Previous title wins

Both clubs have won this title once before – Forfar were champions in the first season of the four-division set-up in 1994-95, finishing 13 points clear of Montrose under the management of Tommy Campbell. Arbroath claimed their first major trophy in 2010-11 when Paul Sheerin’s side finished five points in front of Albion Rovers.

The Angus rivals have both picked up more points away from home this season than at home, winning 10 games each on their travels. Across the entire SPFL, only Celtic (15) and Livingston (12) have won more away matches, although Hibernian have also won 10. Arbroath’s only away league defeat this season was to Clyde at Broadwood back in September.

Arbroath are unbeaten against today’s opponents Stirling Albion this season, winning 5-3 and drawing 1-1 at Gayfield. It ended 2-2 on their last visit to Forthbank in November when the Binos fought back from two goals down thanks to a last-gasp double from Sean Dickson, the second a stunning stoppage-time volley that has been shortlisted for PFA Scotland/Sky Sports Goal of the Season.

Forfar have won all three meetings with today’s opponents Annan, who will finish third no matter the outcome. The Loons were 5-1 winners at Station Park in December and triumphed 2-1 on both visits to Galabank.

STIRLING ALBION V ARBROATH

The Arbroath players stood, shoulders slumped, after losing at home to Forfar to fall 11 points behind the League Two leaders.

The date was February 4, the venue Gayfield and the result 1-0 to the Loons.

The home players might have expected the hairdryer treatment from manager Dick Campbell but instead they got word after word of encouragement.

As defender Jassem Sukar revealed, the Lichties walked out of the dressing room firmly believing they could beat the odds and still catch their Angus rivals.

Not only have they closed what was a massive gap in three months, they have – with perfect timing – moved a point clear of Gary Bollan’s men with just one match to play.

Now Arbroath travel to Forthbank today to take on mid-table Stirling Albion knowing that if they win then they will be crowned champions.

Considering the ground they had to make up, it would be one of the greatest stories of season 2016-17 in Scotland.

Sukar revealed how crucial it was to hear Campbell say how much belief he had in his team after losing that Angus derby to Josh Peters’ goal three months ago.

The on-loan Dundee United man said: “The aim from the beginning of the season was to push on and win the league. Should everything go as planned today, Lichties defender Jassem Sukar will soak up the Champagne and then check how parent club Dundee United have fared in their match away to Morton as they try to clinch second spot in the Championship.

“Hopefully, we can get the title and then I can check to see how United have gotten on,” he said.

“It would be great to do the double – Arbroath become champions and United get second spot in the Championship.

“I have enjoyed it so much at Gayfield that it would be great to finish the season with the title. We have to finish the job.”