Forfar boss Gary Bollan is glad his team have an early opportunity to get the Angus derby defeat out of their system.
If the Loons beat Annan at Station Park tonight they will move five points clear at the top, and the loss to Arbroath will be put to bed.
Bollan said: “Saturday was a disappointing afternoon but we have the chance to get it out of our system quickly by winning against Annan.
“We did not deserve to win against Arbroath as we did not do enough in the first half when we showed signs of rustiness but it was a game that we did not deserve to lose either.
“We were better in the second half but the result came down to not defending one set piece well enough. We hit the post late on and that denied us a point so it was a sore day.
“Overall we did not hit the high standards that we have set this season but we have the chance to move on quickly and I am delighted about that.”
Bollan added: “We can go five points clear and we are determined to do that especially as we have a game coming up against Cowdenbeath before facing close challengers Clyde and Elgin over the festive period.
“It is a four game period that could really shape our season so it would be great to go into it with a win.”
Jim Lister is expected to miss out again through injury however Martyn Fotheringham is available after recovering from a knock.
Annan are set to include former Hearts, Dundee and Raith Rovers striker Christian Nade for a third game as a trialist.
