A Blair Result for Swifts

A Robbie Holden goal 4 minutes from the end gave Jeanfield a deserved share of the points at former Super League Champions Linlithgow Rose.

The penalty box predator deflected in a Daniel Kelly as Swifts second half pressure got them what they deserved from the game.

Jeanfield were forced to make a change in goals with Mark Mitchell unavailable, Stevie Blair came in for his first Swifts start since May 2013. Blair was Swifts number 1 from 2000 until 2005 when a change of job caused him to no longer be a regular when he was replaced by Mitchell. Since then he has made sporadic appearances for Jeanie and yesterdays means he is the only Swifts player to have played in 5 East Regions leagues. Those being Tayside First & Premier, Central League, Premier League and now Super League.

It was the home side who started better and McNab was allowed space in the box but his tame effort was easily dealt with by Blair. Swifts were being made to defend hard and had to take advantage of any set pieces that came their way. Stevie McManus fired in a free kick that Lewis Baker was inches away from heading towards goal.

It was a poor pass from Baker that allowed Linlithgow to take the lead.

Coyne picked up his loose pass and the ball was played to McNab. He passed back to Batchelor to crossed to the back post for Coyne to volley past Blair into the net.

Baker was involved again after Ross Gunnion anticipated a through pass and broke forward. He found Baker in space who turned and fired towards goal but it was an easy pick up for Hill in the Rose goal. Holden who was causing problems down the wing for Rose then ran from deep and crossed towards Baker. The talented forward looked to bring the ball down when he maybe would have been better going for it with his head. Baker was again involved when he cut in from wide and played a neat one two with McManus but dragged his shot wide of target.

Just before the break Blair had to look sharp to stop Rose increasing their lead. Stuart McDermid looked to be pulled back as he tried to get to the ball but the referee allowed the game to continue and from a tight angle Blair made a good save pushing the ball away to safety to keep Swifts one down at the break.

Into the second half and the Rose looked for the decisive second goal. From a corner the ball fell to Donaldson on the edge of the box but his shot went past Blairs post.

Swifts were starting to take confidence and looked to get forward and try and get the all important equiliser. Chris Anton played in Holden in the wide area. He drove to the bye line and found McManus on the edge of the box. His shot fell to Kelly who aimed for goal but it was deflected into the air and Baker challenged the keeper who dropped it but managed to get it safely back into his hands.

Baker was then replaced by Chris Scott with 30 minutes of the game left.

A mix up between Blair and Anton almost allowed Linlithgow to increase the lead but the Swifts keeper adjusted quickly and managed to get to the ball before the striker.

Swifts were now starting to take the game to the home side and McManus fed McDermid who cut in side and with his left foot aimed for his first Jeanfield goal since the opening day of last season but it was meat and drink for Hill.

Holden who was now playing more centrally then picked up the ball in the centre circle and drove towards the box. The defenders managed to catch up with him and his shot was blocked for a corner. With Swifts gaining more territory this allowed more space for the home side in Swifts half and from a free kick they nearly doubled their lead.

Beaumont how had come on as a sub took the free kick and it looked to be going into the top corner but Blair got across his goal well and pushed the ball over the bar for a corner. From that corner Thom headed over the bar when it looked easier to score with no Swifts player matching his run.

Everyone in a Swifts shirt was working hard to get back into the game and this was evident as Linlithgow looked to increase their lead. Several shots were blocked as players were putting bodies on the line which is pleasing to see.

With the referees watch heading towards 90 minutes Swifts got their deserved equiliser.

Tony Holt won a header in midfield which landed at the feet of Kelly. Holt continued his run taking a defender with him and Kelly shifted the ball inside to the space given and aimed for the far post. Holden got a vital touch to the shot and it went into the corner of the net giving the keeper no chance and Swifts a deserved leveller.

With the game in injury time Lee Deans was shown a second yellow card and from said free kick Swifts had a great chance to claim all 3 points.

The free kick broke to McManus who found Scott in space in his own half with nobody in front of him. The speedy forward bore down on the keeper and dinked the ball over him but it agonisingly went over the bar.

An excellent team performance from Swifts who in their last 2 games have worked extremely hard for each other and this has bore fruits with good results. This has to continue for the rest of the season if we are to keep our Super League Status.

Highlights of the match are available via the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZtqE-m1SWw