Maclean Impresses as Swifts win 5 goal thriller

Swifts hosted Cumbernauld Colts for the opening league match and having suffered at the hands of their opponents on all occasions last year, were looking to show some improvement. It was to be a closely fought match affected by a strong wind, with Swifts winning by the odd goal.

Swifts were playing with the wind in the first half and enjoyed the bulk of the possession. However they found it difficult to turn their advantage into clear chances.

Smith almost converted a Todd corner, and then shortly after a McGinley corner was headed home by captain MacDonald. McGinley then found herself through on goal but snatched at the chance to double the lead.

The Colts had worked hard in the first 45mins and will have been pleased with their efforts in closing down the home side who now faced 45mins of pressure against the elements.

The second half continued in similar vein with both teams working hard for their opportunities. The game was to burst into life in the last 30mins. First the Colts were awarded a clear penalty which was superbly saved by McIlravey, who then agonisingly saw the Colts strikers follow up to equalise.

The Colts were now looking to finish the game off but the game was to turn minutes later when a Smith cross was laid back by Todd for McGinley to place a carefully controlled shot past the keeper.

Todd then went close and almost converted a Foote cross and a McGinley snap-shot just cleared the back post.

Within 10 minutes Swifts had increased their lead when Grossi broke up possession and Foote’s long ball found the alert McIntyre in behind the defence, and she slotted the ball beyond the on-rushing keeper.

Swifts were now on top with MacLean orchestrating play in midfield supported well by Thatcher, and Todd becoming more prominent as the game progressed.

However the Colts were not finished and came storming back with an excellent 30yards strike in the closing minutes.

This resulted in a frenetic closing few minutes with Colts throwing everything forward but the Swifts held firm to secure the three points.