Weir ends wait for derby win as Loons strike back

FORFAR 2 MONTROSE 1

Forfar manager Jim Weir finally broke his derby hoodoo with victory over Montrose at rain-lashed Station Park.

His Loons side came from behind – thanks to two Dale Hilson goals – to record his first league win over an Angus rival since succeeding Gary Bollan as Forfar boss 14 months ago.

It was only Forfar’s second win in their last 20 derbies stretching back more than three years.

Weir praised not only his own players, but the visitors too, and everyone who endured the appalling conditions during the match, which was far more entertaining than it could have been.

He said: “It certainly wasn’t an easy game as the conditions for both sides were terrible.

“The referee obviously had his doubts before the game about it going ahead because the forecast wasn’ t great.

“I think if it had been the way it was in the second half then it wouldn’t have went ahead.

“Big respect to the players and the supporters and officials for coming out and letting the game go ahead.

“But I’m delighted for the players and supporters we managed to get a derby victory in the league, albeit after a poor start.

“I think with the wind and the conditions in your favour, you should make more of it but it seemed both teams played better against the wind.”

“I think overall we just deserved it and I am delighted for the supporters to get a derby win in the league, because it has been a long time coming.”

That woeful derby form looked set to continue as Montrose dominated early on and earned a penalty after just eight minutes after a quick break upfield.

Euan Henderson collected a neat pass in the box and stepped inside only for Jamie Bain to take the feet from under him.

Martin Rennie stepped up and blasted the spotkick down the middle to fire the visitors ahead.

Forfar levelled in the 36th minute with an absolute screamer from Dale Hilson.

He collected 30 yards from goal and held off a couple of challenges before thumping a rocket shot beyond the despairing dive of Allan Fleming.

The Loons took the lead with 11 minutes to go when Hilson grabbed his second, finishing a neat pass from John Baird from a tight angle. Baird himself then hit the post as Forfar sought to seal the points.

Montrose manager Stewart Petrie praised both teams for trying to make the best of the awful conditions.

“I thought we started the game brilliant, especially playing into the wind,” he said. “The lesson there was we should go and get another goal after we were ahead.

“We missed a couple of really good chances. We let them back into the game, but it was a super goal from Hilson although I think it was their first shot on target.

“I think in the second half we were similar to what Forfar were in the first. We didn’t seem to use the elements well either.”

Dale Hilson was Forfar’s two-goal hero.