Brave Swifts gutted by 2-1 defeat at Rose
Boss Gunnion praises battling players
Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion admits he was bitterly disappointed not to take anything from Saturday’s game against Linlithgow Rose.
The Riverside men gave the Super League title-chasers a scare at Prestonfield but returned to Perth empty-handed.
Swifts powered into the lead in the 15th minute when Chris Anton’s through ball allowed Rhys Davies to fire high into the back of the net.
Gunnion’s men were holding their own but, with 20 minutes remaining, the hosts levelled the contest through Tommy Coyne.
Robert Sloan then netted the winner with a sublime free-kick to leave Swifts boss Gunnion gutted.
“I was bitterly disappointed not to come away with more from the game, given how well we played,” he told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“We limited Linlithgow to three or four chances but a sublime finish and a wonder free-kick gave them all three points.
“The players stuck to the tactical instructions we gave them to the letter and we carved out three good openings in the first half.
“Rhys Davies scored a fantastic goal from one of those.
“It’s a tough one to take but to run Linlithgow close, who are undoubtedly a class act, is something we should take confidence from.
“At half-time I think the players realised how well we had done and they had a determination to go out and keep the performance levels high.
“Even after going 2-1 down we were only prevented from grabbing an equaliser by some last-ditch blocks.
“The attitude and belief shown were pleasing.
“If we can show the same attributes against the teams around us we will have a good end to the season.
“In the end, the difference between the two sides was a piece of magic from a wonderful free-kick.”
Luncarty defeated Arbroath Vics 8-1 in the North Division – but manager Jon Kelly wanted a clean sheet.
The Bleachers stormed beyond their Angus hosts with goals from Kieran Donald (3), Callum Kirkaldy, Darren Kelly, Martin Maher and Dale Smart (2).
Kelly said: “I thought we played some really good stuff in the first half on Saturday.
“We kept the tempo high for long periods of the game and the young Arbroath side could not cope with it.
“We made a few changes in the second half and I felt we were sloppy for a little bit.
“We have set standards at the club and we were actually disappointed to lose the goal.
“We are just going about our business one game at a time and that is all we can really do for now.
“There are a lot of games still to play and it’s our job to keep the lads focused.”
Kinnoull defeated Coupar Angus 3-0 in one of two Perthshire derbies played at the weekend.
The Tulloch Park side opened the scoring through David Gray before Greg Whyte netted from the penalty spot in the 31st minute. Ben Ragan rounded off the scoring for Alan Cameron’s men in the second half to keep their positive run of form on track.
The other local clash ended with Blairgowrie celebrating a 3-0 victory against Scone Thistle at Farquharson Park.
Matty Adam, Gary Axworthy and an own goal secured the win for Blair.