MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Brechin City
[Thursday, 01 January 2015 11:30]
A local derby to begin the New Year is what every football fan looks forward to and with the weather forecast favourable, it is to be hoped that the supporters of both Forfar Atheltic and Brechin City will turn out in large numbers at Station Park on Saturday for the clash between their sides. To be fair both teams deserve the support, their 2014 report cards showing the staff of both the ‘Loons’ and City to be in good heart.
Sadly both teams were inactive last weekend, Forfar’s trip to Peterhead and Brechin’s home clash with Dunfermline falling foul of the frosty conditions. Neither side lost much ground however with Stranraer, joint top with the Station Park men losing at home to Stenhousemuir, although Morton did come from 3-1 down to win at Stirling.
The home outfit go into Saturday’s fixture eight points clear of their opponents, having also picked up four points to City’s one in the two games between the sides this season. A Dale Hilson double and a goal from Danny Denholm saw the points clinched with a 3-1 win at Station Park in late September, before a cracking 3-3 draw was dished up at Glebe Park in November. In that game City raced into a deserved two goal lead through strikes from Andy Jackson and Bobby Barr, before the visitors bounced back with counters from Omar Kader, Gavin Swankie and Chris Templeman to go 3-2 up with fifteen minutes remaining. However Alan Trouten grabbed an equaliser in the 82nd minute and both teams squandered chances in a frantic finale which would have seen them clinch the points.
The ‘Loons’ management team have a full squad to pick from, although Derek Young despite taking part in two intensive training sessions this week is unlikely to be risked just yet. New signing Michael Travis will be in the pool and Dick Campbell will have to decide whether to include the departing Jim Paterson in his starting line-up. One thing is for certain, if the veteran defender is included, he will undoubtedly as ever give 100 per cent for the cause.
Ray McKinnon may well give a starting berth to 17 year old striker Craig Wighton on loan from Dundee alongside Kyle McAusland and Jamie Masson, also currently on City’s books from their parent clubs Rangers and Aberdeen respectively.
Andy Jackson and Gary Fusco both of whom have worn the sky blue of the home side in recent times are also likely starters.
Many Forfar fans will of course be hoping beyond hope for a repeat of the 5-1 score line in the 2nd of January fixture in 2014, but being realistic that is simply not going to happen. A tense gritty and hard fought ninety minutes are without doubt in store for all.
The referee for Saturday’s fixture is Colin Steven in his first season as a Grade One official who handled the Station Park win over Stenhousemuir in October.
The match sponsors are Dundee based accountants Findlay & Company, great supporters of the ‘Loons’ cause for many a day.
Admission charges are £13/£7 for the stand, £12/6 for the ground.
Home season ticket holders should utilise voucher 15.
A reminder to supporters of both sides that the 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open from 12.30p.m. onwards and again after the final whistle.