This will be the fourth time the teams have met this season although the first at Carluke's new stadium. Pre-season the sides fought out a draw in the Clydesdale Cup with the Wanderers winning on penalties while Forth also won the Sectional League Cup tie by three goals to two, after coming back from two down. The latest game at Kingshill in September was the proverbial game of two halves with Forth dominating the first half and scoring twice, while Carluke came roaring back to score four without reply.
 |
| The teams pay their respects to Clara Kay earlier in the season. |
The Rovers have won 10 games on the bounce including 8 of their 9 league games to date, which is a fantastic achievement and will certainly present a stern test for the Wanderers. They've recently added three players to their squad, strengthening it further and will no doubt feel confident on their home patch.
However, Forth have been playing well of late, discounting the Camelon Cup match, and put in a tremendous team effort at Blantyre last week. Although we have a small squad, the starting 11 last week didn't include the likes of Craig Crawford, Martin Harty, Tony Traynor, Chris Newall or Kris Jarvie so we've certainly quality within it. I also think we'll enjoy the Carluke pitch, which should allow us to play a more expansive passing game. Manager Jamie McKenzie has a full squad to choose from for our biggest match of the season to date.
Finally, to my mind, we're the best team in this league, certainly of the ones we've played, and this is an opportunity for us to finally get the credit we deserve. A chance to silence the naysayers, the begrudgers, the "it's all down to their pitch brigade" and the condescending "only little Forth" know it alls, once and for all.
I believe we can win. The money is down to back it up.
McBookie Odds :
Carluke : 10/11
Draw :7/2
Forth : 13/8
'MON THE FORTH
