Jeanfield Swifts vs Pitfour Cup Final

The boys were out at Crieff this afternoon for the final of the Tony McDonald Cup. Given the seeded nature of these competitions it was possibly a surprise to find that our opponents were league title challengers Pitfour who had emerged from this side of draw after a shock 1st round defeat earlier this month. As they are toe to toe with the Tangies for league honours we knew this was going to be a challenge.

Pitfour were early out of the blocks and went ahead in 4 mins when a low shot deceived Angus and unfortunately slipped through him. Pitfour added a further 2 quickly and before we had even started we found ourselves 3 down. However we began to press further up the field and got ourselves back in it when Fergus found himself with room in the box and curled a lovely left foot shot into the corner. Game on? Not quite unfortunately as our opponents launched a long ball up the park almost straight from kick off for their big striker to run onto and score. We were finding it very difficult to contain "the long ball over the top to the big guy" technique and a similar goal made it 5-1 soon after. Again though we tried to get back in it and after we had a couple of close attempts we pulled another one back when a Casper corner was not dealt with by the Pitfour defence and Kyle lobbed a nice finish into the net. Ben went close with a free kick which was finger tipped over the bar by the GK. Again though not dealing with that long ball caused our undoing and the big striker was on hand yet again to score. As half time approached another goal for Pitfour put significant daylight between the sides.

HT Jeanfield Swifts 2 Pitfour 7

We started the half hoping we could exert some pressure but with Pitfour having made a couple of changes and playing a more rounded passing game we were finding it difficult to create any chances. By 50 mins the game was probably ended as a contest when Pitfour scored further goals and were effectively home and hosed .The boys never gave up though but just couldn't seem to find a way to create chances. Pitfour again almost went further ahead when one of their strikers slipped the ball past an unrushing Cammy but Aidan was on hand to make a superb goal line clearance. As we moved into the last 10 their GK made a couple of good saves to deny us but in the last minute Fergus was upended in the box and coolly slotted home the penalty for his well deserved 2nd of the game.

FT Jeanfield Swifts 3 Pitfour 11

A disappointing day for the boys but they shouldn't be too downhearted. We were up against one of the strongest teams in the league but we competed well and tried to make it as competitive as we could.
Congratulations to Pitfour for winning the Tony McDonald Cup and also many congratulations to the Letham Tangerines for winning the John Finlayson Cup (for the higher seeded teams) with a victory over Crieff. ??

Thanks to David, Rab and Daniel for refereeing and linesman duties and for John and the PKYFA for organising especially with the late venue change.