Peterhead should hold no fears for Loons, says captain Swankie

Gavin Swankie notched up a half-century of Forfar goals – and then challenged the Loons to join Angus rivals Arbroath in League 1 next season.

The 33-year-old captain grabbed strikes no 49 and 50 in a Loons shirt in the 4-2 play-off semi-final second leg victory over Annan at the weekend to clinch a final double-header with Peterhead.

In an interview with Loons TV after the game, the former Dundee and St Johnstone player said: “The boys are excited to be facing Peterhead.

“Maybe midway through the season we wouldn’t want to be here but we are where we are and we’ll take it to Wednesday and see how it goes. Over two legs I think we can beat Peterhead.”

Swankie, who is three games away from his 200th Forfar appearance, was happy with his brace against Annan as he took his season’s tally to eight.

“We were excellent in the first half but we maybe became a bit shaky early in the second. However, I thought the boys did brilliantly and I was delighted with my two goals, though I probably should have had a hat-trick.”

Loons boss Gary Bollan, whose side were pipped to the League 1 title on the final day of the season, insisted his players will head into the final full of confidence, with Peterhead to be missing star striker Rory McAllister in the second leg due to suspension.

“We played some real good stuff against Annan, especially in the first half and scored three real good goals,” said Bollan.

“But we allowed Annan the next goal and that wee chink of light that put us under a bit of pressure. We have got to be better than that and we looked a bit nervy then.

“But we settled down again. It is easy to play at 3-0 but you have to give credit to Annan.

“We kicked on from the second half from Wednesday night and took that into the first half today and at times I thought we were excellent.

“After the disappointment of last week it was important we got through and that’s what we did. It will be a difficult tie against Peterhead but we will go there in confidence.”

Meanwhile Forfar are making coach travel available to supporters for Saturday’s game at Balmoor.

Departure time from the Myre Car Park will be 11.30am and the cost will be £10.

Seats can be booked at the club shop at tomorrow’s game at Station Park, or by phoning or texting 07871165689 or e mail david .mcgregor@f orfarathletic. co.uk.