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SBSSWPL1 | Rangers 2 Forfar Farmington 1

A late winner meant Forfar Farmington found themselves leaving New Tinto Park without any points on Sunday as Rangers defeated Stevie Baxter’s side 2-1.

Danni McGinley netted the opener midway through the first half with Fiona McNicoll saving a Jade Gallon shortly after but Gallon netted the equaliser in the second half before Chantelle Brown’s late winner.

Stevie Baxter made just one change from the SWPL Cup win over Kilmarnock as Erin Cattanach was ruled out through injury and Leah White made her first start of the season.

The first opportunity of the match came after three minutes as Cheryl Kilcoyne fired over from distance before Lauren Gallon headed wide from a Sinclair corner.

Carla Boyce blasted over the bar from a Laura McCartney cut back for the hosts in the tenth minute with both sides equally matched early on.

Farmington forced Jade Baillie into a save from Cassie Cowper while Lauren Gallon almost netted an own goal when she connected with Robyn Smith’s free kick; her header flying inches over the bar.

Clare Gemmell failed to trouble Fiona McNicoll in the 23rd minute but just sixty seconds later Farmington were up the other end of the park taking the lead.

Beth McPherson sprayed the ball wide to Smith who cut in before laying the ball off for Danni McGinley who fired low into the bottom corner.

Rangers looked to get back on level terms through Boyce but McNicoll was in fine form as she pulled off two quickfire saves to deny the attacker.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute when Alana Bruce was adjudged to have fouled McCartney.

Jade Gallon stepped up to take the spot kick but was denied by a fantastic save by McNicoll to keep Farmington ahead.

Smith sent an angled effort over the bar in the 35th minute and three minutes later Rangers hit the crossbar through McCartney’s shot from distance.

Farmington came close again through Smith and Hannah Stewart as they hunted for a second but Baillie was able to repel their efforts.

In the 42nd minute Smith raced towards goal from her own half and after getting into the box she lashed the ball across goal.

Boyce was once again denied by McNicoll from close range but the final chance fell to McGinley who nodded wide from a Cowper corner on the stroke of half time.

The hosts came out for the second half keen to get an equaliser with Sinclair and Terri Donnelly coming close before Jade Gallon fired wide from the edge of the box.

Farmington’s resilience was broken down on the hour mark when sub Chantelle Brown sent a cross in and the ball was bundled in by Jade Gallon.

Smith and Davidson had chances to put Farmington ahead again with free kicks but their set pieces went over the bar and was held by Baillie respectively.

Boyce and McNicoll continued their battle of one on ones and once again the keeper came out on top; parrying her close range effort before the rebound was sent wide.

Cowper was sent through on goal for Farmington with twelve minutes remaining but she was harshly ruled to be offside.

She was to save Farmington at the other end shortly after as she acrobatically cleared a McCartney shot off the line.

With the game looking like it would end in a draw, Rangers were to steal all three points in the 82nd minute as Brown’s angled shot found the net despite McNicoll getting a touch on it.

Less than sixty seconds later Smith couldn’t keep her shot down from a Davidson free kick as Farmington looked to bring things level once again.

In the 88th minute Hannah Stewart was next to try her luck with a free kick but Baillie smothered her shot and the hosts ran out winners.

Despite the disappointment of the defeat, there are positives for Farmington to take ahead of this week’s clash against Glasgow City at Station Park.

Rangers: Baillie, Inglis (Muir 68), L. Gallon, Dalgliesh, J. Gallon, Sinclair (Brown 58), Donnelly, Boyce (Pullar 76), McCartney, Gemmell, O’Hara (Napier 89)

Subs not used: Watson, Ramsay (gk)

Forfar Farmington: McNicoll, White (Weber 57), McGinley, Stewart, Smith, Davidson, Bruce, Kilcoyne, Cowper, McPherson, Brough

Subs not used: Noble, Deubel, Cattanach, Williamson (gk)

SWPL Cup First Round | Forfar Farmington 2 Kilmarnock 1

Forfar Farmington advanced to the quarter final stage of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup with a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.

After a goalless first half, Cheryl Kilcoyne and Danni McGinley had Farmington at ease but Samantha Hare made things uncomfortable in the last five minutes.

Stevie Baxter was forced into one change from the win over Motherwell as Donna Paterson failed a late fitness test and was replaced by Kilcoyne for her first appearance of the season.

Hannah Stewart had the first chance of the afternoon after two minutes as she fired into the arms of Lauren McGregor from Nicola Davidson’s free kick.

Eight minutes later Stewart turned provider as a well timed pass found Robyn Smith and she controlled the ball before firing over.

Kilmarnock should have had their first shot on goal in the 16th minute as the ball fell to Kirsty Munro on the edge of the box but she mistimed her effort resulting in a fresh air swipe and Farmington cleared their lines.

Smith saw a shot deflected into McGregor’s arms while at the other end Colette Fleming and Lisa Swanson failed to threaten Fiona McNicoll.

In the 28th minute Cassie Cowper almost found the net directly from a corner as it deceived everyone bar the defender on the line who cleared well.

A minute later Aimie Docherty fired at McNicoll from the edge of the box before Fleming sent a volley on to the roof of the net.

Stewart was involved again for Farmington; firing wide from 20 yards shortly before Nicola Davidson failed to find the target from Cowper’s corner.

The final action of the first half came from another Cowper corner as Kayleigh Brough looked to have been shoved but referee Kevin Higgins waved away appeals for a penalty.

Farmington came out for the second half eager to take the lead with Cowper firing at McGregor 24 seconds after the restart and less than a minute later McGinley curled past the post.

Smith sent an effort wide after latching on to a McNicoll long ball before Cowper was unlucky not to find the back of the net in the 48th minute; Davidson’s free kick finding McGinley and she flicked the ball on for the former Aberdeen player to head wide from close range.

The deadlock was finally broken six minutes into the second half when Beth McPherson slipped the ball through to Cheryl Kilcoyne and she weaved her way to some space before stroking home for her first of the season.

There was another first goal of the season for Danni McGinley after 55 minutes; a Cowper corner flew over the heads of everyone and Davidson collected the loose ball before swinging in a cross that wasn’t cleared and McGinley volleyed past McGregor to double the advantage.

Smith was eager to get her first competitive goal of the season as well but was unfortunate not to score as she hit the side netting shortly before firing over from close range under pressure.

The ball was in the net again when Smith sent in a cross for Stewart to tap in but the assistant referee had adjudged her to be offside.

Davidson sent a free kick wide of the mark in the 77th minute, however seven minutes later Farmington were made to sweat as Samantha Hare bundled home a Swanson cross.

Swanson almost grabbed a late equaliser to force the game into extra time in the 89th minute with a well taken free kick but McNicoll pulled off an impressive save to deny her.

The result means Farmington progress to the quarter finals of the SWPL Cup where they will face one of their league rivals with all SWPL1 clubs advancing.

Forfar Farmington: McNicoll, Cattanach, McGinley, Stewart, Smith (Robb 77), Davidson, Bruce, Kilcoyne (Weber 61), Cowper, McPherson, Brough (Noble 61)

Subs not used: Deubel, Williamson (gk)

Kilmarnock: McGregor, Nicolson, Docherty (Burrows 58), Robinson, Munro (Jackson 73), Fleming, Swanson, Neil, Harty (Lyttle 82), Baird, Hare

Sub not used: Ponton

SBSSWPL1 | Forfar Farmington 3 Motherwell 2

Forfar Farmington earned their first three points of the season on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Motherwell at Station Park.

A Hannah Stewart double along with Donna Paterson’s first Farmington goal was enough for all three points despite goals from Lori Gardner and Mhairi Fyfe.

Stevie Baxter made one change to his side following last week’s defeat to Celtic as Cassie Cowper came back from her suspension to replace Megan Robb.

Farmington started off well with Beth McPherson having a shot blocked in the first minute before Robyn Smith saw a 20 yard volley fly past the post.

The deadlock was broken in the tenth minute when a pinpoint cross by Erin Cattanach found Hannah Stewart and she fired home off the underside of the crossbar.

This goal seemed to spur Forfar on and they came close to a second just sixty seconds later; Danni McGinley’s shot took a touch off a defender before going out for a corner.

Shortly after Morgan Hunter pulled off a magnificent save to tip Donna Paterson’s close range header over the bar.

The visitors settled into the game and had chances of their own; captain Kerry Montgomery firing over from a tight angle before Sarah Crilly failed to trouble Fiona McNicoll with her effort, the keeper gathering easily.

Cassie Cowper volleyed over after some smart control but it wasn’t long before Farmington extended their lead.

After netting the first, Hannah Stewart was at it again in the 31st minute as she controlled a Kayleigh Brough ball before driving towards goal and curling a beautiful effort over Hunter for her and Farmington’s second.

Motherwell looked for something to take into the break as Georgie Rafferty blasted wide from distance while Lori Gardner forced McNicoll into a save on the stroke of half time.

The visitors kept up their efforts at the start of the second half; Montgomery denied by McNicoll after her long range effort was tipped over.

Chelsea McEachran fired over but Gardner went one better for Donald Jennow’s side in the 54th minute with a low effort that beat McNicoll and found the net via the post.

Two minutes later the two goal lead was restored as Nicola Davidson’s free kick just inside the Motherwell half found the unmarked Donna Paterson and her glancing header beat Hunter for her first goal in Farmington colours.

Paterson looked for her second and Farmington’s fourth in the 65th minute as she hit an ambitious effort from 35 yards but her attempt was wild and landed in the terracing.

Shortly after Kayleigh Noble fired wide and as the game entered the final stages Motherwell looked to add some pressure on in order to force their way back into the game and give themselves hope of getting something.

Rafferty and Rolph failed to trouble anyone with speculative long range strikes and sub Mhairi Fyfe should have reduced the deficit when Montgomery latched onto a loose ball before cutting it back; as Fyfe shaped up to shoot Paterson stormed back to put in a fantastic challenge and clear the ball.

In the third minute of injury time Fyfe turned her marker before slotting home to make the final moments nervy for Farmington.

The hosts held on for all three points, however Motherwell felt they should have had a point when Kerry Montgomery sent an effort into the net but referee Vikki Robertson had started to blow for full time before she had started to shoot so the ‘goal’ rightfully would not have stood.

A deserved three points for Stevie Baxter’s side and their first of the season that lifts them up to sixth ahead of next week’s League Cup clash with Kilmarnock.

Forfar Farmington: McNicoll, Cattanach, Paterson, McGinley, Stewart, Smith (Robb 84), Davidson, Bruce (Noble 39), Cowper, McPherson (Weber 87), Brough

Subs not used: Deubel, White

Motherwell: Hunter, Knox, Welsh, Rolph, Rafferty, Rice (Cunningham 60), Crilly, Montgomery, Gardner (Fyfe 66), McEachran (Russell 71), Adams

Subs not used: Hutchison, Hay

SBSSWPL1 | Celtic 4 Forfar Farmington 0

Forfar Farmington’s 2019 season got off to a disappointing start as they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Celtic on Sunday.

The Scottish Building Society Scottish Women’s Premier League One kicked off on Sunday with a trip to K-Park and head coach Stevie Baxter can’t be disheartened despite the scoreline.

In his first game in charge, Baxter handed a second debut to Hannah Stewart with Kate Williamson and Philippa Weber having to settle for a spot on the bench.

Just two minutes after the game had started Farmington were dealt a blow as a cross into the box was bounced around before Sarah Ewens forced the ball past McNicoll.

Eleven minutes later the lead was doubled as Josephine Giard rounded Fiona McNicoll before slotting home despite almost losing her footing.

Hannah Stewart came close to pulling one back for Farmington in the 23rd minute as she cut in from the left wing before curling just past the post.

Celtic were clinical with their first half chances as they netted three times with the three clear cut chances they carved out; the third coming in the 39th minute as Natalie Ross bundled a Katherine Smart cross in off the bar.

The hosts came close to a fourth shortly after the break as Kodie Hay fired straight at McNicoll but they went one better after 51 minutes.

A ball into the box wasn’t cleared properly and Ross took advantage to fire into the top corner, giving McNicoll no chance.

Smart had chances to extend the lead but couldn’t find the target as the game inched past the hour mark.

In the 70th minute Ewens failed to trouble McNicoll while Forfar started to create more chances at the other end.

Philippa Weber came on for her debut and almost capped it with a goal as she met Robyn Smith’s corner but couldn’t force the ball on target at the back post.

A free kick just inside the Celtic half was launched towards goal by Donna Paterson and was met by Kayleigh Brough; her header creeping wide.

In injury time Danni McGinley burst down the right wing and as she advanced towards goal she shaped up to shoot only for a defender to make a last ditch clearance.

Despite the result, Farmington performed well in the second half and will look to improve when they host Motherwell this Sunday at Station Park, kick off is 1pm.

Celtic: Megan Cunningham, Keeva Keenan, Natalie Ross, Chloe Craig (Claire Crosbie 77), Kirsty McLaughlin (Rachael O’Neill 77), Katherine Smart, Josephine Giard, Sarah Ewens (Kathleen McGovern 82), Kelly Clark, Emma Black (Cheryl McCulloch 77), Kodie Hay (Nicole Cairney 77)

Forfar Farmington: Fiona McNicoll, Erin Cattanach, Donna Paterson, Danni McGinley, Hannah Stewart (Leah White 84), Robyn Smith (Lotte Deubel 84), Nicola Davidson, Alana Bruce, Megan Robb (Philippa Weber 64), Beth McPherson, Kayleigh Brough

Sub not used: Kate Williamson (gk)

McPherson Looking To Make Up For Lost Time

Beth McPherson is eager to get going again after a tough first season at Farmington in 2018.

The midfielder struggled with injuries after signing from Aberdeen in May but is excited for the year ahead under new head coach Stevie Baxter.

The squad returned to training last week and the 18 year old believes the squad are feeling positive about the season ahead.

“I’m really excited to get going again, we had our first pre season session last week so it was good to get back training with all the girls and everyone seems really positive and motivated for the season ahead.”

McPherson arrived at Farmington in May but her season was much like a punctured tyre as she struggled to get going due to injuries and was restricted to just eight appearance, the majority of these from the bench.

The midfielder felt she maybe hadn’t gelled with the squad as well as she should have through missing games and training.

“Last season was very frustrating for me; signing for a new club mid-season was always going to be difficult but being out for such a big part of the season made it difficult to prove myself or make the impact I was aiming for at the beginning.”

“Obviously not being part of the sessions and games meant not spending as much time with the team also so it’s good to get back to full time training and properly feel part of the group again.”

With the Scotland youth internationalist fit, she has aimed to make the impact she was looking to make last season and become a regular starter under her new head coach.

“My main goal for this season is to make the impact that I hoped to make last season and to put myself in a position where I am considered a regular starter and getting as much game time as possible every week.”

Stevie Baxter was named as the new head coach in December, replacing Mark Nisbet who stepped down and McPherson feels the squad have been impressed so far.

“We’ve only had a couple of sessions under Stevie so far but everyone seemed to enjoy it and took lots of positives from it. Obviously it will take time for everyone to get used to a new coach and to build that relationship but everyone is very open minded and are enjoying having Stevie as our coach.”

The midfielder is based slightly further north of Aberdeen and despite the travelling required, she is joined by Cassie Cowper, Donna Paterson and Hannah Stewart in coming down for training and games. McPherson reckons having the Aberdeen car school helps a lot as opposed to being the only player travelling from that area.

“It definitely helps having people come down from the same area. It allows us to take turns driving throughout the week, which is a massive bonus but I think just the social aspect of it is important as driving up and down the road yourself would get pretty draining.”

Farmington start their season on February 10th away to Celtic and after finishing fifth in their first year back in the top flight, McPherson is hoping to build on this and improve further.

“Every team wants to improve and finish higher than they did the previous season so that’s definitely our aim going into 2019 so we’re hoping to get off to a good start against Celtic in the first game back.”

2018 | A Year In Numbers

2018 saw the club return to the top flight after a year’s absence, finishing fifth while proving some doubters who had tipped them for the drop to be wrong. Farmington also reached the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup semi final while exiting the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup at the second round stage.

As we begin 2019, we take a look at some of the stats gathered over the course of last year:

25 – There were 25 competitive games in total for Farmington, with 21 league games, three Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup ties and just the one SSE Scottish Women’s Cup clash.

9 – 2019 saw the side finish the year with 9 wins overall, the first victory coming on the first day of the season back in February as we defeated Hamilton Academical 1-0. There was also a League Cup win over Aberdeen this month with a comfortable 3-0 win.

March saw another League Cup win as Farmington progressed to the semi finals after beating Stirling University 2-0. No wins in April was cancelled out by four wins from five in May, defeating Rangers 4-2, Spartans 3-1 and Stirling University twice, 2-0 & 3-0.

The final two wins of the season came in June and August with a 2-1 victory over Hamilton Academical before triumphing over Rangers 1-0.

This gave the side a win ratio of 36% from their 25 games.

2 – Just the two draws over the course of the season; drawing 2-2 with Stirling University in August while rounding off the season with a goalless draw at home to Hamilton Academical to give us a draw ratio of 8%.

14 – Last season saw just three defeats but playing in a higher league, it was always going to be tough to match this in 2018, losing fourteen games.

A loss to Hibernian was followed up by a March defeat to Celtic. April saw a winless month as we were beaten by Spartans, Glasgow City and Celtic before a solitary loss to the Hoops again in May.

June losses to Hibernian and Glasgow City, the latter being our only defeat in August and further defeats by Spartans, Rangers, Celtic and Hibernian meant our loss ratio for the season was 56%.

23 – We earned 23 points in total over the course of the league season. With seven wins in the SBSSWPL1, two draws and twelve defeats, we finished fifth, eleven points clear of the relegation zone. The points per game average for the season came to 1.09.

26 – After last season’s mountain of goals, the side found it hard to match the 76 scored in 2017, netting 26 overall in 25 games.

Averaging 1.04 in all games, this dropped in the league with 0.95 scored per game. Our top goalscorer with five was Caroline Heron, netting 0.27 goals a game in her eighteen appearances.

We were awarded just one penalty this year, however this was missed against Celtic in the League Cup semi final to give us a 0% success rate.

10 – Goals were spread across the team this season, with ten players all chipping in.

5 Caroline Heron

4 Robyn Smith, Danni McGinley

3 Nicola Davidson, Megan Robb

2 Cassie Cowper, Cheryl Kilcoyne

1 Kayleigh Brough, Hannah Stewart, Megan McCarthy

11 – Eleven players were involved with setting up 20 of our 26 goals.

5 Robyn Smith

3 Alana Bruce

2 Nicola Davidson, Caroline Heron, Danni McGinley, Megan McCarthy

1 Fiona McNicoll, Cheryl Kilcoyne, Tammy Harkin, Julia Scott, Cassie Cowper

30 – 30 players were used over the course of the season, one more than last season, with just nine making over twenty appearances. Two of the others made just one appearance while keepers Chantelle McKay and Beth Mowatt were involved in the matchday squad but failed to dislodge Fiona McNicoll from the number one spot. McNicoll was the only player to be ever present, playing every minute of the campaign.

25 Fiona McNicoll

24 Danni McGinley, Megan McCarthy, Robyn Smith

23 Cassie Cowper, Nicola Davidson

22 Kayleigh Brough, Cheryl Kilcoyne

21 Alana Bruce

18 Caroline Heron

16 Megan Robb

15 Erin Cattanach

14 Kirsty Deans

11 Leah White

10 Sophie Milligan

8 Alison Debio, Rebecca Dempster, Beth McPherson

7 Hannah Stewart, Tammy Harkin

6 Lindsey Dunbar

5 Lotte Deubel

4 Gemma Collier, Julia Scott

3 Kayleigh Noble, Beth Shillitto

1 Sandra Craig, Donna Paterson

7 – Seven players made their first ever appearances for the side this season with Donna Paterson, Beth McPherson, Cassie Cowper, Megan Robb, Sandra Craig, Hannah Stewart and Tammy Harkin all making their debuts.

52 – 52 goals were conceded over the course of the season, 2.08 in all games while it was an average of 2.14 conceded in the league.

3 – Three goalkeepers played a part in the season with Fiona McNicoll, Chantelle McKay, and Beth Mowatt all involved in the squad. The latter two unfortunately did not play a minute in the season due to the form of the ever present McNicoll.

7 – Seven clean sheets were kept by the Farmington defence this year. This included three games against Stirling University (25th March, 9th & 30th May) while also keeping one clean sheet against Rangers (5th August), Aberdeen (25th February) and two against Hamilton Academical (11th February & 28th October).

19 – A worse record by three compared to 2017, nineteen bookings have been given to Farmington players over the course of 2018 with two of these resulting in the only red card of the season.

Robyn Smith and Cassie Cowper could be considered the dirtiest players in the team this season, being responsible for four of the bookings each.

4 Robyn Smith, Cassie Cowper

3 Alana Bruce

2 Cheryl Kilcoyne, Sophie Milligan

1 Nicola Davidson, Caroline Heron, Megan McCarthy, Hannah Stewart

1 – The aforementioned red card was shown to Cassie Cowper on 28th October in the final game of the season against Hamilton Academical for her two bookable offences.

2-0 – The most common result in 2018 was 2-0 which occurred on six occasions.

The scoreline twice resulted in a Farmington win, with Stirling University being defeated on 25th March and 9th May.

The other four games with this scoreline were defeats as Hibernian won on 11th March and 7th September while Celtic and Spartans were the winners on 18th February and 15th April respectively.

35 – Farmington found the net on 26 different minutes this season and the most common minute for a goal was the 35th minute with three goals.

This minute saw Hannah Stewart net against Rangers on May 6th to put the side 2-0 ahead, the final score being 4-2 Farmington. Rangers were also the opponents when Danni McGinley scored the only goal on August 5th.

The third goal in this minute was Megan Robb’s consolation in a 6-1 defeat at home to Glasgow City on June 24th.

90+1 – At the other end the most common minute for Farmington to concede was the first minute of injury time. This minute, which was also the most common minute for Farmington to concede in 2017, saw them concede three times; Brogan Hay making it 2-4 as Farmington defeated Rangers on May 6th before Demi-Lee Falconer grabbed a late equaliser for Stirling University on August 26th.

Lauren Davidson also rounded off the scoring for Hibernian in their 2-0 win on September 7th.

4 – The most Farmington netted in one game was four goals and they managed this once in 2018, coming against Rangers on 6th May.

Goals from Robyn Smith, Hannah Stewart, Caroline Heron and Cassie Cowper saw the side win 4-2 at New Tinto Park.

6 – The most goals conceded in one game was six and this came on four occasions.

Glasgow City netted six twice on 24th June and 19th August while Hibernian and Spartans netted the same on 20th June and 30th September.

1 – We were the hosts for the first ever televised league game in Scottish women’s football on Friday 7th September.

BBC Alba chose our match at Station Park against Hibernian and the coverage given was fantastic and a testament to the work BBC Alba put in.

352 – We broke our attendance record with 352 fans attending our aforementioned clash with Hibernian on BBC Alba. With the match being live on TV and on a Friday night clashing with Scotland vs Belgium, we were delighted to have so many at Station Park.

Club Statement | New Head Coach

The club are delighted to announce the appointment of Stevie Baxter as the new head coach ahead of the 2019 Scottish Building Society Scottish Women’s Premier League One campaign.

Chairman Colin Brown was on the hunt for a replacement following Mark Nisbet’s decision to depart the club at the end of last season and Baxter’s career saw him as the stand out candidate from the pool of applicants.

Stevie has a wealth of experience having previously worked with Dundee, Dundee United and Forfar Athletic’s youth systems as well as New Zealand’s U20 national team amongst others and will work with current coaches Nathan Flight and Claire Garrett next season.

Baxter expressed his delight at returning to a club he has had a connection with for almost two decades and praised the community spirit at Farmington as something he is keen to be involved in.

“I feel, in a word, excited. I am looking forward to being part of a great group of playing, coaching and administration staff at a great club.”

He continued: “I have had a connection to the club for a number of years now and I like how the club have developed and placed a family emphasis around everything that they do. Being able to join the staff and lead the team next year and be part of this culture is a fantastic opportunity and one that I am really excited about.”

Last season saw Farmington finish fifth in the SBSSWPL1 and Baxter admits he is looking forward to helping the team build on this in 2019.

“The team achieved some good things last season. The coaching staff and players are quite rightly proud of these achievements and everyone should be congratulated on this. What we have do to this season, is focus on being the best team that we can be, look to be the best staff and players that we can be and if we do this then we can have a great season.”

Nathan Flight and Claire Garrett remain from last season’s coaching staff and will assist Baxter during his time at the club with the new head coach believing they will be vital to the squad’s progress.

“Claire and Nathan are crucial to everything that we will do in the 2019 season. The knowledge and experience that they both have of the club and the league is excellent and I am looking forward to not only working alongside them, but learning from them too.”

Everyone at Forfar Farmington would like to thank all applicants for their interest in the position.

We would also like to wish Mark Nisbet and fellow coaches Kev Candy and John Diplexcito all the best for the future and thank them for their hard work at the club including the SWPL2 championship winning season.

SBSSWPL1 | Forfar Farmington 0 Hamilton Academical 0

Despite a multitude of chances, Forfar Farmington were held to a goalless draw by Hamilton Academical in their final game of the 2018 season.

Failure to find the target along with Accies keeper Lauren Grant were the reason for Farmington missing out on all three points even after going down to ten following Cassie Cowper’s dismissal for a second yellow card.

Head Coach Mark Nisbet made two changes as Erin Cattanach and Megan Robb were replaced by Kirsty Deans and debutant Donna Paterson.

The first chance came just two minutes in as Danni McGinley set up Kirsty Deans 20 yards from goal, however her effort flew wide of the mark.

Three minutes later visiting custodian Lauren Grant had to look sharp when Robyn Smith’s cross-cum-shot looked to be heading in until the keeper palmed the ball away. It was cleared for a throw in and McGinley found Megan McCarthy with her throw, she turned her defender before lashing a shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Rebecca Dempster found her attempted blocked in the eighth minute while Smith couldn’t find the target under pressure after a McGinley cut back.

After dominating the opening period, Farmington took the foot off the gas for a spell, allowing Accies to settle but the home defence stood firm, allowing no chances to be created by the visitors.

In the 27th minute captain Nicola Davidson floated in a free kick from distance and McCarthy flicked the ball on for Donna Paterson but she could only watch as her header was clawed away by Grant.

Paterson was involved again four minutes later when Smith’s free kick found the defender who sent the ball past the post.

Hamilton’s first chance came ten minutes before the break as a Katie Rice corner was diverted towards goal only to see Alana Bruce clear off the line.

Dempster fired wide from distance and Deans went one better shortly after as she forced Grant into a save while at the other end Rice saw her free kick held by McNicoll.

Farmington had time for one last chance before the break as McGinley volleyed wide from an Alana Bruce cross.

Mark Nisbet’s side kept up their pressure after the break with Cheryl Kilcoyne and Kirsty Deans firing wide from long range but they were dealt a blow in the 53rd minute when Cassie Cowper was shown a second yellow card for dissent.

After being reduced to ten women, Farmington struggled to keep up the same pressure, allowing Accies to creep back into the game but the hosts still looked more likely to find the back of the net first.

Debutant Paterson repeated the earlier two efforts in the second half as she failed to find the target from distance in the 57th minute.

Ten minutes later a fantastic cross from Davidson towards the back post found Bruce and half the support thought her shot hit the back of the net as the ball rippled the sidenetting after going agonisingly wide.

Substitute Caroline Heron fired wide from 12 yards after being set up by Bruce and Deans with the game entering the final quarter of an hour.

Hamilton could have gone in front in the 79th minute when a ball through the defence found Rice and her close range effort saw McNicoll pull off a brilliant save to deny the attacker.

Deans was denied by Grant six minutes later before the final chance of the game fell to Accies as Rice fired over.

The result means that Farmington end their first season back in the top flight in fifth place and will look to build on this next season.

Forfar Farmington: McNicoll, Paterson, McGinley (Heron 60), Smith (Robb 78), Davidson, Bruce, Deans, Kilcoyne (McPherson 60), Cowper, McCarthy, Dempster

Subs not used: Milligan, White, Deubel, McKay

Hamilton Academical: Grant, Quinn (Lyons 87), Connolly, Fraser, McIntosh, Anderson, Hay, Gardner, Fitzsimmons (Ross 69), Rice, Quigley (Bulloch 60)

Subs not used: Lyle, McCann, Hopkins (gk)

SBSSWPL1 | Forfar Farmington 0 Rangers 3

Forfar Farmington were defeated 3-0 by Rangers on Sunday as the result sees them almost certainly finish fifth in the SBSSWPL1.

A Jade Gallon double along with an own goal from Cheryl Kilcoyne saw Farmington fall to their fourth straight defeat with one game of the season remaining.

Erin Cattanach, Alana Bruce and Nicola Davidson returned to the starting XI with Kirsty Deans, Caroline Heron and Kayleigh Brough unavailable.

Rangers had the first opportunity just two minutes in as Clare Gemmell’s free kick was met by Jade Gallon but she couldn’t beat Fiona McNicoll.

The first chance for Farmington came from a free kick as well; Nicola Davidson finding Megan McCarthy but her header was blocked and then cleared.

McCarthy did well to get back in the 15th minute when it looked like Gallon was clear as she put in a last ditch block to deny the attacker.

In the 26th minute Amy Muir hit the bar with a wind assisted free kick from long range and the visitors thought they had gone one better as Carla Boyce headed home but was adjudged to have been offside.

Danni McGinley sent an ambitious effort onto the roof of the net on the half hour mark but it was Rangers who took the lead four minutes later; Jade Gallon slotting home past McNicoll.

McNicoll denied Boyce shortly after while the final chance of the half fell to Brogan Hay who could only fire wide form the edge of the box.

Just over a minute into the second half Rangers doubled their advantage when Gemmell’s corner was diverted into her own net by Cheryl Kilcoyne.

Nicola Davidson forced a save from Khym Ramsay shortly after before Rangers were awarded a disputed penalty as Alana Bruce and Gallon both challenged for the ball.

Gallon stepped up and sent McNicoll the wrong way for Rangers’ third in the 54th minute.

Gemmell saw a free kick saved by McNicoll before McGinley was denied by Ramsay at the other end.

With fifteen minutes remaining Davidson fired over with a free kick as Farmington looked to find a way back into the game.

Rangers hit the bar in a scramble from a Gemmell corner with nine minutes remaining with Davidson firing wide for Farmington.

Mark Nisbet’s side had the ball in the net in the 85th minute when Megan McCarthy met Davidson’s free kick but linesman Willie Ferguson put his flag up despite McCarthy appearing to come from behind the defender.

The result means that Rangers move three points ahead of Farmington with one game left; they can move above Rangers again with a win over Hamilton this Sunday if Rangers lose to Hibernian but this also requires an eighteen goal swing.

Forfar Farmington: McNicoll, Cattanach (Milligan 61), McGinley, Smith (Deubel 87), Davidson, Bruce, Kilcoyne (White 85), Cowper, McCarthy, Robb (McPherson 61), Dempster

Subs not used: Heron, Deans, McKay

Rangers: Ramsay, Muir, Hay, Napier (Sinclair 71), Donnelly, Gemmell, Boyce (Robertson 68), Gallon, Coakley (Inglis 57), O’Hara, Eddie

Subs not used: Baillie

Paterson Looking To Help Secure Top Half Finish

Recent signing Donna Paterson may only be able to play a part in the final two games of the season but she hopes to help Farmington secure a top half finish.

The defender joined the club towards the end of September after leaving Glasgow City and she is looking forward to linking up with some former teammates.

Former Scotland youth internationalist Paterson was delighted to finally sign for Mark Nisbet’s side after spending the first half of the season with City.

“It’s good to finally get signed by Forfar. Having recently left Glasgow City, it was tough not playing for a while, so I’m glad to have signed again and finish off the season with Farmington.”

The 19 year old spent three seasons with Aberdeen playing alongside Alana Bruce, Cassie Cowper and Beth McPherson and feels having familiar faces will help her gel with the squad.

“Having some of my former teammates from Aberdeen down here at Farmington, of course I’ll link with them again. It’s good to have them alongside me again and it makes it a lot easier to settle into the new team. I’m definitely looking forward to be playing with them again as they’re all great players.”

The defender had a short spell at the club during her youth career and had a taste of the club’s friendliness during her time in the U17 squad. Paterson praised the current team after seeing them bounce back from relegation in 2016 to where they are currently sitting.

“Forfar’s a great team, I had a short spell with them at under 17’s for a couple of months due to the North Region league finishing early. I knew from back then how nice and welcoming everyone was at the club. They’ve more or less been in the top flight for years bar last season but it just shows their togetherness and determination as a team to be promoted the year after relegation and are now sitting in the top five.”

Paterson is disappointed to only have two games with Farmington before the season ends but hopes the side can get the results needed to finish in the top half.

“It is disappointing to only have the opportunity to play in the last two games when it could have been more, but that’s football. Hopefully in these last two games we can get the results to remain where we want to be in the league.”

Farmington’s final two games will see them take on Rangers and Hamilton Academical on October 21st and 28th respectively. Paterson reckons the squad’s ability and determination will be key in helping them finish in the top half in their first season back in the top flight.

“Of course they can finish in the top half of the league, I’ve already mentioned they’re a great group of girls and very talented. Their determination and ability will definitely see them through. They’ve just got to keep doing as good as they have been throughout the season and I have no doubt that they’ll finish in the top four.”