Forfarshire confident of making progress

Despite their rocky start to the campaign, Forfarshire are convinced they can climb the table quickly and figure in the race for honours.

They take on basement boys Falkland at Forthill today in the hope of notching their third triumph on the trot.

On paper, they ought to achieve their aim.

However, skipper Umair Mohammed will not be counting his chickens.

He said: “The reality of this competition is that anyone can beat anyone else on their day.

“We must not take Falkland lightly because they will be desperate to get their own season up and running,” he added.

“My young boys are now starting to believe that they belong at this level,” he said.

“It has been exciting to watch them grow in terms of confidence and their ability to be winners.”

Scott Cameron and Matty Walker are back in the line-up in place of Kyle Legget and Andy Wallace.

The sad and sudden passing of former player and long-time Lochlands stalwart Howie McLoughlin will provide extra inspiration to pacesetters Arbroath when they square up to Glenrothes at Gilvenbank.

Club captain Marc Petrie stated: “Howie was a fierce competitor on the pitch and a well-loved guy off it.

“The guys will be thinking about him and his family.

“Glens are a group of talented lads and even without Safyaan Sharif, they will be a threat.

“We will also be under strength and among those absent will be Fraser Burnett, Greig Peal, Ross McLean and Craig Ramsay.

“However, I have great belief in our strength in depth and it will be an opportunity for the likes of Darryl Sinclair, Blair and Bryce Carnegie, Ryan Cameron and Jack Waller.

Fifers chairman Eddie Gibbs said: “We went close to beating Arbroath in a T20 fixture, so we have an insight into their abilities.

“Until last week at Watsonians we’d competed well in every match and any of them could have gone either way.

“When you have a young side like ourselves, the wheels will occasionally come off.

“The approach to training this week had been really positive.

“Vasu Reddy continues as captain in the absence of Safyaan and we’re delighted to welcome back Fraser Gosse after his rugby exploits.”

Grange make the trip north to take on Aberdeenshire at Mannofield, the hosts going for a third win on the spin.

Jittery champions Carlton are out to get back on track as they entertain neighbours Watsons, and Heriot’s should be too strong for SMRH at Goldenacre in the north capital derby.