After a couple of weeks of inactivity the Swifts returned to league duty against an Aberdeen side who were now sitting just behind them in the league. Too early in season for 6-pointers but it wasn’t far off. To the delight of the home side they turned in a really impressive attacking performance to secure the win.
Determined to take the advantage of finally playing a home game at home the Swifts went on the offensive immediately and were in early control of the game with Robertson and Shaw dominant in midfield and starting a constant stream of moves. With Mearns leading the line intelligently and Smith creating havoc down the right it seemed only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. However although Swifts found themselves in excellent positions the early goal didn’t come with the home strikers letting their nerves get the better of them.
The deadlock was finally broken when McIntyre ghosted in from the left and collected a pass from McGinley. One touch moved the ball into her stride and she smacked a great shot across the keeper from the edge of the box.
The play continued towards the visitors goal and Mearns and McGinley were frustrated in their attempts to increase lead, the former heading past from a McGinley cross and the latter crashing the ball over from a Smith cross.
The second goal arrived just before half-time when Robertson’s quick feet and skill allowed her to release McIntyre who showed great composure in rounding the keeper and slotting home.
The 2-0 HT lead was deserved and Swifts were delighted with the quality of football they were playing although the game should perhaps have been all over already.
To their credit the Swifts kept their intensity and never allowed the young Aberdeen side the chance to get a foothold in the match. Just after the hour mark the victory was sealed when McGinley took a McIntyre pass and shot home bravely from the edge of the box.
Shortly afterwards McIntyre got her hattrick when she was put through one on one with the keeper and came out on top again. It was a fitting reward for an excellent performance from the recalled striker.
Swfts kept the pressure on and completed their scoring near the end when Millar held the ball and released McGinley with a clever reverse pass. McGinley didn’t waste it by advancing and blasting home an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.
It was an impressive end to an impressive performance which saw the Swifts front four all contribute positively and maintain their nerve despite earlier missed chances.
A great win for a Swifts side that have worked hard in the last month despite results going against them. A first league win since April will certainly lift the spirits.