A late fightback from Forfar – with two goals in as many minutes – saw the The Loons finish tonight’s Scottish League Two play-off semi-final the happier side, with a 2-2 draw.
They had trailed for most of the game, with an early double looking to have set Annan firmly on course for the final.
But a spirited second-half showing at Galabank from the visitors has set up a do-or-die clash for both sides at Station Park for Saturday’s second leg.
Annan had taken the lead on four minutes with prolific striker Peter Weatherson heading home.
The lead was doubled 12 minutes later after when Forfar’s Grant Adam brought down Anann’s Aidan Smith in the penalty area.
Smith stepped up to take the penalty – and was quick to react after his first shot was saved, only to follow up and fire a right-footed shot into the net.
But Forfar’s second-half perseverance paid off.
Michael Travis pulled one back in the 81st minute.
Martyn Fotheringham then levelled from a free-kick with a screaming right-footed shot in the 82nd minute.
In the other Scottish League Two play-off semi-final, Montrose and Peterhead drew 1-1.
ANNAN: Currie, Home, Krissian, Swinglehurst, Lucas, Omar, Cuddihy, Skelton (Wright, 48), Flanagan (McKenna, 86), Weatherson (Osalador 73), Smith. Subs not used: Watson, Dachnowicz, Bronsky, Mitchell.
FORFAR: Adam, Munro, O'Brien, Travis, Bain, Cox, Fotheringham, McLaughlin, James Lister, Denholm, Swankie. Subs: Malcolm, Milne, Peters, Scott, McGovern, Eddie Malone, Aiden Malone.
Referee: Crawford Allan
Attendance: 629
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