FORFAR FARMINGTON LADIES v CELTIC - Sunday 15th. March 2009

 Forfar Farmington Ladies 0 - Celtic Ladies 1

Forfar came within 10 minutes of securing a hard earned draw against undefeated league leaders Celtic. Unlike their earlier encounter Forfar had much more of the game and with a bit more luck might have caused an upset. Forced to reorganise their defence, with injuries to regulars Kim Thomson and Gemma Collier, Forfar employed Nicola Davidson and Alana Bruce at the back, both had outstanding matches. Bruce playing right back looked as assured as any player in the country in this position, particularly with her blistering pace and Davidson was totally commanding at centre back.

Celtic were well organised, passed comfortably and switched the play regularly but lacked the pace to get down either flank and behind the defence. They were forced to play through the middle only to find similar stubborn resistance. Increasingly as the game worn on Celtic were almost totally reliant on set pieces to pose any threat to the Forfar goal. Despite having more of the ball in the first half, Celtic seldom bothered Fiona McNicoll in Forfar’s goal.

The two clearest chances in the first half fell to Celtic’s Leanne Crighton who minutes before half time should have scored, skying the ball over the bar from 6 yards out. Equally Forfar should have taken the lead minutes earlier, Avril Gourlay giving up a good chance, pushing the ball wide of the post from close in.

Half Time :- 0-0

Forfar continued with the excellent work rate they displayed in the first half. They took the game to Celtic but struggled to make headway in their opponents half, seldom troubling Claire Johnstone the Celtic keeper. With the pattern of the first half repeating itself, Celtic looked increasingly frustrated with their inability to create more than a few chances, apart from a brave save from Fiona McNicoll at the feet of a Celtic striker on a rare though ball. And Crighton, Celtic’s best player, shooting wide the game looked destined to be heading towards a draw.

With the clock running down Forfar’s hard work was undone when, from a corner, Crighton finally broke the deadlock with a powerful header into the top corner. Celtic’s relief was evident, as was Forfar’s disappointment in rightly believing they could take a point from the match. The effort put in by the entire team was tremendous and to run the league leaders so close without ever appearing too troubled was encouraging.