History of Forfar Athletic: The Scottish League Cup and Rangers

Saturday will be the first ever meeting between Forfar Athletic and Rangers in the first round of the League Cup, although they have met each other in this tournament before.

The first meeting between the two was in the semi-finals on a Monday night in February 1978 at Hampden Park and Rangers took the lead in the 26^th minute as a cross from McLean was flicked on to Derek Johnstone who nodded home from close range. The Loons, with Archie Knox as player/manager, equalised before half time when some good passing led to Kenneth Brown collecting the ball 25 yards from goal before unleashing an excellent effort that went in off the post past future Loon keeper Stewart Kennedy.

Brian Rankin bettered that goal in the second half, sloppy play by the Rangers defence in the Loons half allowed Rankin to dispose them, and he ran the entire Gers half before slotting the ball past the keeper. With eight minutes left to play Forfar hearts were broken as a high cross from McLean was met by sub Derek Parlane’s head to make it 2-2. Rangers prevailed over a tired Forfar side 5-2 after extra time with goals from Alex MacDonald, Parlane and Johnstone again ensuring victory.

The Forfar team that night was: Nicol, Smith, Rankin, Brown, Knox, Rae, Payne, Clark, Hall, Gallacher and Gavine whilst Vannart and Graham were subs.

The sides met again the next season, albeit in the second round and Rangers were the victors this time as well, comfortably winning the first leg 3-0 at Ibrox with goals from Smith, Cooper and McLean. At Station Park Cooper and Smith scored again, with Smith grabbing two and Alex MacDonald the other goal, winning 4-1 with Alex Rae notching the Loons consolation.

It was at the same stage both were paired two years later in 1980 and once again the Gers took a lead into the second leg, Colin McAdam grabbing a double at Station Park while at Ibrox, some rather questionable refereeing allowed Rangers three penalties including one that was retaken after Stewart Kennedy moved before the penalty was taken. Sandy Jardine missed the original and the retake but Alex Miller and Colin McAdam made no mistake with theirs. Derek Johnstone scored Rangers third whilst Ronnie Robb got the only Forfar goal.

Another five years passed before Forfar and Rangers were to meet again, this time a round later, and it is arguably the closest Forfar have ever been to beating the Ibrox club. The game was played at Dens Park in Dundee in front of a crowd of 7,283 and the match went to extra time after goals by Jimmy Liddle and Alex Brash were not enough to beat Bobby Williamson and David Cooper’s second half goals for the Gers. Extra time came and went without any goals and so it went to penalties. This ended 6-5 in favour of the Glasgow side but the Loons could be extremely proud of themselves for taking the game that far.

The Forfar side that night was: Moffat, Bennett, McPhee, Smith, Brash, Lorimer, Lyons, Farningham, Scott, Liddle and Gallacher while John Clark was the sub used.

2003 was the last time the two met, and this meeting was the worst defeat Forfar have suffered in a League Cup tie against Rangers, losing 6-0 on a cold October night at Ibrox. Christian Nerlinger grabbed a hat-trick whilst Nuno Capucho, Egil Ostenstad and Peter Lovenkrands all netted once.

The team that night was: Brown, Lunan, Rattray, Horn, Stewart, Byers, Sellars, Davidson, Tosh, Henderson and Shields.

Forfar Athletic 2 East Fife 1 (Ramsdens Cup First Round) 27th July 2013

Forfar Athletic 2               East Fife 1

Kader 25                             Buchanan 38 (pen)

Malcolm 29

 

Forfar Athletic progressed to the next round of the Ramsdens Cup as they beat ten man East Fife 2-1 on Saturday at Station Park.

The Loons fielded five of the new signings in the starting line up, with McCabe, Baxter, Malcolm, McManus and Deasley all appearing whilst James Dale was on the bench.

The first chance of the game came to East Fife in the first minute but Johnny Stewart’s free kick hit the wall and came to nothing.

Referee Andrew Dallas felt the wrath of Loons supporters in the 7^th minute when he waved away claims for a penalty after Paul McManus was pushed by Gary Thom in the box. Two minutes later Scott Durie did well to clear an Omar Kader attempt off the line.

A minute later Bryan Deasley saw a long range effort flash past the post while Forfar had another penalty shout, this time Craig Johnstone pulling down Gavin Swankie as he shaped to shoot, with still nothing given by Dallas.

With 22 minutes on the clock, Mark Baxter almost opened the scoring, his header looping over from a Neil McCabe cross. Forfar did take the lead three minutes after, with a ball in the middle of the field ending up going towards Omar KADER, whose first touch allowed him to then slot the ball under the keeper.

Baxter had another chance a minute after the goal, this time firing a long range attempt which was tipped past the post by Andrews.

It was 2-0 on the half hour mark, as a free kick from Martyn Fotheringham towards the back post was met by Stuart MALCOLM who had the simple task of tapping the ball in.

East Fife, who had rarely threatened and looked poor, had their first chance in almost half an hour after 37 minutes but after breaking clear Johnny Stewart couldn’t place the ball past Darren Hill. A minute later they were awarded a penalty when Hill tripped Liam Buchanan, although it looked very dubious, and BUCHANAN put the ball to the left of Hill who had went the other way.

HALF TIME: Forfar Athletic 2 East Fife 1

Johnny Stewart had yet another chance for East Fife in the 50^th minute, when he raced clear but he fluffed his shot and didn’t trouble Hill in any way.

Forfar’s first chance of the half came four minutes later after Neil McCabe was fouled on the edge of the box and Fotheringham’s excellent free kick was well saved by Andrews.

Nothing much happened in the next twenty minutes until the 74^th minute when an alleged elbow from Gary Thom on Ross Campbell, who had just come on, warranted a red card, leaving the Methil men with a mountain to climb.

Three minutes later debutant James Dale saw his effort from 20 yards fall into the keeper’s arms whilst Stuart Malcolm and Ross Campbell both had good attempts go wide of the goal.

Youth team player Paul McLellan made his professional debut with seven minutes left to play and can be happy with his effort in those few minutes, being involved in a couple of chances late in the game. In quick succession Fotheringham fired over, Swankie tried to round keeper and his shot was just saved and Fotheringham had another chance saved.

Hill almost handed East Fife an equaliser in the last minute when he tried to catch a cross and dropped the ball at sub Nathan Austin’s feet but his hesitancy allowed Hill to gather again before he could get a shot away.

FULL TIME: Forfar Athletic 2 East Fife 1

Ramblings of a Loon’s Joint Man of the Match:  Stuart Malcolm and Neil McCabe – Couldn’t decide between the two, Malcolm won almost every header and scored while McCae was very good up and down the right hand side.

Forfar Athletic: Hill 6, McCabe 8, Baxter 7, M. Fotheringham 7, Malcolm 8, McCulloch 6, Kader 7 (Dale 70, 6), Malin 6, McManus 6 (McLellan (t) 83, 6), Swankie 7, Deasley 7 (R. Campbell 70, 6).

Subs not used: Thomson, Douglas (gk)

East Fife: Andrews 6, Durie 5, Johnstone 5, Thom 4, Mbu 6, J. Stewart 7, Willis 5 (G. Fotheringham 79, 5), McBride 6, Clarke 6 (Austin 83, 5), Buchanan 7, Wilson 5 (R Stewart 44, 6).

Subs not used: Brown, Paterson (gk)

Forfar Athletic: Player Profiles 2013-2014

GOALKEEPERS

Derek Soutar

Position: Goalkeeper
Date Of Birth: 04/06/1981
Birthplace: Dundee
Height: 6ft
Previous Clubs: Dundee, Brechin City (loan), Alloa Athletic (loan), Aberdeen, Ross County, Dundee, APEP F.C. (Cyprus), Formartine United
Date Signed: July 2012
Debut: 28th July 2012 (Dunfermline Athletic)

Biography

Derek began his career with Dundee and had loan spells with Brechin City and Alloa Athletic before joining Aberdeen in July 2006.

In April 2008, Derek was freed by Aberdeen and signed for Ross County. In the summer of 2009 he was released and rejoined Dundee.

On leaving Dundee in May 2010 Derek signed a contract with Cypriot side APEP F.C. but returned to Scotland in January 2011 where he signed a two and a half year deal with Formartine United.

After the Dundee based player negotiated his release from Highland League Formartine United he signed for the Loons on a two year deal at Station Park. He is currently recovering from an injury suffered in the middle of last season.

Derek made eleven appearances for the Scottish Under 21 side earlier in his career.

Rab Douglas

Position: Goalkeeper
Date Of Birth: 24 April 1972
Birthplace: Lanark
Height: 6’5
Previous Clubs: Forth Wanderers, Livingston, Dundee, Celtic, Leicester City, Millwall (loan), Wycombe Wanderers (Loan), Plymouth Argyle (loan), Dundee
Date Signed: July 2013
Debut:

Biography

Rab Douglas signed for Forfar Athletic as a player/goalkeeper coach in July 2013 after leaving Dundee.

Douglas started off at junior side Forth Wanderers before moving to Livingston in 1992. After 5 years and 72 appearances he signed for Dundee, where brilliant performances brought him to the attention of Celtic after winning the First Division. He moved to Celtic in 2000 and was part of the team that reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2003. He faced competition in the 2004-05 season and decided to leave at the end of it to try his luck in England, signing for Leicester City. He spent three years there, playing just 32 times, while in his last season, 07/08, was sent on loan to three clubs, Millwall, Wycombe Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle.

Douglas made a return to old club Dundee in the summer of 2008 and played the majority of games since returning, helping the club win the Alba Cup in 2009/10 and gain promotion to the SPL in 2012. He was unable to stop the Dees being relegated back to the First Division last season and was released at the end of the season after a new manager was appointed.

Douglas has also collected 19 caps, at one point being first choice for Scotland.

Darren Hill
Position: Goalkeeper
Date Of Birth: 03/12/1981
Birthplace: Falkirk
Height: 6ft
Previous Clubs: Falkirk, East Stirlingshire, Arbroath
Date Signed: January 2013
Debut: 26th January 2013 (Arbroath)

Darren Hill joined the club  in January 2013 after being released by Arbroath.

Hill started his career at Falkirk, coming through the youth ranks and making just under 50 appearances in his 8 years at the club. He had a year out of the game after leaving in 2006 before he signed for East Stirlingshire in the summer of 2007. He impressed in his 14 games there as six months later he was given a contract at Arbroath. Hill was part of the 2010-2011 Third Division winning squad, as well as being in goal for the next season when they reached second in the Second Division. He suffered an injury in the early part of 2012-13 and lost his place to Scott Morrison and Tony Bullock before being released in January 2013 after making 163 appearances for the club. He joined Forfar a couple of days after being released and was in goal for every game the rest of the season.

Ross Salmon

Position: Goalkeeper
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs: Peterhead
Date Signed: June 2012
Debut:

Ross Salmon signed for Forfar Athletic in the summer of 2012 from Peterhead, originally to play for the under 19 side. Due to injury to Derek Soutar, Salmon was called up to the bench in November as usual back up David Scott was forced to play. He then was back up to loanee Jack Hamilton and also Darren Hill. This will give him valuable experience towards hopefully becoming number one some day. Ross was also a vital part of the under 19’s side last season when they reached the SFL Youth Cup Final, beating full-time Livingston in the semi final. They were unlucky to lose to another full time side in Hamilton Accies in the final.

DEFENDERS

Iain Campbell

Position: Defence
Date Of Birth: 28/06/1985
Birthplace: Kirkcaldy
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Previous Clubs: Dunfermline, Kilmarnock, Ross County (Loan), Clyde (Loan), Alloa Athletic
Date Signed: May 2009
Debut: East Fife (25/07/2009)

Biography

The first of Dick Campbell’s signings in May 2009. Iain began his career at Dunfermline before joining Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee. Iain made no spells in his time at Killie but had loan spells at Clyde and Ross County, where father Dick was also manager at the time. He signed for Alloa in 2008 before rejoining his father at Forfar in 2009. Iain won player of the year in 2012/13 after turning in some excellent performances.

Michael Dunlop

Position: Defence
Date Of Birth: 11/01/1993
Birthplace:
Height: 6ft 2
Previous Clubs: Aberdeen
Date Signed: July 2012
Debut: 28th July 2012 (Dunfermline Athletic)

Biography

Michael is a former Aberdeen youth team captain and following his release by the Dons he featured in all of Forfar Athletic’s 2012/2013 pre-season fixtures before signing for the Loons.

Michael was at East Stirlingshire on a month’s emergency loan during October 2012 to gain valuable match fitness.

Mark McCulloch

Position: Defence
Date Of Birth: 19/05/1975
Birthplace: Inverness
Height: 5 ft 11
Previous Clubs: Clachnacuddin, Dunfermline Athletic, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Partick Thistle, Livingston, Ross County
Date Signed: September 2009
Debut: Annan Athletic (12/09/2009)

Biography

Mark started his career at Highland League side Clachnacuddin and it wasn’t long before SFL sides were looking at him, joining Dunfermline Athletic in 1994. After spending three years at the Pars, he joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and was part of the famous victory over Celtic in 2000, captaining the side. He joined Livingston the same year, as well as moving to Partick Thistle the following year.

He then signed for Ross County in 2002, where he spent seven years before joining the Loons in 2009, becoming captain.

This is Mark’s fifth season at the club.

Stuart Malcolm

Position: Defence
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs:  St Johnstone, Cowdenbeath, Plymouth Argyle, Ross County, Drogheda United, Dublin City, Alloa Athletic, Montrose, Shelbourne, Finn Harps, Forfar Athletic, Arbroath
Date Signed:
Debut:

Stuart Malcolm rejoined the Loons in the summer of 2013 after a three year spell at Arbroath where he was club captain.

Malcolm started his career at St Johnstone, making one senior appearance and spending time on loan at Cowdenbeath. After he left St Johnstone he spent a season down south at Plymouth Argyle but he could not break into the first team so made his way back north to Ross County. He had a season and a half at the Staggies, making 38 appearances and scoring once, before he decided to try his hand in Ireland. He was there for a year and a half, at Drogheda United and then Dublin City, coming back to Scotland to play for Alloa Athletic after City went bust. Eight months after joining Alloa he was released and joined Montrose in March 2007, although his time there was shorter, he was released at the end of the 2006-07 season.

He then signed for a team in Ireland, this time Shelbourne who were managed by his former Dublin City manager. This stint was also short as at the end of 2007 he departed to sign for Finn Harps where he stayed for a season and a half. After leaving Harps he signed for Forfar Athletic in the summer of 2009, but left the club in autumn after making a handful of appearances. He signed for Arbroath in 2010 where he stayed for three seasons as captain before electing to sign for Dick Campbell again in 2013.

Darren Dods

Position: Defence
Date Of Birth: 7 June 1975
Birthplace:  Edinburgh
Height:
Previous Clubs:  Hibernian, St Johnstone, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dundee United, Falkirk
Date Signed:
Debut:

Experienced defender Darren Dods signed for Forfar from First Division outfit Falkirk in July 2013.

Dods started his career at Hibernian, making over seventy appearances for the club and scoring one goal in six years before signing for Scottish Premier League club St Johnstone where he also spent six years, becoming a fan favourite at McDiarmid Park, making almost 200 appearances and winning a League Cup runners up medal. He went up north to Inverness CT in 2004 before signing a pre contract to join Dundee United in July 2007. At United Dods won a Scotland B cap in November 2007, his only international appearance, as well as a runner up medal for the League Cup in 2008.

In 2011 Dods signed for First Division Falkirk, and in his first season at the club scored the winner in the Ramsdens Cup to win his first winners medal in his career. He made 74 appearances for the side before leaving in 2013 to join Forfar Athletic.

Marvin Andrews

Position: Defence
Date Of Birth:  22^nd December 1975
Birthplace:  San Juan, Trinidad & Tobago
Height:
Previous Clubs:  ECM Motown, San Juan Jabloteh, Malta Carib Alcons, Raith Rovers, Livingston, Rangers, Raith Rovers, Raith Rovers, Hamilton Academicals, Queen of the South (loan), Queen of the South, Wrexham, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Albion Rovers
Date Signed:  July 2013
Debut:

Marvin Andrews joined the Loons in July 2013 from relegated side Albion Rovers.

Andrews came to Scotland to play for Raith Rovers in 1997 after playing for ECM Motown, San Juan Jabloteh and Malta Carib Alcons whilst also making his international debut a year earlier.

He stayed at Raith until a £50,000 move to Livingston in 2000 and made over 120 appearances in 4 years for the Lions, winning the League Cup in 2004 before leaving for Rangers the same year. He won the SPL in his first season as well as Rangers’ Player of the Year. He was released at the end of his second season and rejoined Raith Rovers a few months later.  His second stint at Stark’s Park came to an end in May 2008 before he joined yet again in March 2009, helping the club win the Second Division. At the end of the 2008-09 season he tried another stint in the SPL, this time with Hamilton Academical, although he only made two appearances before leaving in January 2010. He signed for Queen of the South, who he had a loan spell with the previous month. He left Queens at the end of the season for Wrexham, where he played until he was released in January 2011. Andrews spent 10 months without a club before joining Glasgow junior side Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.  He made his way back into senior football in January 2013 when he signed for Albion Rovers until the end of the season, making 13 appearances and scoring twice, once against Forfar, who he then joined in July 2013.

Marvin has been capped for Trinidad and Tobago 101 times, scoring 10 goals.

Mark Baxter

Position: Defender
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs: St Johnstone, Cowdenbeath, Arbroath
Date Signed: May 2013
Debut:

Mark Baxter signed for the Loons in May 2013 on a pre-contract from local rivals Arbroath.

He started his career at St Johnstone and made his debut against Falkirk in 2002, scoring his first goal two months later in January 2003 against Airdrie United in the Scottish Cup. He made 49 appearances for the Saints before leaving to sign for Cowdenbeath in August 2005. At Cowdenbeath he helped them win the Third Division in his first season and then promotion from the same division via the play-offs in the 2008-09 season. He played 144 games for the Blue Brazil, scoring just twice. He left in 2011 to sign for Arbroath where he played 60 times without scoring before leaving in 2013 to sign for Forfar Athletic.

MIDFIELDERS

Martyn Fotheringham

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth: 23/03/1983
Birthplace: Perth
Height: 5ft 10
Previous Clubs: St Johnstone, Brechin (Loan), Montrose, Cowdenbeath
Date Signed: May 2007
Debut: 04/08/2007 (v. Stranraer)

Biography

A product of the St Johnstone youth scheme, Martyn had a spell on loan at Brechin City before joining Montrose in 2005. He then had a season at Cowdenbeath before Forfar manager Jim Moffat took him to Station Park in 2007.

Martyn is now the Loons’ longest serving player after Stephen Tulloch departed at the end of last season, playing over 150 games chipping in with more than 25 goals.

Keith Gibson

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth: 01/05/1981
Birthplace:
Height: 5ft 9
Previous Clubs: Dundee, East Fife (Loan), Montrose, Peterhead, Montrose, Arbroath
Date Signed: June 2012
Debut: 28th July 2012 (Dunfermline Athletic)

Biography

Keith started his career at Dundee in 1999 before moving to East Fife on loan during the 2001/2002 season. The summer of 2002 saw him move on from Dens to Montrose for two seasons before moving to Peterhead. After two seasons at Peterhead Keith returned to Glebe Park where he was made Montrose Captain before signing for Arbroath in 2009.

On his release in the summer of 2012 Keith was signed by Dick Campbell and became a Loon.

Keith has recently come back from injuries that ruled him out of the majority of last season.

Omar Kader

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth: 29/04/1986

Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs: Spartans
Date Signed: July 2012
Debut: 28th July 2012 (Dunfermline Athletic)

Biography

Omar Kader signed for the Loons in July 2012 after impressing Dick Campbell in pre-season. The pacey winger joined from East of Scotland (now Lowland League) side Spartans after spending three seasons there before.

Gavin Malin

Birthplace:
Height:

Previous Clubs: Blackpool Wren Rovers, Spartans, Kendal Town, Blackpool Wren Rovers

Position: Midfield
Date Signed: December 2012
Debut: 29th December 2012 (East Fife)

Biography

Talented midfielder Gavin Malin joined Forfar Athletic in December 2012 originally on an amateur contract.

He joined Spartans in 2007 from West Lancashire Premier Division side Blackpool Wren Rovers and initially played for the 2nd team. He broke into the first team soon after and was an important player for the Ainslie Park side. After playing 141 times and scoring 63 goals he left in 2012 and signed for Kendal Town down south before a short stint at Blackpool Wren Rovers and then returning up to Scotland to play for the Loons.

Gavin also played for the Great Britain university side at the World University Games in Kazan this summer, reaching the final, where they lost 3-2 to France in extra time. Malin took part in every game, scoring a penalty against Ukraine in the quarter final.

Duncan Reid

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs:
Date Signed: February 2012
Debut:

Biography

Duncan is a product of the clubs youth set up and is the first of the crop to break through to the first team. He made his first team debut against Brechin City in 2012 and spent last season on loan to Lochee United.

Ross Campbell

Position: Midfielder
Date Of Birth: 11/07/1983
Birthplace: Kirkcaldy
Height: 6ft
Previous Clubs:
Date Signed: July 2008
Debut: 26/07/2008 (v. Arbroath)

Biography

The son of manager Dick Campbell, Ross led Heriot Watt University to Queens Park Shield success before joining Spartans from whom Forfar signed him at the beginning of season 2008/2009.

Ross has scored over 50 times for the Loons and is entering his sixth season with the club.

Ross was a coach of the Great British university side that reached the final of the World University Games in Kazan in 2013.

Bryan Deasley

Position: Midfielder/Attacker
Date Of Birth: 29 June 1988
Birthplace:  Dundee
Height: 5’6
Previous Clubs:  Dundee, Arbroath (loan), Cowdenbeath (loan), Forfar Athletic (loan), Forfar Athletic, Peterhead, Carnoustie Panmure (loan), Lochee United
Date Signed: July 2013
Debut: 

Biography

Bryan has joined the Loons for the third time, this time on a six month contract.

Deasley started his career at Dundee, making his debut in 2005 against Airdrie United and made another 49 appearances in 4 years, scoring 7 goals for the Dees. During this time he spent time on loan to both Arbroath and Cowdenbeath before signing a year’s loan at the Loons in 2009 scoring 4 in 28 as he helped the club win promotion out of the Third Division, grabbing the killer second goal in the play-off final against rivals Arbroath. On his return he was told by Dundee he had no future there so to find a new club, which he did, signing permanently for Forfar. He spent another year at Station Park before dropping down a division to play for Peterhead. He spent a year and a half at Balmoor, before leaving originally on loan to Carnoustie in December 2012 then signing a deal until the end of the season with Lochee United. He rejoined Forfar in July 2013 after impressing in friendlies.

James Dale

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace: Reading
Height:
Previous Clubs: Bristol Rovers, Stirling University
Date Signed: July 2013
Debut:

Biography:

James Dale signed for the Loons in July 2013 from Stirling University, the same club that Danny Denholm signed from.

19 year old Dale started his career at English League Two side Bristol Rovers although failed to make a first team appearance. He left in 2012 to move up to Stirling University to study and played for the university’s First XI as well.

Neil McCabe

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs: Livingston, Cowdenbeath, Kelty Hearts
Date Signed: July 2013
Debut:

Biography

Neil McCabe signed for the Loons after impressing during pre-season performances.

He started his career at Livingston in 2007 before moving to Cowdenbeath for a season and then dropping down to the juniors with Kelty Hearts during 2009. He spent four years at the Fife side, winning two player of the year awards and grabbing man of the match in a junior international against Republic of Ireland in 2012.

Gary Fusco

Position: Midfield
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs: Cowdenbeath, Brechin City
Date Signed: July 2013
Debut:

Biography

Gary Fusco joined Forfar from Angus rivals Brechin City in the summer of 2013.

Fusco started his career at Cowdenbeath in 2002 and stayed there for five years, making well over 100 appearances and was part of the 2005-06 Third Division championship winning season. He left for Brechin City in 2007 and was there longer than at Cowdenbeath, staying for six years. He made 157 appearances and scored 3 times before being released and signing for Forfar Athletic in 2013.

ATTACKERS

Gavin Swankie

Position: Forward
Date Of Birth: 24/11/1983
Birthplace: Arbroath
Height: 5ft 11
Previous Clubs: Arbroath, Dundee, Arbroath (loan), St. Johnstone, Arbroath
Date Signed: June 2012
Debut: 28th July 2012 (Dunfermline Athletic)

Biography

Gavin started his career at home town Arbroath having come through the youth ranks at Gayfield.

He signed for Dundee after his contract at Arbroath but returned to Arbroath on loan in January 2006 until the end of that season. After two further seasons of regular appearances for Dundee, Gavin signed for St. Johnstone in May 2008. At the end of the 2009– 10 season he was released at the end of the season and returned to Arbroath.

Following helping Arbroath win their first win their first senior league championship, Gavin was awarded the Scottish Football League Third Division Player of the Year award for 2010–11.

He stayed at Arbroath for another season before moving to rivals Forfar Athletic in 2012 and scored 10 goals in 33 appearances.

Paul McManus

Position: Striker
Date Of Birth:
Birthplace:
Height:
Previous Clubs: East Fife, Raith Rovers, Albion Rovers, Stranraer, Raith Rovers, East Fife, Brechin City, East Fife
Date Signed: June 2013
Debut:

Biography

Paul comes to Forfar with an impressive scoring record of over 100 goals in 300+ games.

He started his career at East Fife in 2000 after coming through the youth side and scored 12 goals in  48 games before moving along the East Coast to Raith Rovers for a £50,000 fee. He was unable to keep a starting place at Stark’s Park with the majority of his appearances coming from the bench and then joining Albion Rovers in the summer of 2003. After 18 months at the club where he averaged a goal every two games he left for Stranraer for the rest of the 2004-05 season. Two years after he left Raith Rovers he rejoined them for a more successful stint than before, this time scoring 23 goals in 63 games. In 2007 he signed for another former club, this time for East Fife, and spent the longest period he has at a club at them, staying until 2011 when he signed for Brechin City. At City he again averaged a goal every second game, with 15 in 30 games. He joined East Fife for a third time in 2012, but left in 2013 after an injury hit season to join Forfar Athletic.

Chris Templeman

Position: Forward
Date Of Birth: 11/09/1980
Birthplace: Kirkcaldy
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Previous Clubs: Dunfermline Athletic, Dumbarton (loan), Stirling Albion (loan), Stirling Albion, Brechin City, Greenock Morton, Brechin City (loan), East Fife
Date Signed: May 2009
Debut: East Fife (25/07/2009)

Biography

The 29 year old striker moved to Forfar in June 2009 following a spell with East Fife. Chris began his senior career with Dunfermline Athletic in 1997 before moving to Stirling Albion and then Brechin City. At Glebe Park he had a prolific scoring record which led to a big money move to Morton in 2004. He then had a loan spell back at Brechin before joining East Fife during 2008  and finally arriving at Station Park in 2009. He has scored almost 50 goals for the Loons in 4 years.

History of Forfar Athletic: Scottish Football League Challenge Cup

With the return of the Ramsdens Cup, I thought it’d be a good idea to look back at the Loons records in the competition.

The competition was created in 1990 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Scottish Football League and was known as the B&Q Centenary Cup and in that season Forfar crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Alloa Athletic in the first round.  The team that day being: Allan, Morris, Hamill, Brazil, Winter, Lorimer, Paton, Brewster, Whyte, Leslie, Petrie.

The Loons failed to reach the second round until 1995/96 when, after defeats to Stranraer, Morton,  Livingston and Alloa again, Queen of the South were beaten by a goal from Bobby Mann. They were rewarded with an away tie to Dunfermline Athletic, although went down 2-1 in a valiant effort against the side who were to become First Division champions that season.

The next season was another first round exit, this time a heavy 4-0 loss to Morton at Station Park. Bobby Mann was yet again a scorer in a Forfar win, with him and Stuart Glennie netting against East Stirlingshire resulting in a meeting with Shire’s neighbours Falkirk where, despite a goal from Alan Morgan, they were soundly beaten 3-1 at Brockville.

With no sponsor for the past two editions, the Scottish Football League decided to cancel the competition in the 1998-99 season, but brought it back when with Bell’s as new sponsors in 1999-2000. Forfar reached the second round again, albeit because they were given a bye in the first round, and were involved in a thrilling game at Clydebank’s temporary home Cappielow as two goals from loanee Steven Milne and one from Sean Christie weren’t enough to beat the Bankies’ four.

Two first round defeats in a row followed, Peterhead triumphing on penalties and Inverness Caledonian Thistle winning with the odd goal in five after extra time.

In 2002/03 a double from Paul Tosh put Arbroath to the sword in the first round but another goal from Tosh and one from Martin Bavidge wasn’t enough to beat Queen’s Park, the Loons crashing out on penalties.

Next season Forfar went one better than the second round, reaching the Quarter Finals for the first time. Goals from Tosh, Paul Shields, Martin Maher and Hugh Davidson sent Elgin back up north with no goals to show for themselves. Shields and Maher were on the score sheet again in the second round, Shields bagging a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Albion Rovers to set up a quarter final meeting with Rovers’ rivals Airdrie United, who left Station Park with a 2-0 victory over the Loons.

Expecting another first round exit after reaching the quarters last year? Think again, Forfar did even better in 2004/05. Greenock Morton were expected to live up to the tag of favourites for this game and were soundly defeated 3-1 in the first round. After victory in the second round via penalties against Queen’s Park, First Division Clyde were the opponents in the quarter final and were shocked by the Loons, David McClune and Paul Tosh both notching despite a Clyde consolation.

The reward for that was a semi final away to Ross County, where a large Loons support travelled up to Dingwall to hopefully cheer the side onto their first national final. This was not to be, as although Paul Shields grabbed a double, full time against part time showed its difference as Ross County put three past their tiring opponents to go through 5-2. The team that night was: Ferrie, Rattray, Lowing, Forrest, King, McClune, Lunan, Booth, Tosh, Shields, Stein.

2005/06 saw Forfar crash out at the first round stage again, this time losing by one goal to St Mirren, who they had knocked out in the League Cup the season before.

This was the last time Forfar have exited the competition at the first round, every year they have reached the second round or went further before being knocked out.

The Loons never left Station Park for a Challenge Cup game in 2006/07, as they drew Dundee at home in the first round, shocking everyone when goals from Darren Gribben and Fraser Coyle put the home side into the second round against Arbroath who, in a heated game, put three past Forfar with Paul Lunan grabbing a consolation.

 

Today’s visitors were drawn against us in 2007/08 and it was an exciting 120 minutes, the Loons grabbing the odd goal in five as Michele Lombardi, Stephen Tulloch and Paul Lunan netted.  No such luck in the next round though, Ayr United putting Forfar to the sword with two goals and no reply.

Goals from Kevin McLeish and Sean Kilgannon made sure Arbroath were beaten in the first round of the 2008/09 competition but they couldn’t do the same against Livingston as Forfar were defeated by a single goal.

East Fife were yet again first round opponents a year later, and were beaten again, this time 2-0 as both Kevin and Martyn Fotheringham scored. The next round pitted us at home to Partick Thistle, who handed Forfar their worst defeat in this competition, with 6 goals hitting the back of the Forfar net that night, Chris Templeman netting a consolation.

After a bye in the first round, an extra time free kick from Barry Sellars saw Queen’s Park defeated by the odd goal in five in 2010/11, with Chris Templeman and Bryan Deasley also scoring.  Ross County were the visitors for the quarter final and triumphed by two goals to nil, County going on to win the trophy that season.

2011/12 saw the inclusion of two Highland League sides each season, Buckie Thistle being one of the first two, and they were drawn against Forfar at Station Park. Thistle pushed the Loons all the way, after 120 minutes it was 1-1 with Graham Gibson scoring for the home side, Forfar lucky to win 5-4 on penalties. The second round pitted Forfar at home again, this time against Morton. Unlike last time in 2004, Morton won, hammering the Loons by five goals to nil.

Last season Forfar pulled off one of the shocks of the first round, defeating Dunfermline Athletic 3-2 with goals from Omar Kader, Danny Denholm and Gavin Swankie. Arbroath were the hosts for the second round game, with the same scoreline as the first round, Arbroath winning 3-2 in a feisty game which saw Iain Campbell sent off. The scorers that day were two players that has switched from the Red Lichties to Forfar that summer, Keith Gibson and Gavin Swankie.

Loons suffer first friendly defeat

Forfar Athletic        0         Dundee       1

                                             Monti 29

Forfar Athletic suffered their first pre-season defeat as they were defeated 1-0 by First Division side Dundee on Saturday.

Manager Dick Campbell made six changes from the midweek win against Spartans with Baxter, Dunlop, Gibson, Kader, Deasley and Fusco making way for Marvin Andrews, three trialists, McCulloch and McManus.

Dundee started off the stronger side with Declan Gallagher firing into the keeper’s arms from long range and Carlo Monti blasting over in the first ten minutes.

Ex-Morton and Pollok defender turned striker Monti almost opened the scoring in the 12^th minute when his free kick from 25 yards was tipped over by Darren Hill while six minutes later Willie Dyer had an attempt palmed away as the Dees looked for an opener.

Forfar had their first proper chance in the 26^th minute when a corner swung in by Iain Campbell was met powerfully by Marvin Andrews, causing a goalmouth scramble as Dundee struggled to clear their lines. Two minutes later Andrews caused bother again, this time heading just wide of the post from another corner.

The away side took the lead just before the half hour mark, Mark McCulloch failing to clear properly with winger Jamie Reid collecting the ball before putting in a cross that was met by Monti’s head, Hill unable to get a strong enough touch to stop the ball going in.

In the 35^th minute Dundee almost had a second because of defensive errors, the ball was passed into the penalty area and Marvin Andrews sliced his clearance onto the bar, then from the resulting corner Peter MacDonald saw his header fly wide.

Half Time: Forfar Athletic 0 Dundee 1

Forfar came out for the second half unchanged while the visitors sent on six subs, including new signing from Arbroath, Steven Doris.

Chances were thin on the ground in the second half, with Forfar the better side, although on the hour mark Ryan Conroy’s 25 yard free kick flashed past the post.

Five minutes later Martyn Fotheringham almost equalised, good play saw him and ex-Dee Swankie exchange passes before Fotheringham fired a shot off, unfortunately seeing it go over the bar.

Doris’ first attempt of the game came after 67 minutes, shrugging the defence before failing to trouble former team-mate Hill, his attempt going miles wide. Ryan Conroy had a similar copy ten minutes later before Forfar started to really threaten a equaliser.

Excellent passing by the home side in the 80^th minute between Omar Kader and trialist James Dale set up Fotheringham who rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box.

A minute before the end another trialist, this time a familiar face to the home as well as the away support, Bryan Deasley had a half volley 30 yards out pushed past the post by Kyle Letheren. From the resulting corner, Michael Dunlop had a header cleared off the line by the defence.

Fotheringham had another chance before the final whistle, despite other options available he chose to shoot straight at the keeper.

Full Time: Forfar Athletic 0 Dundee 1

Ramblings of a Loon’s Man of the Match: Marvin Andrews – never lost a header all afternoon and dribbled his way past three players.

Forfar Athletic: Darren Hill, Mark McCulloch, Iain Campbell (T), Stuart Malcolm, Marvin Andrews (Michael Dunlop 64), Neil McCabe (T) (Gary Fusco 67), Sean Mushin (T) (Martyn Fotheringham 53), Rob Pearson (T) (James Dale (T) 53), Chris Templeman (Bryan Deasley (T) 64), Gavin Swankie, Paul McManus (Omar Kader 66).

Sub not used: Ross Salmon.

Dundee:  Trialist (Kyle Letheren 45), Gary Irvine (Cameron Kerr 45), Declan Gallagher, Kyle Benedictus (James Thomson 72), Willie Dyer (Ryan Conroy 45), Iain Davidson (Matt Lockwood 72), Jim McAlister (Kevin McBride 72), Jamie Reid (Thomas Carberry 45), Peter MacDonald (Martin Boyle 45), Gavin Rae, Carlo Monti (Steven Doris 45).

Sub not used: Nicky Riley.

Fan Profile: Derek Holland (Ayr United)

Name: Derek Holland
Twitter: @itzdrk
Age: 24
Lives: Paisley
Team supported: Ayr United
How long have you supported them for? First season was the 1996/97 season
Do you support/follow any other clubs? If so, why? No, I have no understanding how anyone actually can emotionally invest in more than one club

What was the first game you went to?

Ayr United vs Berwick Rangers

What is the most memorable game you have attended?

The Brechin playoff final in 2012 was really a special day.

What game would you like to forget?

Rangers 7-0 Ayr United in the Scottish Cup semi final in 2000.

What is the funniest thing you have ever heard/seen at a game?

Plenty of funny stuff happens at SFL grounds, I would go with a Jack Russell invading the pitch during a game against Stenhousemuir a few seasons back.

Favourite game from this season?

We beat Arbroath 4-1 away and it was very enjoyable even if we didn’t play great stuff.

Worst game this season?

Boxing day defeat to Albion Rovers, many Ayr fans saw that as their last game of the season.

Who is your all time favourite player for your club?

Glynn Hurst, the best player i have seen in the SFL.

Who is your all time worst player for your club?

We have had our fair share of terrible players, I’ll just go with the most recent, Ryan McStay.

Who is your favourite person to manage your club?

Brian Reid.

Who is your most disliked person to manage your club?

Mark Roberts is doing a good job of taking over the current custodian Campbell Money.

Favourite player that is currently at the club?

Michael Moffat .

Which player from another club do you admire?

Andy Geggan.

Which player from another club do you not like?

Without a club currently but Willie Gibson is intolerable.

Who is your favourite player on Twitter, if any?

None really come to mind.

Are there any players you can’t stand on Twitter?

Almost all of them are terrible, Ryan McStay again for not knowing how to spell coupon (coupen) but posting about it all the time.

Are there opposition manager do you admire?

Ray McKinnon did a fantastic job at Brechin last season and will be one to watch this season.

Are there opposition manager do you not like?

Neil Lennon for his constant toys out the pram behaviour & Dick Campbell for his constant cynical tactics.

Favourite thing about supporting your club?

When we need a goal and are shooting into the Somerset Road end, most of my best football memories are under these circumstances.

Worst thing about supporting your club?

We don’t seem to have a plan as to where we are heading.

If you could make one change in your club what would it be?

The club have been up for sale for about 4 years now, it would be good to get that resolved and move forward.

Favourite thing about your clubs fans?

As above about the Somerset Road the atmosphere can be brilliant.

Worst thing about your clubs fans?

If it’s not going well the north terrace can be a horrible place to be.

Most liked opposition fans?

N/A

What opposition fans do you dislike?

Airdrie fans are quite terrible.

Favourite ground you have been to?

There are lots of great grounds in the SFL with a bit of character about them.

Worst ground you have been to?

Albion Rovers is one of the worst views.

How many grounds out of the 42 have you been to?

30 unless we get some good cup draws this won’t change this season.

Which ground that you haven’t been to would you most like to visit?

I suppose Celtic Park would be interesting to visit once.