Park this Saturday evening at 5.45p.m.  It will be beamed live on SFA social media channels.

Supporters Information – The 1984 Lounge at Station Park will be open on Saturday from 12.30p.m. till kick-off and on the final whistle till approximately 8 p.m. 

Club Shop open prior to kick-off and during the half-time interval.  

Match Programme priced at £2 and 50/50 tickets available from vendors inside the ground.