Category: Mach Reports

Farmington did themselves proud despite Celtic clawing back

Forfar Farmington put in a phenomenal performance this afternoon away to Celtic to get a 2-2 draw. Disappointment at not getting the 3 points yes however would you take a draw away to Celtic at the beginning of the day? Definitely. 

Farmington started on the ascendency straight away, within kick off, Billie Simpson got into a good area however was challenged by a Celtic defender & was forced off with Charlotte Gammie replacing the Northern Ireland player. 

Gammie hasn’t netted for Farmington this season, something which she is keen to rectify however two things you can’t underestimate from her game which is an important element of football – work rate & desire. Went for every lost cause & battle there was possible and her best game in a while in a Farmington shirt. 

Celtic did have a few opportunities early in the game through long range strikes which didn’t trouble Lauren Perry in the Farmington goal, Lisa Robertson also tried a long range effort which gone over the bar. 

Farmington almost took the lead on 32 minutes, a lovely corner came in from the right by Cassie Cowper which troubled Chloe Logan in the Celtic goal & the home defence however they managed to clear, the ball was close to going over the line but nothing to shout about for either the management team or the spectators back home. 

On 36 minutes, Charlotte Gammie found Donna Paterson however a long range strike by the midfielder went wide of the left post. Goal less at half time with the visitors well & truly in the game. 

Half Time – Celtic 0-0 Forfar Farmington

2nd half

Farmington started the 2nd half making sure they had that bit of stability about them knowing Celtic were going to get a response of some sort. The defensive line for the visitors were solid earning plaudits from media & spectators. 

On 61 minutes, the deadlock was broken to Farmington’s advantage, a fantastic ball by Charlotte Gammie found its way into the pathway of London Pollard who guided home a lovely effort beyond Chloe Logan in the Celtic goal to give Farmington the opener. This was Pollard’s 3rd goal of the season. 

Donna Paterson then kept up her fine goal scoring run to net her 8th goal of the season after a great ball came in by Cassie Cowper which was met by Paterson who guided home a lovely header beyond Logan to make it 2-0 to Farmington, the Farmington bench in joyous scenes! Something Diego Mara Donna would be proud of. 

Farmington were well on course for a famous win in the 88th minute however Celtic had other ideas, Natalie Ross turned one in from close range after a ball came into the area that wasn’t dealt with properly. 

It was Ross who was to save the hosts’s blushes by netting an equaliser with a good hit, heartbreaking however proud all the same, something which Gaffer Ryan McConville messaged the players about in his post-match talk. 

It’s a fantastic point for Farmington & belief has to be the key moving forward now, Farmington will be looking to start the festive period with a win away to Hibernian next Sunday. 

4th placed in what is a very competitive Scottish Premier League 1 is a terrific achievement for Farmington but there’s a long way to go. Nobody in a Farmington role will be getting carried away after this one. 

Rangers overcome battling Farmington

Forfar Farmington were on the wrong side of a 3-1 score line however the hosts can hold their heads high after putting in a battling performance with the 3-1 scoreline making it look more harsh. 

Aimee Anderson, Erin Rennie & London Pollard came back into the starting XI for Farmington with all 3 players playing there hearts out with all 3 players concerned not even 18 yet up against players who have experience like Emma Brownlie & Nicola Docherty. 

It was a fairly quiet start to the match with neither side having any real opportunities in the opening 15 minutes of the match, Forfar were on the ascendency early doors however never threatened Jenna Fife or the Rangers backline. 

Rangers took the lead just after the 15th minute mark, Brogan Hay drove down the right flank before delivering a great ball into the box which Jade Lindsay got a touch & unfortunately went into the back of the net, heart breaking for Lindsay who would recover by giving her heart & desire to the FClub cause. 

Kirsten Reilly had an opening to double Rangers’s lead met by Fiona McNicoll in the Farmington goal whilst at the other end London Pollard was through on goal but a good save by Fife denied the forward. 

Rangers were awarded a penalty on 34 minutes after Ness was brought down in the box, up stepped Arnot whose penalty was saved by McNicoll but the midfielder reacted quickest at the rebound. 

Donna Paterson then reduced the leeway for the hosts with a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the box for her 7th goal of the season. 

Half Time – Forfar Farmington 1-2 Rangers

2nd half 

Gaffer Ryan McConville took off Aimee Anderson at the interval for Alana Bruce with Cassie Cowper pushing up the park, Forfar enjoyed a good spell of the ball as did Rangers in the 2nd half. 

A good ball by London Pollard midway through the half found Billie Simpson who caused Rangers problems at the back however her effort was blocked, Simpson put in a power of work up top for Farmington & was unlucky not to see the back of the net. 

Simpson also tried an ambitious effort with time running out which went wide, London Pollard also deserved a goal for her efforts but a good save by Fife denied the striker. 

Rangers added a 3rd goal in added time when Claire Gemmell curled an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, Well done to Rangers on the victory. 

Forfar Farmington put in a power of work on the park in front of the BBC cameras and on another day could have turned that defeat into a more positive result. The club is going in the right direction under the teacher that is Ryan McConville however not getting the rub of the green at the moment with regards to positive results. 

The resources of clubs like Rangers far outweigh what Farmington have available at the minute and for all 16 players featured, they all did there bit for FClub. 

Although the game was behind closed doors, it was good to see Hannah Stewart & Leah Fleming back in to support Farmington alongside goalkeeper Lauren Perry who is on the mend after her collision last week. 

Full Time – Forfar Farmington 1-3 Rangers

FORFAR FARMINGTON: McNicoll, Lindsay, Ryan (Ramsay 89), Fraser, Cowper (Gammie 72,) Paterson, Pender (McCafferty 77), Rennie, (Kilcoyne 85), Anderson (Bruce 46,) Pollard, Simpson

Subs: White, Mowatt

Rangers: Fife, Docherty, Bourma, Brownlie, Vance, Hay, Reilly, Ness, Arnot, Gemmell, Westrup

Subs: Cunningham, O’Neill, Devi, Bell, Girasoli, McQuillan, MacDonald

Spartans defeat Farmington thanks to set-piece

Spartans beat Forfar Farmington 1-0 thanks to a 76th minute winner by Becky Galbraith, Spartans were the better side over the proceedings however Farmington deserve a lot of credit for weathering the storm in large periods of the game, especially at the beginning of the game. 

The hosts began the game with lots of possession eager to find a way past an organised Farmington backline, opportunities were few & far between however with a lot of shots from Spartans going over the bar. 

Farmington had to weather the storm for a good 12 minute period at the start of the game not through making goalkeeper Lauren Perry work hard but for finding the correct channels & some good interchange play, whenever an opportunity arose at goal however it came to nothing. 

Midway through the half, Gaffer Ryan McConville kept the same shape however gave some coaching points during an injury when it was needed, it brought a response from Farmington, 

A Cassie Cowper free kick found Donna Paterson however any chance to add to the scoring wasn’t forthcoming as the shot just went wide of the left hand post, an excellent ball down the left channel was then met by Charlotte Gammie who showed ambition by trying to find the net however the effort just went wide. 

Spartans saw a lot of free kicks towards the end of the 1st half & an undeserved booking for Kathryn Pender who saw a yellow card for a perfectly timed tackle in the hosts half. Maybe it was the force of the challenge which led the referee to reach out a card but it was a good challenge irrespective which irked a few in Blue. 

Half Time – Spartans 0-0 Forfar Farmington

Farmington showed a lot more positivity at the beginning of the 2nd half, Spartans were still a threat however a bit more belief saw them play better exchanges of football. 

McConville made 2 subs on 59 minutes with Eirinn McCafferty & Charlotte Gammie coming off for Erin Rennie & London Pollard, the latter almost made an instant impact having been sent through on goal however her close range effort just whisked wide of the left hand post. 

Lauren Perry was then on the wrong end of a nasty collision with a Spartans player midway through the 2nd half who was brought off & replaced by Fiona McNicoll with the Spartans player only getting a booking when there was a very good case for a sending off. 

Spartans took the lead after 76 minutes, a great ball came in from the right channel and there was Becky Galbraith to guide the ball into the net. Through looking at the Spartans online footage, there is question marks with regards to the ball crossing the line however Spartans showed plenty of positivity in their play as did Farmington & the former showing a grittiness to get the lead. 

The goal brought a response from Farmington as they showed a clear intent to try & get back into the game, Erin Rennie played a lovely ball which was met by Pollard however the shot went wide. 

It’s a frustrating one for all at Farmington however well done to Spartans on their win, it will be sore at the moment however it’s been a really good start to the season & the players & management will learn from the experience. 

Full Time – Spartans 1-0 Forfar Farmington

Team: Lauren Perry (Fiona McNicoll 67), Lisa Ryan, Kirsty Fraser, Jade Lindsey (Aimee Anderson 78), Cassie Cowper, Billie Simpson, Donna Paterson, Alana Bruce, Kathryn Pender, Eirinn McCafferty (Erin Rennie 59), Charlotte Gammie (London Pollard 59): Subs not used: Cheryl Kilcoyne, Molly-May Ramsay, Leah White

Paterson hat-trick helps Forfar turn over Hearts

A Donna Paterson hat-trick was enough for Forfar Farmington to come out on top in this afternoon’s SBSSWPL ensuring a good afternoons work for Farmington with a clean sheet to match in what was a consistent performance from the whole team. 

Forfar started the game on the front foot with a couple of opportunities to get an early lead, Cheryl Kilcoyne finding Donna Paterson whose effort was held by Kendall Welsh in the visiting goal. Billie Simpson also had a deflected effort which was gathered up with ease by Welsh. 

Cassie Cowper then found London Pollard in a dangerous area who switched across to Kilcoyne however the forwards effort with the Hearts defence evaded went wide. 

There was plenty of attacking intent from the hosts & the goal wasn’t far away & Donna Paterson maintained her fine run of goalscoring form on 22 minutes with Cowper picking up her 3rd assist of the season already finding Paterson whose header went past Welsh in the Hearts goal Paterson meeting the ball with precision & giving the Hearts backline no chance. 

Paterson picked up her 2nd goal on 33 minutes with Forfar continuing to play some good, positive exchanges of football before the ball broke to Aimee Anderson who instead of working her way into the box played the ball short to the defensive midfielder whose fine effort crashed off the crossbar & into the net. 

Half Time – Forfar Farmington 2-0 Heart Of Midlothian

2nd half

Forfar set out on the ascendency at the start of the 2nd half with London Pollard playing a fantastic ball down the right channel trying to find Charlotte Gammie however it proved to be too ambitious a ball for Gammie to try & get on the end of. 

The 2nd half was stale compared to the 1st half however the hosts kept it tidy across all areas of the park with Hearts struggling to get a foothold on the game, the hosts always looked dangerous especially at set-pieces with Cassie Cowper driving some fantastic balls into the area. 

In terms of intensity levels, it was nowhere near the levels of the 1st half with both sides making changes at various stages in the half, Hearts enjoyed a good period in the midway point of the 2nd half where they got into good area & rustled up chances however it was a solid afternoon for Lauren Perry & the backline. 

Farmington made it 3-0 on 82 minutes after a great ball came in again from the right by Cowper which forced a stramash in the penalty box before Donna Paterson fired home just passing the goal line. That’s 4 assists for Cowper & 6 goals already this season for Paterson. 

Overall, a fantastic afternoon’s work for all connected to Forfar Farmington & another good 3 points, Hearts proved to be tough opposition for Farmington however & the tough games come thick & fast with Spartans away next weekend. 

McGreskin: Proud of the players

Forfar Farmington assistant coach Kevin McGreskin admitted after the game that he’s proud of his players despite the 8-1 loss to Glasgow City. Farmington played well for the majority of the game & competed with City for the opening 40 minutes until Scott Booth’s side playing some free flowing football which led to the more superior outcome from their point of view. 

McGreskin said, “To be fair, the players worked really hard & put in a really good shift against a top outfit in Glasgow City who have a host of international players in their squad & been league champions for the last 13 years. 

“I felt our players made them work hard enough during the game but with them having more fitness & sharpness it told in the end, there at the top of the tree in Scottish Women’s football. 

“We are proud of the players as they put in a good performance against a top side, we created good opportunities & a few half chances & Fiona McNicoll made some great saves in the 2nd half at the other end, it might sound silly after an 8-1 defeat however the players played well. 

“I wouldn’t say we capitulated as we competed really well, it was a mad spell a few minutes before half time conceding 2 goals which puts a different complexion on the game. On the whole, Glasgow City were just able to take advantage of extra half yards in terms of movement & sharpness. 

“Donna Paterson has been in great form for us, we worked on a few set-pieces & was unlucky not to add another goal in the 2nd half.” 

City beat spirited Farmington 8-1

Glasgow City maintained their fine start to the season with an 8-1 win over a motivated & enthusiastic Forfar Farmington side who were hit by sucker punches regarding goals in periods of the game however the competitiveness was definitely showcased at a windy Broadwood Stadium this afternoon. 

Forfar Farmington head coach Ryan McConville made 2 changes to the win over Motherwell with Alana Bruce & Fiona McNicoll coming in for Jade Lindsay & Lauren Perry. 

Glasgow City took the lead on 11 minutes when Zaneta Wyne’s cross was parried by Fiona McNicoll & there was Kirsty Howat to bundle home into an empty net from 4 yards out. 

Forfar Farmington levelled on 19 minutes, a fantastic free kick by Cassie Cowper was met by Donna Paterson who headed home a fine effort into the bottom left hand corner beyond Erin Clachers. Farmington had been losing at this moment in time possession wise however they were organised & got an equaliser which they worked hard for. 

A thunderous strike from Rachel McLaughlan made it 2-1 to Glasgow City finding the bottom left hand corner past McNicoll from 30 yards out, Kirsty Howat then got her 2nd of the game after McNicoll lost control of the ball & there was Howat to put the ball into the net. 

Jo Love showed her experience in this game once again & made it 4-1 with 9 minutes before half time turning Kirsty Fraser before keeping her composure to slot into the net. 

Half Time – Glasgow City 4-1 Forfar Farmington

2nd half

Glasgow City added a 5th with Aoife Colvill finding the bottom corner with a good finish before a 6th followed soon after thanks to a Mairead Fulton header. 

Head Coach McConville brought on Jade Lindsay in place of Billie Simpson with the former adding a new dimension to avoid any hope of serious capitulation. When she came on, she gave Forfar positivity and got into good areas. Aimee Anderson also played well when she came on & gave Forfar something different in attack despite the game being wrapped up by that point. 

Forfar almost pulled one back when a Cassie Cowper ball found London Pollard however the striker pulled the shot over the bar. Glasgow City added a 7th with Leanne Ross sending Fiona McNicoll the wrong way. 

The visitors remained positive on the ball with Anderson giving Glasgow City something to think about, she played a good ball into sub Jade Lindsay however a good save by Erin Clachers denied Lindsay, it was an afternoon in which Farmington could’ve added to their tally however it wasn’t to be. 

Howat then got her hat-trick after a Shannon Wojcik shot wasn’t properly dealt with by the Forfar goalkeeper & there was Howat to seal her hat-trick, from a period in which they competed with City, it was turning into complete capitulation for Forfar however they all gave 100% to the cause which was fantastic for everyone associated with Forfar Farmington Football Club. 

Not the result anyone wanted however everyone played well & that was a big positive for everyone involved, the defeat is a blow however next week at home to Hearts is a great opportunity to bounce back, there was a lot of young players featured & they will learn & develop as a result of this. 

Glasgow City showed their strength & depth & the movement on & off the ball was pleasing from their point of view, Farmington competed for large periods of the 1st half against City & that will be a plus sign for the management team to reflect over. 

Full Time – Glasgow City 8-1 Forfar Farmington

Glasgow City: Clachers, McLauchlan, Wyne, Love, Fulton (Wojcik), Howat, Toland (Crichton), Clark, Ross, Colvill (Davidson), Wade. Subs not used: Alexander, Lauder, Kerr, Foley

Forfar Farmington: McNicoll, Ryan, Cowper, Fraser, Bruce, Simpson (Lindsay), Paterson (Paterson), Rennie (McCafferty), Pollard, Pender (Ramsay), Gammie (Anderson). Subs not used: Perry, White.

 

Pollard not putting any targets on her shoulders for season 2020/2021

Forfar Farmington have fielded a number of experienced players around the team with the likes of Alana Bruce & Fiona McNicoll been around the Farmington corridors for a long time now, there has also been some young blood coming into the team which has brought fresh enthusiasm & food for thought. 

Alongside Aimee Anderson & Erin who are recent additions from Celtic, London Pollard is also another regular under the age of 18 breaking into the Forfar Farmington 1st team & there’s not a better 16th birthday present than scoring a brace on the opening day of the season to gift Forfar Farmington 3 points. 

Pollard spoke about the game when she said, “We were really strong in the game & played very well with some good passing & we scored some good goals, the girls tried to get the ball into me as my speed helps the team & I am happy to score 2 goals. 

“I am looking at this to score more goals however I ain’t putting any pressure on myself, we are disappointed at conceding the 2 goals but we are happy with the win. 

“There is a lot of teenagers playing in the SWPL1 at the minute & I am hoping to add more goals to my game this season, hopefully I can help the team & get a high position in the league table. 

Cowper happy to be back in competitive action

Cassie Cowper was awarded the captains armband by Head Coach Ryan McConville & returned the favour by leading Forfar Farmington out to a 4-2 victory over Motherwell. 

Cowper showed her quality on & off the ball with excellent communication alongside the ability to defend and get an important 3 points in the opening weekend of the SWPL1 season. 

The former Aberdeen full back spoke after the match, “It’s good to be back in competitive action again after a long time out due to lockdown, friendlies are good but it doesn’t beat competitive games, we managed to get some good goals & a good win with the only disappointment being the goals conceded. 

“Donna Paterson has came back from lockdown really fit & that’s why she has been pushed into a midfield role, London Pollard is still young however you can see from the way she plays the game how good a player she is. 

“We won our battles, we were gutted to concede 2 goals, it was sloppy marking however it’s something for us to work on. 

“It’s good that Head Coach Ryan McConville has acknowledged that I have put in the hard work & the girls can listen to me, Ryan has recruited well during pre-season & it’s good to get some competition to the team & Kevin McGreskin has been a good addition to Forfar & hopefully they both stay for a long time.”

McConville: The perfect start

Forfar Farmington Head Coach Ryan McConville was pleased with his sides opening day performance however admits that improvements still need to be made as they beat Motherwell 4-2 in the opening game of the SWPL1 2020-2021 campaign.

McConville said after the match, “The 1st competitive games of the season are always edgy but we are all delighted with the victory, we’ve had a great pre-season & we kept that momentum going into the game today.

“We came into the game with a positive mindset & a confidence however knew it was going to be a difficult game & up against one of the most decorated managers in the Women’s game, it was the perfect start for us & credit goes to the players.

“It’s only the 1st game out of 21 so there is a long way to go, I am delighted for London to get 2 goals today & it’s a great 16th birthday present for her, London showed great strength & drive for a player so young, she is a joy to watch at times.

“For Donna Paterson, she performs on the pitch on a weekly basis, it was a resolute performance from 1-18. I am delighted for everyone involved with the club.

“It’s all positive moving forward, we will look at the 2 goals conceded however if I was asked at the start of the day for 3 points I would have took it. We will now focus on Glasgow City in a fortnights time.”

Pollard & Paterson at the double

Forfar Farmington got off to the best of starts with a 4-2 home win against Motherwell in the SWPL1. Braces from Donna Paterson & London Pollard were enough for Farmington to come out on top in this opening day fixture.

The hosts were on the ascendency straight away & took the lead with the game just under a minute old, Cassie Cowper got into a fantastic area on the left hand side before sending a lovely ball into the box which troubled the Motherwell defence & there was Donna Paterson to guide home a glancing header beyond Khym Ramsay in the Steelmen goal.

Motherwell got a few words of constructive criticism thrown at them & it returned a response with more of an urgency to get back into the game, they had a shout for a penalty turned down by the referee alongside a Chelsie Watson free kick forcing a good catch from Lauren Perry.

The midway point of the 1st half was a bit tepid however Forfar stepped it up a gear before half time adding a 2nd goal on 38 minutes, Charlotte Gammie got clear of her marker before playing a very good ball into London Pollard who beat Ramsay & Lauren Gallon before tapping the ball into an empty net. Happy 16th Birthday indeed!

Motherwell weren’t going to give up though & pulled a goal back before half time with a corner from the left not dealt with & there was Gallon who struck home into the top left corner despite the efforts of a packed Farmington defence.

Half Time – Forfar Farmington 2-1 Motherwell

2nd half

Those watching the live stream will no doubt be singing the praises of Pollard & Donna Paterson with the latter especially being a massive asset for Farmington, on 52 minutes a fantastic run into the area saw her get tumbled inside the area by Natasha Roberts with the referee pointing to the penalty spot, Paterson got herself up before calmly finding the bottom left hand corner from 12 yards to double Farmington’s advantage.

Cheryl Kilcoyne came on in the early exchanges of the 2nd half & was a positive in the Farmington performance giving Motherwell lots to think about, a good ball from the midfielder found Pollard who slotted home beyond Ramsay to make it a 2nd for the day alongside Paterson.

It was another set-piece which led to Motherwell adding a 2nd with another ball into the box not being dealt with & there was Gallon to scramble the ball home. Time was on the essence for the visitors though & a stabilised final 15 minutes was enough for Forfar to come out on top.

A fantastic team performance with London Pollard & Donna Paterson getting the plaudits for the goals however Cassie Cowper was solid & vocal in her role as captain and the defensive line dealt with any Motherwell attack the majority of the time.

Billie Simpson was consistent as always & Charlotte Gammie gave 100% as usual with the subs also making a difference and a competitive debut for Erin Rennie & Aimee Anderson who contributed to the team as well. A good day’s work however plenty for Ryan McConville & the coaching team to work on too. Jade Lindsay & Kirsty Fraser are forming an excellent partnership at the back which was evident in stages today.

Full Time – Forfar Farmington 4-2 Motherwell

Farmington: Lauren Perry, Cassie Cowper, Jade Lindsay, Kirsty Fraser, Lisa Ryan, (80) Billie Simpson, Donna Paterson, Eirinn McCafferty (45), Erin Rennie (80), London Pollard, Charlotte Gammie (56). Subs: Aimee Anderson (80), Fiona McNicoll, Molly-Mae Ramsay, Alana Bruce (45), Cheryl Kilcoyne (56), Leah White, Mel Stirling (80)

Motherwell, Khym Ramsay, Rachel Connor, Chelsie Watson, Lauren Gallon, Kodie Hay, Claire Adams, Katie Rice, Natasha Roberts, Lisa Swanson, Lori Gardner, Nicole Pullar. Subs: Georgia Rafferty, Lauryn Reside, Lynsey Baillie, Lucy Sinclair, Abby Callaghan, Kacey Watson, Abby Skelton