Swifts have the joy of six

Jeanfield moved back to the top of the East Region Premier League table with a convincing 6 goal victory over Edinburgh United.

The visitors who are managed by ex Hearts forward Calum Elliot came up the M90 full of confidence after picking up their first 3 points after victory over Dundee Violet last weekend. Ex St Johnstone full back Marc McCulloch started in central midfield for the capital club.

The home side made 3 changes to last weeks team. Ross Gunnion and John Anderson dropped down to the bench and Sean Fleming was unavailable so in came the returning Chris Anton while Lewis Baker and Stuart McDermid were handed their first start in the black and white.

It was Daniel Kelly who was first to threaten to away goal when he danced his way through but his shot was easily saved by the keeper. Next up was Anthony Holt who received the ball after some good play but his tame effort was saved comfortably again.

Swifts did take the lead in 13 minutes though. Chris Dodd supplied the cross and DANIEL KELLY took a touch before firing past the keeper to give the home side a fantastic start. Chris Dodd was again involved when he crossed into the box for Lewis Baker. His header looked to be going in but the keeper touched it on to the bar and away to safety. Swifts were on top and Chris Dodd was once again involved when he shot towards goal. That was saved and fell to Chris McLeish but his shot was blocked for a corner.

The visitors only chance of the half came from a free kick given away by Fraser Smith. The strike for 25 yards was on target but Mark Mitchell in the goal palmed it round for a corner.

Anthony Holt was next to try his luck but his shot was blocked following good play between Daniel Kelly and Stuart McDermid. Daniel Kelly then had a great chance to double Swifts lead. Kevyn Fowler won the ball and crossed into the box. Daniel Kelly headed towards goal but it was straight at the keeper and Swifts still lead by one.

Just before the half time whistle that lead was doubled. Chris Anton flicked the ball into the box. CHRIS MCLEISH timed his run to perfection and slotted the ball into the corner of the net to give the home side a 2 goal interval lead.

Chris McLeish had the opening effort of the second period when he turned in the box but his snapshot was easily dealt with by the keeper.

The visitors only shot of the half dominated by the home side came when a long kick out was brought down well by the forward. He was allowed to turn and shoot towards Mark Mitchells goal but the Swifts number 1 pushed it away to safety. Chris Anton then played a great cross field ball to Chris Dodd. He skipped past his marker again and looked to beat the keeper at his near post but it was turned round the post with a good save.

The third goal soon arrived in 58 minutes. Chris Dodd ran across the park before playing it wide to Chris McLeish. He crossed to the back post where the onrushing ANTHONY HOLT blasted the ball into the net.

It was soon 4-0 when Chris McLeish crossed to the back post and JOHN ANDERSON scored his first header of the match after 62 minutes.

It was soon 5 when after 67 minutes Stuart McDermid crossed from a wide position and once again JOHN ANDERSON headed the ball into the net.

The hat trick came in 83 minutes when Chris Anton ran down the line and crossed into the box for JOHN ANDERSON who bulleted the header into the net to claim the match ball and finish the scoring for the day.

A good win for Swifts in what was a potential banana skin but the lads worked their socks off and could have won by more.

Swifts now get a rest for 2 weeks following a bye in the East of Scotland Cup which should allow several of the injuries to clear up.