Forfar Athletic took three points from their Call Cup Group Stage opener with a 2:1 victory over Dundee United II at home on Saturday. The result puts the hosts ahead in the standings after a match that rarely threatened to become anything other than a tight affair.
And here's the thing — the opening came almost immediately. A. Mailer found the net in the fourth minute, catching the visitors flat-footed and giving Forfar an early advantage they would hold onto for most of the game.
Dundee United II responded with purpose. S. Shepherd pulled them level just before the half-hour mark, scoring in the 44th minute to make things interesting again. To be fair, it was a moment of clarity in a game that had offered little in terms of chances.
The decisive blow came in the 77th minute when E. Franczak fired home to restore Forfar's lead. That goal, more than anything, defined the evening. By then the visitors had worn themselves out trying to find an equaliser.
Statistics tell a certain story. Forfar registered 13 attacks against 7, but managed only one shot on target while Dundee United II registered none. Possession sat at 66 per cent to 34, yet neither side created a big chance. It was a game decided by moments, not dominance.
We had called a home win with 74 per cent confidence before kick-off, and the result vindicated that assessment. Forfar were the better side, even if they didn't look like it at times. The three points matter more than the manner.
The victory leaves Forfar Athletic with a positive start in Group Stage Five. Dundee United II will be disappointed to have lost, having shown enough in the second half to believe they could have taken something from the match.
