The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Defender Mensing vital part of jigsaw, says Bollan
FORFAR 1 FORMARTINE UNITED 1
Forfar Athletic have continued their summer rebuilding with the signing of hugely experienced defender Simon Mensing.
The Loons secured the signature of the 35-yearold centre back prior to a 1-1 draw with Highland League side Formartine United at Station Park on Saturday.
Manager Gary Bollan was delighted to have brought someone with the experience of Mensing to Station Park.
Mensing has turned out for 10 different clubs during his career, including St Johnstone, Motherwell and Hamilton, as well as spells in North American soccer.
“Simon is another vital part of the jigsaw for us,” Bollan said.
“He is a good experienced defender. At the moment we are a bit lightweight defensivewise so it is important we fill these positions with good-quality players. We have brought Mark Millar in too and you can see the quality of the level he has played at.
“As the weeks go on we will see the sharpness come back to all the players as they get used to playing with each other.
“It was a decent run out for us against Formartine – they are a useful side and we have guys at different levels of fitness just now. We also had some boys on holiday and some new signings just coming in so it is good to get some game time under our belts.”
Formartine impressed against Forfar and made the League One newcomers work hard throughout.
New keeper Marc McCallum – signed for the Loons from Plymouth Argyll – made a fine double stop to show his intentions for the season, palming away a powerful drive from United’s Gary Wood then blocking a follow-up from Scott Barbour.
Formartine’s efforts were rewarded in the 37th minute from the penalty spot after Andy Munro brought down Wood. Paul Lawson smashed home the spot-kick.
Forfar levelled right on the stroke of halftime when Munro made amends for his error, rising highest in a crowded box to head home a Mark Millar free-kick.