Forfar Athletic vs Dundee United Reserves: Scottish Bells Challenge Cup Match Report

Forfar Athletic booked their place in the next round of the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup with a resilient 2-1 victory over Dundee United Reserves at Station Park. The home side had to dig deep against a talented young Dundee United outfit, but goals either side of a second-half equaliser secured a precious cup win for the Loons.

The match, played on 26 September 2026, was a classic cup tie that pitted Forfar's experience against the raw energy of Dundee United's reserve side. From the first whistle, the visitors looked to impose their passing game, but Forfar's disciplined shape and timely pressing kept them at bay.

Match Overview

Forfar started brightly and took the lead in the 22nd minute when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was converted from close range. The goal gave the home side confidence, and they controlled possession for much of the first half, though Dundee United's pace on the break remained a constant threat.

After the interval, Dundee United Reserves came out with renewed purpose and equalised in the 58th minute. A quick counter-attack caught Forfar's defence napping, and a precise finish into the bottom corner levelled the score. The young side's celebration was brief, however, as Forfar responded like a team determined not to let their cup hopes slip.

Key Moments

• 22' – Forfar take the lead: A flowing team move finished with a composed finish from the home side's striker.
• 58' – Dundee United Reserves equalise: A lightning counter-attack and a cool finish into the bottom corner.
• 79' – Forfar win it: A corner from the left was met with a powerful header that flashed into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures.
• 90+3' – Late drama: Dundee United's last-ditch effort was cleared off the line by a Forfar defender, preserving the win.

Tactical Story

Forfar Athletic set up in a compact 4-4-2, looking to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Their midfield duo worked tirelessly to disrupt Dundee United's rhythm, and the full-backs were aggressive in closing down wide areas. Dundee United Reserves, meanwhile, favoured a 4-3-3 with high full-backs, which created chances but also left space in behind. The decisive tactical battle was in the air: Forfar's centre-backs won nearly every aerial duel, and it was from a set-piece that they scored the winner.

Standout Players

Forfar's captain led by example at the heart of defence, making several crucial interceptions and winning the header that led to the winning goal. The home side's No. 9 was a constant nuisance, holding up play and linking midfield with attack. For Dundee United Reserves, their young left-winger was the standout, using his pace to torment Forfar's right-back and setting up the equaliser with a driving run.

What It Means

The victory sends Forfar Athletic into the next round of the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup, where they will await the draw. For Dundee United Reserves, the defeat is a learning experience; their performance showed plenty of promise, but they were ultimately undone by a more streetwise opponent. Forfar's fans will hope this cup run can build momentum for their league campaign, while Dundee United's coaching staff will take positives from their young side's display.