Vale of Atholl v Jeanfield Swift AFC Match report

The Swifts were looking to turn their fortunes around after back to back defeats heading up to Pitlochry on a wet and windy day. The game was touch and go due to heavy rain fall however some good work by the Vale committee allowed the game to go ahead.

Swifts lost the coin toss and reaped the benefit of having the wind behind them in the first half. The wind was a key factor in both halves.

Jeanfield started really strong playing some good football and pinned in the Vale for large periods. 29 minutes the deadlock was broken with a fantastic ball delivered from Booth which seen the defender and keeper collide putting the ball into their own net GOAL 1-0 Jeanfield.

Minutes later Sime made a tantalising run down the right hand side and whipped in a pin point cross finding the diving head of hotshot Chris Bell who directed it towards goal. The defender tried to keep the ball out however the ball crossed the line and Bell celebrated in usual fashion GOAL 2-0 Jeanfield.

The Swifts could have and should made it more with the wind assisting them however the half finished with only 2 goals.

HALFTIME
Vale of Atholl 0
Jeanfield Swifts 2

It truly was a game of two halves with the wind and the cut up pitch making it very difficult for both team.

Jeanfield looked strong in the first 10 minutes of the half and on the 60th minute centre half McDonald found himself through on goal. The brave keeper came flying out and McDonald rounded him but was brought down for a penalty. Unfortunately for the rushing keeper his head connected with McDonalds knee and he was knocked clean out. After 5 minutes of recovery position the keeper was sent to A&E. Captain Henderson stepped up and calmly slotted home the penalty GOAL 3-0 Jeanfield

Jeanfield felt the game was won but the Vale had other ideas. Within minutes of going ahead 3-0 the Vale scored a brilliant free kick looping over Morrow’s head GOAL 1-3 Vale of Atholl

The Vale smelt blood and with the wind assisting them they continues to dominate pinning Jeanfield deep into their own half. Jeanfield held out until the 87th minute when a poor clearance fell to the feet of the Vale Striker who smashed it home from about 30 yards out lobbing Morrow GOAL 2-3 Vale of Atholl.

As the 90th minute approached the Vale found themselves in a similar position to their last goal however the shot cannoned off the Jeanfield bar bouncing to the ground and then into the hands of Morrow.

With 5 minutes of injury time the Swifts managed to run down the clock taking the ball into the corners where it ended.

Full time
Vale of Atholl 2
Jeanfield Swifts 3

Vale of Atholl will feel hard done by as it appeared that the ball had crossed the line however without goal line technology in Amateur football it was a tough decision for the Ref to make. Jeanfield walk away the happier of the teams taking all 3 points.

Man of the Match was Terry Young who controlled the game back at his old stomping ground.

Best wishes to Vale of Atholl and speedy recover Peter Thain.