Station Park

Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

Yesterdays 1-0 victory at Station Park against Forfar Athletic means our Play-Off spot is now virtually sealed, with an eighteen goal diffence and six points between ourself and Stranraer with only two matches left.

The game itself was all about getting the correct result at this stage in the season, and credit to the players after the disappointment of losing at home the previous week to Stranraer, they competed very well, scored the important opening goal, Callum Crane starting the move on the left side of the park before running on to Jordan Kirkpatrick’s pass inside the box to volley high over keeper Marc McCallum. Indeed Ross Stewart might have scored earlier in the game when he latched on to a mistake by Jamie Bain but Darren Whyte cleared off the line.

The game marked the 100th first team appearance for Stevie Hetherington who has been in great form this season. Alloa had the better of the first half but neither goalkeeper in truth had to much to do.

Forfar never gave in and in a late rally finally put pressure on the Alloa defence but Alloa keeper Neil Parry was not troubled and he recorded his 10th clean sheet of this season. However five minutes into time added on Jamie McCart was red carded by referee Colin Steven after a clash on the bye line with Dylan Easton. The game was not a great spectacle but the team got the required victory which was all important.

 

jim goodwin at station park

The Play Off spot is now virtually sealed, there would need to be an eighteen goal swing in the goal difference and the only way that is going to happen is if I play myself in the next couple of weeks in place of Jamie McCart who will now be suspended – but no we will need to be professional and try and win the next two games but they are very difficult games obviously with Ayr United next Sunday and Raith Rovers the following Saturday, but as far as I’m concerned its job done to be realistic.

The boys were great today I was really pleased, I said before the game I would take a scrappy 1-0 victory, and I think that is what we got, it just shows you the importance of the performance and result with Stranraer going to Somerset Park against Ayr United and winning.

Delighted with the players overall, I thought we competed really well, we were aggressive when we needed to be and in the end of the day it was a very professional performance, we managed the game really well. The winning goal was a good goal by the way, it was a really decent build up to it and Callum Crane struck it really well. Other than that I don’t think either team had too many clear cut opportunities, to be honest I don’t think either keeper was worked much, we had  to work hard in the final five minutes when Forfar threw everything at us but overall really pleased.
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Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

A Kris Renton double saw “The Wasps” get back on track with a vital three league points before going into a very busy festive season. Losing our last two matches 2-1 to the top two sides in the division in itself might not be too surprising but in both games the players deserved more out of the games as the team didn’t play badly and on another day would have picked up points.

Prior to the match Iain Flannigan was ruled out with a virus infection and striker Kris Renton started the match, his first start since 14th October v. Stranraer at Stair Park. PJ Crossan was causing the Forfar defence problems with his pace and Forfar defender Jamie Bain went into the referee’s book after only two minutes.

In an extremely cold day at Station Park chances were at a premium, Dylan Easton came close with a shot which struck the woodward before Andy Graham’s header was cleared off the line.

The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when PJ Crossan crossed for Kris Renton to knock home the opening goal.

Three minutes from time Kris Renton was again on the scoresheet heading home his second goal of the day, his fifth goal of the season.

 

jim goodwin after victory at forfar

In the last couple of games we had been disappointed not to pick up any points albeit against two very good sides, I thought we put a lot into both games, so today’s result was the perfect reaction, we knew how difficult it was going to be, I thought Forfar were the better team in the first half, I thought we rode our luck at times especially when they smashed a shot of the crossbar. However in the second half we were a lot better and controlled the majority of it, a very professional performance and delighted that big Kris was able to get a couple of goals.

We had to shuffle the pack again today, Iain Flannigan who is a big player for us was out with a virus, hopefully he will be available next week but we have players in the squad who can come in and they don’t weaken the side and I thought big Kris came in and was excellent his attitude even when he has been out of the team has been spot on, he is a great guy really well liked in the dressing room, so the boys are over the moon that he managed to be the match winner for us today.

Wee PJ was excellent at the first goal, one on one situations we fancy him against anyone, I felt that was one thing we mentioned at half time, the right back gets booked early doors and I felt we should have been feeding PJ the ball more and we didn’t, but second half we isolated him out there on one v. one situations, he does that really well, at times he wants to come in the park but we keep trying to encourage him to go on the outside, once he is past the defender it is very hard to catch him, he has been excellent since he has come in and we will look to extend that loan period in January once that comes to an end.

Alan Cook going back to Stenhousemuir is a deal which hopefully will work out for both parties, Alan came here to play and it hasn’t quite worked out, he has been frustrated with the lack of match time in games and I don’t want to stand in a players way who has been given the opportunity to go and play regular first team football, he had done well for Stenhousemuir last year, he is well liked over there, I had a good discussion with Brown Ferguson and it suits everyone involved and “Cookie” getting back playing is important to him., the initial period is 28 days emergency loan but the agreement is there for them to extend it until the end of the season so I expect him to be a Stenhousemuir player until the end of the season.
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Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

The Play-Off Final 1st Leg at Station Park, saw Forfar Athletic take advantage of bad errors by “The Wasps” on the evening. The Wasps had clawed themselves back into the tie after going 2-0 behind. Eight minutes from time Mark Docherty swung over a good cross and Kyle Benedictus powered a header past home keeper, Rab Douglas. However two minutes into time added on, Forfar regained their two goal advantage when Michael Travis glanced in Gavin Malin’s cross to give Dick Campbell’s side a lead to take to the Indodrill Stadium on Sunday for the second leg of the play off. While disappointed to lose such a late goal, this tie is far from over and “The Wasps” know what will be required to stay in the Championship in the second leg.

 

dANNY LENNON AT FORFAR

I felt that there was a very fine balance in terms of opportunities created by both teams tonight, but Forfar have certainly done, is that they have capitalised on big mistakes from us, which is disappointing in the manner in which we have lost those goals, but the positive thing for us and certainly by no means is the tie over. I thought it was a great game played in a that type of spirit tonight you could certainly feel that. What we have done since my arrival at the club we have managed 3-0 victories in games against Cowdenbeath and Dumbarton, so we certainly do create and I think you saw that here tonight. In terms of the balance of play tonight I thought it was quite an even game and the difference is that Forfar capitalised on big mistakes from us. Losing an early goal set us back, big “Gibby” has been absolutely tremendous since I have come into the club, in his own admission, it was not his best game tonight, but in terms of that, it is important that we win together and lose together but the big man has been absolutely tremendous and he will pick himself up, he has the right character to bounce back from that, but I thought we got a good response after they scored, I thought we were causing one or two problems, we were going in beyond them, I would certainly like to see Liam Buchanan’s disallowed goal again, for any infringement? We then conceded against the run of play to go down 2-0, then a minute later Michael Chopra had a fantastic opportunity, and again a player  of his quality, I thought he was outstanding tonight, I thought a player of his standard should be making big Rab Douglas work harder than he did, but Chopra  was terrific tonight, I thought we played with a good tempo throughout the game, when we did the basic things, passing the ball and our movement, when we played it simple and effectively and done it with a purpose, we were good, where we can cause ourselves problems is when we stop the ball, delay and look for something a lot better than what it is and this beautiful game doesn’t need to be difficult all you ask them to do is go out and play the game, what you see, keep the ball moving, keep up the tempo. I thought we looked the stronger team throughout the final twenty minutes of the game and credit to Forfar they still looked dangerous on the break, we were possibly a little open when they broke away which is disappointing, we sent the two big lads up hoping to get something which is fine, but we left a one v. One situation at the back and I tried to scream, that is what you are asking the players to recognise. 2-1 was not a bad result, 3-1 makes it a little more difficult but certainly a result which we feel we can overturn. We had to rearrange things tonight due to injuries and the terms of the demands of the games recently, but hopefully Daryll Meggatt could be back for Sunday, the few days rest will give him good recovery, and we will see how Michael Doyle does, I thought  Stevie Hetherington coming in tonight for the first time at left back, I thought he put on an excellent show.
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Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

“The Wasps” claimed all three points at Station Park against Forfar Athletic, with Ben Gordon scoring in the final minute in a game which looked to be ending goalless. The players showed great character and determination to win the game, after having Jonathan Tiffoney, Daryll Meggatt and Stephen Simmons all unavailable for selection, while captain Darren Young only lasted the opening 30 minutes. Forfar will feel aggrieved to have lost the game in the final minute but Alloa did have other chances, Kevin Cawley struck the crossbar in the first half, Ryan McCord just missed with a header early in the second half, but the players kept believing. Gavin Stokes who came on for Darren Young rose to the occasion, Michael Doyle playing his first game after being out for six weeks after a double hernia operation looked like he had never been away. The team can play better but no one could fault their commitment.

PAUL HARTLEY AT STATION PARK

I think one goal was going to win the game to be honest with you – and we managed to get that from a set piece. I thought the play was scrappy at times and we didn’t create much today – we had some possession of the ball but I think our passing let us down. When you are away from home it is good to get three points. It was a good delivery into the box for the goal – it was probably one of our first good goals into the box at a vital time – you are settling for a point – good header from Ben Gordon, he has done it umpteen times this season so it was good. We know we can play better but we managed another clean sheet and I thought the back four were good – the goal keeper did well and Jason Marr had a brilliant clearance off the line – in an attacking sense we have got to do better. Gavin Stokes came on today and did very well – it is not easy coming on to a game – he came on and controlled the ball and made some important passes and got his foot in –he has been chapping at the bit for a while and he did well – he came from Dundee United – he then went amateur for a while and we managed to get him – if he keeps his performances like that he will stay in the team. Darren Young had a fitness test prior to the match – he probably shouldn’t have played today but he was determined and sometimes when you make those decisions it backfires but we had a good replacement in Stokes today. Michael Doyle played his first game in six weeks – he has never even had a bounce game – just two training sessions but he is a fit guy and his operation went well so I am pleased.
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Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

“The Wasps” ended Forfar Athletic’s six game unbeaten record in a five goal thriller at Station Park in a game which was a credit to open attacking football. Both teams were direct and looked to get the ball down and play on Forfar’s new 3G pitch which will be officially opened next Monday in a match against Aberdeen.

Although Alloa opened the scoring in the 7th minute, they could have been two down in the opening minutes such was the pace of this game, Scott Bain making two outstanding saves to keep “The Loons” out. The opening goal came when a ball was played through to Thomson who looked to go round Souter but was hauled down, penalty, but no further action against the keeper. Ryan McCord slotted home the penalty, his first goal of the season, in a game he looked but to his best.

As happens in many football games, an equalising goal came swiftly in the next minute scored by Danny Denhlom. Mitch Megginson on his debut was trying to run at the Forfar defence with Thomson a tireless back up. In 21 minutes Jason Marr scored his first goal for the club rising to head home Docherty’s cross ball. In the second half Forfar had a lot of possession but the Alloa defence looked resolute until Danny Denholm scored his 2nd goal of the day with about ten minutes left. Neither manager looked to settle for a draw and Ben Gordon headed home another set piece to put “The Wasps” back in front in a game which  was a great advert for Scottish football, Forfar again went close with a shot which struck the crossbar and came down on the line and even later Graeme Holmes and Kevin Cawley had great chances to increase “The Wasps” margin in victory.

paul hartley after win at forfar

I thought in the first half we played well – in the second half we knew that they would come at us and they put a lot of high balls into our defence but we coped okay with it – disappointed that we didn’t get back in, great resilience and great desire not to get beaten we were trying to win the game it was good the two centre halves scored, this was due to good deliveries into the box at set pieces – a great three points I think it is important especially going into the break that you like to win. A great three points it is not an easy place to come to, they have been flying high so we are delighted to get the victory. Two goals from corners was pleasing, as I said It is all about the delivery and the movement and hopefully the ball goes in – it is not rocket science, I didn’t introduce anything different I just told them to try and get good delivery into the box, go and attack it see if you can get your head on it, have a bit of desire and we did. I am pleased with the three points. I was pleases with the first half the way we played , we knocked the ball about well and we looked as we could score every time we went up the park , having said that Scott Bain had two brilliant saves right at the start of the match and on another day it could have started differently, but that is what he is there for, we know he is a fantastic young goalkeeper , still learned but has a great future ahead of him. Mitch Megginson came in for his debut and had a fantastic start, he tired in the second half due to the fact he has not played competitive football for a wee bit but he was a bright and sharp up front with “Tommo” and we had great attacking options on the bench, I wanted a victory today and was positive in my team selection.
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Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

This game highlighted once again what might have been with “The Wasps” creating plenty of chances but lacking confidence and luck in front of goal, before Forfar Athletic settled down and eventually got the important first goal Alloa should have taken the lead, but as often has happened this season not taking our chances and losing goals at the other end has been our downfall this season. In the second half after getting back in the game with Jim Lister’s equaliser we lose a soft goal so soon after drawing level, but to be fair the 3rd goal was a great strike scored by Ryan Dow who was correctly voted “Man of the match”. We now know exactly what is required next Saturday against Stenhousemuir in a game three points would secure our Second Division status. Well done to Alloa support at Station Park which was excellent, great costumes.

 

ALLAN MAITLAND AT STATION PARK

The biggest disappointment for me was to go in at half-time 1 – 0 down, in the first half we had four great chances, Kurtis had three chances on his own , a header from six yards, the one where he is in behind the defence and he is heads it into the goal keepers arms and obviously the long ball when he should get across in front of the goal keeper and the way we are just now, we need to do as we did last week and get ourselves ahead and give us something to build on to and hang on to. At the stage where they scored I felt Forfar had their first attack of the game, but after that of course they had two great efforts – then right at half time we should have scored when Michael McGowan had an effort that got blocked on the line. In the second half we worked hard, get ourselves back in the game with an equaliser but we give things away so easily – they had a throw in and a header into the box and they are back in front, we don’t defend it properly and we don’t give ourselves any chance to grasp the initiative in the game after having scored our goal. Their third goal was fantastic finish to win the game, it fairness it was a great finish. Again it is disappointing, our failings are defensively where we have been so poor all season, it is so important that we score the first goal and that heightens everyone’s awareness and forces the opposition to change. When they made the mistakes today in the first half we didn’t punish them and that allowed them to grow in confidence as the game went on and by the end they had two strikes off the bar which could have made it 4-1 or a lot worse. We have got to knuckle down and play next week and when the opportunities come we must score them. We didn’t do that today and must make sure that we do that next week. In fairness it is not just today I think the league table will tell you something and if you look at our goals against column it will tell you that defensively we are not good enough.
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Forfar Athletic v Alloa Athletic

Alloa Athletic fought back at Station Park to earn a point in a 1-1 draw in a game the team showed great fighting spirit. This was a game in which the Alloa players stood up and showed they have great fighting spirit and the least they derserved was a draw in a game which they created enough chances to have the game wrapped up by half-time, however after losing a second half penalty after Scott Walker had handled in the penalty box, Ross Campbell fired the home side ahead which was harsh given the Wasps performance. However to their credit the team fought back and substitute Jim Lister scored a great equalising goal and caused problems for the home defence, indeed he had a later chance but fired narrowly over the bar.

 

allan maitland after draw at station park

It would be fair to say we could have been 4-0 ahead at half-time with the chances we created in the first half – we had Bryan Prunty right through, he also tried to chip the goalkeeper, while Stuart Noble missed with a free header in the six yard box and later he tried to round the keeper and put his shot wide, if the chances had been the other way round we wound certainly have been behind at half-time the way our season has been going, but the most important thing for us tonight was to show everybody that despite the run of results we have been on, despite losing against Forfar on Saturday we were never for giving up, we were working hard and I thought the team fought magnificently played really well in the first half stuck to their task and the big thing tonight was their workrate. I felt on Saturday when we played big Jim from the start it almost played into Bolo and Bishop’s hands so we decided to bring him on later in the game tonight when they were maybe a wee bit tired and he gave us a real spark. He scored a fantastic goal, great finish, also great composure from Kevin when we needed it and at that stage in the game it was great to see our midfield pushing so far up the park. Delighted not to lose the game tonight, which looked as though we might do after the penalty kick went in, but I think a point was the absolute very least we deserved. We are in a dreadful run of form but it is important for the players in these situations to show not chucked it, it is important for the supporters to see that we are still here, still fighting and still working really hard and I think we did that tonight – we had David McClune out, Mark Brown out, I thought young Ross Philp tonight was outstanding for a young boy making his league debut he was outstanding and he and Michael McGowan on that side of the park played really well for us, but it is unfair to single them out Jamie Ewings had a great save in the game as well but overall the team were excellent and Forfar is never an easy place to come and I thing when it went 1-0 everybody assumed that would be it, here we go again, but I am pleased to say the players had different thoughts on that and did exactly what I would expect them to do – keep playing, keep working and they would get another chance and we did that, it was a bit unfortunate just after we equalised when Jim volleyed one just over the bar, we are disappointed not to win the game, delighted to draw – no, delighted with the performance – yes.
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