Swifts advance to round four of Scottish
Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion heaped praise on his players following Saturday’s comfortable Scottish Junior Cup win against Tranent.
The Perth side hit the road for the third round clash but never looked in danger of exiting Junior football’s biggest competition.
Chris Anton sent a header crashing into the back of the net early on before a Rhys Davies penalty gave Swifts a two goal advantage at the break.
The tie was wrapped up in the 75th minute when Jamie Reid unselfishly cut-back for Fraser Mills, who calmly directed beyond the home goalkeeper.
“I thought the performance and attitude was excellent from start to finish,”boss Gunnion said.
“We went with a plan of how we wanted to play and the players executed that plan to the letter.
“We were on the front foot from the first minute and could have taken the lead from kick off.
“Our midfield and forward line never let Tranent settle on the ball and the pressure told with us deservedly leading 2-0 at half-time.
“The second half we controlled reasonably comfortably and were able to provide a threat on the counter attack which resulted in our third.
“Overall a very pleasing afternoon at a venue which many would have thought we’d struggle at.”
Swifts now eagerly await the fourth round draw and Gunnion said:“It sets us up for a fourth round tie and being in the Scottish Cup after Christmas is the minimum expectation for a club like ours.
“We now need to wait and see how the draw pans out but being in the hat is all that matters.
“We’ve now got three big games in the run up to the Christmas break starting with Dundonald this weekend.”
Coupar Angus gave a good account of themselves in their Scottish Junior Cup third round tie - but were knocked out by Arthurlie.
The east Perthshire side had their chances but Jordan Craig netted for the hosts to give them a solitary goal lead at the break.
In the second half, Jordan Chisholm increased Arthurlie’s advantage which was followed by Michael Daly tucking home from the penalty spot.
The deliberate handball which led to the spot-kick resulted in Coupar’s Jake Tulloch seeing red.
Logan McConachie’s men continued to battle, however, and were rewarded when Arran Fraser reduced the deficit to 3-1 with five minutes remaining.
“It was a strong performance from our lads at the weekend,”said Coupar boss Logan McConachie.
“We were unfortunate not to be level going into half-time but we couldn’t capitalise on our big chances in the game.
“Both of their goals from open play came from our own mistakes, which is frustrating.
“I felt sorry for Jake Tulloch who had an excellent game up until he was ordered off for the deliberate handball and in turn conceding the penalty.”
A frost-bound pitch led to Scone Thistle’s Scottish Junior Cup home clash with Kilsyth Rangers being called off.
Luncarty, Kinnoull and Blairgowrie also had their games called off on Saturday morning. Rhys Davies converted a first half penalty to give Swifts a two goal advantage at the break
Perthshire Amateurs
Results from Saturday, November 25: A&B Taxi League - Craigie 1 Luncarty ASC 3. Division Two - Burrelton 4 Vale of Atholl 0. Division Three - Letham CC 4 Rattray 0. Perth and District Cup quarter final - Scone Thistle 1 Letham 14. Fixtures for December 2: A&B Taxi League - Jeanfield v Auchterarder, Vale of Earn v Luncarty ASC. Division Two - Ballinluig v Bridgeton, Breadalbane v Pole Team, Burrelton v Coupar Angus. Division Three - Alyth v Rattray, Blair Thistle v Dunkeld and Birnam, Letham CC v Scone Thistle, Wolfhill v Strathearn Grove. Perth and District Cup quarter final - Tay Thistle v St Johns. Scottish Cup round four - Balmoral v Strathmiglo AFC, Bonnyrigg Rose v Bridge of Earn, Craigie v Tillicoultry, Kettins v FC Clydebank, Kirkcaldy YMCA v Letham.