Starting 11: Megan, Abby, Ciara, Jess, Lisa, Beth, Hannah, Tara, Louise, Joanne, Kaitlyn. Sub: Erin

On a heavy pitch both teams took a while to settle. Hannah and Kaitlyn came close before Tara went on a mazy run beating 4 players only to see her shot blocked. Kaitlyn though was perfectly positioned to knock home on the 1/2 volley after 9 minutes of play. Swifts nearly added to their tally and looked the more threatening but then Westdyke took a grip of the game. With Swifts screaming for offside, Westdyke broke down the right and whilst Swifts got possession back they lost it again in the box and in a goal mouth scramble Westdyke poked the ball into the net. Swifts were rattled and passes went astray which Westdyke took full advantage of when they scored again 4 minutes later after a Swifts clearance rebounded off their own defender perfectly for Westdykes striker to put them 2-1 up.

Swifts were allowing Westdyke all the possession and when they latched onto hesitation in the Swifts defence to score the strike of the game from outside the box after 20 minutes, it looked like Swifts were a beaten team. After a formation and tactical change though Swifts lifted their game and dominated the last 15 minutes of the half. They got a deserved 2nd after 28 minutes when Tara played Kaitlyn in who finished well. It was to be a frustrating day for Hannah who was shooting just off target on her return from injury. She came so close after 32 minutes with a great low shot but moments later played Jess in who saw her shot brilliantly saved at the base of the post just as Swifts were ready to celebrate.

HT: Westdyke 3 v 2 Jeanfield

After an honest and positive HT chat, the girls continued to have the better of the play but Westdyke were defending well and showing good threat going forward. Hannah just chipped the ball too high over keeper and bar before Westdyke got a 4th when Megan was unfortunate to spill a good save into the path of her oppositions striker. Swifts changed formation again when bringing Erin on for Louise after putting in a good shift, and each player continued to give all they could. Jess, Kaitlyn and Tara were showing great creative play and creating good opportunities. With Jess getting forward more Ciara was defending well with Lisa and Abby showing real determination in the back line when called on. All 3 were playing good balls forward either for the forwards to run onto or to link with midfield. Beth and Joanne were winning ball and retaining possession well but despite all the girls efforts they just couldn't make the most of their chances by some good defending by Westdykes and shots they just kept falling just off target.

With their 5 subs Westdyke were able to refresh things regularly and Swifts were tiring. Hannah came off with Louise going on and Swifts went for broke moving Jess forward and playing 3 at the back and 3 up front. Taking the risk nearly backfired but Westdyke were foiled by great work by the back line and a wonderful save by Megan, although it was harum sacrum at times. Despite their frustration the girls got back into the game when Tara made a great run through to score with 8 minutes to go. Hannah returned to play for Louise and so nearly got the equaliser Swifts deserved with two good attempts. With the ball out of play the ref blew the final whistle bang on 80 minutes.

FT: Westdyke 4 v 3 Jeanfield

The girls were frustrated after the game and all disappointed to lose. Their passing, movement and support play wasn't what they felt they wanted at times but there were plenty positives to take from the game. Players were challenged to play out of their normal positions at times today and the coaches felt every girl gave what they could which on another day might have seen them get the win. Its the first game of a long season and with continued hard work in training and matches in the bag, the girls will see their efforts rewarded more often than not as the season progresses.