Momentum maintained for Forfar’s new regime

LEAGUE ONE: Loons’ confidence grows following second successive victory

FORFAR 2 EAST FIFE 0

Forfar Athletic’s revival under new manager Jim Weir continued with a 2-0 win over East Fife.

The Loons have just lost once in their last six matches, but still sit secondbottom of League One.

For Weir and his assistant Barry Sellars the shape and form Forfar are finding is almost as pleasing as the points on board.

Sellars admitted it took a while for Forfar to find their stride against an East Fife side which has been impressing.

“The quality in the first half was probably poor from us. Our shape was good but we didn’t look a threat. But we kept at it and found that bit of confidence in the second half and by the end I think we did thoroughly deserve it,” he said.

“We are starting to get that shape and positional sense about the group and I think what is most pleasing for the manager is that the shape of the team is very good when we don’t have the ball.”

He added: “It is not vintage stuff yet but certainly the difference in the last few weeks is excellent.”

Sellars said the shutout was just reward for “exceptional” performances from the back four and keeper Marc McCulloch.

While Sellars was disappointed with his side in the first half, it was a well balanced 45 minutes, with plenty entertainment from the two teams.

Forfar made the breakthrough in the 59th minute when Eddie Malone ghosted in to glance a looping header over Mark Hurst in goal from a pinpoint Jamie Bain centre.

Chris Duggan was denied an equaliser in the 67th minute when Bain headed off the line, and moments later Forfar were two ahead. Michael Travis met a freekick from Dylan Easton first time and steered the ball home from eight yards to put a fair reflection on the game.

East Fife manager Darren Young was disappointed his side did not reached the standards they had been setting.

“When it comes down to it, if you don’t score, you won’t win,” he said.

“Until the first goal went in, I think we were sitting comfortably. We weren’t under any pressure and the boys at the back were doing very well, mopping everything up. It was just that wee killer, finishing touch that was missing.

“The opportunity was there to get three points and we are gutted. I think we could have come away with at least a point, but if you don’t take your chances, you don’t get anything.

“You could see them sitting behind the ball after getting two goals in quick succession and we would have done the same.

“It is frustrating because we know we can do so much better.”

Picture: SNS. Michael Travis was on target for Forfar.