Allan off to a flier with hat-trick as new-look Loons gel quickly

Football returned to Station Park with a bang on a sweltering Saturday as Forfar Athletic found the route to goal after only 33 seconds of their first pre-season friendly against Carnoustie Panmure.

But it was new signing Jordan Allan who grabbed the headlines with a hattrick in a 5-2 win.

Loons boss Stuart Malcolm had plenty to be pleased with in his side’s first outing since the beginning of March.

“At this stage of our season we are obviously looking to get match fitness out of the game for as many players as possible,” he said.

“I wanted to give the guys as much time as they needed to push themselves forward in that regard.

“The lads who played only the last 30 minutes today will all start the next match on Tuesday (against Broughty Athletic).”

Malcolm made clear that although this was very early in the preparations, he still had high standards he expected to be met.

“We have a lot of new players. So it was nice to see partnerships developing throughout the team. Those are things we’ve been working on, making sure that we are better than last season.

“We’ve added youth and energy and pace to the squad.

“That will hopefully put us on the front foot going forward.”

Meanwhile Forfar legend Martyn Fotheringham, now a coach at Station Park, has signed a playing contract.

Malcolm said: “Foxy will be a handy substitute. He’s not going to play 25 games but he’ll help us out from the bench. His quality is still there for all to see.”

Forfar supporters will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets in person at Station Park next week.

Online sales over the past 10 days have been encouraging for Loons officials.

An adult ticket is priced at £150 with a concession ticket for 65 and over costing £80. Under-17 tickets are £40 with under-14s paying £25.

Live streaming of Forfar’s home League One fixtures will be provided as an option to adult and concession ticket holders if fans are still unable to attend games by October 17, when Dumbarton take on Malcolm’s outfit.

The tickets will be on sale in the 1984 Lounge at Station Park today and Wednesday from 6.30-7.30pm.

A third opportunity will be provided on Saturday from 10-11am.