Swifts off form

JEANFIELD Swifts Ladies welcomed Hutchison Vale in the final game before the break looking to muscle into the top four in the Scottish Women’s Premier League Division Two.

However, it was not to be after an uncharacteristic lacklustre display saw Swifts lose 4-2 at McDiarmid Park.

With a strong squad to choose from, Swifts gave starts to teenagers Ellie Cowie and Leah Fleming, with Corrie McIlravey making her return in goal from longterm injury with Bobby Cochran unavailable.

The visitors scored first through Fish.

Swifts defender Nikki Martin was then forced off due to injury.

The Perth sided then came close through Jade McDonald and Danni McGinley but it was Hutchison Vale who scored again courtesy of Hume.

Swifts responded almost immediately when Eilidh McIntyre showed great composure to hold the ball up and feed McGinley, who struck home.

Jeanfield started the second half better but were then sent reeling by two more goals for the visitors, Fish netting twice to secure her hat-trick.

However, the Perth side kept pressing.

They didn’t give in and Alex Fox got reward for her impressive efforts when she took a McGinley pass and flicked home.

Swifts coach Jason McCrindle said: “We started really poorly and it wasn’t until we went two behind that we started to do the things we are capable of.

“We got a goal back and gave ourselves a chance but it wasn’t to be.

“The girls have been excellent in this first half of the season. They are in mid-table and in the last 16 of Scottish Cup, so I’m happy with where we are.”