Author: kcandy

Forfar Farmington U-17s

U-17: Dunfermline 1 Forfar Farmington 3

Dunfermline GAFC 17’s 1 vs Forfar Farmington 17’s
Sunday 29th May 2016 , Rosyth

Forfar Farmington 17s took their place in the East Region League Cup Final with a hard fought win over Dunfermline.

Striker for the day, Sophie Young opened the scoring after fifteen minutes, after the Dunfermline goalkeeper was unlucky not too force the ball over the bar. Forfar dominated the first half, having an effort cleared off the line and coming close several times, but reached half time with only a slender one goal lead to show for all their efforts.

In the second half Dunfermline battled well and equalised after an effort came back off the post and was judged to have crossed the line before it was cleared. Forfar upped the effort level and were promptly back in the lead through a Tammy Mclaren shot at the near post, after Carrie Hoggan ran riot on the right.. An exciting gamed flowed from end to end, before Forfar began to see daylight when they scored their third. A Carrie Hoggan shot was pounced on by Tammy Mclaren to score from a narrow angle for her second of the day. Dunfermline fought well right to the end, forcing several corner and free kicks, but couldn’t close the gap.

Forfar Farmington 17s are now looking forward confidently to facing Jeanfield Swifts 17s in the east Region League Cup final on Saturday 4th June 2016 at University Playing Fields, Dundee.

Deans Seeing Big Improvements

Midfielder Kirsty Deans believes that Forfar Farmington have shown they are making a big improvement with their performances as of late.

 

Despite being defeated 3-1 by Hibernian, the side looked a much better side compared to the side that crashed out of the League Cup three weeks ago following a 6-0 defeat to the same side.

 

The 24 year old netted the side’s consolation with a fantastic effort from 20 yards that sailed into the top corner for her first goal since joining from Inverness City at the start of the year.

 

Deans was happy to get a goal like that to open her account at Forfar, she said: “I was pleased to get my first goal for the club. I think I knew as soon as it left my boot that it would be a difficult one for the keeper to deal with. I got a lucky bobble and it bounced kindly in front of me just asking to be hit and I got the connection I wanted which I was happy with.”

 

The midfielder reckons that despite the result, there were a lot of positives to take and they can build on that ahead of this week’s game against Glasgow City

 

“It’s always disappointing not to take something from a game in terms of points. However, I feel like we will be able to take a huge amount from the performance today to take forward. We wanted to come out today and show that we were a much better side than what we demonstrated in the previous Hibs game and we certainly did that today.”

 

She continued “Everyone worked superbly well for the entire game, working hard for each other and showing good composure on the ball to create opportunities and put them on the back foot. I think it was clear to see today for those watching and it was also evident to the players on the park that the performance today was much closer to where we need and know it should be.”

 

Deans believes that the team are gelling together perfectly and along with working hard at training, it will bring results sooner or later.

 

“We have been working hard during the break in fixtures and I think we are now bringing what we are doing on the training ground to the match day. The atmosphere in training is buzzing and everyone is working phenomenally hard as a group and with our individual work which is now reflecting in our performances.”

kirstydeans

The January signing feels it has been easy to fit in with the close-knit squad with fellow Highland duo Julia Scott and Megan McCarthy’s presence at the club a key factor in helping her to do so.

 

“I feel as though I have settled in to the club pretty well at the moment. Coming down with Ralphi and Megan really helped the transition and gave me more confidence to get stuck in and get to know the girls in the squad.”

 

She continued: “The girls also made it very easy for me to settle in as they are such a friendly group and their banter is pretty good as well. Along with that the support from the whole coaching team is brilliant they are a very enthusiastic and helpful group that have allowed us to get into the swing of things with ease.”

 

The side entertain early league leaders Glasgow City on Sunday and Deans reckons that if they can perform like they did against Hibs with a few improvements, they can take their first points of the season.

 

“I believe 100% that we can get some points on the board next Sunday against Glasgow City. We will take a huge amount of confidence from last week’s performance and we know that if we can replicate that standard and tighten certain areas up we will certainly be pushing City all the way.”

 

“We played brilliantly in spells today going forward and with a little luck we could have scored a couple more goals. As a group we also put in a very disciplined performance which meant that we frustrated Hibs and didn’t allow them to play the way they wanted, showing good aggression and commitment for each other. On the whole it was a hugely positive performance and with a good week at training we will certainly be going into Sunday’s clash with a positive attitude.”

 

Sunday’s game against Glasgow City is a 1pm kick off at Station Park and admission for adults is £4 while under 16’s enter for free.

 

Interview by Lee Smith 

Taylor Delighted to be Back

Ann Taylor says she is delighted to be back at Forfar Farmington after two years away from the club.

 

The 24 year old utility player joins Mark Nisbet’s squad after a short break in Australia following two seasons at Hutchison Vale.

 

Taylor reckons that the club has improved massively in terms of development since her last spell and spoke of her gratefulness to be involved again. “It feels great to be back at Forfar. The club has developed and grown so much since my brief time previously and I’m very excited to see what we can achieve this season with the new SWPL set up. The level of professionalism and time invested from people at the club is obvious and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of it.”

 

The former Buchan and Spartans player also regards Forfar as somewhere where team spirit is fantastic which was key to her decision to return along with the fact she knew some of the faces at the club previously.

Ann-Taylor-2

She continued: “I was familiar with the coaching staff and I already knew some of the girls so it wasn’t a difficult decision to come back to Forfar. I knew it would be the same high standard of coaching and with the new staff, level of player support and development being put in place this season it was a no brainer.”

 

“At Forfar there has always been a great atmosphere and a sense of togetherness and I wanted to be a part of the team spirit again.”

 

When Taylor departed the club following nine appearances and one goal at the end of 2013, she joined Edinburgh side Hutchison Vale and feels that the spell allowed her to improve her game under experienced management.

 

Taylor said “My time at Hutchie was a great experience. Playing in the Premier League is always a challenge but being part of such a close team, the girls were amazing and the team spirit was great.”

 

“I gained a lot of experience playing in different positions and I learned a lot from the experienced coaching staff and players. I wish them all the best this season.”

 

Following her departure from Hutchie Vale at the end of last season, Taylor headed to Australia; an experience she says that she would like to experience again at some point in the future but at the moment she is concentrating on earning degrees and enjoying her football at Forfar.

 

She continued: “I returned to Sydney and trained with a few teams before signing for the University of South Wales. It was a lower league team however I was able to get some valuable playing time under my belt and focus on my confidence and fitness. Their season was only just beginning so I only managed to play one official game, scoring a free kick to draw the match against a team in the league above.”

 

“At the moment I have no plans to go back but I would like to return one day and spend more time playing football, maybe in Melbourne. I will be starting a masters course in sport management, policy and international development in September so my attention will be on my studies for the time being.”

 

Whilst awaiting clearance from the Australia FA, Ann had continued to train with the squad but admits she was delighted to make her debut on Sunday against Hibs.

 

“I thought it was a good solid team performance. Everybody was well prepared and up for the match which allowed us to play some good football and create chances which we should’ve done better with.”

 

“I was pleased with my own performance being my first competitive match back. I thought I was tough when I needed to be but I made some silly mistakes which I hope with hard work in training my sharpness and match fitness will improve.”

 

Interview  by Lee Smith of Ramblings of a Loon

SWPL: Forfar Farmington 1 Hibernian 3

Forfar Farmington could be pleased with their performance despite a 3-1 defeat to title challengers Hibernian on Sunday.

The two sides met just three weeks ago in the League Cup with Hibs triumphing 6-0 however this meeting was a closer affair.

Kirsty Deans netted her first goal for Farmington with a fantastic volley into the top corner with Lizzie Arnot, Lucy Graham and Caroline Heron grabbing the visitors’ goals to take all three points.

Head coach Mark Nisbet made five changes from the crushing defeat with Louise Magilton, Lindsey Dunbar, Megan McCarthy and two second debuts for Alana Bruce and latest signing Ann Taylor coming in. This meant that Holly Napier, Jade McLaren, Gemma Collier and Robyn Smith dropped to the bench with Julia Scott missing out due to illness.

Hibs got off to a perfect start after three minutes; Lizzie Arnot curling home past Fiona McNicoll from the edge of the box.

Tori Sousa almost grabbed an equaliser eight minutes later after racing onto a long ball from Bruce but the attacker couldn’t keep her effort down and it flew inches over the bar.

Farmington had their closest chance of the first half in the 24th minute when Taylor swung a corner into the danger zone and McCarthy’s header struck the crossbar with Jenna Fife beaten.

The Edinburgh side had headers of their own go close in quick succession; Lucy Graham nodded wide from Arnot’s corner before an unmarked Joelle Murray did the same following Lisa Robertson’s free kick.

Shortly after the half hour mark Taylor sent a free kick flying over Fife’s bar and following a quick attack by Hibs Arnot fired straight at McNicoll.

The visitors did double their advantage four minutes before half time when a poor clearance teed up Graham perfectly and her driven effort found the bottom corner.

Forfar came out for the second half looking for a quick goal to bring themselves back into the game and almost got a goal within the first sixty seconds; Amy Gallacher sending her effort wide of the mark.

The side were then dealt a blow when Louise Magilton was stretchered off shortly after Gallacher’s effort.

Hibs made sure things went from bad to worse for Farmington in the 58th minute; former duo Abbi Grant and Caroline Heron combined to allow the latter to stab home and make it 3-0.

Forfar however, were determined not to give up and kept fighting to get some reward for their neat play; Nicola Davidson saw a free kick cleared before Alana Bruce was inches away from firing home but was crowded out by a well organised defence.

The side did eventually find the net in the 69th minute when Tori Sousa took a cross down before Kirsty Deans hit a fantastic first time volley that soared into the top corner, giving Fife no chance.

McNicoll was then called into action once more, pulling off two impressive saves following close range efforts from Arnot and then Heron inside the six yard box.

At the other end Sousa saw her low effort pushed wide before the resultant corner from Taylor found McCarthy but her header was soft and the defence cleared with ease.

McNicoll was in fine form once more with another double save from Robertson and Rachel McLauchlan, albeit the efforts were from further out than the previous two.

In the second minute of added time Forfar had a chance to make things interesting in the final five minutes of the game with Sousa and Deans combining to set up Davidson; her effort was held by Fife.

The result means Forfar are still without a point in the league but their performances are improving and they will hope for another like that when they entertain Glasgow City this Sunday at Station Park.

Forfar Farmington: Fiona McNicoll, Sophie Milligan (Jade McLaren 72), Louise Magilton (Holly Napier 53), Lindsey Dunbar, Amy Gallacher (Robyn Smith 72), Tori Sousa, Nicola Davidson, Alana Bruce, Kirsty Deans, Megan McCarthy, Ann Taylor (Kayleigh Noble 80).

Subs not used: Stephanie Milne, Gemma Collier, Hannah Dryden (gk)

Hibernian: Jenna Fife, Claire Williamson, Lisa Robertson, Lizzie Arnot (Lia Tweedie 87), Caroline Heron (Sarah Ewens 80), Kirsty Smith (Rachel McLauchlan 68), Lucy Graham, Abbi Grant (Abi Harrison 68), Joelle Murray, Heather Richards (Chelsea Cornet 68), Emma Brownlie.

Subs not used: Ellis Notley, Kirsty Jefferies (gk)

 

Report by Lee Smith of Ramblings of a Loon

Ann Taylor Made for Farmington

Forfar Farmington are delighted to announce the signing of Ann Taylor following a short spell at the University of South Wales in Australia.

The 24 year old is a familiar face at Station Park having spent a few months in 2013 at the club, scoring once in nine appearances.

The former Hutchison Vale player, who can play in a few different positions, spoke of her delight at returning to Forfar and admitted it was an easy decision to come back.

She said: “I was familiar with the coaching staff and I already knew some of the girls so it wasn’t a difficult decision to come back to Forfar. I knew it would be the same high standard of coaching and with the new staff, level of player support and development being put in place this season it was a no brainer.”

Having trained with the squad over the last two weeks, Taylor shall be hoping to make her second debut when Farmington entertain Hibernian this Sunday in the league. Kick-off is at 1:00pm and admission for adults is £4 while under 16’s enter for free.

You can read Ann’s full interview in this Sunday’s programme; this is available free for paying supporters and £1 for those who have attended free of charge.

U-17: Forfar Farmington 5 Montrose 2

After a turbulent pre-match build up, which involved a change of venue and time, Forfar Farmington moved to the top of the league table, albeit their chasing rivals have a game in hand. The match started with Forfar applying pressure right from the start. Both teams struggled a bit with the conditions, though Forfar created more chances early on. Carrie Hoggan calmly converted a cross from Erin Ross on the right, into an open goal on 6 minutes, after it wasn’t cleared by the Montrose defence. Tammy McLaren extended the lead after a sweeping move, building from the back, culminating in a defence splitting pass from Lois Millar after 11 minutes.

Montrose pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, after Ellie Cook unintentionally handled the ball in the penalty box, after an unlucky bounce of the ball, on 17 minutes. Forfar couldn’t extend the lead before halftime despite several chances, as Montrose threatened to even up the game.

Forfar continued to use both wings effectively in the second half. Erin Ross pounced on a losse ball to extended the lead after 5 minutes, driving a shot from the edge of the box.

Caitlin Mitchell got her first goal of the season after 51 minutes, returning a goal kick after neat control,  high into the net past the stranded  goal keeper..

Montrose pulled a goal back after 59 minutes before Sally Patterson extinguished a possible Montrose comeback with a goal direct from a corner kick, five minutes before the end of the match.

Forfar Farmington U17s wish to thank Montrose U17s for persevering with this match in trying circumstances surrounding the build upto the game, and allowing the game to be played.

SWPL Cup: Forfar Farmington 0 Hibs 6

Forfar Farmington crashed out of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup quarter finals after a thumping 6-0 defeat at home to Hibernian.

Mark Nisbet’s side struggled to cope with the slick movement and passing of one of the league favourites and a side who shall be in the Champions League later in the year.

Following Robyn Smith’s red card being reduced to a yellow card, one change made from the defeat to Spartans with Louise Magilton being dropped to the bench in place of Tori Sousa.

Sousa had the first chance of the game when she flashed a shot past the post from the edge of the box in the first minute.

Hibs took the lead in the fifth minute following a run into the box from Lizzie Arnot; her low cross was diverted into her own net by the unlucky Jade McLaren.

It was two nil four minutes later, Rachel McLauchlan latching onto a loose ball before slotting home past McNicoll.

Former Forfar midfielder Lucy Graham went close in the 18th minute when she curled into McNicoll’s arms before she headed against the bar from an Arnot corner.

Heather Richards failed to threaten with her long range effort just after the half hour mark, firing straight at McNicoll.

The visitors added a third just two minutes into the second half; two former Farmington attackers in Caroline Heron and Abbi Grant combined inside the box to allow Grant to curl home.

Holly Napier threatened in a rare Forfar attack when Julia Scott’s short free kick allowed her to get a long range effort on goal that Jenna Fife had to be sharp to save.

Hibs made it four in the 65th minute; McLauchlan’s attempted cross deceived everyone and flew into the net for her second of the afternoon.

They were awarded a penalty four minutes later when Sophie Milligan was adjudged to have handled inside the box with Arnot stepping up to tuck away the spot kick.

Six minutes after the fourth goal they had made it 6-0; a loose ball fell to Chelsea Cornet and she rifled home from the edge of the box.

Farmington did have chances late on in the game and almost scored through captain Nicola Davidson; her free kick looked destined for the top corner until a great save from Fife denied her.

The side now have a three week break until their next game where they will also entertain Hibernian albeit in the league on this occasion.

Fiona McNicoll, Sophie Milligan, Jade McLaren (Kayleigh Noble 66), Amy Gallacher, Tori Sousa, Holly Napier (Lindsey Dunbar 64), Nicola Davidson, Gemma Collier, Kirsty Deans (Megan McCarthy 69), Julia Scott, Robyn Smith (Derrian Gollan 58)

Subs not used: Louise Magilton, Alana Bruce, Joanna Collier.

Judicial Panel Outcome

The Club’s claim of wrongful dismissal against the red card administered to Robyn Smith by the match referee in Sunday’s SWPL1 fixture versus Spartans was heard this afternoon at Hampden. 

Smith was dismissed on the half hour mark for violent conduct. The SFA’s independent disciplinary panel have upheld the claim and the sending-off has been reduced to a caution. 

Mark Nisbet will now have Smith available for Sunday’s SWPL League Cup Quarter Final versus Hibernian at Station Park. 

MATCH REPORT: Forfar Farmington U17s 9 vs Monifieth U17s 1

Forfar Farmington welcomed a young Monifieth Team to Station Park, in perfect weather, for the first game of this years U17 League Cup competition.

A more confident Forfar team dominated from the start and continued to show their excellent passing and movement off the ball. The Monifieth goalkeeper continued her excellent form from last week as Forfar came close early on.

Zoe Moreland opened the scoring on 6 minutes scoring from space after the ball was cutback from the goal line.

Lois Millar extended the lead 6 minutes later, driving a shot home at the near post after a winding run into the box by Caitlin Mitchell.

Sally Patterson scored her first in the 24th minutes, running through on goal after a lay off by Zoe Moreland.

Monifieth pulled one back with a well taken chance directed away from the Forfar Goalkeeper, high into the net. Almost immediately, Emily Grundy scored her first goal of the season as she bundled the ball over the line after a cross from Carrie Hoggan wasn’t cleared.

Sally Patterson added her second of the game, again running though on goal, and slotting the ball under the on rushing goalkeeper not long before the break.

The second half started as the first had ended with Monifieth doggedly defending and their goalkeeper working hard to limit goals scored.

Forfar continued to create good chances throughout the game and full back Leah White’s positive supporting play throughout the game was rewarded with a goal after 11 minutes.

Rebecca McMillan scored a screamer high into the corner from the edge of the box, as she ventured forward more often.

Ellie Cook scored into an empty goal after she was unselfishly left the chance by Emily Grundy.

Erin Ross rounded off the scoring for Forfar on 68 minutes with a well deserved goal after coming close on several occasions throughout the match.

Monifieth didn’t give up and continued to try and get back into the game until the very end.

MATCH REPORT: Spartans 3 Forfar Farmington 1

 

Despite a fantastic second half effort, Forfar Farmington were defeated 3-1 on Sunday by Spartans after playing over an hour with ten players.

Alana Marshall put the hosts ahead with a debatable penalty and Amy Gallacher grabbed a quickfire equaliser before Robyn Smith was sent off for an alleged kick. Mark Nisbet’s side defended well in the second half but Mariel Kaney and Katie Reilly ensured the three points stayed at Ainslie Park.

Nisbet made two changes from the side that lost to Celtic the week before, Tori Sousa and Lindsey Dunbar dropping to the bench with Gemma Collier and Holly Napier replacing them.

Farmington had the first chance of the game in the 7th minute when Louise Magilton fired weakly at Eartha Cummings.

Spartans had a good chance to take the lead nine minutes later when Trish McLaughlin found herself inside the box but Fiona McNicoll denied her and it was eventually cleared. The resulting counter attack saw Amy Gallacher set up Napier; the midfielder’s effort deflected into the arms of the keeper.

In the 19th minute Gallacher had an opportunity of her own but she could only fire just wide.

The hosts opened the scoring two minutes later after Robyn Smith was adjudged to have fouled an attacker inside the box and Alana Marshall stepped up to fire the penalty home.

Four minutes after going behind Farmington were level; Amy Gallacher raced onto a loose ball after Bobbie Beveridge was slow in reacting and the Scotland U19 winger made her way into the box before coolly slotting past Eartha Cummings.

In the 27th minute, Forfar were dealt a massive blow. The referee had given Farmington a free kick in front of their dugout but the linesman alleged that Smith had a kick at a player off the ball. After consulting him, the referee sent Smith off, much to the surprise of the players of both sides, management and many of the supporters in attendance.

Farmington were forced to defend time and time again in the second half and did so impressively until the 60th minute when Mariel Kaney forced the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.

Ten minutes later Spartans sealed the win when their captain Katie Reilly lashed the ball home after latching on to a through ball from Kaney.

Substitute Lindsey Dunbar had a chance to make it an interesting injury time when Kayleigh Noble’s cross was laid off for her by Sousa, her shot pushed away by a scrambling Cummings.

The side now have a break from league action when they entertain Hibernian next Sunday at Station Park in the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup Quarter Final.

Spartans: Eartha Cummings, Bobbie Beveridge, Trisha McLaughlin, Simone McMahon, Alana Marshall, Jennifer Malone, Louise Mason (Michelle Russell 84), Dani Pagliarulo, Katie Reilly, Mariel Kaney, Laura Gavin (Ashley Fish 76)

Subs not used: Jamie-Lee Smith, Dion McMahon, Suzy Shepherd, Joanna Viollaz.

Forfar Farmington: Fiona McNicoll, Julia Scott, Jade McLaren, Sophie Milligan (Megan McCarthy 76), Gemma Collier, Kirsty Deans, Holly Napier (Tori Sousa 58), Nicola Davidson (Derrian Gollan 81), Louise Magilton (Lindsey Dunbar 55), Amy Gallacher (Kayleigh Noble 76), Robyn Smith.

Subs not used: Alana Bruce, Stephanie Milne.