Cup boost as Swifts good form continues
Jeanfield Swifts and Luncarty both advanced to round three of the South Challenge Cup on Saturday.
Swifts continued their rich vein of form to defeat Lowland League side Broomhill 2-0 at the Riverside.
Midfielder Gary Fergus opened the scoring on just nine minutes before, not long after, Chris McLeish doubled the advantage.
“I was very pleased with the performance,”said manager Ross Gunnion.“We looked in control from the outset and threatened Broomhill’s goal on numerous occasions.
“Getting the first goal in these games is always important and thankfully we did that with some excellent play.
“Going in at half-time 2-0 up was no less than we deserved, however Mark Mitchell looked sharp to make two very good saves from Broomhill’s only chances in the half.
“Second half we were again in control of the game and the only negative is we didn’t add to our lead.”
Experienced goalkeeper Mitchell was a safe pair of hands when called upon and Gunnion added:“Mark did not have a lot to do but towards the end of the game he made an outstanding one-v-one save to keep his clean sheet and ensure we were comfortable in the closing minutes.”
Next up for Swifts is their massive Scottish Cup second round tie away at Annan Athletic.
Gunnion said:“It was good preparation for next week and even missing one or two through suspension did not disrupt our rhythm.
“We are under no illusions that next week’s game will be the toughest we’ve had this year but we’re in good form and confident we can cause Annan some problems.”
Luncarty’s Challenge Cup journey continued thanks to a 2-0 win against Glasgow University at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium.
Chris Anton opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half and Scott Sutherland wrapped up the win with time running short.
“We had spells where we were very good,”reflected Bleachers boss Robbie Holden.
“The front three were excellent in terms of work-rate and we moved the ball much better than in recent weeks.
“I’m usually quite confident when Chris gets a penalty. His all-round game was very good and he was still sprinting at 90 minutes.
“And Scott worked very hard for the team and I thought he had a great game.
“He could have had another goal, which his performance would have merited.”
Holden added:“The cups are great in terms of some good away days but we also want to progress and get as far as we can.
“Playing away to west coast teams is never easy so we are pleased to progress and look forward to a semi-final this week.”
Kinnoull exited the Challenge Cup after going down 3-1 at home to Harthill Royal.