Jeanfield Swifts AFC traveled to Dundee to face Boars Rock AFC in the last 16 of the North of Tay Cup.

The first half saw both teams play some quality football, with strong defensive displays preventing either goalkeeper from being seriously tested. As the game wore on, the intensity increased, and fouls began to pile up on both sides, leading to a series of bookings.

Early in the second half, a Boars Rock midfielder who had already been booked committed another foul, but the referee chose not to show a second yellow. Moments later, the player was substituted, avoiding any further risk.

Jeanfield took the lead in the 52nd minute. A. Smith played the ball to A. Philips near the halfway line, and the midfielder burst down the left wing, leaving his marker behind. As the goalkeeper rushed out, Philips’ shot was goal-bound when a defender, in a desperate attempt to clear, turned it into his own net. Since the effort was on target, the goal was awarded to Philips.

Boars Rock responded with increased urgency, but the Jeanfield defense held firm, repelling every attack. Then, in the 61st minute, K. Brown broke free from his marker, only to be met by a second defender who came in with a flying elbow, knocking him to the ground. While still on the floor, Brown kicked out in frustration and was shown a second yellow card—despite also suffering a cut to his head. Surprisingly, the Boars Rock defender received no punishment.

With Jeanfield reduced to ten men, every player had to step up, and that’s exactly what they did. The team dropped into a deep defensive block, soaking up relentless pressure. Boars Rock threw everything forward, launching crosses and testing the Swifts with a series of corners and free kicks, but goalkeeper J. Welch was commanding, collecting everything that came into his box. As time ticked away, Boars Rock started to lose their intensity, even bizarrely kicking the ball onto the Kingsway multiple times, further slowing the game down.

With five minutes remaining in normal time, the referee stunned everyone by announcing there were still 20 minutes left to play. Jeanfield responded brilliantly and, in the 96th minute, doubled their lead. R. Green lofted a precise ball over the defense, perfectly timed to beat the offside trap. M. McLeod controlled it beautifully in mid-air, saw his first shot saved, but reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, sending the sidelines into celebration.

Despite the late goal, Boars Rock continued to press forward, leaving themselves exposed at the back. In the 103rd minute, a Boars Rock corner was cleared to A. Philips deep inside his own half. Spotting a 2-on-1 opportunity, he lifted the ball over a defender to J. Jardine, who was through on goal. Jardine, showing great awareness, unselfishly played it back to Philips, who cut inside a defender and smashed home to put the game beyond doubt.

Jeanfield expertly managed the remaining minutes, using throw-ins to slow the game down until the referee finally blew for full-time in the 105th minute.

Fulltime
Boars Rock AFC 0
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 3

A.Philips ⚽⚽
M.McLeod ⚽

Man of the match could have gone to anyone in the backline, who were rock solid throughout. The CDM controlled the midfield, and goalkeeper J. Welch was outstanding. However, after some debate, the award was given to Adin Philips, who scored twice, covered every blade of grass, was involved in everything, and played through injury. An unbelievable performance.

#coyjs