After an excellent end to last season that saw our young team of girls move up to take on the challenge of the under 17 league and some great performance in their pre-season friendlies it was with great anticipation that they took to the field to take on the girls from Aberdeen. On a beautiful day for football those in attendance were treated to some terrific play that saw both teams battle to gain a well earned point as the match ended 1-1.
The Farmington side started the match very well and they pressed their opponents into their own half in the first ten minutes. Although Forfar were in the ascendancy, it was obvious Aberdeen were a very capable outfit as they played some nice passing football as well as showing some steel to keep Forfar at bay. A couple of counter attacks from Aberdeen threatened the Forfar goal but the combination of the defence and AJ Meach in goal ensured that they didn’t fall behind.
Forfar took the lead midway through the first half with a well-taken goal; Eve Warden showed great awareness and competitiveness to nick in and win the ball for her team. She fired the ball back across the edge of the Aberdeen box that was then deflected into the path of the onrushing Philippa McCallum who calmly flicked the ball over the keeper and into the net.
The girls pressed and pressed for a second goal however the visitors defence stood firm and the first half ended with no further goals scored.
Aberdeen stepped up the intensity of their play in the second half and it wasn’t long before they equalised with a cracking drive from the edge of the box. This started a period of play where they were on top and although they created a few decent chances they couldn’t get themselves in front. Farmington withstood this pressure and gradually got themselves back into the game and it was only a superb save from the keeper that prevented Niamh Simpson from putting her team ahead.
Both teams played very well and their respective coaches will be pleased to have registered their first point on the board for this season.
From a Forfar perspective, this match bodes well for a good season in the U17 league. As with last season, we are sure that the girls will kick on from games such as this and build up a momentum that will see them grow and rise to the challenge of the season ahead.