Composure is needed to see out the game
Swifts boss Ross Gunnion Lack of discipline played a factor in Jeanfield throwing away a two goal lead against Kennoway Star Hearts.
And manager Ross Gunnion has called for his players to show more composure on and off the ball.
Swifts looked set to bag three points at a tricky away trip on Wednesday before being reduced to nine men in the latter stages.
“We lost a bit of discipline at the end. It’s not the severity of the tackles, it’s more than manner we’re diving into them.” Gunnion said.
“I would have expected us, now having experience, to still try and get at them but I thought we were content to lump it up the park and see what happened.
“So it’s disappointing but you can’t deny that Kennoway deserved something from the game when you look at how we played in the second half.
“In the first half, barring one or two counter attacks, we should have had the game out of sight. We should have been three or four up.
“But credit to them because they have come back at us downwind, downhill on a slippy surface. I still thought we were looking very comfortable until they got a goal from a free header at a corner.
“A Wednesday night away in Kennoway, it’s not the place you expect to win. On paper, maybe you are but you need to earn the right.
“I don’t care what anyone says - on that park against a hard working team, plenty of teams will slip up. It’s not a guaranteed three points for anyone.”
Even at this early stage of the season, nailing down a consistent squad has been a difficulty for Swifts.
Gunnion added: “It’s difficult when you’re going Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday to keep a consistent shape.
“We’ve chopped and changed, and were missing five players on Wednesday who were looking like being in the starting line up.
“The good thing now is we’re going to Saturdays. We can work on our shape and being difficult to beat, which to be fair I think we have been.
“All in all out of the first four games I think there is a sense of disappointment that we have only picked up five points.
“The signs are positive and if we can cut out the mistakes it’s looking good for the rest of the season.”
Swifts are on their travels again on Saturday afternoon and are hopeful of picking up a victory against Broughty Athletic.
“Broughty now on Saturday who have definitely, on paper, had an easy start to the season. They’ve played the three promoted teams,” Gunnion said.
“Wednesday was their toughest game and they’ve been beaten by Lochee United.
“We need to step up again because they are a quality football side. If we don’t go and pass the ball about, I don’t think we’ll trouble them.
“They are also solid outfit at the back with Garry Kenneth and Graham Hay. We need to be a little more composed in possession and out of possession.”