Dryden Keen To Realise First Choice Ambitions

Goalkeeper Hannah Dryden was delighted to get the win against Buchan at the weekend and the youngster hopes she can force her way into the number one spot more often.

Dryden made her first appearance of the season in the 5-3 extra time win that put Forfar Farmington in to the third round of the Scottish Cup and the youngster admits they made life difficult for themselves after going 3-1 down.

The Kirriemuir based keeper spoke of how she felt the side’s fantastic fitness levels showed over their SWPL2 opposition and this was key when it came to extra time.

Dryden said: “I’m very delighted with the win even though we made it very difficult for ourselves; especially after going two goals behind in the first 30 minutes, to then bringing it back to level at the end of the first half which then led to extra time. I also felt that the team’s physical fitness played a big role in getting the win today as we were winning nearly every first and second ball in extra time.”

Dryden also reckons she needs to work on some areas of her game but overall she was pleased with herself after the match. “Personally I felt my overall performance was good but there are definitely areas I need to work on. During today’s game I felt that my second half and extra time performances were much better than my first half because I did not concede and I felt more confident when on the ball.”

The 17 year old made her senior debut against Queen’s Park in August 2014 at the age of 15 with her only other SWPL squad appearance coming last year against Hibs where on looking Scotland manager Anna Signeul was impressed by her performance. Dryden is hoping she can use Sunday’s appearance as a stepping stone to more frequent appearances.

She said: “I am hoping to get more games this year and on a more frequent basis with the aim to become the first choice keeper because I really enjoy the challenges and intensity of the games at the premier league level. My goal to become first choice keeper has been with me ever since I joined the club and now that I am so close it is forcing me to train harder and to continue to attend every training session.”

Dryden also praised experienced stopper Fiona McNicoll with the duo training together and she reckons it is a privilege to work with her.

“I’m really enjoying training and working with Fiona as well as getting good goalkeeper coaching which has helped my development a lot this season. Working with Fiona is fantastic as her attitude and effort she puts into each session is inspiring and it forces me to work harder and constantly reminds me of the high standard I need to be at if I want to become the first choice keeper.”

“I have a lot of respect for Fiona as she has so much experience at playing at the top level and it is a privilege to get the opportunity to work with her and watch her play because being able to do this is helping me develop and to be a more confident goalkeeper.”