Warriors Triumph Despite Loons Comeback

Forfar Athletic 2 Stenhousemuir 3

Forfar had the perfect opportunity to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Albion Rovers when they faced Stenhousemuir at Station Park. The Boss made further changes to the Loon's starting line up and brought back Martyn Fotheringham and Kevin Byers with Michael Bolochoweckyj starting for the first time this season, and on loan signing Adam McHugh making his debut.

The visitors almost took the lead as early as the 7th minute after Ferguson headed into the path of Stewart Kean who outstripped Jamie Bishop and Greg Ross before firing a left foot shot narrowly past the post. Forfar's first chance came after 11 minutes following a Fotheringham free kick which reached Crawford, a quick pass to Chris Hegarty saw a low effort sail inches away from the target.

Stenhousemuir took the lead minutes later when McHugh palmed away a cross from the left, but the danger wasn't cleared and another cross was angled over by McHale and FERGUSON headed home. It was soon 2-0 to the Warriors, a Rodgers cross from the left bobbled past McHugh and was prodded home by KEAN from close range.

The home side struggled to break down the Warrior's defence despite prolonged efforts, and on the half hour mark the visitors opened up the Forfar defence with a simple through ball which McHugh gathered just before Ferguson latched onto it.

With the scoreline 2-0 at half time, no doubt a "lively" teamtalk was delivered by the Boss, and it seemed to work wonders. Iain Campbell delivered a great corner after 55 minutes and Chris TEMPLEMAN rose above everyone to head home.Two minutes later and the hosts were back on level terms, substitute David MOWAT collected the ball 25 yards out and hit a rasping drive past McCluskey.

The Loons didn't remain all square for long, a cross from the right was headed downwards and the ball was hammered against the post, and the rebound fell to THOMSON who fired home.

The Loons almost grabbed an equaliser after 86 minutes when Gibson did well to get a cross over and Fotheringham first timed his effort inches past the post.

So, it was not meant to be, and Forfar had lost their first home league match of the new campaign. The Boss was unhappy with the team performance and confirmed it was "back to the drawing board".

Match Report By Kevin Brown