Swifts Win in West Lothian

Swifts set off on their travels wondering if the game would manage to survive the torrential rain that marked the journey from Perth through to West Lothian. However, any fears were dismissed when we arrived at Dalkeith's ground and seen firm playing surface that coped with the weather without concern.

Dalkeith, coming into the game 1 point behind Swifts, have proved to be difficult opponents in recent seasons and their squad list suggested today would prove no different. The top performers from seasons gone by were strengthened by some top signings, such as ex East Fife ace Paul Tansey.

The game kicked off and the opening exchanges proved cagey at best. Swifts looked a little subdued compared with their performances in recent weeks, perhaps a result of the free week last Saturday. This sluggish start meant that it was Dalkeith who threatened first with McNaughton breaking from the right and shooting just wide of the target. Taney was next to try his luck but his speculative effort from 25 yards sailed wide of the mark.

These warning shots seemed to wake Swifts from their slumber and good link up play between Dodd and Holt forced a corner. The in-swinger by Dodd was perfectly met by Lee Deans and his headed effort was unstoppable.

It was Dalkeith's turn to threaten next and good link up play down their left wing allowed a cross to come in, floated to the back post it bypassed the Swifts defence entirely but McNaughton was on hand at the back post to volley home and bring Dalkeith Level.

Swifts again, were jolted into action and a good switch of play from Baker to Dodd allowed the midfielder to advance towards the 18 yard box. Dalkeith's efforts to stop him resulted in a free kick being awarded 20 yards out. Tony Holt lined up the shot and expertly curled his effort round the outside of the wall and in off the post with the keeper left helpless. Dalkeith.

HALF TIME: Dalkeith 1 - 2 Jeanfield

Jeanfield could feel a little fortunate to be leading at the break as their play up to that point had been a little laboured and there certainly wasn't much to choose between the sides. However, whatever was said at the interval seemed to work as Jeanfield emerged more lively and purposeful in the second period. The passing was crisp and Swifts were on the front foot from the off, testing the Dalkeith rear guard at every opportunity.
Dalkeith had keeper Hay to thank in thwarting efforts from McLeish and Dodd in the opening 10 minutes. But it wasn't long before Jeanfield found their 3rd goal and it came courtesy of excellent work by Dodd and McLeish. Dodd beat his marker to feed the ball into McLeish who held off Dalkeith's Liddle to allow the oncoming Holt the opportunity to strike from 12 yards out. Holt made no mistake and dispatched his effort high into the top right hand corner of the net to make it 3-1 to Swifts.

Jeanfield continued to dominate possession and could have put the game beyond doubt when McLeish brilliantly turned and beat his defender on the edge of the box only to see his right foot shot cannon back of the post.

Dalkeith made 2 changes to their front line in an effort to salvage something from the game and played a slightly more direct style of play, but the Jeanfield rear guard coped well with the majority of attacks. However, a good run down the left brought a corner for Dalkeith with 15 minutes left. The ball in was meant by Hunter who's front post flick on was deflected into the Jeanfield net.
A blow to the visitors who had looked comfortable to this point.

But any fears of a collapse were put to bed shortly after. Swifts continued to control the majority of possession and it was Dodd who again drew a foul from Dalkeith's Kidd. Approximately 25 yards from goal, Holt again stepped up over the free-kick. Dalkeith keeper, hay, lined up his wall, but as in the first half, Holt expertly curled the ball round the wall and in off the post. A carbon copy of his first half strike.

With no further incident the game ended Dalkeith Thistle 2 - 4 Jeanfield Swifts.

Man of the Match: Tony Holt