Annan fight back for home win

The hosts came ever so close to being the ones who netted first in the clash. Player/manager Wullie Gibson cracked the crossbar with a wicked free kick from 25 yards.

Minutes later Forfar shotstopper Neil Stafford had to be quick off his line to gather the ball as Tommy Muir tried to get his toe to it.

And a last ditch challenge thwarted Ryan Muir after Charlie Maxwell played in an inviting low cross.

Despite all of the pressure coming from those in Black and Golds, the visitors broke the deadlock on 31 minutes.

From a pass-back, Gio Clarke’s goal kick went awry and landed at the feet of Loons midfielder Mark Whatley.

He played in Martin Rennie inside the box, and the striker cut back inside before unleashing a clinical strike low past Clarke at his near post.

Forfar almost doubled their lead before the break. Scott Shepherd rounded Clarke before Keith Watson made a terrific challenge to scoop the ball away.

The first real chance of the second half came in Annan’s favour, and it resulted in a goal.

Aidan Smith made a darting run in behind before laying the ball to Tommy Muir.

The Annan captain played the ball on one more to Josh Dixon who superbly curled it into the top corner from 12 yards.

After levelling the score the hosts wanted more. Smith surged down the left before cutting in and firing a right footed shot goalwards, however, Stafford was equal to it.

Annan continued to be on the front foot and they took the lead with 11 minutes to go.

Smith beat his man and reached the byline before cutting it back for Maxwell who slotted home brilliantly.

And on 85 minutes the home side added a third when Ryan Muir grabbed his first professional goal.

He made big strides into the box before beating his powerful strike beat Stafford.