Jeanfield welcomed Scone Thistle AFC to the Riverside Stadium for the Perthshire Cup Semi Final. With the usual pitch ruled unplayable after heavy rain, the match was switched onto the immaculate stadium surface — setting the stage for a great game.

The Swifts started brightly and controlled possession from the opening whistle, moving the ball well and creating several early opportunities. The closest came on 22 minutes when R. Shillan stepped up from 25 yards and rattled the crossbar with a superb free-kick.

Jeanfield continued to apply pressure and almost found the breakthrough five minutes later. R. O’Connor’s clever lay-off found A. Abboud, whose looping effort from 15 yards beat the keeper but crashed back off the bar.

Scone’s lone striker caused problems at times with direct balls into the channels, but Jeanfield’s defence dealt well with the threat and limited the visitors to very few clear-cut chances.

A concern for the Swifts arrived late in the first half when M. Hunter went down clutching his calf and was forced off with what looked to be a serious injury.

Jeanfield eventually got the goal their play deserved on 39 minutes. A dangerous R. Shillan corner found A. Abboud at the back post, and the striker powered home a header to send the Swifts into the break with a deserved lead.

The hosts were pleased with their first-half performance but knew the tie was far from over, with one goal capable of changing the momentum completely.

Jeanfield came out for the second half looking for the cushion of a second goal and continued to create chances.

On the hour mark, another excellent delivery from R. Shillan caused chaos in the box. J. Jardine’s header was brilliantly saved by the keeper, but A. Abboud reacted quickest to nod home the rebound from close range and make it 2-0.

As the game wore on, both sides began to tire, with cramp and injuries disrupting the flow of the match.

It looked as though the Swifts would comfortably see out a 2-0 win until Scone grabbed a lifeline on 75 minutes. A Jeanfield corner was cleared, and a misplaced pass at the back allowed the Scone striker to capitalise and slot home.

That goal gave the visitors renewed belief, and they pushed hard in the closing stages searching for an equaliser. However, Jeanfield stood firm defensively, showing great resilience and determination to see the game out and secure their place in the Perthshire Cup Final.

Fulltime
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 2
Scone Thistle AFC 1

A.Aboudd ⚽⚽

Man of the Match was Kros Brown who was outstanding throughout the game and once again showed his versatility by stepping into midfield when needed after injuries forced changes.