Annan Athletic v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ head south on Saturday to face an Annan Athletic side who will no doubt still be on a ‘high’ following their Scottish Gas Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle two weeks back and their subsequent ‘plum’ draw against Rangers at Ibrox in January’s fourth round.

However in the William Hill League2 after their 1-1 draw against Spartans last weekend, they sit five points adrift of Jim Weir’s side in the league table. This will be the third meeting this season between the teams. A 1-1 draw was the end result at the end of ninety minutes in tropical conditions in a Betfred Cup tie at Galabank in early July, the visitors picking up the bonus point in the penalty shoot-out that followed. This was followed by a solitary goal success for the home side at the Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park in mid September on league business, Angus Mailer the first half goal scorer.

The Athies of course qualified for the last sixteen round of the KDM Trophy on Tuesday past with another penalty shoot- out success against Edinburgh City. Jim Weir was delighted with the attitude of his patched up side on the night especially in the second period of the contest when despite the dreadful over head conditions, the home side managed to play some good football. Certainly on the back of the overall team performance in that second 45, the home side deserved to progress. In fact Jim cannot praise enough the effort and commitment of what has been an injury ravaged squad in recent weeks with on a regular basis five or six players ruled out through injury in the main or illness, many key members of the player pool.

It does not get any better as regards tomorrow’s contest. Lewis Martin subbed at half time on Tuesday is ruled out with a muscle injury. This another blow to the management team, Lewis having been one of perhaps the unsung heroes this season along with Jake Dolanski and Angus Mailer to name but three who have performed with such consistency week on week as an integral part of the ‘Loons’ set up. On the ‘flip side’ of the coin injury wise, Jim is hopeful Matty Allan will return for the Annan clash with another of the ‘walking wounded’ perhaps fit enough for at the very least a seat on the bench.

The management team will also have a decision to make as to whether Marc McCallum who made a welcome return to action on Tuesday evening will be between the sticks from the start tomorrow or whether youngster Neil Stafford who has proved a highly capable deputy in recent times will get the nod. November’s League2 Player of the Month Martin Rennie will again have a major role to play up front down in the Borders alongside his every willing partner in crime Scott Shepherd.

Hopefully a third away three point haul on the trot can be achieved on Saturday, not a feat that has been a common occurrence in recent times it has to be said, prior to two successive home games on the 20th and 27th of the month to bring the curtain down on the first half of the league campaign.

The man in the middle on Saturday is Alastair Grieve who was last in charge of a ‘Loons’ fixture up at Elgin in early October.

Admission prices at Annan are as follows;-

Stand – Adults £18
Concessions £14
12/16 year olds £7
Under 12’s £3

Terracing – Adults £16
Concessions £12
12/16 year olds £6
Under 12’s £3

Tickets can be purchased in advance, and this method is strongly encouraged, see the Annan Athletic website for full details, although a payment on the day facility is available.

Saturday’s other William Hill League2 fixtures;- Dumbarton v East Kilbride, Edinburgh City v Clyde, Elgin City v Stranraer, Stirling Albion v The Spartans

Footnote;- It may be of interest to any supporter heading to Galabank for the first time to note that there is an excellent Social Club facility at the ground with away fans made more than welcome.