MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Dunfermline Athletic
[Thursday, 19 February 2015 23:11]
On a day when four of the top five clash, Station Park is the venue on Saturday for what should be a titanic struggle between the ‘Loons’ and visitors Dunfermline Athletic.
Six points separate the sides in the SPFL League One, with to be fair the ‘Pars’ having a game in hand. It will however undoubtedly be a vital game for Dick Campbell and his ‘troops’, their last at Station Park before they set off to Ayr, Greenock and Peterhead for three tough away fixtures in the space of ten days.
The home side have had the better of the exchanges against the East End Park men so far this term. Back in August second half goals from Dale Hilson and Darren Dods secured a 2-0 win at Station Park, while even the most ardent of the Fifers support admitted they were lucky to escape with a share of the spoils from a goalless draw in the October meeting in the ‘Kingdom.’
It will certainly be a different looking Dunfermline side who will arrive in Angus this weekend. John Potter who had a sticky start to life as the ‘Pars’ boss after he took over the reins in early December from veteran Jim Jeffries has brought in half a dozen new faces in the transfer window, with Andy Barrowman, Kyle McAusland, David Hopkirk and latest addition Paul George on loan from Celtic all likely to feature in Saturday’s squad. Defender Jim Paterson who made the January move from Station Park to East End Park is however ruled out by injury.
The ‘Pars’ got back to winning ways with a 2-0 away win at Ayr two weeks back, before clinching three points with an amazing fight back to win by the odd goal in five at home to Stenhousemuir last Saturday, Barrowman netting the winner deep into injury time.
The home side will go into the game keen to erase the memory of last Saturday’s disappointing performance in front of the Alba cameras in Lanarkshire.
Gavin Malin will miss out as he serves his one match ban after the appeal against his red card last Saturday was dismissed.
That apart, the home management team will have basically the same pool of players available to them as has been the case for a few weeks now, with Mark Baxter and Michael Dunlop both struggling to regain full fitness.
Iain Campbell’s emergency temporary transfer has been extended to the full 93 days permissible, while Dale Hilson looks set to return to the starting line up. An attempt to strengthen the squad further with another temporary transfer signing is still in the ‘melting pot.’
However the ‘Loons’ will go into the game with the memory of a fine home showing and victory over Peterhead two weeks back fresh in the memory and are certain to go into the fray with ‘all guns blazing.’
As ever the visitors will be backed no doubt by a substantial and most welcome travelling support and hopefully home fans will appear in numbers for what should be an intriguing ninety minutes.
Kincardineshire based head teacher Mat Northcroft, fourth official at the Excelsior last Saturday night and a familiar figure at Station Park over the years is the match referee.
The game is sponsored by main club sponsor Orchard Timber Products.
Admission prices are as normal, £13/7 for the stand, £12/6 for the ground.
Home season ticket holders should utilise voucher 19.
A reminder to supporters that the 1984 Lounge at the ground is open from 12.30p.m. to 2.45p.m.and again after the final whistle till approximately 7.30p.m.