Match Reports - Aberdeen v Forfar

A frustrated Forfar left Aberdeen with no points in a game which probably should have been a draw. In the entire ninety minutes there was only one clear shot in a game dominated by the respective defences. Aberdeen had territorial domination in the first half playing with the wind behind them, however both teams efforts were thwarted by the elements and the bumpy pitch.

The only goal of the game came in the 8th minute when Aberdeen captain Susan Murray hit a fine shot from the edge of the box meeting a deeply struck corner. Forfar’s best chance in the first half, and in the game as it turned out, fell to Lynn Duncan who blasted narrowly over the bar just before half-time.

The second half was the reverse of the first with Forfar camped in the Aberdeen half for large periods. The inability of both teams to carve out clear chances was down in the main to some excellent defensive work from in particular Carolyn Hather of Aberdeen, who won every ball, and Claire Galloway of Forfar whose incisive tackling was a joy to watch. Lynn Duncan and Ali McCaig marshalled the threat of Melissa Stirling and Rachel Corsie who failed to trouble Forfar throughout the ninety minutes. The hardworking midfield of Nicola Davidson, Alana Bruce, Claire Garret and Kelly Menzies all played well but were unable to create any clear chances.

The pressure Aberdeen exerted in the first half which resulted in a series of corners and shots going wide was mirrored by Forfar in the second. When asked after the game whether he thought a draw would be considered a fairer result the Aberdeen coach replied “You would say that wouldn’t you, we made it difficult for ourselves”, words which could equally have been applied to Forfar’s performance.