Forfar Athletic 0-4 Saint Johnstone: Clinical Saints Dominate Pre-Season Friendly

Saint Johnstone kicked off their pre-season preparations in convincing fashion, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Scottish League One side Forfar Athletic at Station Park. The Premiership outfit showcased their superior class with a ruthless first-half performance that effectively ended the contest before the interval.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a healthy pre-season crowd, the Saints wasted no time imposing themselves. Their fluid attacking movement and high press overwhelmed a Forfar side still building fitness and cohesion. The home team struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Saint Johnstone backline, while the visitors converted their opportunities with clinical precision.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Saint Johnstone opened the scoring when a swift counter-attack caught Forfar off guard. The winger cut inside from the left and curled a low shot inside the far post.
• 28th minute: A second goal arrived from a set-piece. A well-delivered corner found an unmarked defender at the near post, who powered a header into the roof of the net.
• 39th minute: The Saints made it three before half-time. A precise through ball split the Forfar defence, and the striker coolly slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper.
• 67th minute: Substitute striker added a fourth with a composed finish from the edge of the box after Forfar failed to clear a cross.

Tactical Story

Saint Johnstone manager used the friendly to test a more expansive 4-3-3 formation, with full-backs pushing high to create overloads. Forfar, sitting in a compact 4-4-2, were unable to stem the tide once the first goal went in. The home side's best spell came midway through the second half, but a lack of sharpness in the final third prevented any consolation.

Standout Players

For Saint Johnstone, the central midfield pairing controlled the tempo and dictated play throughout. The left winger was a constant menace with his pace and dribbling, while the striker who scored a brace showed excellent movement. Forfar will take heart from the performance of their young centre-back, who made several important blocks despite the scoreline.

Season Impact

This comfortable victory provides Saint Johnstone with momentum heading into further pre-season fixtures. Forfar, meanwhile, will view the result as a valuable learning exercise against a higher-ranked opponent. The scoreline perhaps flattered the visitors slightly, but there was no doubt about the deserving winner on the night.

Match details: International Club Friendly, Forfar Athletic 0-4 Saint Johnstone. Date: 1 July 2026, kick-off 02:45 local time.