Weir expects Bairns response to defeat at hands of Angus rivals

Forfar kick off their season with a trip to a Falkirk side who went down 1-0 to Montrose on Saturday – and that result has given Station Park manager Jim Weir mixed emotions.

The Loons boss explained: “Montrose’s win made everyone in our group sit up and take notice as all of a sudden grabbing one of the top two places is looking much more achievable.

“That is good as we know that a win at Falkirk tonight will give us a good chance.

“However, the downside is that Falkirk will have been stung by that result and will be out to make us pay for it.

“I have listened to Paul Hartley’s comments from after the game and I know he is expecting more urgency from his team and we need to be ready for that.

“The fixtures have also made it difficult for us to progress as we are starting with two away games in a row which is far from ideal.

“We have to try and make the most of things despite that disadvantage.”

The Loons will go into the game low on numbers – playerassistant manager John Baird is suspended, Gary Fraser is injured and Eddie Malone’s wife is due to give birth any day now so he has not been included in Forfar’s plans.

“We are still trying to add to the squad and I am hoping to get two more players on board this week,” said Weir.

“However, it is unlikely that will be done before kick-off on Tuesday night. We will go with what we have and see what happens.”

Marc Scott will not be added to Weir’s pool as his trial period at the club has come to an end with the midfielder expected to head back to the junior ranks.