Forfar are halfway to securing the most impressive League One double that the division has seen this season.
The relegation-threatened Angus side secured a thoroughly deserved victory over one of the title contenders, Raith Rovers, in midweek, and now Jim Weir’s men are seeking to follow it up by beating the other one, Ayr United.
Playing full-time Raith brought out the best in the Loons on Tuesday night and Weir is hoping the same will be the case this afternoon when the leaders come to town.
“The Raith win certainly wasn’t a smash and grab,” said Weir.
“It was the best team performance in my time at the club.
“It came on the back of a very disappointing result in a derby. Everybody was at the top of their game.
“We didn’t give away needless free-kicks – which has cost us a lot this season. It’s not as if we’ve been taken apart often.
“When you make sure you don’t shoot yourself in the foot, you’ve always got a chance.
“We know how tough the Ayr game will be. They were the one team who has really taken us apart.
“Hopefully the Raith performance will have given us confidence and we can put on another strong display at home.”
The team performance that Weir mentioned had one crucial ingredient.
“Mark Millar coming back was a big factor,” he said. “He was excellent for us.
“We missed him against Queen’s Park and Arbroath. He brings a calming influence to the team.”
Weir also had praise for his goalscorer Matty Aitken.
He said: “Matty can play out wide but he’s best through the middle.
“He’s raw and has lots to learn, and he needs to fill out, but he gives defenders a hard time.
“When I came in he caught the eye straight away in the under-20s and he’s played most of the games for me.”
Weir reported that there have been a “few tired legs” after the Raith match, which could impact on his team selection.
