Aberdeen FC Ladies ... 1 – Forfar Farmimgton LFC ... 1 - Premier League - Tuesday 13th. May 2008

Both sides were missing a number of regular starters for a variety of reasons but this in no way lessened the enjoyment of a keenly fought contest. The first half saw possession fairly evenly shared with both teams moving the ball well but with defences clearly on top.  Forfar keeper Fiona McNicoll was required to made a good save from Nikki Wright after 5 minutes but thereafter had little to do. Equally Forfar's only clear-cut chance in the half fell to Claire Garrett whose shot went close following a corner. Shortly before half time Forfar were reduced to 10 players when Gemma Collier, harshly booked early on, was shown a second justifiable yellow card following a mistimed tackle. HT0-0

Shortly after the break Aberdeen were also reduced to 10 players, with two retiree’s through injury, and a shortage of substitutes to replace them.

Avril Gourlay and Joanne Collier’s tenacious tackling in midfield broke up much of Aberdeen’s play and with full backs Ali McCaig and Kim Thomson pushing up at every opportunity Forfar began to exert pressure on Aberdeen’s goal. Forfar were finally rewarded with a goal when on the hour Alana Bruce, Forfar’s most dangerous player, struck an excellent shot from outside the right hand edge of the box which flew into the top left hand corner of the goal to beat stand in keeper Susan Murray.
While the goal gave impetus to Forfar and they continued to press, Aberdeen held firm and countered at every opportunity.
This game never looked to be a high scoring affair and it appeared one goal was going to be enough to decide it. However, Aberdeen who never looked likely to score from open play equalised in the 75 minute when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box for a debatable handball. Rachel Hamill's free kick going in off the post to set up a frantic final 15 minutes. Both sides pushed for victory but the defences remained resolute.

Forfar left Aberdeen perhaps a little disappointed not having secured all 3 points from this midweek fixture but will reflect that their failure to create any further clear chances when holding a slender lead meant they were always susceptible to being punished by a set piece goal in a dangerous position.