Forfar shock Gretna

Apr 19 2006 Dumfries & Galloway Standard

IT SEEMS as if the effects of a long and demanding season are finally starting to catch up with Scottish Cup finalists Gretna after they slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat against struggling Forfar.

Perhaps it was simply a case of the Loons having more to play for than the champions with the result meaning that their Second Division status is secured for another season.

With the cup final just weeks away and a hectic league schedule still to be completed, manager Rowan Alexander took the chance to field some of his fringe players.

And it was Gretna who should have taken the lead after six minutes when Gavin Skelton was clean through on goal but Forfar keeper Shaun Murdoch blocked the shot.

But what should have been a dream start turned into a nightmare for the visitors as Forfar netted just two minutes later.

The home side struck after eight minutes through man of the match Andy Jackson.

Barry Sellars slipped a great pass through the defence and Jackson beat the offside trap before slotting the ball coolly past the keeper.

The goal gave Forfar confidence to go forward, and they went close to extending the lead through Ritchie Montgomery.

There were loud claims for a Forfar penalty when Michele Lombardi was challenged by Mark Birch in the box, but the referee looked to be spot on as he waved play on.

However, Forfar did extend their lead after 32 minutes when Jackson got his second when he pounced on the hesitancy of Scott Paterson and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Gretna made three changes at the break and that brought some urgency to their play.

They were rewarded with a 73rd minute penalty, and James Grady blasted home the spot-kick.

Forfar still looked dangerous, however, and Jackson was denied his hat-trick by a point-blank save.

Manager Alexander pulled no punches in his assessment of the game: “We were rubbish today,” he said.

“The signs are there, but their minds were on the cup final. They’re playing for their places and their futures.

“They gave the impression they think they are better players than they are and that’s not acceptable in my book,” he added.

Forfar: Murdoch, Keogh, King, Rattray, Dunn, Sellars, Lunan, Donald, Jackson, Lombardi, Montgomery. Subs not used: Gribben, Tosh, Connolly, Cumming, Brown

Gretna: Maddison, Birch, McQuilken (Innes, 46), O'Neil, Townsley, Paterson (Tosh, 46), Jenkins (Graham, 52), Nicholls, Deuchar, Grady, Skelton. Subs not used: Shields, Main.

Referee: M Ritchie

Attendance: 591