Dick Campbell was pleased his side managed to peg back Stranraer in Saturday’s opener at Stair Park but has demanded more from his charges if they are to mount a real challenge for promotion to the Championship.
Behind to an early Jamie Longworth goal, Forfar put the home side under enormous pressure for the remainder of the first half and pushed the play-off hopefuls to the limit in a typically error-strewn affair so early in the new season.
There were sapping spells of frustration, dips in concentration and mounting expectation that Forfar would come away inevitable losers in this game, but patience for the visitors prevailed.
On 64 minutes, Stuart Malcolm advanced into the box unmarked to connect with Danny Denholm’s cross to restore parity before both sides missed chances to steal victory in the closing stages.
Forfar’s summer signing Dale Hilson nodded an effort just wide for the visitors on 86 minutes before Stranraer’s Chris Aitken’s powerful right-footed shot was saved by Rab Douglas in added time to ensure the spoils were shared.
Forfar manager Campbell admitted improvements are needed, saying: “First games of the season are always hard battles and today was no different.
“Stranraer made it difficult for us but overall I think we dealt with them well enough.
“Their goal was disappointing as I thought we could have had a bit more composure to clear our lines and I feel it is an area where we need improving.
“The second half we came out well, put them under pressure and we got our reward when Stuart equalised.”
Campbell continued: “I think with a bit more composure in front of goal and more league matches under our belts we could have won that game.”
Stranraer manager Stephen Aitken said: “It was a tough match but overall I am pleased we got a point.”