Forfar v Kilmarnock - Premier League - Sunday 7th. October 2007

Forfar Ladies 2 - Killie Ladies 2

FC Kilmarnock Ladies kept 3rd spot in the Womens Premier League with a draw away to Forfar Ladies.

The game at Strathmore park began in glorious weather on an excellent playing surface for both teams to showcase their skills. Both teams began the game playing at a slow tempo with little goal mouth action at either end. The deadlock was broken after 16 minutes when Forfar’s number 11 cut inside down the left hand side, evaded 2 Killie defenders to finish from 8 yards out. Forfar 1 Killie 0.

For the second game running Killie where left stunned going a goal down, but after 19 minutes Forfar on a high from getting the opening goal doubled their lead. A clumsy challenge in the box left referee Lorraine Quinn with no option but to award the spot kick which was converted by team captain Claire Galloway. Forfar 2 Killie 0.

Killie to their credit though got back into the game with some excellent passing moves, as they knew being 2 nil down after 19 minutes was unacceptable . Through Claire McCombe, Toni Mason and Kirsty McLaughlin Killie were dictating play with a goal almost arriving after a great 4 pass move from back to front. Jo Cooper and Lindzi Bayne worked hard to get in behind the Forfar defence on various occasions only to be constantly ruled offside. A frustrated Killie side did get a goal back when one of the Forfar defenders under pressure passed the ball back beating her own goal keeper to give Killie a much deserved lifeline in the match. Forfar 2 Killie 1.

Captain Tracey Burns went close with a header, shortly followed by a shot from Toni Mason which crept over the bar. Killie were now on the up and got another goal after 39 minutes when Toni Mason polished off a good move with a calm finish to draw Killie back Level.

Half Time: Forfar 2 Killie 2.

Killie knew at half time that they had 45 minutes to get the victory and went all out for it at the start of the second half. Lindzi Bayne had a golden opportunity after 52 minutes to get the third when she found herself one on one with the keeper, but the keeper made the save. It was the first chance of the 2nd half and what a chance it was. Jo Cooper went close twice, as did Toni Mason with a volley but again Killie failed to convert. Laura Cooper entered the game on the hour mark replacing Jo Cooper who done well in her 1st game back after being out so long through injury. Young Laura Cooper almost made an instant impact when the keeper done well to keep out her thunderous low drive. At the other end Debbie Heggarty and Tracey Burns were commanding their area, with keeper Jill Forsyth only having one real save to make. Killie made a further change after 67 minutes when Kirsty Munro came on for Caryn Ferguson who had put in a great shift at right back. The match slipped away from Killie as chance after chance either went wide, at the keeper or past the post and the game finished with the teams sharing the points.

Final Score: Forfar 2 Killie 2.

Killie Team: Forsyth, Heggarty, Burns ©, Smith, C. Ferguson (Munro), Quinn, Mason, McCombe, McLaughlin, Bayne & J. Cooper (L. Cooper).
Subs: Hughes, L. Cooper, L. Ferguson & Munro.

Afterwards a disappointed Killie Manager Robert Connelly said “ We are all frustrated and disappointed at not getting 3 points here today. We played some excellent stuff second half and thought it was only a matter of time before one of many chances went it, but as the game goes on you begin to wonder if it is going to be your day. We had 4 great chances second half to win this game, but failed to take them, which ultimately cost us 2 points here today. We have however created a lot of opportunities today through some excellent play from defence, midfield and attack and on another day lady luck might just be on our side. We have 3 tough games coming up in Glasgow City, Hibs and Edinburgh Ladies over the next 3 weeks and know we will have to at our best to take points from those games. But it’s back to training on Tuesday to begin our preparations for next weeks match away to the League Leaders.”