Swifts Halt Penicuik March to Title

Jeanfield Swifts were the visitors to Penicuik tonight looking to stop the home team gaining the win they needed to become McBookie.com East Premier League Champions and in turn finish their own season on a high.

These teams had tried to complete this fixture last Saturday only to have the game abandoned after 45 minutes, when a deluge caused standing water on areas of the pitch. However, conditions were perfect for the rematch and both sides fielded similar line ups. 

Penicuik were clearly up for this one and the first to create a chance with McDermott crossing for Cunnison to head over after just 5 minutes. However, a minute later Jeanfield shocked the home crowd when a defensive slip allowed Alexander in and the striker shot across goalkeeper Benjaoui into the far corner.

This setback spurred Athletic on and they created a series of chances with McCulloch prominent - the big striker heading over a couple of times. Their pressure finally paid off in 34 minutes. An attempted clearance rebounded into the path of McCulloch and the striker was able to pick his spot from 20 yards to bring the sides level.

Penicuik kept pushing forward and Montgomery struck a terrific shot against the crossbar in 42 minutes.

Jeanfield were happy to hear the half time whistle as they were rarely seen as an attacking force during the first 45 minutes.

Half Time Penicuik Athletic 1; Jeanfield Swifts 1

Penicuik started the second half brightly and McCulloch blasted over in their first attack of the half.

However, it was a different Jeanfield at the start of the second half. They started to take a better grip of the game in midfield and Reid forced a great save out of Bejaoui in 48 minutes. This signalled a period of dominance by the away team with Mackie, Reid and Alexander all having sights of goal. Penicuik were still dangerous though and some fine interplay between Montgomery and McPartlin forced a good save out of Swift's goalkeeper Bruce.

However, it came as no surprise when, in 69 minutes, a fine run down the right by Alexander ended with his accurate cross being headed home by Reid to give Jeanfield the lead again.

Penicuik immediately withdrew Gay and brought on Millar. However, it was a change which made little difference to the pattern of the game. Despite Athletic throwing bodies forward, Jeanfield coped with everything and Whitehead marshalled the visitors defence well.

It was a fine performance by the away side who weathered the first half storm well and deserved their win. They will finish just outside the play off place but play a good brand of football and should be a force again next season. They were well served tonight by Alexander, Reid and Whitehead.

Penicuik will be frustrated by this loss. They tried hard all evening but were just a little anxious in front of goal. With promotion to the Super League now assured, they will get another chance to win the Championship on Saturday when Fauldhouse United are the visitors.

Referee Duncan Smith and his team controlled the game well.

Full Time Penicuik Athletic 1 Jeanfield Swifts 2


Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter