As League 1 part-timers up against a Premiership side, Forfar were always going to be underdogs against St Johnstone on Saturday.
However, considering they had faced another top-tier team just three days previously in Dingwall against Ross County, with many players not arriving home until the early hours, then even the most optimistic of Loons fans would have thought twice before backing their team at the bookies.
Jim Weir’s players though upset all the odds to secure a stunning victory against St Johnstone to progress to the last 16 of the Betfred Cup.
Forfar got off to the best possible start, scoring inside two minutes as indecision in the Saints defence allowed Callum Tapping to bundle home at the far post.
The home side extended their lead in the 52nd minute with a cracking 30-yard free-kick from Ross Forbes.
Saints did pull one back 13 minutes later through Matty Kennedy but the Loons held on for a richly deserved victory.
Rail worker Forbes admitted that the trip to the Highlands took its toll on the players but they were all ready to get back on track once more against St Johnstone.
The 30-year-old said: “We got home about 2am after Ross County and most of the boys were up early for work in the morning so there hasn’t been much time for recovery.
“We have all looked after ourselves and we were ready to go against St Johnstone.
“I work night-shifts on the railways, doing safety-critical work.
“I had to take the night off for the Ross County game and I was used to the 2am when we got back because I work night-shift. I was wide awake.
“But that was a really good victory against St Johnstone.
“We played very well and it was nice to get the three points.
“The way we have started pre-season and the group the gaffer has put together we did believe in ourselves and we knew with this last game at home we would have a chance.
“Ross County were very good the other night and deserved their victory but I thought we were excellent against St Johnstone and deserved our win.”
Former Motherwell player Forbes admitted he was delighted to score his goal but it was all about the team effort.
He added: “Every time there is a free-kick I fancy myself.
“Thankfully, it went in and got us the points. It is always good to score but to get the win and through the group was the most important thing.
“We are through to the next round and it is massively important to the club financially. It could help the club bring in money.”
Meanwhile, St Johnstone’s Liam Craig insists Saints will ultimately be fine this season as long as they get back to basics.
And that all starts as the Premiership campaign kicks off with a daunting trip to face champions Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday.
When asked if he had a message for St Johnstone fans following the result at Station Park, Craig said: “We have been in worst positions.
“Last year we were beaten 6-0 by Celtic at home and then went eight games without conceding a goal.
“Look, it is a week before the start of the season and obviously the club are working on bringing people in.
“But whether they do or not, the boys who are here have to step up to the mark.
“We have a league season ahead of us that we are looking forward to.
“It is going to be difficult but it is difficult every season.
“It is just about doing the simple things well, defending properly and being ruthless in both boxes.
“If we put that right, we will be fine.”
