Forfar's journey back to Station Park may signal return to winning form, hopes boss Irvine

Forfar Athletic's Craig Slater, right, with Gary Harkins and goalkeeper Marc McCallum, had an effort cleared off the line at Cliftonhill against Albion Rovers

Forfar boss Gary Irvine believes home territory will be a big factor this Saturday as his side face Cowdenbeath for the second time in 11 days.

The Loons followed a 2-1 midweek win at Central Park with a goal-free draw against Albion Rovers in Coatbridge – which added up to a demanding week for the Station Park outfit.

They meet the Blue Brazil again this weekend but Irvine felt the stadium surface and the home fans behind them would hopefully guide Forfar to the three points.

“We were back in on Monday night after a tough game at the weekend and a tough week as a whole,” he said. “Two back to back away fixtures on tough grass pitches, with Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers fighting really hard.”

The gaffer felt Saturday’s draw was a fair conclusion, with both teams having chances but encountering difficulty adapting and adjusting to a difficult surface, which had been firmed up and made “very bobbly and fiery” by the dry weather.

“Both ‘keepers were on top of their game and both teams probably failed to capitalise on clear-cut chances,” added Irvine. “We had a few – Marc (McCallum) made a couple of good saves and there was a last-ditch tackle from Andy Munro, while Craig Slater’s effort was cleared off the line and Stefan McCluskey was through on goal at the end as well, so it was probably the right result.”

A point away from home and a clean sheet had followed a good three points in west Fife, added Irvine, so Forfar were coming into this Saturday with confidence, knowing they’d stood up to a really tough week. "We are looking forward to being back at home in front of our own fans and hopefully getting back to winning ways,” he said.

Cowdenbeath were leading at home on Saturday before a late penalty gave Stenhousemuir a share of the points, so Irvine expected Maurice Ross’ side to arrive fired up for the occasion.

A close game was anticipated and Forfar had to be fully aware Cowdenbeath were “fighting and scrapping for everything and making it hard for everybody”. But Irvine added: “I think we will stand up to that and I am looking forward hopefully to getting three points.”