Hamilton 2 v Forfar 1

Forfar, pinned in their own half for virtually the entire half, were extremely fortunate to get to half time on level terms. While the strong wind was a factor, Hamilton’s speed to the ball and quick closing down prevented Forfar establishing any real pattern of play. Hamilton for all their possession failed to carve out any clear-cut chances despite winning a series of corners.

Half Time :- 0-0  
        

With the wind behind them, Forfar immediately took the game to Hamilton. Emily Phillips, first shooting wide, minutes later looked certain to have scored. Having risen well she headed down past the keeper but was aghast to see the ball lodge in the mud and water that made up most of the six yard box, the ball stuck inches short of the goal line.

Forfar with their best spell of the game were equally as guilty as Hamilton had earlier been in turning pressure into goals. The deadlock was finally broken in the 63^rd minute when Kim Thomson struck a 40 yard shot. The unfortunate Hamilton keeper could do nothing but parry into her net. 0 -1

Forfar were beginning to believe it was going to be their day having escaped so lightly in the first half, and could sense Hamilton’s frustration creeping in as the game wore on. Against the run of play Hamilton struck back. Pamela Liddell’s excellent 79^th minute goal brought a sense of belief to her team. This was further enhanced when Forfar’s Caren Webster, responding quickest to a save from Hamilton’s keeper Fleming, struck the ball into the net only for it to be inexplicably ruled off side. With what appeared to be a perfectly good goal chalked off it was no surprise that Fleming then made an excellent block from a one on one to deny Phillips the chance to restore the lead with barely four minutes remaining.

 A minute later Pamela Liddell scored her second goal of the game to give Hamilton the victory. Forfar were disappointed not to secure victory with a much-improved second half performance and should have taken something from the game. Hamilton on the other hand never gave up and will consider their late goals justice for their first half display.

Forfar, with a couple of regular starters likely to return next week, will hope to reverse this result when Hamilton, by quirk of the fixture schedule, travel to Forfar.