Forfar Athletic Preview
Third Round
By C. Ferguson
January 30 2003
After the disappointment of losing last Saturdays league match against Berwick the Blues will be hoping to bounce back quickly by defeating Forfar at Station Park. The winners will progress to the Fourth Round and have the chance of drawing Premier League opposition.
Stranraerfc.net
Match Guide
Your complete guide to watching
The Blues
Tennents Scottish Cup Third
Round
FORFAR ATHLETIC
V
STRANRAER
Station Park, Saturday 25th
January 2003, Kick-off 3:00 pm
Match Sponsor: Tennents
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| Past Matches | ||||||||
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Overall there have been 89 matches with Forfar winning 31 to Stranraer's 42 and there have been 16 Draws. At Station Park, Forfar have won 21 times to Stranraer's 15 and there have been 8 Draws with Forfar scoring 84 times to Stranraer's 70. The last match between the sides in September resulted in the Blues recording a 2-0 win thanks to goals by Lee Sharp and Ian Harty.
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| Blues Team News | |
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Stranraer boss Billy McLaren expects a tough game on Saturday. "A win is absolutely vital for a club like Stranraer with the prospect of getting a big name in the next round," said McLaren. He added: "It'll be tough, but we're looking for a win as we beat them at Stair Park earlier this season." Billy McLaren has no fresh injury or suspension worries. The Blues will travel to Station Park with the same squad as last week, but McLaren is likely to make some changes to his starting line-up. McLaren also said: "It's a tremendous incentive to get through this one, but I can't see it being one-sided because there is a lot at stake for both clubs." |
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| The Opposition - Forfar Athletic | ||||||||||||
Who should Stranraer keep and eye on? Read on and find out. |
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Danger man Paul Tosh |
Barry Sellars |
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Willie Stewart |
Kevin Byers |
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Injury Worries: Forfar Athletic manager Ray Stewart has an almost fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the third round Scottish Cup tie against Stranraer at Station Park. Only Willie Stewart is likely to be sidelined through injury and new boss Stewart has no suspension concerns. Forfar have hoisted themselves right into contention for promotion from Division Two and are level on points with the Stranraer. Stewart said: "We're on a good run at the moment and we'll just try to keep that going, but obviously both sides will be going for it." Current form: W W W W L
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| Recommended Web Link: Forfar Athletic Unofficial (Loons Mad) For an in-depth look at the Forfar Athletic squad, don't forget to buy the Official Match Programme at Station Park on matchday. |
| Club Connections |
Man of many clubs veteran George Shaw was with Stranraer last season. The striker always had the ability on the ball but he seemed to lack the pace to get into the right positions, resulting in manager Billy McLaren releasing him in the close season. Previous clubs include St. Mirren, Ross County and Partick Thistle. 
Also currently in the Forfar squad is goalkeeper Michael Brown. Although Brown is from Stranraer he has never played for the Blues. His previous clubs have included Motherwell (1999-2000) and Partick Thistle (August 2000 to May 2001). He was signed by Forfar in May of last year and has established himself as their regular goalkeeper. The highlight for Brown last season was playing against Rangers in the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup. Unfortunately, he let six goals past in front of a home crowd of 4,500 fans. 
Another former favourite of Stranraer fans playing at Station Park is Darren Henderson. The midfielder maybe not as pacy as he once was but uses his experience to good effect. Previous clubs include Ross County, Queen of the South, Hamilton Accies and Raith Rovers. 
Striker Jered Stirling played eight matches for Forfar from August to November in 2000, before being signed by Billy McLaren in mid-November. The tall forward played 15 matches for Stranraer and scored two goals in the process. Another connection between the clubs is a striker called Gary Higgins. Campbell Money signed the player near the end of 1996 from Forfar Athletic. Higgins didn't stay at Stair Park very long and eventually joined Ross County. If you know of any other connections, please feel free to e-mail me (sandy@stranraerfc.net) with any submissions. |
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Weather Forecast |
| For the latest forecast for Forfar and area just click on the sun above. | |
| Ticket & Admission Information |
| Admission to this match is cash at the gate. Turnstile prices are - Ground £8 & £4, Stand £8.50 & £4.50 |