Forfar Farmington Ladies 2 Edinburgh Ladies 3 - Premier League Sunday 24th. February 2008

Forfar had the better of the early exchanges against a subdued Edinburgh.  With Joanne Collier and Avril Gourlay making their present felt in midfield early chances fell to Tracey Brogan who brought out a fine save from Edinburgh’s Jo Hutcheson. Claire Galloway also went close with a header just going wide from a corner.

Dianne Barry, always a threat for Edinburgh with her lively movement and pace, had the first real opportunity after 20 minutes but shot wide. For the home side,  Nicola Davidson’s excellent cross on the half hour was met by Alana Bruce only to shoot agonisingly wide of the goal.

Forfar were finally rewarded for their sterling efforts a few minutes later when Caren Webster bravely knocked the ball past the out coming keeper before the two collided, finishing off a fine move involving Bruce and Brogan. Edinburgh’s response was immediate and might well have brought about an equalizer but for a fine clearance off the line by Bruce from Barry who had rounded the keeper.

Barry finally got the better of the Forfar defence who resorted to a last ditch lunge which rightly resulted in a penalty award for Edinburgh. Danny Pagliarulo, who seldom misses from the spot, duly made it 1-1 at half time.

The second half began much as the first, both sides moving the ball well. Forfar playing with greater width than their opponents created the more clear cut chances, the best of which saw Webster rattle the cross bar.

With the outcome of the game very much in the balance the award of a second penalty to Edinburgh, a dreadfully poor decision, effectively ruined what had been, until that point, an evenly poised contest. No Edinburgh player appealed for a penalty and both teams seemed surprised when the whistle was blown. Interestingly the referee’s explanation bore no resemblance to what either of the two players involved thought actually happened. Needless to say Pagliarulo made it 2-1. With a buoyed Edinburgh and an angry and aggrieved Forfar the game took on a bit of an edge but crucially the momentum swung back towards Edinburgh who made it 3-1 when Kate McGillivary outstripped the Forfar cover, delivering a fine ball in for Barry to tap in at the back post.

Forfar slowly fought back and made it 2-3 when Lyn Duncan hammered home a free kick from 20 yards. A further free kick minutes later from the same position struck a better-aligned wall and went agonisingly wide.

Forfar were unfortunate not to take at least a point from this match. The side played with great spirit and produced some excellent football. Hopefully next Sunday’s Scottish Cup match with Hamilton, KO 2PM at the West End will not be so controversial.

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