Below Par Swifts Swept Aside by Accies

Swifts travelled to New Douglas Park looking to put the disappointment of last week's Scottish Cup exit behind them and to build on a close game the last time the sides met. However a very below par performance saw them exit with a bruising defeat to a dominant home side.

The scene was set from the outset with Swifts second to too many balls and sluggish in possession and Accies could have been ahead within the first minute. It didn't take long however with Gardner dispossessing Todd on 5mins and driving forward to slide past Cochran. Almost straight from the kick off Foote was dispossessed by McGuiness whose cross was smacked home by Gardner who had lost her marker.

The lead was nothing less than Accies deserved and Swifts were struggling as the onslaught continued and with a mixture of last gasp defending, luck and wayward finishing kept the score at 2. Swifts finally responded and Steedman making her first start for the club jinked in from the left and struck a curling shot which just missed the far post. However Accies were to extinguish any hopes of a revival when Anderson lobbed Cochran on 39mins.

HT: Hamilton Accies Ladies 3 Jeanfield Swifts Ladies 0

This had been a brutal first 45 for Swifts who were not anywhere near their normal standards, and a strong Accies were taking full advantage. A much improved second half effort was required.

The Swifts did indeed come out with a better tempo and attitude and were now making a game of it with substitute McIntyre holding the ball well and bringing her teammates into the game. Unfortunately for the Swifts just as they were looking brighter they conceded a poor 4th with McLeod given too much room to head home a corner.

A McGinley shot was well saved and then goals 5 and 6 followed from McGuinness and Lyle respectively to round off a sore afternoon for the Swifts.

FT: Hamilton Accies Ladies 6 Jeanfield Swifts Ladies 0

The Swifts had responded well in the second half but by that time the damage had been done. Head Coach McCrindle "Firstly I think credit is due to Hamilton. They were impressive and the coaching staff said that was the best they had played this season, and I wish them all the best in their promotion push. In contrast that was probably as poor as we have been for a long time. Everything that we are good at with and without the ball we didn't do it and when you are playing a good side you are going to get punished, and that's exactly what happened. I learned a few things today about us so I'll work hard to put a few wrongs right and move on to the next game. It is the same group of players that have been excellent for me all season so I know today won't happen again.