Despite the result, Alison Debio was delighted with her debut performance as Forfar Farmington were edged out by Celtic in the first round of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup.
A Natalie Ross goal midway through the first half was enough for the hosts with Farmington putting in a fantastic performance against their SWPL1 opponents.
The 20 year old was making her first competitive appearance since joining Forfar in December and felt the team worked well to combat an attacking Celtic side.
She said: “I’m really happy with Sunday’s performance. Celtic tried to play their way around us with very little success. We set up very well and were very secure and disciplined which meant Celtic had no answers for the problems we caused them and resorted to playing long balls which we dealt with very well. The whole team played really well together and left everything on the pitch, what more can you ask for.”
The hard working defender has been playing in a more advanced role during pre-season in midfield and reckons that she is adjusting well while building match fitness.
“I’m still adjusting to playing in midfield but I feel like the 80 minutes I played today will serve me well for the start of the league, only a few weeks away.”
“Today we had to be disciplined to keep Celtic out and I feel like playing with this team my performances can only get better and I can grow into the role I have been tasked with.”
Debio made her return to competitive football after a spell away while playing university football and the former Cumbernauld Colts player was elated to be back at a competitive level against a team such as Celtic.
“Playing against teams like Celtic is always a great game to be involved in, to have played against them and got a result which was so well fought for by the team was a pleasure and I thoroughly look forward to playing the rest of the season with this great group of girls.”
The side now face a three week wait until their opening SWPL2 fixture at home to East Fife and while they will have friendlies against Hamilton and Rangers, Debio reckons the side can build on Sunday’s performance going in to the season.
“Today we all worked for each other and I don’t think anyone could have given any more, we were looking to create chances under our terms and move forward as a unit as well as defending solidly all over the pitch.”
“Everyone had a great game today and we are all understanding our roles and improving every week which can only leave us in a great position for the start of the league campaign.”