Jeanfield Swifts returned to Riverside Park for their Perth & District Cup semi-final clash with St Johns, knowing a place in the final was at stake. With Letham or St Johns Athletic awaiting the winner, there was plenty on the line, and the Swifts arrived well prepared on a pitch that had been carefully readied for the occasion.

The hosts started with intent and quickly took control of proceedings. After just five minutes, a ball over the top caused hesitation between the defender and goalkeeper, allowing A. Philips to round the keeper and unselfishly square for A. Abboud to tap into an empty net.

Jeanfield doubled their advantage on 15 minutes following a moment of real quality from A. Smith, who flicked the ball over his defender before being caught high, resulting in a penalty. Abboud stepped up and calmly converted from the spot.

The Swifts continued to press and came close again on 22 minutes when A. Philips laid the ball back to R. Shillan, whose powerful strike crashed off the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

Despite being largely on the back foot, St Johns were handed a route back into the game on 38 minutes. A defensive slip allowed their attacker through, and although the initial effort was blocked, the rebound was turned home to make it 2–1.

Jeanfield responded immediately and restored their two-goal advantage before the break right on halftime. Abboud turned provider, slipping a well-weighted pass into the path of R. Gilles, who timed his run perfectly and slid the ball under the keeper to make it 3–1.

The second half saw the Swifts continue their dominance, looking dangerous every time they moved forward. On the hour mark, Abboud was involved again, this time picking out A. Philips, who showed great composure to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and extend the lead.

Abboud completed his hat-trick on 67 minutes. A dangerous free-kick from R. Shillan flashed across the face of goal, evading everyone before Abboud reacted quickest at the back post to tap home.

Substitutions in the latter stages disrupted the flow slightly, but Jeanfield remained comfortable and saw the game out professionally.

Fulltime
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 5
St.Johns AFC 1

A.Abboud ⚽⚽⚽
R.Gilles ⚽
A.Philips ⚽

Man of the Match was Ali Abboud, whose hat-trick and two assists capped an outstanding performance.

The Swifts now move on to the final, where they will look to defend their Perth & District Cup crown.

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