Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts earn Crossgates Primrose win

SWIFTS boss Craig Morrison praised his "exceptional" side after they picked up a fine derby success at Crossgates Primrose on Saturday.

Brodie Strang scored the decisive goal with less than 20 minutes left at Humbug Park to hand the visitors their first win in four games, and hand their hosts their first loss being defeated in Inverkeithing's previous victory in early December.

Swifts handed a start to Harry Osborne, who returned to the club on Friday on a permanent basis from Gretna 2008, having spent time on loan from Cowdenbeath earlier in the season, and they successfully repelled the threat of their high-flying opponents.

Crossgates boss, Alan Campbell, believed that the opening 30 minutes was the best his team have played since the turn of the year, but couldn't breach Michael Gibb's goal.

In what Campbell described as "the one bit of quality" produced in the match, Strang's low, curling effort was enough to give Swifts the bragging rights.

"The boys were really good," Morrison said.

"We'd beaten Crossgates at home so we had an understanding of what worked for us, and what challenges we faced, from that day. We set the boys out with a similar game plan, and I thought the players were exceptional.

"We said to them to be brave in possession, take the ball into areas that they normally would, whilst being aware of their threats.

"I can't compliment the boys enough. Off the ball they were exceptional; we were solid, and they couldn't get through us. In the second half especially, we had good passages of play, didn't go long, and moved up the park.

"We have the basis of something quite good, but it's about building a bit of momentum. They showed they have the capability, but it's about getting the consistency to climb the league."

Primrose counterpart Campbell commented: "I was disappointed with the result, but not too disappointed with the performance.

"The first half an hour was as good as we've played, certainly this calendar year; we did everything but score. The second half was a bit more scrappy, but I still thought we were the better team.

"The one bit of quality in the whole game was the boy's goal to be fair. Football is all about what you do at the top end of the pitch.

"We played reasonably well but couldn't find a way to unlock them; we couldn't find that final delivery or pass."

Oakley United 1 Jeanfield Swifts 3, East of Scotland League, Premier Division

PETER GOLDIE believes his Oakley United team are beginning to show more character despite their loss to Jeanfield Swifts.

The Blairwood Park gaffer was heartened by his side's efforts against the third top visitors, which came seven days after a late goal saw them lose narrowly to Crossgates Primrose.

Second bottom Oakley, who have brought in Alloa Athletic under-20s captain, Alfie Penman, until the end of the season, Stevie Dolan from Camelon Juniors, and extended captain Bruce Mcadam's contract until 2025, took a 26th minute lead through Evan Stanfield.

However, on the stroke of half time, Ewan Moyes pulled one back for Jeanfield, who went on to win the game thanks to Aaron Whitehead and Connor McLaren's second half goals.

"If we go in 1-0 up, it's a completely different game, but it changes the momentum," Goldie said.

"Up to then, I thought we were excellent. We signed a couple of new boys and it's the best we've looked in the middle of the park.

"In the second half, we conceded another goal from a corner, which took the wind out of our sails. In the last 15 minutes, we had chances, and I said to the boys that it's only got to take one result to change our season.

"It's the first time, over the last two weeks, that we've been consistent in our performance but we got nothing. We're starting to get a team on the park that has a bit of character and resilience.

"We know the position we're in. We're not saying we're chucking in the towel, and we'll keep going until it's mathematically impossible, but we're building for next season as well."

Luncarty 3 Rosyth 1, East of Scotland League, First Division

ROSYTH boss Greig Denham is hopeful of adding to his squad after they fell to a second successive defeat.

After being beaten at Dunbar United in their last outing, James Yates gave hosts Luncarty the lead, only for Ryan McDonald to level.

However, Aaron Carlon, after the visitors had spurned a chance to move ahead themselves, put the Perth team back in front, before Ben Scarborough completed their win.

Denham, who was without five of his first team regulars, including the likes of strikers Tam Hampson and Callum Strang, said: "We probably did enough to win the game.

"We had a one-on-one, hit the post, and had a glaring opportunity to go in front that we put over the bar, and then they go up the park and score. We need to be more ruthless.

"We're coming off finding it hard to accept defeat. We weren't outplayed, we weren't outfought, and Blair (Penman) didn't have a save to make, but picked the ball out of the net three times.

"I would be more concerned if we were not creating chances, or if, against a team, on Saturday, that will be in the mix for automatic promotion, we were under the cosh.

"We know we need to be more clinical and we need to freshen it up a bit, because it's happening too regularly.

"It is frustrating but we know we're not a million miles away."

Saturday's fixtures: East of Scotland League, Premier Division: Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Oakley United (2pm), Crossgates Primrose v Musselburgh Athletic (2.30pm). First Division: Rosyth v Kinnoull (2.30pm).