Impressive Swifts Swoop To Victory

Impressive Swifts Swoop To Victory

Swifts welcomed Cowdenbeath to Perth and were looking to avenge an early-season defeat. To their credit the Swifts turned in an excellent performance and swept the visitors aside with a display full of attacking intent.

Determined to force the play the Swifts had altered their shape slightly and also introduced youngster Tod to play a specific attacking role on the left. It was however the more experienced Smith that sent the home side on their way. Dangerous from the outset she latched onto a Nicholson pass and despatched a terrific shot across the keeper to set the Swifts on their way.

It was a positive start from the home side and shortly after Foote and Nicholson combined well and when the overlapping Nicholson swept in a vicious cross it was met first time by McGinley who had timed her run to perfection and she sent the ball low into the net for a terrific goal.

It was one way traffic now and Swifts continued their onslaught with some great football. Foote and Nicholson continued to combine well and threaten at every opportunity and it seemed only a matter of time before the lead was extended.

McGinley broke through only to see her shot across the keeper beat everyone. Smith was then thwarted by a great save and then miscued a shot when through and then shortly after saw the keeper again stand up well when she had broken through with skill and speed.

Corners were also proving a real threat and it was incredible that Robertson’s deliveries did not see an increase in the scoring as McGinely, McDonald and Nicholson were all inches from connecting.

Foote was then next to test the keeper and then McGinley, Shaw and Robertson all saw shots clear the bar.

It was however against the run of play that the visitors reduced the lead with a great header that went in off the back post.

Swifts were frustrated to have only a one goal lead from a half of complete domination and excellent football.

The visitors started the second half looking to get back into the game and forced an early corner. It was however to backfire as the Swifts cleared the ball and quickly set off on the counter attack which saw Robertson clear and a build up that included contributions from Martin and Mearns !! and Shaw & McGinley who slipped in the on-rushing Tod who despatched a clinical low strike – her first for the Ladies and reward for a determined performance despite a niggling knee injury.

The goal gave the Swifts a boost and they continued to attack with McGinley adding a fourth with a sharp turn and excellent left foot strike into the top corner leaving the keeper with no chance after great work by Smith.

The Coos responded positively with a breakaway that saw the striker score with a really well executed half-volley.

This set the Swifts with a challenge to ensure that the visitors were not given any further encouragement in the game. To the delight of the management team Swifts responded with further waves of attack. With MacLean and Nicholson driving forward from the full back areas there was no stopping the home side as they passed the ball with conviction.

When yet another corner was forced Robertson finally saw one of her deliveries met powerfully by Shaw who despatched an excellent bulleted header home.

It was now one way traffic and the visitors were finding it difficult to contain the rampant Swifts side who were continuing to move the ball quickly and with real intent. Yellow cards were now being issued and when McGinley was upended after a great run, Cowdenbeath were reduced to 10.

Swifts didn’t let up and Robertson broke free and was denied by yet another stunning save. She wasn’t to be denied when seconds later she scored with a strong drive from just outside the box.

The home side continued to look for more goals but had to be content with six.

It was good day for the Swifts who emphasised jut how much they have improved as the season has progressed and they are going in the right direction. They now have three remaining games to try to claim a win that will give them a top six finish in a very successful first season in the 1st Division.