Irn Bru Cup – 72 hours to kick-off

The eagerly anticipated Irn Bru fourth round tie at Station Park between Gary Bollan’s Forfar Athletic and Craig Harrison’s Welsh Premier League Champions New Saints from Oswestry draws ever closer.

Last night while the ‘Loon’s players went through the first of their two midweek training sessions a their Kinross training base, the ‘Saints’ continued their winning streak with a 2-1 home win over Bala Town in the Welsh League Cup.

Former Wrexham and Welsh Under 19 striker Alex Darlington netted both goals, the second from the penalty spot as his side began the defence of a trophy they have won for the past two seasons.

It was their third victory in as many weeks over Bala who entertain Alloa Athletic in North Wales on Saturday afternoon in the Irn Bru tourney.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s Station Park clash, a comprehensive match preview will be posted on this website on Thursday.

Forfar though have been hit with a blow in the lead up to the game.

Young goalkeeper Brett Long has been recalled by his parent club Dundee United due to Cammy Bell’s injury and Gary is actively on the lookout for a replacement as back up to first choice Grant Adam.

Development squad keepers Jason King and Jack Shaw are also on standby.

A reminder that Saturday’s tie kicks off at the normal 3p.m. and reduced admission charges have been set at £10 for adults, £5 concessions (65& over and under 17’s).

Hopefully despite the counter attraction of Saturday evening’s World Cup tie which has a 7.45p.m. ko at Hampden, local footballing fans will turn out in numbers to back the ‘Loons’ in this historic fixture.