SPFL Preview: Forfar v The Spartans

Posted on Friday, September 15th, 2023

The Spartans make another first of the season when they head to Station Park, Forfar on SPFL duty on Saturday.

Dougie Samuel’s side have been working hard on the training paddock, sessions sandwiching a ‘free’ weekend, as they prepare for the 150 mile round trip, looking to build on positive performances on the road, picking up a draw at Dumbarton and maximum points in Peterhead so far this campaign.

Hosts Forfar have picked up three draws thus far and despite a busy treatment room reported in the home match preview, Ray McKinnon will undoubtedly be looking for his men to come out of the traps at home and build on their positive second half showing during their stalemate last time out against Clyde. 

It’s not the first rodeo of course between the sides of course, having met in senior competitive fashion three times in the Scottish Cup and, twenty years ago, in SFA Youth Cup action.  They also met in a pre-season friendly in 2013/14 at Ainslie Park.

That inaugural meeting took place on 15^th December 1979 at City Park in front of a crowd in the region of 300.  It was the first time The Spartans had played at home in the Scottish Cup and a souvenir match programme to match the occasion was produced – an eight pager for all of 15p! 

The plucky East of Scotland amateurs looked to match their previous cup debut season’s giant killing act (when they defeated East Stirlingshire in Round 2) and an upset was indeed looking favourable. John Clark had put the Loons ahead before Alan Kirkwood levelled proceedings.  Any hope of progression however was dampened when Ian McPhee was upended in the box and Alex Rae netted the 77^th spot kick.

Personnel links between the sides are relatively limited, however Danny Denholm was a former Forfar fans favourite.  He made 128 appearances during two spells for the club and netted 35 times, including his debut against Dunfermline in the Challenge Cup.

James Craigen has played in the sky blue jumpers back in 2012/13 whilst on loan from Partick Thistle, picking up 2 goals in 10 appearances.

The match has a 3p.m. kick-off.  Man in the Middle: Andy Gamble

Admission prices are as follows;- Stand – Adults £15, concessions £9, under 16’s £5. Terracing – Adults £14, concessions £8, under 16’s £5. Payment is by cash at the turnstile only.

Forfar note that the Refreshment Kiosk and Club Shop both situated within the ground will be open as usual.