Forfar Athletic v East Fife – match preview

Venue –Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park – ko 3p.m.

Saturday 30th December, 2023

cinch league 2 – match no 18

Stand admission charges are;-
Adults £15
65 & over £9
Under 17’s £5

Terracing admission charges are;-
Adults £14
65& over £8
Under 17’s £5

Payment by cash at turnstile

Forfar Athletic Season Tickets are of course valid for this fixture

1984 Lounge
The 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open to all supporters attending the fixture from 12.30p.m. to 2.50p.m. and again on the final whistle till approximately 8p.m.

The Refreshment Kiosk and Club Shop will be open as usual at the fixture.
50/50 tickets will be on sale from vendors within the ground and within the 1984 Lounge.

PREVIEW

The ‘Loons’ welcome East Fife to Station Park on Saturday without doubt hoping to build on last Saturday’s performance and end result up at Peterhead, at the same time securing a second successive league victory for the first time this campaign.

Manager Ray McKinnon has emphasised to the squad at two training sessions in midweek the necessity to maintain the performance level attained throughout the ninety minutes at Balmoor. His message simply ‘go out and win the game and end the year on a high.’

It was indeed a fine all round team performance last Saturday with Adam Hutchinson and Stuart Morrison holding firm at the back in the absence of Andy Munro and Matty Allan, while Seb Ross was the ‘darling’ of the travelling support with two well taken first half goals taking his tally for the season to six. Even when reduced to ten men, the Athies on the day looked secure each man from Marc out including the utilised subs playing their role.

The good news on the injury front is that Matty Allan has taken a full part in training this week and if there is no reaction he will return to the match day squad. However Andy Munro is ruled out for a second week and of course Roberto Nditi is not available.
Callum Moore disappointingly also misses out serving a one match ban, having breached the six yellow card ruling in the first half of the season at Peterhead.

East Fife head over the Tay on the same points mark as the home side, their last two league results a 3-0 home defeat to Bonnyrigg and a 2-1 away loss at league leaders Stenhousemuir.

Like their opponents, Greig McDonald’s side have had a disappointing first half of the campaign by their standards, epitomised by a Scottish Cup exit at Dunbar in late October. The first clash between the sides at Bayview in late September ended in a 1-1 draw, Alan Trouten giving the home side an early lead, Stuart Morrison netting the equaliser in the 80th minute.

Saturday’s contest is sure to be a ‘dog eat dog’ affair with both sides looking for mid table security at the very least as we head towards 2024.

The home support who have been ‘top drawer’ in their backing of the team this season to date will have their part as ever to play as hopefully we can head into the second half of the campaign on a high.

Saturday’s referee Iain Sneddon who has recently had a couple of man in the middle Premiership appointments will be handling a ‘Loons’ game for the first time this season.

Match Sponsor – Alan Davie & Family

Hospitality Guests – Keelan Deas & Friends, Audrey Lindsay & Friends, Arron Myles & Friends, Keith Thomson & Friends

Saturday’s other cinch league2 fixtures;- Bonnyrigg Rose v The Spartans, Clyde v Stenhousemuir, Elgin City v Peterhead, Stranraer v Dumbarton