Loons leave it late to end winless home run

Forfar Athletic found their winning ways last midweek with a thumping of Cow den beat h–and followed that up with their first home win since mid-August.

However, the Loons left it late against Albion Rovers, Steven Craig’s looping header winning the bad-tempered affair a minute into injury-time.

Manager Gary Boll an was pleased with how his side had stuck to their task right to the end.

“I’m delighted with the win. It was a hard fought win. On reflection, there wasn’t a lot of chances in the game, but the one we did manage to get we took.

“It’s two wins on the trot now and we have to go up to Brechin next. That becomes a real big game because we are seven points in front and if we win on Tuesday it makes that gap even more.

“I think recent performances have been alright. A draw would have been justified at A yr last week, then on Tuesday we put in a real good performance. At stages of the game today it was hard to break down 10 men but fortunately we did that.

“We were a bit more patient, moving the ball side to side. The players have gained in confidence and the additions we have made have made a difference. We are scoring goals and we look like we can score goals now. We have strikers that want to score.”

In a drab first half the only incident of note was when For far had a penalty claim dismissed in the 36th minute. Andy Ryan advanced on a through ball but looked to be hauled down by Mick Dunlop, with ref Alan Newlands allowing play to go on despite furious protests.

Ryan threatened again with chances early in the second half while at the other end Scott McBride had his shot blocked.

In the 74th minute Loons sub Danny Denholm curled wide, but seconds later Albion Rovers were down to 10 men when McBride was shown his second yellow after diving in an attempt to get the already cautioned Martyn Fotheringham in bother.

Craig had the final say in the game though, rising to head home a Michael Kennedy cross in the last minute.