Mearns Strike Wins it for Swifts

Swifts travelled to Leven ... a ground on which they historically struggle. The game was to be dominated by a strong wind which did neither team any favours, with the Swifts edging it late on.
Swifts started against the wind and were first to threaten with a McGinley shot. The home side were making life difficult for Swifts with a hard-working 5-man midfield with Reilly always a threat. Out of the blue the Swifts took the lead when Martin rose to meet a Robertson corner and angled an excellent header into the far post.
The game continued in a scrappy manner and as first half approached the home side won their way back into the game. An excellent 30 yard free kick was equally well dealt with by McIlravey who deflected it onto the bar, only to see the rebound nodded home as the Swifts defence hesitated.
The home side were boosted by this but despite more pressure they found it difficult to create any clear cut chances as the wind continued to be more of a hindrance to both teams.
Swifts ended the half satisfied to be level and were hoping that the wind would assist their efforts in the second half.
Ultimately it didn't turn out as such and the second half proved as well-contested as the first with a shortage of clear cut chances. The game was to swing in Swifts favour on 70mins when a McIlravey clearance evaded the home defence and allowed Mearns a run in on goal. Mearns showed great composure as the wind took the ball away from goal, as she struck a sweet left foot shot across the keeper and into the far corner... an excellent finish, for her second goal in two games.
The home side continued to press for an equaliser but with McDonald marshalling the Swifts defence the one goal lead was preserved until the final whistle.
Swifts will be delighted with their fourth successive win in a period of games that has stretched their squad and their resolve to the limit. They have however passed the test with flying colours and can now look forward to the League Cup Final next Sunday against good friends Hibs.
Coach McCrindle was delighted.."If I'm honest I didn't think there was much between the sides. The conditions didn't help and it was a tough day today. We've had 4 league games in 10 days, more than any other team in our league, so to pick up 12 points is a great achievement from the squad. We have a League Cup Final next Sunday so they need to rest and recover from what has been a busy period. We will go into next week's final on the back of a good wee run of results and the confidence is high. We know it is going to be another tough 90 minutes and the girls will be ready for the challenge".