Swifts hold on for Deserved Win

Swifts were on their travels to Murieston hoping to put last week's cup defeat in Dunfermline behind them.

Starting firmly on the front foot Swifts went into an early lead with their first attack within 60secs of the kick off. It was great move that started with Shaw to Robertson and into McIntyre who found Smith on the right and she made good ground before feeding Foote who played in McGinley at the edge of the box and she despatched a great shot into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. This encouraged the Swifts who continued to press and play good football. Soon after McGinley found McIntyre with a great pass but her shot missed the target and almost immediately McGinley found Smith whose front post effort didn't test the keeper. Foote was impressing with her composure in midfield and McIntyre and McGinley were combining to good effect with Smith a constant threat down the right.

McGinley then fired over from distance as did Shaw, with Robertson coming much closer with a dipping volley that just cleared the bar.

It was somewhat against the run of play when the home side equalised after half an hour. It was however a very well worked goal with a good run into the channel and a tempting cross that was despatched bravely by the on-rushing striker.

The goal set the Swift back a little but they picked up their efforts and hit the home side with a quick brace of goals. The first came courtesy of Robertson who found space at the back post to steady herself and despatch a great strike across the keeper and into the roof of the net. Robertson was then provider on the stroke of half-time after Strathie had intercepted and played her in down the left. Her cross was inch perfect for McIntyre who side-footed home with composure.

Swifts were determined to keep the tempo up in the second half and repeat what was a very good first half performance, and they did so. This effort was rewarded in 60mins when Foote showed good skill in midfield and then found McIntyre's clever run. She was through against the keeper and showed composure similar to her earlier goal by finding the net across and in at the back post.

The Swifts were well on top at this stage and Shaw was through moments after onto a Martin pass, but failed to increase the lead.

The home side however were not to be deterred and came storming back with a second goal on 70mins and then a great piece of individual skill saw the striker beating Martin and then rounding Whittet to reduce the lead to only one goal. The game was back in the balance and Whittet had to be sharp to save a strong shot from the edge of the box.

Thankfully for Swifts their nerves were settled in the closing minutes when Martin cleared over the top and McGinley raced in behind the defence and scored with a placed left foot finish.

Another great result for Swifts and one which should probably have been easier given their earlier superiority. The home side however performed bravely and came close to earning a point.

Swifts back at home next week when they entertain Cumbernauld.