Swifts Knocked Out of Cup by Clinical City

Swifts welcomed the Champions and 2016 League Cup finalists to Perth for what was always going to be a severe test. In a well contested match the SWPL1 side emerged comfortable winners but the home side took credit for their approach to the match and endeavours throughout.

With Morris, Dunn and Henderson all making their competitive debuts the Swifts had a new look about them.
The game started in a bright manner with the ball being moved quickly by the visitors as they tried to break down the determined home side. To Swifts credit they were well organised and were proving a difficult opponent. The game was flowing towards the Swifts goal but with Foote and Tweedie protecting the flanks well, City were being restricted to long-range shots and were becoming frustrated in their efforts. On their first venture forward a McGinley throw fell to the on-rushing Dunn who blasted a shot over the bar from the edge.

Swifts resistance however was to be broken as the City pressure finally paid off with four goals in a hectic 15mnute spell before the break. The damage was inflicted mainly from the wide right area where the quality of delivery proved decisive. Jordan opened the scoring on 33mins heading home from close range after a Lauder cross. Minutes later Grant finished off a Foley cross. Although Swifts responded with a long-range McGinley effort they were now on the ropes and Grant got her second from yet another cross, this time from Jordan. McIlravey was performing heroically and pulled off a great save down to her left. However from the resultant corner taken by Ross, Jordan powered home a great header.

HT Jeanfield Swifts 0 Glasgow City 4
Swifts had performed with great credit for the first half hour. Well organised and fully committed they had competed well. The City pressure had ultimately proved too much and McCrindle will have been bitterly disappointed to see 4 headed goals conceded to undo all of the previous good work. The second half was going to be a test of character.

Swifts were first to show when McIntyre shot from the edge of the box from a Dunn cutback. The hosts were trying to be more adventurous in their play and this led to a more open match. With Swifts desperate for a goal to reward their efforts they conceded a 5th goal on the hour mark when McCarthy converted from yet another cross. McIlravey was continuing to thwart City with some excellent saves but was unable to prevent a 6th after 65mins when possibly the best goal of the game saw Docherty score into the top corner following a good passing sequence.

As the match entered the final 15mins and with both teams committing their full squads the game became slightly scrappy and as Swifts legs tired following their efforts City punished them with two late goals firstly from Kerr with a smart run and finish, and then Jordan who completed her hattrick from another cross.

FT Jeanfield Swifts 0 Glasgow City 8
Swifts had eagerly awaited the opportunity to welcome City to Perth and test themselves against a top quality side. They had performed well but couldn't maintain their resistance with the clinical City's pressure ultimately overpowering them.

However Coach McCrindle was positive "It was good to finally get a competitive game. I thought the girls work rate was superb from first minute to the last. The first 30 minutes we really frustrated City to long range efforts, over-hit passes and they found it difficult to break us down and we had the best chance in that time to go ahead. After they scored it was clear they got a lift and it kinda knocked the stuffing out of us. We opened up a bit more in the second half and I think the girls played better with the ball but in doing that we left spaces for them to exploit. It was a really good exercise for us. The score line was tough as everyone I've spoken to said the same also but that's why they are champions ... they have that winning mentality. We continue our preparations for pre season but I'm so pleased with the work rate and effort from the girls".