Swifts knew after 2 tough preseason games v Dryburgh this game would be hard fought and so it proved.
From the off Jeanfield were up for this game and pressed Dryburgh high up the park creating 2 or 3 good chances in the opening minutes. It was a great ball through from Ciara after 8 minutes that saw Hannah round the keeper well and dribble the ball into the net.
Swifts were in control but knew they were in a game. Playing into the wind the girls struggled to keep the ball down but when playing on the deck were opening Dryburgh up.
Creative play by Tara, Rachel and Kayleigh created chances and strong play from Hannah, Leona and Mhairi secured good possession with just that killer finish lacking at times. Leona was showing good measured aggression in midfield and the back line of Ciara, Niamh, Ellie and Leah were dealing with the ball over the top well. Megan was alert when needed and the team were limiting Dryburgh to scraps which they were unable to turn into many clear chances despite their good effort. At 1 up the girls were in control of the game but not able to convert their possession into goals despite some great shots. Dryburgh’s keeper was smothering good Swifts play time and again but she was unable to do anything about another Rachel long range shot after 39mins which gave Swifts a deserved 2-0 cushion at half time.
HT 2-0
The 17 girls Swifts were able to make key substitutions as players tired to keep the intensity up. With the wind at their backs Swifts set about the Dryburgh goal and but for good defensive play and occasional poor Swifts finishing they would have added to their tally. Rachel, Kayleigh, Lisa, Jess, Sheyenne and Hannah all had shots saved or just off target. Niamh and Ellie were composed and controlling the area in front of their goal with Leah and Ciara driving forward to support their front players well. Leah in particular was getting forward well and nearly got on the score sheet with a low shot that just shaved the post. Hannah lobbed the keeper well to see the ball just pass the post and in a rare foray forward Ellie sent a long ball over the top.
Swifts 3rd would come from the unlikeliest of players though after 65 minutes. Megan has a great kick from hand and sent a fabulous high ball forward for Joanne and Sheyenne to chase down. The ball bounced just out of reach of both though and agonisingly for Dryburgh’s keeper too far from her to bounce over her head and into the net. All the team smothered Megan who will remember this one for a long time. Ellie was now at RB and driving forward well in support of her midfield and front line. Swifts won a few corners and came so close on a couple of occasions. On for Kayleigh, Eve was getting forward on the right wing and Deanna was again showing great effort and desire to clear the ball from CB alongside Niamh. Buoyed by her goal Megan was owning her box and the girls just refused to rest on their laurels, getting forward to trouble Dryburgh at will. Despite more great chances Swifts were unable to add to their tally and being wasteful at times. Tara played a great ball out to Eve who knocked the ball to Ellie on an overlap run and her cross was straight out of the Danny McGinley school of crossing, looping over the keeper to bounce down and in off the post to complete the afternoons scoring.
FT 4-0
This was a controlled display for Swifts who now go into next week’s League cup game against Dunfermline unbeaten this season and off the back of 3 great wins. After her first ‘keepers’ goal the girls selected Megan as their player of the match and the coaches were split between various players but eventually agreed on Tara who had put in a great shift showing skill and desire from the right wing and centre midfield.
Reported by Andy McLeish
Picture: Jeanfield Swifts FC
http://www.jeanfieldswifts.co.uk/
