Report

Jeanfield Swifts V Breadalbane Blues

 A tough fixture away to the high flying Swifts down in windy Perth.

A depleted squad of only 12 available players meant it would hard work for 70 minutes plus factoring in the high winds, it was mission impossible.

We kicked off with the wind behind us, which frequently changed to a vicious crosswind.

We were camped out in the Swifts half for quite a while (the wind doing its part to help us out).

Struan Finch came close early on with a volley that thundered past the post.

We played some decent passes from the halfway line coming from our back four of Glenn, Craig, Ryan and Ralph.

They fed the ball up to the midfielders – Sam, Bob, Struan and Morgan.

The midfielders were in a goal scoring mood and some good shots from Morgan and Struan came close, whilst Sam and Bob were the play makers.

Harley and C-T struggled early on to catch the windswept ball and keep control of it.

Danny Finch shouts across we need 4 goals this half, as he knew what was coming in the second half against the wind.

Bob picks up a ball near the halfway line and fires it through to Harley who slots home from close range.

A while later Harley blasts a shot off the crossbar.

James comes on for Bob, then Bob for C-T.

James gets involved in the swifts box right away and just can’t find the moment to unload his shot towards the goal and ends up getting crowded out.

Time ticks away and it looks like we are going to go in leading only 1-0, until C-T inside the Swifts box gets a nudge on the back – PENALTY we all shout.

The ref calls it back for a free kick.

Harley and Glenn line up to take it, Glenn then smashes the ball into the back of the net for a cracking goal.

The halftime whistle comes and we go in with a 2-0 lead – not enough I think.

Talk over, reorganisation of the squad.

The wind is still present, we are immediately under pressure but Craig, Ralph, Ryan and Glenn are terrific in keeping the Swifts away from our goals.

The midfielders are uncharacteristically back helping out the defence to clear the danger.

Eventually the swifts get a soft free kick and fire a well taken shot into the back of the net to claw a goal back.

We reorganise again and try to keep the Swifts out.

We are venturing into the Swifts half more and more as we learn to play the wind, Greg instrumental with his kick outs and throw outs in getting us started.

We go up the left side via Wing Commander Burke, as Wee Sammy works his magic once again.
Sam beats one, turns another, heads the wrong way, abruptly turning back leaving his marker wondering where he went then Sam fires a cross through to C-T.

C-T stretches but can’t quite get to it, but it falls kindly to Harley, who has a fair bit to do.

Harley beats one, then does the old step over routine to beat his marker, he goes out of sight as he’s dwarfed by the silhouette of the big Swift defender from where I’m standing, all I see is the net bulging, 3-1.

Moments later Harley gets injured with a clash of heads and requires treatment.

James goes back on.

I don’t see much as I try to stop Harley’s bleeding, but I hear the Finch gentlemen shouting advice and encouragement, and I hear Derek roaring the same.

With 5 minutes to go and Harley’s bleeding stemmed, I watch Jeanfield go clear through on goals with only Greg to beat.

I think 3-2 will be the score and I hope that we can hold out for a further 3 or 4 minutes, then those thoughts change, Greg makes a point blank save but the ball rolls out to another Swift forward.

The shot, another save, the rebounded shot, another save, another Swift forward another shot and another save before Ralph boots the ball clear.

Unbelievable goal keeping from someone so young.

Eventually the full time whistle goes and we run out 3-1 winners.

Harley and I head to PRI for treatment for a broken nose!!!!

Man of the match, very difficult as I was pleased with everyone for holding on and working as a team against a good football side and against some terrible weather.

It came down to 2 players – Morgan and Greg, both had great performances and both saved us several times.

Unfortunately there can only be one man of the match, this week going to Morgan Chalmers.

Well done to all players.