The semi-final of the League Cup at the Riverside saw both teams battling for a coveted place in the final and a shot at silverware.

Breadalbane started the stronger side, forcing Jeanfield keeper M. Mitchell into several outstanding saves early on. The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Breadalbane sent in a dangerous shot-cross. Mitchell managed to parry it, but Breadalbane reacted quickest to the rebound and slotted home the opener.

Jeanfield pushed to get back into the game, winning a succession of corners, but failed to truly trouble the opposition keeper, ending the first half without a single shot on target.

The message at half-time was clear—this was not good enough, and the team needed to shift into a higher gear. The Swifts responded, coming out with far greater intensity, but Breadalbane’s defence held firm. That was until Jeanfield threw four strikers onto the pitch. In the 78th minute, the "Jeany Cafu," R. Shilian, delivered a pinpoint cross, which J. Jardine met with a powerful header to level the match. The sidelines had been waiting for that moment, and the place erupted.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as Breadalbane immediately countered, going straight up the other end and reclaiming the lead at 2-1. It looked as though Jeanfield were heading out of the competition, despite creating numerous chances. During this period, the Breadalbane manager was sent off by the referee but controversially remained on the touchline for the rest of the game—one for the association to review.

As the clock ran down, Jeanfield kept pressing against a visibly fatigued Breadalbane side. Was there one final chance? In the dying moments, an A. Phillips corner was met by K. Sime, and A. Abboud made sure the ball crossed the line. The equaliser sent the sidelines into wild celebrations for the second time in the match.

Full-time
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 2
Breadalbane AFC 2

J.Jardine ⚽
A.Abboud ⚽

Extra time loomed, and with Breadalbane tiring, the momentum shifted further towards Jeanfield. The first 25 minutes saw both sides battling hard, but goal-scoring opportunities were limited, and penalties seemed inevitable.

That was until B. Calderwood picked up the ball deep in Jeanfield’s half and drove forward with intent. Despite being swiped at by Breadalbane defenders, he managed to release the ball to A. Abboud. At that moment, a Breadalbane defender lost his composure and launched Abboud into the air with a reckless challenge, earning himself a straight red card.

Jeanfield made them pay immediately. The resulting free-kick was delivered into the box, where N. McNicol found A. Abboud, who finished clinically to send the sidelines into pure ecstasy.

Jeanfield Swifts AFC were through to the final in dramatic fashion!

Final Score (AET)
Jeanfield Swifts AFC 3
Breadalbane AFC 2

A.Abboud ⚽⚽
J.Jardine ⚽

Man of the Match was Robbie Green who was nothing short of outstanding throughout the 120 minutes. His relentless work rate, energy, and determination were unbelievable. Even after suffering from cramp at half-time in extra time, he continued to battle for every ball, putting in crucial tackles and driving the team forward. His never-say-die attitude epitomised Jeanfield’s fighting spirit, making him a well-deserved Man of the Match.

Final will be played this Friday 7:30pm at Seven Acres Vs St.Johns.

#coyjs