Jeanfield Swifts faced Kettins AFC in the League Cup Final at Seven Acres, with a big crowd in attendance for what promised to be a top encounter under the lights. Both sides came into the match in excellent league form—level on points and each with just one defeat—setting the stage for a cracking final. Kettins thought they had the edge with a win in the previous meeting this season, but the Swifts were determined to defend the trophy they lifted last year and make a big statement.

The opening stages saw both teams cagey, feeling each other out without creating clear chances. It was Kettins who struck first on 13 minutes, capitalising on a defensive lapse as a loose ball dropped kindly to their striker, who fired through a crowded box to make it 1–0.

Jeanfield responded immediately—and emphatically. On 16 minutes, A. Philips produced a moment of brilliance, threading an outside of the boot pass through the defence for A. Abboud, who timed his run perfectly and finished off the post to level things up.

Just two minutes later, the Swifts turned the game on its head as Philips again was at the heart of it, cutting the ball back to N. Kennedy, who unleashed a stunning first-time strike from 25 yards into the top corner—an outstanding goal.

The momentum was firmly with Jeanfield, and on 20 minutes they made it 3–1. J. Jardine released Philips down the left, and after beating his man, Philips showed composure to dink the ball over the onrushing keeper.

Kettins had a chance to get back into it just before the break, but a golden opportunity went begging as their striker fired wide when through on goal.

The second half saw Jeanfield raise their levels again. On 50 minutes, Kennedy’s ball over the top caused confusion—A. Abboud, in an offside position, wisely left it for J. Jardine, who raced through and produced a superb 25-yard lob. After a brief discussion between the officials, the goal stood, extending the lead to 4–1.

Kettins’ task became even harder on 66 minutes when they were reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card for a late tackle. Player maybe regretting now the first yellow for dissent.

From there, Jeanfield were in complete control, restricting Kettins to speculative long-range efforts.

The Swifts added further gloss late on—on 88 minutes, B. Calderwood drove into the box and squared for M. Hunter, who calmly finished at the far post. Then in stoppage time, Calderwood was involved again, delivering a low cross that eventually fell to J. Jardine, who made no mistake in slotting home to seal a dominant 6–1 victory.

At the final whistle, the celebrations began as Jeanfield Swifts successfully retained the League Cup in emphatic fashion.

Fulltime
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 6
Kettins AFC 1

J.Jardine ⚽⚽
A Abboud ⚽
A.Philips ⚽
M.Hunter ⚽
N.Kennedy ⚽

Man of the Match was Adin Philips who put in a tireless performance, full of creativity and quality, capped with a goal and multiple assists.

#coyjs