SWIFTS HIT THE TOP

Hillfield Swifts on the attack at Campbell Park

Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts leapfrogged Edinburgh Utd at the top of the under 14 league division 4 after a hard fought win at Campbell Park. Both sides injected a huge amount of effort into this close contest but it was the Fife team who eventually ran out 2-1 winners with a goal 8 minutes from time from Bruce McArthur.

After a scrappy and nervous start Swifts began to exert a bit more control of the game. Their midfield was using the ball better and it was no real surprise when they took the lead after only 8 minutes. The United defence had started very hesitantly and it was indecision that led to the opening goal. A high speculative ball was missed by both central defender and keeper leaving Blair Duff to steal in to poke the ball home into the unguarded net.

Swifts then looked set to build on their early lead as more indecision, this time by Max Bennett, left Hillfield's Mark Chalmers clear through on goal but the big number 16 shot weakly and Alan MacDonald saved comfortably.

Edinburgh Utd were finding it difficult to put together any kind of meaningful attacks although their young blond midfielder Luke Richardson was trying to drag them into the game with some great touch and control. At this stage it was all Inverkeithing with Chalmers causing havoc every time he got the ball. But his finishing didn't match the build up play and a couple of other chances went astray.

Hillfield were made to pay for their poor finishing when Edinburgh Utd surprisingly pulled themselves back level on 23 minutes. A goalmouth scramble saw shots from Luke Richardson, David Connor and Bruce Walkingshaw all blocked as the Fife team cleared for a corner. The resultant kick was only flicked onwards by the near post defender to the surprise of left back Ian Donaldson and the ball cannoned of his face and fell into the net for an own goal.

That goal spurred United on and more good work on the left by Christopher Robertson gave Edinburgh another quick chance. This time the shot was cleared by a defender and Luke Richardson's effort from the clearance went high and wide.

United were now seeing more of the ball and enjoyed a fair bit of sustained pressure on the Hillfield back four. But chances were limited as the Inverkeithing defence stood strong.

Inverkeithing had one more chance before the break and it was that man Chalmers who again found space behind the United back four. He was straight through once again and this time tried to chip the advancing Alan MacDonald but the big goalkeeper stretched high to collect the ball easily. The big United keeper was now playing very well and had several good stops to keep his team in the game at 1-1 at the interval.

Swifts started the second half the brighter and MacDonald had to look sprightly again to rush from his line to clear a dangerous through ball after only 2 minutes of the re-start. A minute later and Swifts had another chance but Dale McIlduff's volley was comfortably saved.

Good combination play on the right between Mark Chalmers and Dylan Wilkinson ended with a squared ball to McIlduff and he brought out a tremendous save from MacDonald at his top right hand corner.



Space was now opening out all over the big pitch as both teams tired. Edinburgh Utd appeared to be using this slightly better and prompted by the impressive Luke Richardson they started to exert a bit of pressure.

They were enjoying some success down the right flank with Christopher Robertson showing several good runs. But still chances were limited as the bigger Inverkeithing defence stood firm.

Both teams were now going all out for a win and with 8 minutes remaining Inverkeithing scored what was to prove the winning goal.

A free kick out on the right was swung in by big Dylan Wilkinson. Alan MacDonald came to collect it but was muscled out by a strong but fair challenge for the ball. The ball bounced freely in the box and Bruce McArthur slammed it home into the bottom left hand corner to the delight of his team mates and the Inverkeithing touchline.

With time running out Edinburgh Utd went in search of the equaliser. A great surging run by Richardson past 4 defenders nearly got them it but the young midfielder ran out of steam and the danger was cleared.

With time running down Graham Robertson almost made it 3 for Swifts with a volley that just slipped past the post and then in the final seconds Edinburgh Utd were awarded a free kick on the edge of the "D". Kieran Blake dipped his shot over the wall but unfortunately straight into the welcoming hands of visiting goalkeeper Jamie Martin.

That was the last of the action and referee Calum Bryson blew for full time to give Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts a hard fought, but deserved, 2-1 win.

There were several good performances including from young 21 yr old referee Calum Bryson, who seems destined for progression. Alan MacDonald came onto a great game for United and Christopher Robertson put in an exhausting shift for the home team. For Swifts, Dylan Wilkinson was influential in midfield and full back James Gorman was always involved. The orange booted Graham Robertson showed some neat touches and on another day Mark Chalmers could have had a hat-trick.

But The Pink Man of the Match award goes to the best "footballer" on the park and that was Edinburgh United's number 4 Luke Richardson. Great touch, control and passing ability as well as glimpses of his ability to run with the ball. A great all round performance from the young man.

Swifts coach Harry Smith was pleased with the outcome saying: "We try to coach them to pass the ball and I think we tried to do that. We have a lot of new lads in the squad so to have won our first 3 league games is very pleasing." United coach Stuart Black was disappointed at losing such a late goal but "felt that his players put in a huge amount of effort and were doing OK in relation to the start they made last year"

Luke Richardson