The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Loons’ late, late show levels matters at Annan
Gary Bollan was thrilled after Forfar staged a stunning late fightback to cancel out Annan’s fast start.
The Loons, who lost the title on the last day of the season, looked set for more misery as the hosts raced into a two-goal lead through Peter Weatherson and Aidan Smith in the opening 16 minutes.
But Forfar piled on the pressure after the break and deservedly hauled themselves level with goals in the last eight minutes from Michael Travis and Martyn Fotheringham.
Bollan said: “We showed what we’re capable of in the second half and were well worthy of at least a draw. I’m really pleased with the way we kept going at 2-0 down.
“The way we finished should give us real confidence for the second leg after what happened on Saturday.”
Annan chairman Henry McClelland was in attendance despite being charged with betting on football. And he saw his side take the lead after four minutes when Weatherson nodded in Smith’s cross.
Things got better for the hosts when Smith netted the rebound from his own penalty after keeper Grant Adam had fouled him.
Forfar looked down and out but they came roaring back into it and took control of the second half.
Jamie Bain missed two good chances and David Cox hit the bar and saw an effort cleared off the line.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 82nd minute when Travis headed in Gavin Swankie’s corner.
And a minute later Fotheringham levelled the tie when he curled in a magnificent free-kick from 25 yards out.
Annan boss Jim Chapman, said: “We started the tie well and they finished it well. I felt we had them pinned but we let them off the hook.
“Credit to Forfar though – they weren’t top of the league for nothing. We’ll take confidence from the result at the weekend.”
Annan Athletic: Currie, Home, Krissian, Swinglehurst, Lucas, Omar, Cuddihy, Skelton (Wright 48), Flanagan (McKenna 86),Weatherson (Osadolor 73), Smith. Subs Not Used: Watson, Dachnowicz, Bronsky, Mitchell.
Forfar: Adam, Munro, O’Brien, Travis, Bain, Swankie, Fotheringham, McLaughlin, Cox, Denholm, James Lister. Subs Not Used: Malcolm, Milne, Peters, Scott, McGovern, Eddie Malone, Aiden Malone.
Attendance: 629. Referee: Crawford Allan.