A packed crowd gathered at Seven Acres for a thrilling League Cup final under the floodlights. Jeanfield Swifts AFC had battled through a tough cup run, overcoming Burrelton, Luncarty, Kinrossie, Kettins, and Breadalbane to earn their place in the final. St. Johns stood in their way, setting the stage for an intense showdown.

In the 12th minute, B. Blyth stepped out from defence and played a perfectly weighted through ball to A. Philips on the right wing. His cross found A. Abboud, whose initial shot was well saved by the keeper, but K. Mitchell was in the right place to fire home the rebound and give Jeanfield the early lead.

Four minutes later, in the 16th minute, R. Shilian burst down the right flank and whipped in a low cross across the face of goal. K. Brown was waiting at the back post to apply the simplest of finishes, doubling the Swifts’ advantage.

In the 21st minute, St. Johns found a response. Their winger got the better of the Jeanfield left-back and struck a powerful shot on goal. The Swifts’ keeper made an excellent stop, but the rebound fell kindly to the striker, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

Jeanfield restored their two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute. M. McLeod played a clever pass through the defence, releasing K. Brown. The striker turned on the afterburners, surging past his marker before sliding the ball under the onrushing keeper for his second of the night.

In the 79th minute, K. Brown completed his hat trick in spectacular fashion. L. Bloomer played him through, and once again, his pace proved too much for the defence. This time, he unleashed a rocket into the top corner, leaving the keeper helpless and the Swifts bench on their feet in celebration.

Jeanfield continued to dominate, and in the 86th minute, A. Abboud’s shot was parried into the path of J. Jardine, who reacted quickly and smashed the ball into the net from close range.

In the 91st minute, B. Calderwood made a surging run down the touchline before cutting the ball back into the box. J. Jardine arrived at the perfect moment to drill home his second of the night.

Deep into stoppage time, in the 95th minute, Jeanfield put the finishing touch on an emphatic performance. A brilliant passage of play at the edge of the box saw A. Philips and A. Abboud combine beautifully before the ball found J. Jardine, who made no mistake, completing his hat trick with a thunderous strike.

Full-Time

Jeanfield Swifts AFC 7
St.Johns AFC 1

Kros.Brown ⚽⚽⚽
J.Jardine ⚽⚽⚽
K.Mitchell ⚽

A historic night for Jeanfield Swifts AFC as they lifted the League Cup for the first time.

Man of the Match: Kros Brown – a hat trick and a relentless attacking display that left the St. Johns defence chasing shadows.

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