Forfar Athletic vs Banks O' Dee

Forfar opened the scoring in the first half in front of a crowd of just over 200 at Station Park. Midfielder Blair Alston produced a superb strike to put the League One side ahead, his finish the clear highlight of the opening period.

Banks O' Dee responded well and had drawn level by half-time, taking advantage of a spell of pressure to restore parity before the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Forfar regained the lead when Jake Dolzanski connected with a right-wing corner and planted a deft header past the Banks O' Dee goalkeeper. The centre-back's goal looked like it might be enough to give Weir's side a much-needed victory.

But the Highland League visitors showed resilience. As the final whistle approached, Banks O' Dee forced a deserved equaliser, capitalising on sustained pressure to make it 2-2 and ensure the spoils were shared.

The lack of a killer instinct proved costly for Forfar. On both occasions — after Alston's opener and Dolzanski's header — the home side could not build on their lead. Banks O' Dee's second equaliser, coming late in the match, denied Forfar what would have been their first pre-season win. Weir will be concerned that his side have now conceded seven goals across three friendlies.

Blair Alston was the standout in the first half, his well-taken strike giving Forfar a lead his side's performance deserved at that stage. The midfielder's composure in front of goal was a positive for Weir.

Jake Dolzanski showed aerial threat from set pieces, his headed goal from a corner demonstrating the kind of delivery and finishing that could be a weapon in the competitive season ahead.

For Banks O' Dee, two separate goalscorers — neither named in the available match report — stepped up on both occasions to cancel out Forfar's leads, underlining the depth in the Highland League outfit's squad.

The 2-2 scoreline tells the story of a competitive, even contest. Forfar's two goals came from open play (Alston) and a set piece (Dolzanski), showing variety in their attacking approach. But conceding twice — including a leveller before half-time and a late equaliser — points to defensive lapses at crucial moments.

For a Scottish League One side hosting a Highland League opponent, the expectation would typically lean towards a home win. The draw, and the manner of it — pegged back twice — suggests Banks O' Dee were well organised and dangerous in transition.

Forfar continue their pre-season preparations with one more friendly before competitive action begins. They host Peterhead on Tuesday 7 July at Station Park, then travel to Ochilview to face Stenhousemuir — now in the Championship — in the Premier Sports Cup group stage on Saturday 11 July.

Banks O' Dee also face a quick return to action. Their pre-season schedule continues as they build towards the 2026–27 Highland League campaign.

For Weir, the defensive issues will be a focus. After shipping four against St Johnstone, two against Montrose and now two against Banks O' Dee, tightening up before the Stenhousemuir cup opener is a clear priority.

Forfar created enough to win the game but were unable to keep Banks O' Dee out at key moments. Alston and Dolzanski delivered promising individual performances, but collective defensive organisation needs work. Banks O' Dee, two divisions below their hosts, will take genuine encouragement from a spirited display that earned them a deserved share of the spoils.