Forfar Athletic vs Brechin City preview - Play-off rivals braced for derby clash

Posted Monday, December 31, 2012 by PA

Third-placed Forfar host fourth-placed Brechin in an Angus derby in which defender Stephen Tulloch will miss as he serves the second game of a two-match ban.

The injured Keith Gibson is again absent however Odmar Faeroe could return after three months out following knee surgery.

It promises to be a close-fought Second Division encounter, and manager Dick Campbell said: "We had a sticky patch recently but hopefully two wins in our last three games means we are through that.

"Brechin have done well under Ray McKinnon and won the last game between us 4-1 but that was never a fair reflection on the game.

"We battled back from two goals down against East Fife on Saturday to win and we will need that spirit again in this game."

Brechin midfielder Alan Trouten is struggling to make the clash.

Trouten suffered a recurrence of a knee injury in Saturday's 2-0 win at Stranraer and sits out as the Glebe Park side aim to leapfrog over their hosts with a win.

Manager McKinnon said: "Getting into third place would be a great start to the year, especially when you consider where we were a few months ago.

"The boys gave a very solid performance at Stranraer and did well to come away with the three points.

"Forfar have a great spirit in their squad, as they showed by coming from two goals down to East fife on Saturday, so the players will need to get their sleeves rolled up and be ready to battle for the win."