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FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTIE BRINGS EVERTON TO FORFAR
FORFAR Athletic fans can look forward to some Friday night footie later this week - when the Loons play host to an Everton eleven.
While there are unlikely to be many, if any, of the top names travelling with the Toffee-men, it's still a coup for the local club.
The interest is certainly there, with a healthy number of fans signed up for the match-night hospitality package.
To mark the occasion, a special souvenir programme has been put together (price 3), featuring articles relating to the match and the Forfar club's 125th anniversary.
Admission is 8 for adults and 4 for OAPs and juveniles.
Playing a team representing one of the top names in English football represents a different challenge for the Loons - aiming to get off the mark after four pre-season friendly matches without a victory.
At this stage in the season performances are far more important than end results, and the players haven't done too badly over the course of the past week, facing opposition from a higher level.
Last Tuesday evening, first division Raith Rovers were at Station Park and it took a second half strike from a trialist to tip the balance in the Kirkcaldy side's favour.
The Loons had last season's loan keeper Euan McLean back among the sticks as a trialist, replacing the injured Scott Gallacher, and the custodian had to be on his toes early to thwart Simmons and Baird.
The best home chance fell to Martyn Fotheringham, who hooked his shot wide of the mark.
Raith Rovers looked the livelier side at the start of the second period and grabbed the only goal of the game in the 56th minute.
A fast break down the left ended with a John Baird cross into the penalty area, where former Airdrie player Diarmuid O'Carroll was waiting to angle a headed effort past McLean.
On to Saturday, and the match at home to a strong St. Johnstone side.
It was always going to be a tough ask for the Loons, but they gave the premier league outfit a fright when they took the lead with a sensational strike after only five minutes.
Fastening on to a chip from Martyn Fotheringham, Paul Watson let rip from 30 yards and the ball went into the net like a bullet.
Having been stunned by a quality strike St. Johnstone hit back and were in front by the interval.
The leveller came midway through the half from new signing Sam Parkin, who headed home a Cleveland Taylor cross, and then Liam Craig netted from the penalty spot after Parkin had been impeded in the area.
Kevin Rutkiewicz made sure that victory was to be Saints when he headed home a Danny Grainger cross in 72 minutes.
Despite four defeats on the trot, the matches have allowed plenty of game time for the Forfar squad members ahead of the start of the new season proper.
And, with a squad of 18 players on the books, no doubt the management team will be looking to strengthen further ahead of the first competitive fixture away to Stirling Albion in the Co-operative Insurance Cup a week on Saturday (July 31).
The defence looks sound enough and a fit again Darren Brady will add to the midfield options.
One priority before the season starts will be getting a second keeper on to the books and don't be surprised if Dick Campbell seeks out a wide player and another striker.
Following the Friday evening joist with Everton (kick-off 7.30 pm), there will be another prep match on Tuesday evening of next week when a Dundee eleven visits Station Park.
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Weather for Forfar
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
