Forfar recorded their first league win of the season and their first ever victory over Aberdeen, who on the balance of play should have managed at least a draw.

The opening twenty minutes saw plenty of effort and endeavour from both sides, however, without either keeper being brought into action.

Things began to change with Aberdeen taking a measure of control, but they failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Fiona McNicholl, currently displaying a series of high-class performances in goal, was called upon to deal with shots from Sharon Scott Clare Fitzpatrick and Clare Martin. As is so often the case Forfar punished the visitors with a well-worked goal against the run of play. Caren Webster, riding a tackle in midfield, switched play left to Nicola Davidson who made good progress down the left wing. Her initial cross was well blocked but it rebounded to her feet and this time she placed a finely measured cross over to the unmarked Emma Percy who stole in at the back post to score her first goal for the Ladies.

Both sides continued to press, Aberdeen to get the equaliser and Forfar hoping to get a two-goal cushion. On the stroke of half time Percy might have extended Forfar’s lead but her shot following a corner sailed over the bar.

Half Time 1-0

The second half was much as the first. Aberdeen with plenty of possession just could not break down a stubborn Forfar defence who have now only conceded 1 goal in 3 league matches. Kim Thomson putting in some fine tackles in defence also threatened at the other end. A return pass from Tracy Brogan freed her on the right wing and the resultant long-range shot just cleared the bar. Minutes later Thomson, again pushing up on the right, provided Avril Gourlay a chance with her head, which again narrowly went over the bar.

Aberdeen’s Nikki Wright brought out another fine save from McNicholl as they pushed for a share of the points, but it just wasn’t their day.

Forfar, delighted to hear the final whistle, had been made to work extremely hard for this victory, which for once saw Forfar get the rub of the green.

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Aberdeen started well keeping Forfar pinned inside their own half with only one foray forward in the first eight minutes where a free kick was cleared by Taylor. Djahansouzi for Aberdeen latched onto the end of a long ball forward but her shot was blocked by Forfar keeper McNicol which set the pattern for the rest of the day.

A long kick out from McNicol reached Percy who charged up the left wing but Campbell for Aberdeen tracked her back then executed an unexpected back heel to kill the threat. It was fairly even at this point, Aberdeen slightly on top, spending more time in the Forfar half. A ball forward from defence to midfield found Fitzpatrick who laid off to S.Scott whose curving shot was well caught by the Forfar stopper. Hamill picked up in midfield seeking out Fitzpatrick who tried to lob the keeper but again McNicol held high.

Just on the 30 minute mark, against the run of play, three Forfar midfielders broke forward unchallenged, a pass came in from Davidson to Percy at the back post who tapped in from close range.

From the kick off S.Scott found Wright and she chased in on goal but again keeper McNicol was sharp off her line snatching the ball off Wright’s feet. The pressure from Aberdeen resulted in shots from Scott and a 40 yard effort from Small both of which were covered by McNicol.


Martin and Scott combined well to centre the ball in the box but Collier was clearing everything in the air. For the home side, Percy broke forward on the left tracked by Campbell briefly losing her for a second but P.Scott made a key tackle at the side of the goal conceding a c :-orner kick.

Half Time :- Forfar 1 – Aberdeen 0

Forfar had an early attempt pushing down the right but the shot went over the bar. Again they pressed earning a corner which was headed high then punched clear by Aberdeen keeper Johnston. Percy ghosted forward behind the defence onto a long ball forward but she headed over the bar.

Aberdeen replied getting into the box, with a shot from Wright then two from S Scott all blocked at close range. Scott and Wright again combined again ending with Wright slipping a pass past the keeper but Sturrock cleared it off the line.

Murray replaced Djahansouzi and Mackenzie came on for P.Scott as Aberdeen reshuffled. The Dons won a corner which was sent to mid goal where McNicol rose above everyone to collect high. The Reds were dominating this half keeping Forfar in their own territory with breaks into the last third but the home side defence and keeper were putting up a strong barrier.

Taylor mopped up a rare attack by Forfar then played a pass to Wright who went one on one with McNicol but yet again she denied the Dons striker. The pressure continued on the home defence. Small, now in right midfield broke forward getting on the end of a Scott pass and broke into the 6 yard box only to be thwarted by the ever steady Forfar stopper. In the last five minutes Aberdeen earned a succession of corners and threatened to equalise but the home defence and in particular keeper McNicol held out to earn all three points.


Kandy Johnston, Loren Campbell, Jenni Taylor, Rachel Small, Paula Scott Kirsty Mackenzie), Nikki Wright, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Rachel Hamill, Claire Martin
Sharon Scott, Neda Djahansouzi (Susan Murray)