Jeanfield Swifts AFC V Rattray AFC Match report

Jeanfield hosted the battling Rattray at the Riverside in the league and it was a feisty affair.

Jeanfield were the first to come close in the first minute as McCleary dribbled the ball into the box and played a brilliant ball into Grieve. The striker looking to end his goals drought couldn’t get it past the keeper who pulled off a great save. Out of nowhere from the keepers kick Rattray played the ball long over the top and their Striker found himself through on goal. With a brilliant touch he brought the ball down and slotted past the Jeanfield Keeper GOAL 1-0 Rattray

Rattray were so fired up for this fixture they seemed angry. Something that didn’t help them later on in the game.

Jeanfield defender Mark Hope pulled up after 20 minutes which left the Management team with a dilemma. Youngster Col Young was trusted to step into the back 3 and he didn’t let them down.

The Rattray anger rubbed off on the Swifts and the players started to get more frustrated with each other as things were not going right for them.

McCleary grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck on the 30th minute. He won the ball about 35 yards from goal and began his Ronaldo like dribble. He jinked passed one, then another and another. Rattray tried to stop him but he wasn’t willing to give them the ball back. After he beat almost the whole team his shot was only going to end up in one place GOAL 1-1 Jeanfield

Half Time
Jeanfield 1
Rattray 1

Lee Kelman’s team talk was direct and clear. The boys had to work together to win this battle and communicate nicer. This motivational speech got everyone buzzing.

Rattray came out as angry as they were in the first half, maybe angrier. Everything they threw at Jeanfield was shut down as Jeanfield continued to push for the 3 points.

On the 59th minute Henderson played a spectacular reverse pass into Grieve who was determined to score. His toe poke from about 25 yards out took a big deflection which wrong footed the keeper and the ball sneaked into net GOAL 2-1 Jeanfield

Rattray pushed hard to get back into the game and after a decision that didn’t go their way on the 65th minute Rattray surrounded the Referee. Something was said that the Ref didn’t like and a red card was shown.

Rattray who were down to 10 men continued to push to get the equaliser however the Jeanfield roar from the crowed was heard by the players and their wall stood strong.

On the 85th minute Rattray had enough with the decisions and again surrounded the Ref. The striker was deemed to be offside which the Jeanfield defenders agreed with. The second red card was shown for the aggressive approach to the conversation.

Rattray probably should have had a penalty when the Jeanfield defender fell onto the ball and seemed to push it away with their hand. The Ref decided to wave it on much to the displeasure of the Rattray players.

Full Time
Jeanfield Swifts 2
Rattray 1

McCleary ⚽️
Grieve ⚽️

A brilliant 3 points for the Swifts who worked extremely hard to win the game from a goal down. There was 2 man of the match performances from Col Young and Scott McCabe. McCabe was given it for his drive which was felt through the team.

COYJS