Forfar v Kilmarnock

The final match of the season was a thoroughly entertaining affair with Kilmarnock scoring late on to secure a share of the points.
Kilmarnock looking a fitter and better organised team from the one that lost to Forfar 3-0 earlier in the season started the game much the brighter of the two sides and took an early lead when on 5 minutes Linzi Bayne latched on to a fine through ball and calmly fired a shot into the corner of the net.

Forfar responded well and minutes later Caren Webster, after a mazy run, brought out a great save from Kyhm Ramsay. Both sides were intent on playing open football, with a first class pitch and no wind the standard of play was high from start to finish. Alana Bruce on the right and Ali McCaig on the left making runs down the flanks stretched the Kilmarnock defence.

Forfar levelled the match in the 12th minute. Nicola Davidson delivered an inch perfect corner to the far post were in form striker Caroline Heron made it 4 goals in 4 games with an unstoppable header. Avril Gourlay, very much in the thick of things in midfield, went close to giving Forfar the lead only to see her shot go wide. Caren Webster, causing the Kilmarnock defence more than a few problems with her pace, saw a chance slip when she shot past the post. Fiona McNicoll was at her best minutes later when she saved brilliantly from Jo Cooper, standing up late as Cooper bore down on her in a classic one v one encounter. Kilmarnock also had a good shout for a penalty turned down just before half time.

Half Time :- 1-1

Kilmarnock might have shaded the first half with the better clear cut chances but the second half was predominantly a Forfar affair. Heron, Gourlay and Davidson all had opportunities to give Forfar the lead. Gourlay was particularly unlucky not to score when Julie Smith, in her final match for Kilmarnock after 22 years of service, bravely blocked the goal bound shot.

Forfar finally took the lead, Kim Thomson began the move with a searching pass which Alana Bruce raced onto and sent over a perfect cross. Fittingly Gourlay who had earlier been thwarted struck a powerful shot from the edge of the box giving Ramsay no chance. Forfar in complete control had a number of other chances to extend the lead, Tracey Brogan brought out another good save from Ramsay following a good cross from Bobbie Beveridge. Forfar had enough chances to secure the points but one goal is a slender lead and a bit of slack play 3 minutes from time lead to a counter attack that saw Toni Mason finish well to secure an unlikely draw.

Full Time :- 2-2
 
Forfar ended the season 6th, their highest finish yet in the Women's Premier League and look forward with some confidence to improving further next season with what is a very young side.

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