SCOTTISH CUP: ANNAN ATHLETIC 3-1 JEANFIELD SWIFTS

Jeanie’s dream Scottish Cup run is now over after today’s away defeat to Annan Athletic in the 2nd round - the furthest the club have ever gone in the competition.

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Annan Athletic proved to be a step too far but nobody could fault the effort of the players who put everything they had into this game, as well as the incredible away support who were in full voice for the entire 90 minutes - putting the home fans to shame.

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The Jeanfield Swifts away support is something to be incredibly proud of, with 5 coaches of fans making the 270 mile round-trip for this Scottish Cup 2nd Round clash. They really spurred the players on and were a constant throughout.

The hosts came flying out of the traps, with attacker Jack Purdue forcing Mark Mitchell into a big save in the opening minutes, but the Jeanie number 1 was up to the task.

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Jeanfield then began to grow into the game, with Annan looking incredibly nervous and resorting to long balls up the field which were easily collected by the excellent Jeanie backline, who were virtually untroubled for the opening 45.

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As the half rumbled on Jeanfield were getting more and more dangerous on the attack against an Annan Athletic side who looked almost shell-shocked. Jamie Reid played a lofted ball through to Scott Smith who then rounded the keeper, however, he couldn’t quite find the angle and the chance came to nothing.

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The hosts were incredibly lucky not to go down to 10 men on 25 minutes following a defensive mix-up which resulted in goalkeeper Ryan Adamson handling the ball outside of the area. To the surprise of the Jeanfield fans and players he somehow only received a yellow card, with a free-kick then awarded which was blocked by the wall. A HUGE let off for the League Two side.

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Dodd sent an inviting cross to the back post for Jake Dolzanski, who headed the ball in the back of the net to the delight of the Jeanie fans who roared in celebration until the linesman raised his flag with the goal being disallowed for a questionable offside. Heartbreak for Jeanfield - a glimpse of what could have been.

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Swifts were still knocking at the door and Smith ventured forward dangerously at the Annan backline just to be fouled, referee waved play-on and number 9 Chris McLeish looked destined to put the side into the lead, however, his effort crashed off of the outside of the post and behind for a goal kick.

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The home side then had a chance of their own just before half-time with a through ball finding danger man Tony Wallace but he was denied excellently by Mitchell who was on top form once again.

Half time 0-0 and most Jeanie fans would have bitten your hand off for that score line before kick-off although the Perth side were incredibly unlucky not to be ahead after the opening 45.

Annan Athletic started the second-half much improved and forced defender Jamie Reid into a goal line clearance not long after the restart before the Jeanie number 2 then had to head another effort away to safety.

Disaster struck on 50 minutes when a penalty was given against Jeanfield after a challenge from Chris Dodd on Matty Douglas inside the box was judged to be a foul by the referee. Tony Wallace stepped up from 12 yards out and converted his penalty down the centre of the goal past Mitchell who was inches away from saving it.

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Wallace then grabbed a second not long after with a looping strike which bounced awkwardly off of the astro turf surface and just over Mitchell who got a hand to it but could not manage to keep it out. 2-0 Annan Athletic.

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In an attempt to rescue the game, manager Ross Gunnion subbed Paul Simpson and Shaun Struthers on for Gary Fergus and Chris Dodd.

Mitchell made another top save from a close range header which would have killed the game completely, to just keep Jeanfield in it.

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The visitors huffed and puffed to try and salvage the game but the ball just wouldn’t drop and nothing was clicking in front of goal. It just felt like it wasn’t our day.

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Annan Athletic finished the game off with a 3rd goal on 85 minutes, with Rob McCartney running riot down the right-hand side and managing to cut the ball back to Moxon who converted from close range - no chance for Mitchell and 3-0 it was, an incredibly harsh scoreline.

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Jeanie managed to grab a goal in the 88th minute, with a Fraser Smith ball into the box being headed home by Chris McLeish who left the keeper no chance, pulling a goal back - the least that the players deserved for their performance and it gave the fans something to celebrate.

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Sadly it was too late to find a way back into the game and the referee blew his whistle not long after. Final Score: Annan Athletic 3-1 Jeanfield Swifts.

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Jeanfield bow out at the second round stage and it was always going to be a big ask to compete with a League Two side away from home, but they rose to the occasion and can certainly feel aggrieved to have come out on the losing side - to a man they were excellent and they never looked like a side 2 leagues below their opponents