Swifts Bounce Back to Defeat Celtic

Swifts travelled to Lennoxtown to face Celtic Academy for the first midweek match of the season as they catch up on fixtures. In an entertaining match it was the visitors who took the points with a disciplined display.
Determined to put their weekend defeat behind them Swifts started in determined fashion with Todd prominent. Their early dominance did not yield a goal as chances were created and missed. Mearns was first to threaten when put through by McGinley but the keeper smothered her close range effort. McGinley then ended an excellent run with a disappointing finish into the keepers arms. The striker then tested the keeper on two more occasions forcing two outstanding saves, one with her feet and then a finger tip save. With the extent of their early pressure the Swifts should have been ahead having carved out some excellent chances with positive football from the front four of Todd,Grossi, Mearns and McGinley.
The young home side gained confidence however and came storming back into the game. Moving the ball quickly and with options on the ball they started to stretch the Swifts defence and look to use the wide areas. MacLeod and Leiper however were equal to the considerable challenges they were faced with.
Just as the home side looked to convert their pressure it was Swifts who took the lead on 35mins when they were awarded a penalty following a trip on Grossi. Martin slotted the penalty home with composure.
Celtic continued to press for an equaliser but HT ended 1-0. Swifts will have been pleased with their lead but would have expected a better lead for the chances they had created. The second half was going to be a test of their character as they expected the Celtic revival to continue.
Opposite to the first half, the second was played more towards the Swifts goal as Celtic looked to get back into the game. Swifts started the second half off the pace and only the organisation of McIlravey, Martin and captain McDonald prevented an equaliser changing the game. Thankfully for Swifts they found their feet before conceding an equaliser and the work of Robertson and Thatcher was again allowing Swifts to control the central areas, and the visitors were now showing more threat on the break. Nicholson was now patrolling and giving cover to the wide right area and MacLean was introduced to disturb the possession of the Celtic midfielders.
The game however was still on a knife-edge and the next goal was going to be vital. The young Celtic side continued to press with determination and skill but were to find the creation of clearcut chances ultimately beyond them. With ten minutes remaining McGinley took advantage of hesitance in the home defence, beat the last defender, drew the keeper and with her left foot cracked the ball into the roof of the net.
A positive end, for the Swifts, to an entertaining game. Coach McCrindle was pleased with his team. "It is always difficult travelling midweek and I can't praise the girls highly enough. We are a bit light at the moment due to injuries and suspensions so are asking a lot of the squad but they responded brilliantly. I was pleased with our football and chance creation first half and our discipline second when a very talented young Celtic team upped the pressure. I was particularly pleased with Rachel Todd who is maturing and improving every week.The girls will certainly sleep well tonight, and we can now look forward to yet another tough match against Queens Park on Sunday.