Swifts Progress into League Cup Final

Swifts entertained Mill United for the first ever meeting between the teams in a delayed League Cup Semi-Final. It was to be a more one-sided contest than expected in a season of upsets as Swifts ran home comfortable 6-1 winners.
The game started at a furious pace and it was Swifts who gained the early advantage when McIntyre sped through and showed great composure to round the keeper and break the deadlock after 13mins. Before Mill had time to recover the lead had been doubled within minutes. A long precise clearance from Martin eluded the visitor's keeper whose attention was on the prowling McIntyre leaving the striker to grab her second of the game. It was fitting reward for the striker who was causing all sort of problems in the early stages.
Grossi then went close when her excellent back post strike was blocked bravely.
The game continued to be competitive with Swifts holding the upper hand with the majority of possession and a serious of corners maintained their threat. McIlravey had to be sharp to beat away and good strike and then an excellent header just cleared her bar, as she looked on.
However just as Mill were beginning to gain confidence Swifts hit them with another two goal burst. From a corner in 32mins which was cleared, McDonald fed Robertson who played the ball back in to the back post where McGinley rose well to head home. Within five minutes it was four, with McGinley latching onto a mistake at the back post with a great left foot strike of a ball that was bouncing awkwardly.
The Swifts were now dominant and a Martin shot was blocked from another corner, but were dealt a blow on 40minutes when McIntyre was red carded for a kick following a tussle. It was moment of madness from the striker who had been almost unplayable up until that point.
The Swifts were glad to hear the HT whistle which gave them a chance to regroup for the second half. Having dominated the first half their challenge for second half was to protect their lead despite their numerical disadvantage.
Mill came out of the blocks in a determined fashion and tried to add width to their attacks. However McLeod and Leiper, the home full backs, handled the threat bravely, with Martin and McDonald resolute in the centre. Despite this, the visitors were given hope with a good goal on 57minutes. Swifts allowed a cross from out wide and a strong header counted despite McIlravey almost keeping it out.
The pressure was now on the depleted home side but with Grossi and Tod working tirelessly in the wide areas they regained their composure, although were fortunate when they survived a strong penalty claim.
As the half progressed the Swifts to their credit regained a hold in the game with the impressive combination of Robertson and Thatcher now dominating the centre area and ensuring that possession was retained. McGinley was linking cleverly and the recently introduced Smith had added a new threat up the Swifts right.
The Swifts were now competing higher up the pitch and on 84mins McGinley chased down the hesitant away defence, expertly turned her marker and was brought down as she headed towards goal resulting in a red card for the defender. Martin stepped up and calmly stroked the penalty home.
Swifts were not finished and were rewarded when Smith broke clear and set McGinley up. The striker rounded the on-rushing keeper and completed her hattrick.
A great result for Swifts who deserved their place in the final for their positive first-half and then excellent team work when down to 10 men.