Jeanie travelled to the Capital on Saturday to face Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, with the game taking place at Craigroyston’s St Marks Park.

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale took the lead within 10 minutes, with very little action in an otherwise pretty drab opening 45. Jeanie fought back and drew themselves level through a McLeish penalty. However, they found themselves behind again 10 minutes later and could not get back on equal terms.

After a pretty scrappy start to proceedings, the first real chance of the game resulted in the home side taking an early lead. Hutchison Vale. After a strong run in behind, the Vale striker powered a shot past Mitchell, which awkwardly bobbled into the back of the net.

Jeanfield had a decent chance to level the game just 2 minutes later. Paul Simpson managed to turn the defender and get a shot on goal, with his effort blocked as far as Shaun Struthers whose strike flew just over the bar.

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale then had their best spell of the game, with a succession of half-chances. The first was a shot from the edge of the box, which was deflected wide and out for a corner.

The home side almost found themselves in-on-goal, if it was not for Mitchell - who anticipated the striker’s poor touch and smothered the ball to snuff out the danger. Some good goalkeeping to deny a big chance.

39 minutes in and Jeanie won a free-kick on the edge of the box in a dangerous position. Chris Dodd stepped up to take and almost had his team back on level terms. His effort forced the opposition keeper to push the ball behind for a corner. The closest Jeanfield came to scoring in the first half.

Just before the half-time break there was enough time for one last chance. A good Chris Dodd cross from a tight angle found Simpson at the back post, with his volley at goal being inches away from finding the back of the net, instead flying just wide.

A lacklustre first half performance from both sides, in a game with little quality on show. The hosts would certainly be happier with the opening 45 minutes, Jeanfield would need to improve in the second half to take anything from the game.

Half-Time: Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 1-0 Jeanfield Swifts

Jeanie got off to the best start possible, by winning a penalty 2 minutes into the half. A Dodd corner into the area struck the arm of a defender, resulting in the referee awarding a penalty kick.

Chris McLeish stepped up and converted from 12 yards, sending his penalty into the bottom right corner of the goal. Already a much better second half, with a bit more attacking impetus from Jeanie.

However, Jeanfield would not be level for long. Scott Mollison was booked 55 minutes in for a foul close to the half-way line. The following set-piece was sent into the box and found by Hutchison Vale, who struck at goal. Mitchell got a hand to it, and it had looked as though we would keep it out, but unfortunately it scrambled past him and ended up in the back of the net.

Hutchison Vale came close to adding a 3rd on a couple of occasions. 75 minutes in and Mitchell was forced to punch a dangerous ball into the box clear, which had evaded the defence. 2 minutes later a shot from the edge of the box swerved just wide of the top corner, any closer and it would have been a stunning goal.

Jeanfield Swifts had plenty of possession in the opposition half, but struggled to create any clear-cut chances against an organised defence. Some slack passing led to a few attacks breaking down and overall despite plenty of attacking intent, Swifts were unable to threaten their opponents.

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale were fighting for the full 90 minutes and put everything they had into the game. Following this result they have moved 4 points and 4 places above the relegation zone.

Full-Time: Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 2-1 Jeanfield Swifts

Next up for Jeanfield is a double header at the Riverside. First up is the visit of Thornton Hibs on Tuesday in the League Cup, before welcoming Tynecastle FC on Friday.

Picture: Arwen Moses