Forfar vs Montrose on 27 June
Station Park in Forfar is the setting for a compelling club friendly on the 27th of June, as Forfar Athletic welcome local rivals Montrose for what promises to be an intriguing pre-season encounter. This fixture offers both managers a crucial opportunity to assess their squads, experiment with tactical setups, and build match fitness ahead of the new campaign. Montrose, who compete in Scottish League One, enter the contest as the higher-division side, but a friendly atmosphere often levels the playing field, giving the League Two hosts a chance to test themselves against superior opposition. The historical context of this Angus derby adds an extra layer of intensity, ensuring that despite its friendly billing, the competitive spirit will be fierce.
Forfar: Form and Analysis
Forfar Athletic head into this match on the back of a mixed run of results, having secured two wins, suffered two defeats, and played out one draw in their last five outings. Their attacking output has been respectable, averaging 1.60 goals per game over this period, but defensive vulnerabilities are evident, as they concede an average of 1.20 goals per game. Recent league form in the 2025–2026 Scottish League Two campaign shows a team that finished in a solid fourth position with 50 points from 36 games, demonstrating consistent performance. Key to their play is a tendency to create chances through open play, and discipline has been a relative strength, with a notable record of avoiding red cards in their last 20 matches. The average corner count for Forfar stands at 10.44 per match, indicating a willingness to attack down the flanks and put pressure on opposing defences.
A closer look at the squad reveals a team that is disciplined yet seeking greater cutting edge in the final third. Over their last ten games, they have failed to score on only two occasions, highlighting a consistent attacking threat. Their ability to generate set-piece opportunities is a key weapon, and they will look to exploit this against a Montrose side that has often shown defensive fragilities. The hosts’ average of 3.92 yellow cards per match suggests a competitive edge without crossing the line into dangerous indiscipline. Forfar’s ability to convert possession into goals and maintain their defensive shape will be crucial against a more adventurous Montrose side.
Montrose: Form and Analysis
Montrose enter this match in a worrying run of form, having failed to win any of their last five matches, losing four and drawing one. This form reflects a challenging end to their Scottish League One campaign, where they finished fifth with a record of 11 wins, 9 draws, and 16 losses from 36 games, accumulating 42 points. Their defensive record has been a significant concern, conceding an average of 1.86 goals per game across the season, a statistic that worsens on the road. However, their attacking output has been more potent, averaging 1.45 goals per game in their last five outings, suggesting a team that possesses the firepower to trouble any defence but struggles to keep the opposition out at the other end.
This clash presents the visitors with an ideal opportunity to reset and address their defensive frailties before the new season begins. Montrose’s recent history shows a tendency for games to be high-scoring, with eight of their last 20 matches seeing over 2.5 goals. Blair Lyons has been a key attacking figure, contributing significantly to their goal tally and posing a consistent threat from wide positions. However, their inability to keep clean sheets—they have conceded in each of their last ten matches—is a glaring issue that Forfar will look to exploit. The average of 10.44 corners per game in their matches suggests a similar attacking approach to Forfar, setting the stage for a contest that could be won and lost on set-piece efficiency and defensive concentration.
Head-to-Head History
The historical head-to-head record between these two sides paints a picture of tightly contested battles. In their last ten meetings, the statistical advantage leans slightly in favour of Montrose, who have secured four victories to Forfar’s three, with three matches ending in draws. This historical parity suggests that the 27 June encounter is unlikely to be a one-sided affair, with both teams familiar with each other’s tactical approaches. The most recent competitive fixture between the two saw Montrose edge out Forfar with a 1–0 victory on 26 August 2025 in the Tunnock's Cup, a result that will give the visitors a psychological edge heading into this friendly.
However, pre-season friendlies often deviate from historical trends, as squad rotations and experimental tactics can disrupt established patterns. Forfar will be keen to reverse the result from their last defeat, leveraging the home advantage at Station Park to set the record straight. The historical data indicates a competitive rivalry where matches are often decided by fine margins, and this encounter is expected to follow a similar script. The 1–0 scoreline from the previous meeting highlights how tightly matched these sides are, and it would be no surprise to see another closely fought contest.
Match Prediction
This friendly presents a fascinating tactical battle between a higher-division side in poor form and a lower-division team with momentum. Montrose’s attacking statistics, including their average of 1.45 goals scored in recent games, suggest they possess the quality to breach the Forfar defence, yet their defensive record, conceding 1.6 goals per game on average, is a major cause for concern and provides Forfar with a clear path to goal. In contrast, Forfar’s more disciplined defensive organisation, having conceded an average of just 1.2 goals in their last five games, could prove to be the decisive factor.
The hosts are expected to approach the game with a pragmatic mindset, focusing on defensive solidity and exploiting Montrose’s weaknesses from set-pieces, where they generate a high volume of corners. Montrose will likely look to play on the front foot, dictating possession to get their dangerous forwards into the game, but this expansive approach may leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Betting markets reflect the uncertainty, with odds for a Montrose victory standing at 1.79. However, considering the hosts’ recent form and the defensive frailties of the visitors, a draw or a narrow victory for Forfar seems a highly plausible outcome. Expect both teams to get on the scoresheet.
Final View
In conclusion, this match is a classic pre-season encounter that carries more weight for Montrose, who desperately need to halt their losing streak and repair a fragile defence. Forfar, meanwhile, will see this as a perfect opportunity to test their mettle against a higher-division rival and continue their positive momentum. The match’s outcome is likely to be dictated by which team can best balance attacking intent with defensive discipline, with set-pieces and individual moments of quality potentially proving decisive. While history favours Montrose, Forfar’s recent solidity at the back and home advantage could very well be the key factors in what promises to be an engrossing derby.
