Forfar coach John Young says the fight for the second division title is still wide open and his side can’t wait for tonight’s Angus derby against Brechin.
The Station Park outfit had a turbulent week after being rocked by the news that manager Dick Campbell is suffering from kidney cancer but Young is full of praise for the professional way in which the “fantastic” squad has dealt with the situation.
And as they head into the match against Campbell’s former club with a full-strength squad, Young has admitted that “anything can happen.”
He said, “Brechin are on a really good run at the moment, but no one can predict what happens in a derby. It will be a good game because there are lots of connections between the clubs.
“They’re up challenging for the championship but there are a lot of games between now and the end of the season and we haven’t ruled ourselves out either a lot of water will pass under the bridge before that is decided.
“We just hope fans of both sides will come out and make it feel like a cup tie.”
Brechin are also optimistic ahead of the match and manager Jim Weir insists preparations for Saturday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against St Johnstone will not distract his players from the task in hand.
The Glebe Park club also have a full-strength squad for the fixture, apart from long-term casualty Charlie King, and are set to welcome Craig Molloy back from suspension.
Weir said his team would “take confidence” from an “excellent” second-half display against Stenhousemuir on Saturday which saw them come from behind to record a convincing 3-1 victory over the relegation battlers.
However, he added, “We are playing a good team with a great home record and the players are looking forward to it. Obviously we have a big game on Saturday and the atmosphere is building but the players will be absolutely focused on the Forfar game.”