Under Strength Ladies Lose To Forfar

The senior Hibs side slipped to an unexpected defeat at home to Forfar Farmington. Forfar have been producing some good performances recently without getting the luck that their play had deserved, but against Hibernian they more than deserved their first ever win against the Edinburgh side.

Hibernian did not have their troubles to seek before hand with a number of players missing due to injury, suspension and holidays. For the second time in recent months, goalkeeper Gemma Fay picked up an injury whilst on international duty and that meant outfield player Joelle Murray, who herself had a knock, took over in between the posts.

Coach Tam Shields opted to give youth the chance and fielded no less than four under-17 players in his starting eleven. When the action did get underway it was mostly contested in the middle of the park within neither side able to claim they held the upper hand.

Hibernian made the breakthrough midway through the first half and the goal came from route one football. Goalkeeper Joelle Murray cleared the ball downfield with a long clearance and Kirsty McBride raced onto it in a flash before rounding the goalkeeper and slurring the ball into the net from a tight angle.

With the game edging toward half time Forfar scored against the run of play when a cross-come-shot caught out goalkeeper Joelle Murray and flew into the top corner of the net.

The visitors were buoyed by their equaliser and they were a determined side in the second half. Their organisation at the back was fantastic, so much so that Hibernian did not have one effort on goal during the second period.

Goalkeeper Joelle Murray kept Hibernian level with a string of excellent saves before Forfar got their deserved reward with barely five minutes remaining. A long ball over the top caught out the young Hibernian defenders and the Forfar striker needed no second invitation as she crashed the ball into the back of the net.

There may have been a hint of offside about the game’s eventual winner, but no one could deny Forfar thoroughly deserved their victory. For Hibernian it was another disappointing result during a hugely transitional season.

Click Here for PHOTO REPORT

Richard Payne

**********************************************************************************************

Forfar on the receiving end of late goals in their last three matches finally had the satisfaction of scoring in the 90th minute to record a well earned and first ever victory over Hibs.

Both sides saw plenty of the ball in the first half without either defence being particularly troubled. A tight bumpy pitch made for a more direct style of play from both sides, long balls resulting in numerous off sides and collections for both keepers. Avril Gourlay and Caroline Heron lead the way for Forfar, pressing Hibs whenever they had the ball, but much of the play was disjointed and scrappy. Hibs took the lead in the 34th minute through Kirsty McBride. A long diagonal pass found her unmarked on the edge of the 16 yard box, despite strident shouts from all quarters for handball, as the ball was brought under control McBride then neatly lobbed Fiona McNicoll as she tried to close her down. Stunned into action Forfar pressed for the equaliser, Caren Webster coming close with a shot going inches wide. With barely a minute to go before half time Bobbi Beveridge broke free from wide right before delivering a tremendous shot which dipped into the far top corner of the goal to square the game. The perfect time to deliver a blow to any opposition ..

The second half like the first was full of endeavour and hard work, with Forfar increasingly looking the most likely side to score. Forfar’s Tracey Brogan had the best chance of the half when she outstripped the Hibs defence only to shoot directly at the keeper. Long suffering Forfar followers were certain of a twist before the final whistle but convinced the Law of Averages owed Forfar at least one late goal, were pleasantly rewarded when Caren Webster broke through the Hibs defence and unleashed a thunderous strike leaving the keeper no chance. Coming in injury time there was no way back for Hibs. Forfar, absolutely delighted with this win, were rewarded for a tremendous team effort. In recent weeks they have far played better football and come away without any points.