Forfar Farmington LFC ... 1 - Aberdeen FC Ladies 2 - Premier League Thursday 23rd. August 2007

Dons Defenders on Target At Forfar

Forfar started well pressing up the left and causing problems. Aberdeen replied, Corsie crossing from wide to Wright who headed towards goal for keeper McNicol to hold easily. Wright received again on the penalty spot but blasted wide and from the clearance Hamill fired over the bar.

A half chance for Forfar, their striker slipping past Hunter and Taylor but Dons stopper Chatham was quick to close down and block the shot. Aberdeen’s Murray collected a throw and charged in from midfield to find Wright but the keeper snatched the ball at feet to kill the attack

Both sides were attacking well but the defences were on top of the game breaking up constant attacks from both sides. The breakthrough came on 44 minutes as Hamill and Wright forced their way into the box, the Forfar defence did well to clear long but left back Paula SCOTT struck a 40 yard shot which sailed over the Forfar keeper’s head into the net.

Half Time Forfar 0 – Aberdeen 1

Forfar pushed hard for the first five minutes testing the Dons defence which held up well. Aberdeen fought back eventually earning a corner, played in hard by Julia Scott, Martin aimed a header but missed but TAYLOR was on hand to volley in to the top corner from close range for Aberdeen’s second 13 minutes into the half.

The Reds were on top for a spell, Wright delivering a cross from the right for Murray to head over the bar but Forfar did not lie back with constant attacks and chances. The home pressure continued earning a series of corners but Aberdeen held on well remaining in control at the back aided by the midfield pressing back to assist. A shot on goal was headed out by Small and the rebound hit over the bar.

With 10 minutes to go Alexander came on for the injured Murray who suffered a heavy head knock. Djahansouzi and Gauld replaced J. Scott and Wright to freshen the team as Forfar continued to have the upper hand in the last few minutes.

The pressure paid off for Forfar in injury time with an attempt which was cleared but to the feet of DUNCAN who had pushed forward and played a low shot into the net on full time.

Aberdeen Team

Alana Chatham, Rachel Small, Jenni Taylor, Emma Hunter, Paula Scott, Rachel Corsie, Susan Murray (Sabrina Alexander), Rachel Hamill, Claire Martin, Nikki Wright (Rachel Gauld), Julia Scott (Neda Djahansouzi)

DaveU, 30 August 2007

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Having drawn 3-3 in a pre season friendly it was clear there would not be much between these two sides, and so it proved to be. Both teams were intent on attacking football and tested each other’s defences through out the first half, only to find the two keepers in good form. Forfar's Fiona McNicoll had a fine night and Aberdeen's Alana Chatham, equally assured, saved well from Jane McFarlane who created Forfar's best first half chance. McFarlane, Forfar's liveliest striker, demonstrated some excellent individual play only to be thwarted by Chatham who to her credit in a one on one, forced the shot which was well saved. Nikki Wright for Aberdeen and Forfar's Claire Garrett spurned chances and neither side looked likely to score with the defences on top, but on the stoke of half time Aberdeen's left back Paula Scott scored a remarkable goal, hitting a stunning 35 yard shot from a Forfar clearance. Struck so cleanly, the ball travelled arrow-like into the top right hand corner. Without exaggeration it is unlikely a better goal will be scored all season. As so often happens, a goal just before the break gives a team a lift. Aberdeen proceeded to take the game to Forfar and went two up when Jenni Taylor poked the ball home from close range as Forfar scrambled to clear the ball from the six-yard area following a corner. This was a disjointed second half which saw three long stoppages for injuries amounting to well over six minutes and 7 substitutions (teams can now play 5 subs in the Premier League). Forfar latterly came back into the game as they pushed forward chasing the game, finally getting some reward when Lynn Duncan's shot found the net in the dying minutes of ordinary time. Forfar, with the introduction of Emily Phillips, injected some needed bite and urgency to the game and looked like they might secure a draw. With the expectation that extra time had to be at least ten minutes Forfar were horrified when the referee blew for full time after just three and a bit minutes. Mid week matches are desperate affairs with players and officals often having to leave work early to make the start time. But it is sad when contemplation of getting up the road after the game takes seven vital minutes out of a game. We will never know what might have been but with a possible ten  substitutions,  referees will need to get used to extended extra time.