Lauren goes to Forfar

Lauren goes to Forfar

26 August 2020

BALLYNAHINCH’S Northerrn Ireland senior international goalkeeper Lauren Perry has completed a move to Scottish club Forfar Farmington ahead of the new season. 

Nineteen year-old Perry moves to the Scottish WPL 1 club from Blackburn Rovers after a year at the Ewood Park outfit. 

Farmington are managed by former Linfield Ladies boss Ryan McConville and Perry will be linking up with fellow Northern Ireland team-mates Billie Simpson, Jade Lindsay and Lauren Brennan at Station Park. 

Perry could be set to make her competitive debut on the opening day of the season as McConville’s troops welcome Motherwell to on October 18. 

She boasts five senior caps for the Northern Ireland national team after a player of the match display on her debut against Norway as a 16-year old. 

The young shot-stopper has also played Champions League football, making her European bow in 2017-18 against PK-35 Vantaa. 

She has won the Ulster Women’s Player of the Year, NIFWA Women’s Football Personality of the Year, and NIFL Player of the Year awards during her time at Danske Women’s Premiership side Linfield Ladies, where her father, Alan, is assistant manager. 

At Linfield, Perry picked up three league titles and a League Cup medal before making her move to the FA Women’s Championship to coincide with her university studies.

Perry said: ” I’m really excited about the move,“It’s a new environment, and I can’t wait to get back to playing football”. 

“I expect to come up against tough opposition, but I can’t wait to take on the new challenge”.  

New manager McConville said: “I am delighted to finish off our recruitment drive with such a talented signing. Lauren is a goalkeeper with so much talent and experience for such a young player. “

“She is a fantastic shot-stopper and is a real modern day goalkeeper, being good with her feet. “

“We already have one of the best goalkeeper’s in the country in Fiona McNicoll and a great up and coming keeper in Beth Mowatt. 

“Lauren adds to the quality in this department and now our squad has strength and depth all over the park. I can’t wait to welcome her to Station Park.”