Starting 11: Becky Cameron, Eve Barnett, Ellie Cowie, Katie McDonald, Leah Fleming, Eilidh Robertson, Rachel Wolecki, Robyn Hughes, Taylor McEwen, Chloe Robertson, Lisa Stewart.
Subs : Sheyenne Bayne, Kara Mailer, Jess Mackenzie Gavin, Deanna Haxton

Swifts were straight onto the attack moving the ball quickly and unsettling Forfar. Chloe was unlucky when the ball wouldn’t settle for her and then moments later took a knock high on her shin that saw her come off with Shy taking up the forward role. Swifts continued to press and create chances but Forfar were dealing with their balls through and riding their luck at times. Becky was commanding her back line and with Katie marshalling the defence with Ellie in the centre half positions Forfar attacks were being snuffed out. Eve and Leah were dealing with any attacks down the wings and all 4 were turning defence into attack well linking well with their midfield. Rachel, Robyn and Sheyenne all had shots at goal but the breakthrough just would not come. Chloe returned to play for Lisa after 20 minutes and her movement and desire almost immediately made the difference but Shy was just unable to get on the end of a crossed ball. Swifts would take a deserved lead after 25 minutes though a fabulous move. Playing out from the back, Eve found Rachel who turned and put a dangerous ball through behind Forfar’s back four and just far enough away from their keeper. Shy chased the ball down and her pressure paid off as the defender was forced to play a back pass that the keeper cleared straight at Shy who knocked the ball home for her 1st U17s goal. Swifts should have been 2 or 3 ahead before half time but assured goalkeeping and wasted chances kept the score at 1-0. Right before half time though Forfar won a corner. A dangerous ball in seemed to be in Becky’s grasp but she appeared to be fouled in the air and to Swifts dismay the ball feel to a Forfar player to knock home despite the best efforts of Leah to keep the ball out. Despite Swifts protests the ref awarded the goal leaving a bitter feeling at half time.

Kara replaced Eilidh at half time who had put in a good shift on the right wing supporting her teammates well and putting in a couple of great crosses that just eluded Swifts forwards. Swifts were caught napping 2 minutes into the half when Forfar made the most of hesitation to put a dangerous ball in from the left. Sadly Leah was unable to adjust her body to avoid knocking the ball home for an own goal. This blow didn’t phase Swifts though who set about creating chance after chance but shots just off target or saved well by the Forfar keeper denied what would have been a deserved equaliser. Rachel had shot fall agonisingly off target and a peach of a shot from Chloe from wide right just fell agonisingly wide. Shy was getting close to the end of a number of balls but Forfar were anticipating Swifts balls through well and dealing with any aerial balls. Determined to try and get the goal their play deserved the coaches put Lisa back on at left back moving Leah into a forward role for Sheyenne who had put in a great shift. Leah immediately added an extra bit of creativity to swifts attack and came close moments later. Robyn had a fabulous run from midfield and shot which Forfar’s keeper did well to push wide. Swifts were unable to take advantage from the resulting corner. Forfar were more confident now and were creating plenty of chances, Swifts rode their luck but also a confident display by Katie, Ellie and Becky ensured Swifts kept in the game. Taylor put in some great crosses and had a shot saved. Kara put Chloe and Robyn through but frustratingly the goal just would not come. A final shot by Chloe was dealt with and every player was dead on their feet when the final whistle blew.

FT: Forfar 2 v 1 Jeanfield

This continues to be a real year of progress and development for the 17s. Two great back to back performances against a good Forfar team will have done their confidence no harm. The girls did enough to win but should be happy with their development and take pride in their performance. It was a close game and joy to watch and coach.