Jade Stars with Last Minute Winner

Swifts welcomed Hibs Development to Perth and recent history suggested this would be a well contested and entertaining affair. It certainly followed that path and in a match that swung back and forth with both teams striving for the win, it was to be decided by a dramatic last-minute goal.

Swifts started well and within five minutes McGinley had darted through, beaten two defenders only to see her shot beat the keeper and far post. The same player then tested Parker-Smith with two long range efforts, and then McIntyre showed some excellent footwork only to snatch at her final shot. Swifts continued to press and a series of long throws and corners threatened to break the deadlock, but the Hobs defence held firm.

The visitors however weren't going to allow the Swifts to dominate and after surviving the early pressure they gained a foothold in the game and started to create their own pressure. Swifts were now having to defend and did so with Mearns and Martin combining well, and McIlravey attentive behind them having to defy Hibs with a smart diving save to her left. Hibs were now in the ascendency and a great move saw an inviting cross from the left just elude the on-rushing strikers.

The half-time stalemate was a fair reflection on the close contest and Swifts were looking to repeat their first 25mins form in the second half.

The second half proved just as entertaining and just after the hour mark it was Swifts who took the lead when McIntyre drifted into the channel, beat her marker and her cross-come-shot was deflected home by the unfortunate defender.

The game was now opening up and Hibs were switching play effectively and stretching the Swifts in search of an equaliser. Swifts almost doubled their lead when Martin headed against the crossbar from a corner and the Hibs defence cleared after an old fashioned stramash in the box. McIntyre was next to have a go with her shot missing the far post after a great run and then McGinley ended an excellent run with a strong shot that was well saved.

The young Hibs side came storming back when a great through ball eluded Mearns and Martin and the striker beat McIlravey with a stunning strike that had Hibs 'boss Smith purring with delight.

Having had the chances to kill the game earlier the Swifts were now under pressure. To their credit they found the resolve to mount one final attack and when a needless foul was given away on the bye-line Robertson's cross was flicked on by McGinley for the onrushing McDonald who headed the loose ball home from close range.

Hibs will have been disappointed to have put so much onto the game for no reward but Swifts will be delighted with a determined display showing great courage to find a winner when most teams would have settled for the point.

The result keeps the Swifts in top position in a league that becomes tighter with every week.

Manager Steve Grossi was delighted with the result. "It was a really entertaining game which Hibs contributed a great deal to. I was concerned that we'd be left to rue our missed chances but this squad of girls never knows when it is beaten. We dug in and defended well as a team in the last 15 when Hibs were looking for a winner and had the determination to find our own winner with Jade showing a real desire to get that goal. Every game is like a cup final this season and credit to our girls for rising to the challenge once again."

Grossi was also delighted to see Community Cub backing with their facilities offered for the game. "The girls were delighted to be able to use the clubs enclosed grass pitch. It added a real sense of occasion to the game and I think it inspired the girls to look for the winner. I'd like to thank John and Billy for their support today and I think the entertaining game was enjoyed by the sizeable crowd and helped raise the profile of the Community Club. Thanks again from all the Girls"