Last minute agony for Swifts youngsters

Playing on a Sunday for a change, the U13 girls headed down to Edinburgh with confidence, despite their depleted number owing to unavailability and injury that saw 4 players miss the trip.

Swifts elected to kick off into the face of a strong breeze, which didn't abate all game. Before the game, coach Louise had encourage the girls to get a strong start. However, it was Boroughmuir Thistle who set out their stall early doors, with some crisp passing that put their striker in position to net the first of her team's four goals. Another goal a few minutes later saw the home team well on top in the early exchanges.

As the half wore on, however, Swifts started to play more football in the top third of what was much smaller pitch than their home turf at the Riverside. Testing the defenders ability to turn and chase and the keeper's reflexes, Swifts started to apply more and more pressure, and the result came when first Beth and then Abbie score to even the score line. Pressure to Boroughmuir was well handled towards the end of the first half, and the teams came off at half time sharing the honours.

In the second half, Swifts started more brightly and continued to assert themselves. Putting renewed pressure on the Jags' defence, they forced a number of corners and were eventually rewarded with a goal from Katie by way of a Jags player.

Once again, Jags pressed hard, and eventually drew level with around ten minutes to go. The stalemate that then ensued ensured that all of the spectators and coaches alike had nails bitten down to the quick, as it appeared that the game was destined to go to extra time. Both Boroughmuir and Swifts had opportunities, with Danni and Olivia in particular doing exceptionally well to deliver a constant supply of good ball up into the opposition half. The Jags, for their part, chucked everyone behind the ball and used their height to good effect in breaking out quickly from defence. Nevertheless, the stalemate could not be broken, despite shots on either side. It was heartbreaking, therefore, to concede a goal in the final seconds of normal time, putting Boroughmuir Thistle into a 4-3 lead.

In truth, neither side deserved to lose, though Boroughmuir were well worth the win. And I don't think any of the coaches could have coped with extra time and potentially penalties!

So congratulations to Boroughmuir Thistle Jags who progress to the last eight of the Scottish Cup, and thank you for your hospitality with a lovely spread laid out for us after the game. Good luck in the next round and for the rest of the season.