Ferguson in sizzling form

Starting the game in goal after our regular keeper pulled out, star striker Abbie Ferguson not only kept a first-half clean sheet, but put away six second-half goals to help Swifts U13s Girls to a 0-9 victory away at Farmington Foxes.

Playing in warm sunshine, it was soon evident that the summer break from training was taking effect, and after a bright start the girls tired quickly. Despite most of the possession and territory, Jeanfield were unable to find the back of the net until after the introduction of Iona Smith, who scored just before half time to give the girls a 1-0 lead at the break. This was Iona's first game at U13 level as she is stepping up from U11s, and taking a cross from fellow U11 Lottie Stainer, she did very well going 1 on 1 with the more experienced Foxes goalie, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net with her right foot.

After the break, it was Beth Allen's turn to go in goal, and Abbie Ferguson moved up to her usual position at the top end of the pitch. It took precisely 70 seconds for Abbie to score her first goal, and within 4 minutes she had registered another three. The first three were identikit goals off Abbie's left foot, but the fourth involved a sublime piece of skill as she dragged the ball back around her body to score with her right.

With the cushion established Swifts settled into a smoother style of play, and almost the whole game was now taking place in the Foxes' half. On 47 minutes Leah Sidey nodded home one of a number of fine corners swung in from Eilidh Davies, before Abbie Ferguson nabbed a couple more on 50 and 52 minutes. Swifts' final goal was score by Beth Dakers who was advancing out of defence up the left wing combining well with left midfield Eilidh Davies. And in the last few minutes Sky Steel was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as she had four or five attempts well saved by the Foxes keeper.

This was a very good performance by the Swifts this morning, as they ran off any rustiness that had accumulated over the summer. Abbie Ferguson was in fantastic form, but a special mention should also go to Lottie Stainer and Iona Smith who came up from the U11s and didn't look at all out of place. And finally a word of congratulations to Anna Slidders, whose performance today was really good - some deft touches and great passes from Anna, who has come on in leaps and bounds this year.