Forfar Athletic 1 Formartine United 0

Station Park

SPFL Trust Trophy - 1st Round 

In a game that produced a multitude of opportunities at both ends of the Station Park pitch, one goal was enough to see Forfar Athletic through to the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy. Matthew Aitken was the man who got his head on the end of a Grant Anderson cross in the 15th minute to score what turned out to be the winning goal in an entertaining encounter with Highland League Formartine United. 

  Following-up their brace of victories in their opening league games, the Loons were again impressive going forward, some slick interplay between the forwards producing chances that, on another night, might have produced as many as four or five goals. As player-manager Gary Irvine was quick to point out, Steven Doris could have scored a hat-trick with just a little bit of good fortune in front of goal.

  “It could have been a bit more comfortable,” was Irvine’s overall verdict on a tie that bequeathed Forfar an away tie at Raith Rovers in the next round. “We had a lot of chances in both halves of the game. But what is pleasing is that we are creating those chances. That takes me back to the message I put to the group in pre-season. I want them to be making the right runs and making the right passes once we get into dangerous positions around the opposition box. 

  “Still, there is much to be pleased about. We knew it was going to be a tricky tie. And we are dealing with a couple of injuries that meant we changed our shape a little. The players adapted to that and we managed to use our full squad and get them good minutes.” 

  Equally heartening for the Forfar gaffer, however, was a third successive clean sheet, one achieved by a reshuffled defence that saw the welcome return of stopper Steven Anderson, out for the last eight months with an achilles injury.

  “I was delighted to see Steven play from the start in a competitive fixture.,” continued Irvine, who played all 90-minutes himself. “Those 60 minutes or so will help him build up his fitness and is a real positive for the squad. His experience is invaluable. He was my teammate many years ago, even before our time at St. Johnstone. We were in ‘young Scotland’ squads together. He is someone I’ve known for a long time. So I know his qualities. He’s had a great career. So it’s nice to see him back on the pitch. He’s a great option for us to have available. And he’s a big help to the younger players. 

  “Another clean sheet is something I take pride in. That’s a principle I’ve grown up with as a player. Shutting the back door and working hard is something I have emphasised to the players. The opposition will always create chances of course. And tonight I was a little disappointed to see so many. But we did have a change of shape and players were in positions that were a little unfamiliar. In the main, we adapted pretty well.”

  Perhaps the only real negative on a winning night was the early departure of Mark Gallagher. The Aberdeen-loanee picked up a little knock during Saturday’s victory over Edinburgh City and was initially optimistic that he could play only three days later. But it wasn’t to be. The 20-year lasted only three minutes before he had to be replaced by PJ Crossan. 

  “As soon as Mark turned once he went down,” explained Irvine. “I didn’t want to take any chances with him so it was probably the right decision to change it there and then. Tonight was important to keep our momentum going. Every team needs that. To keep building is something I am always putting to the group - ‘next fixture, next fixture’ - is the message. And there is a lot to be positive about. We’re winning. We’re keeping clean sheets. We’re a hard team to beat. We’re working hard. And we’re scoring good goals. All of those we need to keep going into the next fixture.”

  Which is at home to Kelty Hearts on Saturday. 

  “We’ll take them on with some confidence,” said Irvine. “We have a lot to be positive about. But it will be a tough game. I’ll get the players in on Thursday and let them have a wee look at the opposition. It’s one we’re looking forward to.”