Stenhousemuir made it 10 wins on the bounce and increased the gap at the top of the league to 14 points as they defeated Forfar at Ochilview 2-1 with goals from Gregor Buchannan and Nicky Jameson.
Gary Naysmith named an unchanged lineup to the side that defeated Clyde in Hamilton last weekend, Ross Taylor dropped out the squad as he serves his suspension for his red card last weekend. Kyle Jacobs and Bradley Rodden came onto the bench after signing for the Warriors in the week.
It was an even opening period, the only chance of the game fell to Matty Yates, as Forfar’s clearance fell to him on the half volley, but he fired over the bar. Euan O’Reilly went into the referee’s book after a poor challenge on Finn Robson.
Stenhousemuir had a good chance halfway through the first half. Brown played off Yates whose shot was parried away by McCallum. Mikey Anderson fires wide on the follow up but just put it wide.
The Warriors took the lead in the 26th minute. Captain Gregor Buchannan headed home an Adam Brown corner to beat Mark McCallum in the Forfar goal and give the Warriors the lead in the match.
The Warriors had another chance just after the half hour mark. Anderson broke quickly, played in O’Reilly but his shot was palmed by McCallum.
As the first half drew to a close, there was not many clear-cut chances for either side in the half.
The Warriors started the second half well as they went close in the 49th minute with some lovely linkups play between Yates and O’Reilly, who fired a cross towards the face of the goal, but McCallum was there to prevent Aitken from getting on the end of it.
Forfar equalised in the 62nd min through Morrison. Some good build up play on the left wing then saw a cross into the box which took a touch off Morrison to fool Darren Jameson in goal.
The Warriors responded instantly, Nicky Jameson headed home from another Adam Brown corner to regain the lead in the match.
Stenhousemuir were then able to manage any threat that came their way with some good defensive work and even had a couple chances to counter through Adam Brown and Euan O’Reilly.
Forfar pushed late on but were unable to test Darren Jameson in goal as a sturdy Stenhousemuir defence dealt with everthing that came their way.
Towards the end of the match, we saw a couple of debutants in Kyle Jacobs and Bradley Rodden who both came on late on to help see out the match for the Warriors.
Stenhousemuir will now prepare for a difficult test away at Ainslie Park against the Spartans next week.
Match report by Angus Blacklock
LINE-UPS
Stenhousemuir | D Jamieson, Meechan, Buchanan, N Jamieson, Bilham [Lynch 87′], Wedderburn, Brown [Jacobs 83′], Anderson, Yates [Rodden 69′], O’Reilly [Berry 87′], Aitken
Substitutes not used | Lyle, Sweenie-Rowe, Ferrie, McKay
Goals | Buchan 27′, N Jamieson 63′
Assists | Brown 27′ & 63′
Bookings | Wedderburn, O’Reilly
Red Cards |
Forfar Athletic | McCallum, Allan, Munro, Hutchison, Brinkley, Whatley [Ferguson 82′], Lobban [Mutale 45′], Morrison, Robson, Watson [Paterson 70′], Ross
Substitutes not used | Paris, Blacklock
Goals | Morrison 62′
Assists | Mutale 62′
Bookings |
Player of the Match | Nicky Jamieson
