Annan Athletic v Forfar Athletic – match preview

The ‘Loons’ head to Annan on Saturday for match number nineteen in their cinch league2 campaign on the back of a 1-0 home defeat on Monday from Elgin City.

It was a game that was probably lost in the first half when three or four ‘concrete’ chances were not taken by the home side.

The early second half dismissal of Tomas Brindlay did not help the cause, but the 89th minute winner for City was a real ‘sucker punch.’

However the fact that Tomas is now available for the Annan fixture following the appeal process is a real plus for Manager Ray McKinnon.

The manager is convinced that common sense has prevailed on this occasion and from the moment the red card was issued he like many others felt it was a yellow card offence at best.

Forfar travel south with newcomer Seb Ross in contention to make his debut with the manager hopeful of adding a second new face prior to kick-off.

Nathan Flannigan and Darren Whyte are out injured, the latter it would appear for a considerable period which is so disappointing and sad particularly for the player himself.

Craig Slater trained on Thursday evening and his fitness will be assessed on arrival at Galabank.

Annan go into the game having not played since December 23rd when they thrashed Albion Rovers 5-1 on home turf, five different players getting on the score sheet.

Tommy Goss has been a ‘thorn in the flesh’ of the ‘Loons’ to date this season netting a double in both Annan victories so he will obviously be earmarked for close attention come 3p.m. on Saturday.

Hopefully a few Athies fans will make the long trek to Dumfriesshire to back their favourites as they continue on a run which sees them meet the top four teams in the current table over consecutive weekends.

A reminder that admission prices at Galabank are £14 for adults, £10 concession with under 12’s going free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Iain Snedden, the match referee will remarkably be taking charge of a third successive ‘Loons’ away fixture having also been the man in the middle at both Dunfermline and Stenhousemuir.

C’mon the ‘Loons’