Gary Irvine aims to maintain positive Forfar momentum

Gary Naysmith’s City side are among those tucked in behind Forfar, scrapping it out for a promotion play-off place.

Forfar didn’t have a competitive game on Saturday because of scheduled opponents Stirling Albion playing Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

Before the break, they beat Stranraer and then plundered a point from third-placed Annan Athletic.

And Irvine believes his side are in a good place to maintain that positive form.

Athletic have played City twice this season, beating them 2-0 and 4-0.

Irvine says he’ll pay no attention to previous results when the two meet at Station Park.

"Regardless of results we’ve already had against them, I’m looking at what they’ve been doing over the last month or so,” said the manager.

"They have a massive squad and have had a turn-around in players.

"They’re playing with a new formation and have bodies back from injury, so it’s a different test.

"It’s one we’re looking forward to.

"It’ll be a good game and we want to get back into league games now.

"It’ll be a tough challenge but a good challenge.”

Forfar have a two-point advantage between themselves and third-placed Annan, with City a further 10 points behind.

Irvine, though, is focused only on taking things a game at a time.

He added: “ I’m not really in the mindset where I’m trying to build up gaps to those behind us.

"I’m not looking in front either. We came through a difficult December where we had a few injuries.

"It was a tough time and we picked up a couple of defeats so, for me, it’s only about getting back into a winning momentum and our stride again.

"We picked up a win and a decent point away to Annan as well, so we’re getting back on track and I’m concentrating on what we’re doing.”

Forfar faced Dundee East Craigie in a bounce game at the weekend as Irvine looked to keep his side on their toes.

It was a worthwhile workout, said Irvine, with Forfar winning 3-1 against the Midlands League leaders.

“It was good for the match fitness and allowed me to get minutes into certain boys who haven’t been playing,” he added.

"It was well worth it and a good exercise.

"It was all training based and fitness based, and allowed us to work on a few things as well.

"We were in an unusual position of not having a game, with lots of teams still occupied with the cup.

"We used our contacts and East Craigie were available.

"We heard they were top of their league and doing well, so we knew it would be a good test.

"They ticked a lot of boxes for us.

"East Craigie are a young side but they do things right and play good football.

"They have players who are trying to progress in the game.

"That’s probably why they’re top of their league.”