Swifts make it Three Wins In A Row

Swifts travelled to Pitreavie to meet an under-strength Dunfermline side, and for the second week in a row were to post an away victory, and their third victory in three weeks. After months without a win the Swifts are seeing the benefits of the work they committed to during the summer break and their undeniable team spirit.

With both teams struggling on a very tight and difficult pitch this was never going to be a classic. However Swifts had most of the play and they took the lead on 15mins with a goal that bore a striking resemblance to last week when McGinley, who had drifted to the right, picked the ball up, beat the fullback and struck a low shot across the advancing keeper.

Sensing that a second goal would have demoralised the home side, Swifts continued to press. They saw a Mearns free kick miss the top corner by inches, then Robertson and Smith both went close as did McGinley. The second gaol however proved elusive and the home side settled and started to exert some pressure, with most of their threat coming from their right hand side. Swifts however defended sensibly and closed out the half 1-0 ahead.

Swifts coaches were pleased with the lead and the team’s spirit but looked for their team to come out second half pressed higher and taking the game more to their hosts.

Unfortunately the game continued to be scrappy. To their credit Swifts worked hard to contain the home side threat and were looking comfortable without posing any real threat as the game was now bogged down in central areas.

Swifts got the opportunity on the hour mark to increase their lead when a penalty was awarded for an off-the-ball incident in the box. Shaw scored from the spot and the Swifts were now able to relax. This goal seemed to open the play up a bit and the game became more entertaining with efforts now at both ends. McIllravey proved up to the threat posed and then Swfits put the game beyond doubt with a third goal. McIntyre made a clever run and when the home keeper denied her she showed great awareness while on the deck, to pass the ball across goal to the onrushing McGinley who, with the simplest of tasks with the goal empty, scored her 23rd goal of the season.

Captain McDonald almost made it four from another dangerous Robertson delivery but the game ended 3-0 with no further goals.

Swifts will be delighted with a hard-fought win and a very determined performance. With the injured Martin missing and McIllravey given some game time to prove her fitness, the defence will have been delighted to record a clean sheet. Nicholson will have been especially pleased with her performance which saw resolute defending and a constant option on the right when in possession.

Next week the Swifts entertain Murieston who will arrive in positive spirits after their excellent win today which increases their chances of survival.