Clyde v Forfar Athletic – match preview

The ‘Loons’ head to New Douglas Park in Hamilton on Saturday afternoon for the first time since January of 2004 as they hope to find the formula which will see them record their first league victory of the current campaign.

Clyde their opponents are in the same ‘boat’ having picked up only point to date from their four games in the cinch league2, a draw on the opening day against Spartans being followed for the ‘Bully Wee’ by three defeats each by a one goal margin.

Athies boss Ray McKinnon makes no bones about the fact that his side will be heading west with the intention of picking a up a three point haul against Brian McLean’s side.

Thankfully on the injury front though only Tomas Brindley and Craig Thomson are ruled out, and one or two others face a late assessment, Josh Skelly will return to the match day squad for the first time in a month.

Not making excuses for the Station Park side’s slightly disappointing start to the league season, but the non-stop battle with keeping players off the treatment table was best summed up last weekend when Matty Allan had to leave the field of play in the first quarter of the clash with Bonnyrigg, his replacement Craig Thomson surviving barely fifteen minutes before he pulled up with a hamstring problem!

Latest recruit 20 year old striker Cameron Ferguson signed late last Friday evening could well make his first start for the ‘Loons’ at the weekend and he certainly has the physical attributes to hopefully trouble many a fourth tier defence as the first half of the season progresses.

Saturday’s opponents made a dozen summer signings, the latest young midfield player Ji Stevenson on loan from Partick.

Two of the signings have a Forfar connection, Ross Forbes signed from Stenhousemuir had a season at Station Park a couple of years back while defender Logan Dunnachie spent the second half of last term on loan to the Athies from Motherwell, making only two starting appearances.

For many of the ‘Loons’ fans heading to Lanarkshire on Saturday it will be a first visit to the well appointed stadium, home of Hamilton Accies and all will be hopeful of making the 90 plus mile journey home in buoyant mood.

It has to be said that the management team and players are very appreciative of the numbers travelling to away fixtures this season, the upward trend a very pleasing factor indeed.

Saturday’s man in the middle Ross Clark will be refereeing a Forfar Athletic fixture for the first time.

Admission prices are;-
Adults £17
Concessions £14
Under 18’s £5

Tickets can be bought in advance, the option preferred by the host club, see details published on FAFC social media earlier in the week, but they will also be available from the ticket booth at the ground on the day.

Saturday’s other cinch leaugue2 fixtures are;-Bonnyrigg Rose v Elgin City, Dumbarton v East Fife, Stranraer v Peterhead, The Spartans v Stenhousemuir