Missed Chances See Swifts Relinquish Top Spot

Swifts travelled to Lesser Hampden for another top 4 clash. In an entertaining game somewhat spoiled for both teams by a fussy referee it was the Spiders who were to secure the points through their more clinical finishing.

Swifts started the match well and most of the early play was towards the Queens goal. A dangerous free-kick from McGinley was diverted onto the post by a defender and from the resultant corner Thatcher's header was ruled out for offside. McGinley then burst through and was upended by the last defender. McGinley then set up the best chance of the half when she set Smith through. The striker had timed her run perfectly but snatched her shot wide when she had more time to steady herself.

The Swifts had enjoyed the majority of play in the first 30 but the home side started to gain their own foothold with the ball over the top causing problems. With the Swifts calling for offside the striker was through and only a great save from McIlravey prevented the opener.

The HT deadlock probably didn't suit either team but it was the home side who opened the second half stronger. A ball over the top saw McGuiness through and she scored with a strong finish. A minute later and the lead was doubled. Swifts contested the award of a dubious free kick but it was Lyle who cleverly stole in at the back post to head home.

The Swifts were up against it now but got back into the game when McGinley drove across the box and swept a left footed strike home. Swifts now had their tails up and Smith was through but sent her shot over the bar. This was to haunt the Swifts as McGuiness stole through with the Swifts calling for offside and finished well.

Swifts now had to show spirit and they did in creating a host of chances. Smith saw her angled shot well saved, McGinley was through 1v1 and again the home keeper saved well, McFadyen then saw a header cleared off the line, and finally Rigden's strong snapshot from a Smith cutback was again very well saved.

In the end it was to prove too late for the Swifts with the home side seeing out the extra time which had been caused by an eye injury to the referee.

They now see Queens join them on 37 points with Glasgow and Buchan 2 points ahead.

Steve Grossi was philosophical about the defeat. "Well done to Queens on their victory. I thought the girls deserved something from the game given the amount of chances they created. However Queens were more clinical in the final third and therefore deserved the points. The girls aren't getting many breaks at the moment but I have every confidence that things will turn in their favour if they continue to work as hard as they have done so far this season. Credit to both keepers today who both pulled of some great saves".