First half blitz secures promotion

A 4 goal blitz in the first half was enough for Jeanfield to clinch promotion to the East Region Super League for the first time in their history on Saturday.

Doubles from Tony Holt & Chris Dodd had the game tied up at the break against visitors Dalkeith Thistle.

Swifts, playing in their change strip following a clash of kits were on the front foot from the off & came close when Robbie Holden knocked wide following good play between Dodd & Holt. Chris McLeish, back in the side after injury was then set up by skipper Chris Anton but his effort from outside the box was easily saved by the imposing figure of Hay in the Jags goal. The opening goal soon arrived & what a goal it was.

Some great link up play between Holden, McLeish & Holt saw McLeish put Holt through on goal. As the keeper came out the Swifts top scorer toe bashed the ball past him off the post to have the large Swifts support dreaming of the Super League. Goal number 2 was not far away & it was the perfect counter attack from Swifts.

McLeish picked the ball up halfway inside his own half before releasing Dodd who drove at the defender & skipped past him before firing into the far corner of the net. Dodd was again on the score sheet minutes later when following Scott Mollinson cross he touched past the defender & stroked the ball past the big keeper for goal number 3.

Holt knocked in number 4 from close range after Dodd who was looking for a hat trick saw his effort come off the post & that was how it stayed until the break.

Swifts dominated the second period but only a mixure of bad finishing, poor final ball & some excellent goalkeeping kept the home side from adding to the first half strikes.

The away side did pull a goal back when Kidd headed in from close range.

Promotion is a fantastic achievement for the club in managers Ross Gunnions first season as a manager. Every player has done their bit this season playing a large part whether in the starting 11, off the subs bench, unused sub or even not listed.

However the season is not finished & we go to Oakley looking for the point which will clinch the Championship. This will be a tough game as despite being relegated the home side will be eager that Swifts cannot celebrate on their home pitch.