The Black and Golds were handed a very tough draw to kick off their league campaign last weekend, with their opening fixture away to title favourites Falkirk ending in a 3-0 defeat.
Peter Murphy’s men successfully held the Bairns to a goalless first half, in which they also had chances of their own to open the scoring.
However, Ross MacIver broke the deadlock for the home side just before the hour mark, and goals from Callumn Morrison and Aidan Nesbitt soon followed to wrap things up.
The contest was made more difficult for Athletic as they lacked a recognised centre-forward in the squad.
Aidan Smith, Tommy Goss and Tommy Muir were all ruled out beforehand, while new signing Finlay Adair’s registration had not cleared.
Speaking to the Annandale Observer, Annan manager Peter Murphy said: “It was a tough way to start League One, but I was very impressed with my lads, the way they acquitted themselves, especially when we didn’t have a centre forward available to us.
“We have a couple of injuries at the moment and unfortunately we didn’t get the paper work through for Finlay Cross-Adair.
“Falkirk were very good but there were plenty of signs from ourselves that we should be okay once we get a few of the injuries back.”
It is hoped that at least one striker will be fit for the Montrose clash, but Cross-Adair’s paperwork has still not come through so the Preston teenager is unlikely to feature.
“We would like to think the fans will come out on the momentous day that it’s going to be. The first home league game in a new league the club has never been in and hopefully a good performance and a good result.
“We do recognise this season is going to be tough. It’s an unknown league for the majority of our players and the club.
“But there is plenty to look forward to.”
