The stage was set for a clash of titans as Perth’s top two sides met in the Perthshire Cup Final. Jeanfield Swifts, already victorious over Breadalbane three times this season and having secured the League Cup, Perth & District Cup, and the league title, were chasing an historic quadruple.

It was Breadalbane who struck first, opening the scoring in the 6th minute with a move down the left flank, a cutback, and a finish through a crowded box.

They doubled their lead on 14 minutes, capitalising on a long ball that wasn’t dealt with, followed by a cross and a deft flick into the net. Jeanfield were stunned.

But in the 25th minute, Jeanfield sparked to life. K. Mitchell delivered a pinpoint corner and A. Abboud rose highest to head home and get them back in the game.

Just two minutes later, Jeanfield equalised. A ball into Abboud was flicked toward goal, deflected off a defender, and K. Brown reacted quickest to head it in. The assistant raised his flag for offside, but the referee rightly awarded the goal, having spotted the deflection — much to Breadalbane’s dismay.

The game became a thrilling end-to-end affair as both sides pushed to go in ahead at the break. Jeanfield thought they had done just that, only to be denied by the offside flag. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Breadalbane retook the lead. A cross wasn’t stopped, the keeper spilled it, and their striker was on hand to tuck it away. It was a gut punch for Jeanfield after clawing back level.

Jeanfield returned for the second half determined to raise their game. They tightened up defensively, controlled more possession, and relied on keeper J. Welch, who pulled off a string of vital saves to keep them in it.

In the 76th minute, B. Calderwood won a free-kick on the edge of the box. The sidelines held their breath, hoping for something special after recent efforts had missed the mark. R. Shilian delivered — curling a stunning strike into the top corner and sending the Jeanfield faithful wild.

Straight from the restart, Jeanfield regained possession. J. Jardine found A. Abboud inside the box with his back to goal. One touch, a swivel of the hips, and a curling finish into the opposite top corner put Jeanfield ahead for the first time in the match.

With just over ten minutes plus stoppage time to go, Jeanfield focused on game management. But Breadalbane weren’t done — pushing hard for an equaliser. Twice they came close, but J. Welch stood firm, producing heroic saves.

In the dying seconds, a Breadalbane corner was stabbed goalward from close range. It looked certain to find the net, but Welch somehow got down and turned it around the post.

The final whistle blew — and Jeanfield Swifts were crowned Perthshire Cup Champions, sealing a magnificent quadruple.

Fulltime
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 4
Breadalbane AFC 3

A.Abboud ⚽⚽
K.Brown ⚽
R.Shillan ⚽

Man of the Match was goalkeeper Jordan Welch who was a rock between the sticks and the hero of the hour.

#coyjs