Reid savours special goal as Swifts shine
Jamie Reid was determined to rise to the Scottish Cup occasion - and then chipped in with a collector’s item by finding the back of the net.
The Jeanfield Swifts full-back admits himself he has probably scored “two in five years” but he played a starring role on a special Saturday afternoon of football.
Reid, who has spent a large chunk of his footballing career with the club, smashed in the third goal as the proud Perth men secured their first-ever ticket to the first round of the famous competition.
A 3-1 Riverside win over Stirling University - Aaron Whitehead and Chris Scott also netted - sent Swifts beyond preliminary round two and set up an away tie at Kelty Hearts later this month.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the jubilant squad was not able to celebrate with a trip down the local watering hole for a couple of refreshments. But Reid was sure all of the players would be raising a glass to each other in their own homes.
Skipper Whitehead had given Swifts the ideal start with a neat low finish after the ball was drilled back across the box.
Scott quickly doubled the advantage when he showed off his lightning pace to pick up Chris McLeish’s through ball and round the goalkeeper.
Then, just shy of the half hour mark, Reid displayed great determination to smash in the third.
“It was a great start and the gaffer had wanted us to press high and get in their faces from the off,” Reid said.
“That worked for us and a 3-0 lead so early in the game gave us that little bit of a comfort zone. Aaron’s goal lifted the boys quickly.
“I was nervous before the game, I don’t know about the other boys. It’s the Scottish Cup so you want to rise to the occasion.
“For the goal I had seen the ball coming and I’d run about 103 yards to get there!
“I just thought: ‘Keep it down’. The keeper managed to get a foot to the ball but it went in off the underside of the bar, so happy days.
“I can tell my grandkids about this one. I’m usually nil goals for a season. I think that is maybe two in five years.
“But as long as I am playing I’m happy and if I can contribute with a goal every now and again then all the better.”
Stirling University, who have enjoyed a productive start to their Lowland League campaign, did net a late consolation through Craig Brown and Reid admits it was harsh on goalkeeper Mark Mitchell to not get a clean sheet following a fine performance between the sticks.
The draw for the first round took place on Sunday and Swifts will head for Kelty’s New Central Park on December 26.
Kelty Hearts, whose manager is former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson, currently top the Lowland League having lost only once in 11 games.
Reid said: “To be honest, the form we’re in, I think we’ll give anyone we come across a challenge.
“You would prefer an easier tie, but we’re just happy to be in the first round and we’ll certainly enjoy it.
“We want to keep the dream alive. I’m getting on a bit now so I want as much as I can to put on the mantelpiece.
“We’ll take it one game at a time.”
I can tell my grandkids about this one... I want as much as I can to put on the mantelpiece