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Official Matchday Programme SBS SWPL 2 Season 2018 11 March 2018 Kick-off 4pm
11 February 2018
St. Johnstone WFC vs Central FA
Issue 2 | Cover price £2 Admission £3 1
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MANAGER’S NOTES A
warm welcome to Andy his staff players and everyone connected with Hearts to McDiarmid Park for today’s match. It’s good to be back involved with the games again after the break. Having a couple of weeks off from league duty came at a good time, however, as it’s allowed us to get 1or two of our experienced players back from injury. Their experience is vital as we have a young squad.
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Our last league game took us away to Aberdeen for a game that produced a fantastic result. What pleased me most was the performance from everyone that day and we followed that into the Celtic game. The work rate and effort has been superb and I’m confident that the players will follow those performances up in today’s game. They will have to if they want to get their rewards against Hearts.
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Jason McCrindle Manager league but that bring its own pressures sometimes. The tag of being unbeaten can have a negative impact on the players’ mindset as they focus on not losing. And the fear of losing then becomes greater than the positive of having the unbeaten tag.
We always get good games against this team. They are a good experienced side with some good younger players coming through too.
So it’s up to us to put as much pressure on them today and make sure we capitalise on any mistakes. We need to take advantage but it won’t be easy as they are a good side. Nevertheless if we continue in the same manner as our last two games then it’s going to be close.
They are unbeaten so far in the
Hope you enjoy the game.
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TOUGH OPENER
SAINTS 1-3 CENTRAL
Newcomers to the SWPL Central Girls FA were never going to be a pushover, but their first-half pace told and Saints were soon playing catch-up
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solitary goal from Rachel Wolecki was all St Johnstone WFC had to show from the game, in which first-half mistakes proved costly. Saints defender Rhee Tweedie spoke to the Perthshire Advertiser afterwards, highlighting a disappointing performance that saw the
“If we started the game like we did in the second half then we probably would have walked away with the three points.”
“We regrouped at half-time and picked it up in the second half.” Rhee Tweedie
Jason McCrindle was adamant his young charges would be able to right the wrongs, “training this week is about putting the wrongs right and making sure it doesn’t happen again.
“We will see a reaction and a better performance. It’s only one game so we’re not going to worry about it too much. “I have every confidence and every belief in the players that last Sunday was a one off. We’re looking forward to going up to Aberdeen.”
home side fall to a 0-3 deficit after the first 45’. “We had a really good pre-season with great coaching and prepared well. But we let ourselves down in the first half. We regrouped at halftime and in the second half we did pick it up. 4
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DONS 0-2 SAINTS clean who headed just wide, then latched onto a through ball and sent a powerful shot high into the top corner. The second goal came just three minutes into the second half when a long free kick floated into the box rebounded from the cross bar after a failed headed clearance attempt by Aberdeen. While the home defence hesitated Saints’ striker Ellie Cowie pounced with a header that dispatched the ball into the goal.
A powerful strike from Hannah Clark opened Saints’ account just before half-time.
It was a vastly improved performance following the frustration of the previous week. Speaking to the Perthshire Adver-
F
ollowing their relegation from the SWPL1 at the end of last season, Aberdeen FCL bounced back and recorded an impressive 4-1 win against Glasgow Girls FC in their first league game of 2018.
YOUTH MAGIC tiser, assistant manager John Fettes was thrilled with the performance in the north east - and the character shown by the squad. He said: “We had asked for a reaction because the previous week was unacceptable. “The girls were disappointed but that was also tinged with a determination and anger to put it right on Sunday.
“From minute one they did exactly what we asked them to do, which was in direct contrast to the game against Central Girls.
“That shone through against Aberdeen and ultimately was shown with the final result.
“To get a clean sheet was great for us. The defence played well and our goalkeeper Becky Cameron pulled off a great save at 1-0.”
“Every one of the players came out on Sunday and gave us a great display. We were delighted with their reaction.
Saints came into the game having suffered an opening-day defeat to SWPL newbies Central Girls FA, however, and were desperate to make amends. Saints came under early pressure as the Dons forced a first-minute corner, but honours remained even until just before half-time. Hannah Clark, having previously delivered a peach of a cross in to Emma Ma6
“Every one of the players came out on Sunday and gave us a great display. We were delighted with their reaction.” Assistant Manager, John Fettes
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CELTIC 4-0 SAINTS After first-round draw at home to Glasgow City in last year’s league cup, Saints were once again matched against a high-profile club this year, facing Celtic away.
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osing two keepers to injury in the run-up to the game, and with a third unavailable due to work commitments, Saints were facing an Everest of a challenge before the referee even blew his whistle to start the match. Luckily defender Amy Henderson has some experience in goal and stepped up to the mark. She soon settled into the role and put in a player of the match performance, saving a penalty in the process. It is not an experience she is keen to repeat, but Amy says she was happy to take one for the team on
TODAY’S VISITORS Today’s opposition are no strangers to McDiarmid Park. Last year Hearts took the first encounter at home before the then Jeanfield Ladies rallied to record a 1-0 away victory and a 3-1 win at home. Hearts’ form this year sees them arrive in Perth with a 1-1 draw against EUHV in their opener, followed by a 2-0 win at home to Glasgow Girls in the second round of the league. Last weekend they by no means disgraced themselves in a 4-0 home defeat to Hibernian in the League Cup.
this occasion. Saints held their SWPL1 opponents to a solitary goal at half-time, before Celtic’s fitness and experience told in the second half. Still, the performance provided manager Jason McCrindle with plenty of positives, not least an option for another keeper in the squad!
In the run up to today’s fixture, Hearts’ Andy Enwood said, “I am looking forward to today’s game, St. Johnstone had the upper hand on us last season so the challenge for us is quite simple - do better! “We are happy with 4 points from 6 after game week 2 however another challenging game in what is going to be an extremely competitive league awaits!”
Squad list: Ashley Watson Lynsay Miller Megan Paterson Georgia Hunter Sharon Hughes Stacey Hutchison Lauren Hall Courtney McAvoy Danni Pagliarulo Jenny Smith Ashley Carse Michelle Stewart Kara Kidd Jen Dodds Laura Gavin Pam Liddel
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Back row (l-r): Steve Grossi, Eilidh McIntyre, Rhianna Tweedie, Amy Henderson, Rachel Todd, Rebecca Cameron, Corrie McIlravey-Davidson, Roberta-Leigh Cochran, Ellie Cowie, Emma Flynn-Scott, Emma Maclean, Laura Dunn, Scott Knox Front row (l-r): Rebecca McGowan, Rachel Wolecki, Leah Fleming, Niamh Irvine, John Fettes, Jason McCrindle, Rebecca Foote, Megan Moss, Hannah Clark, Emma Sommerville
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HELP LUKE Assistant Manager John Fettes is supporting the campaign to secure specialist cancer treatment for Luke Stewart.
MATCH SPONSOR Today’s match is sponsored by St. John’s Shopping Centre
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hen it comes to securing a sponsor, most players would settle for an individual store in the mall. Not Rhianna Tweedie, who has been sponsored by the entire St John’s Shopping Centre! St John’s Shopping Centre is situated right at the heart of Perth’s friendly and welcoming shopping area. A must for any visitor to Perth, the shopping centre is packed with over 30 retailers, providing a relaxed and quality shopping experience for everyone.
Whether it’s fashion or fragrance, diamonds or DVDs, books or bags – you’ll be certain to find it right here. To mark the new association between St Johnstone Women and St John’s Shopping Centre, they have taken today’s match sponsorship. Thank you for your support, we look forward to working with you again over the course of the season.
Luke Stewart was 7 years old when diagnosed with a rare and inoperable brain tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in January 2017. There is no cure and average life expectancy from diagnosis is a mere 9 months. Pioneering treatment is however now available in Mexico. It is very costly as well as being 5,000 miles from home. Through the generosity of a growing community Luke started treatment in May 2017 and has shown great improvement. Luke has now had 10 Intra Arterial chemotherapy treatments & 4 Immunotherapy treatments, along with 50 hyperbaric treatments. At £15,000 per Intra Arterial chemotherapy treatment & £25,000 per Immunotherapy treatment, Help Luke fundraising is needed to ensure Luke can continue with these life-saving treatments.
John Fettes heard about the Help Luke campaign after meeting Luke’s dad Mark at the football club attended by Luke’s younger brother and John’s youngest son. After a couple of weeks’ thought about how he could help, John decided to adopt Help Luke as his sponsor free of charge. Today Luke and his mum Jenny are flying out to Mexico for further treatment; with sufficient funds available for just one more session after this one, it is vital that more money is raised for Luke’s treatment to continue. We are looking forward to having Luke and his family attend as our special guests here in Perth at our next home game, on 15 April. Please support the Help Luke campaign by donating at www.treeofhope.org.uk/luke-stewart/
facebook.com/helplukemakehistory twitter.com/HelpLukeStewart helplukemakehistory@gmail.com
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PLAYER PROFILE Rachel relishing the challenge of senior football
Rachel Wolecki Victoria Houston Prams
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aving just recently just turned 16, Rachel Wolecki is the youngest member of the SWPL squad, but the local youngster is relishing the challenge of making her mark at the top level of women’s football. When we met up with Rachel she certainly seemed ready for the challenge “I feel I am now ready for a new challenges to step up to ladies football and looking forward to be given the opportunity to express myself.” If you cut Rachel she would bleed Jeanfield, having been at the club throughout her football career. Coming from a “football family” it was no surprise that she was playing as early as 4 and turning 14
heads with her skills. Rachel was part of an entertaining and very talented Jeanfield side coached by mum Donna and managed by Laura Barnett. Usually playing at age levels above they were a team that always impressed and Rachel was a huge part of that team. There were plenty honours secured with League titles at U13s, U15s and U17s and the League Cup at 15s and 17s. The 17s cup final victory over Forfar in 2016 was particularly memorable for Rachel as she scored the first goal from 40 yards! When pressed on a favourite Jeanfield player Rachel couldn’t pick just one and maybe she was scared to admit that it was Donna Shaw! She did however tell us that her favourite female player was Kim Little. Rachel’s form didn’t go unnoticed outside Perth as she was chosen to play for Scotland U15s at only 13 - an incredible achievement - and it was during her time with Scotland she achieved her top memory of playing for her country against Germany.
RACHEL WOLECKI strong bond. Her best friends in football Leah, Megan and Ciara were in that team. She laughed out loud when she recalled the time Hannah got “skanted” versus Dryburgh and tells us that Megan Sidey’s banter always kept the group entertained. Poor Abbie Ferguson got Rachel’s vote for having the worst banter so she’ll be getting nutmegged at training for saying that. Just to emphasise her talent for scoring great goals her favourite wasn’t the aforementioned cup final goal, but a strike from her own half v East Fife (we’re sure Liz Anderson loved that one!). Although she is a great admirer of Andy Murray, Rachel doesn’t waste energy playing any other sports, it’s just football for her. She loves watching Iniesta play and had a smile on her face when regional
coach Nick Murray once compared her to her hero. It is also no surprise that her favourite team is Barcelona. Like any teenager Rachel enjoys chilling out watching TV with her recent favourites being Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. Her music tastes are varied with a mix of old and new tunes on her playlist. She also tells us her mum’s Spaghetti Bolognese is the best ! It is clear that Rachel has a special bond with Jeanfield. Playing for and with her mum Donna and growing up playing with and making new friends for so many years, has created a strong link. It is an exciting time for everyone to have so many of that “Jeanfield family” now playing in the SWPL. We are all looking forward to seeing Rachel pop one of these long-range strikes in for the senior team. Rachel is sponsored by Victoria Houston Prams, with boot sponsorship from Katy’s Company.
Although playing at that level at a young age was challenging it didn’t stop Rachel enjoying her football and the team at U17s had a very
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SNOW JOKE
15s DRAW V. CELTIC
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Jeanfield Swifts Girls U15s travelled to Glasgow to take on Celtic in a final preseason friendly.
hat do you do when the weather claims all the fixtures across Scotland for the whole weekend? Not to mention closing schools for two or three days? Make a snowballer of course!
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he Perth side stormed to a 3-1 lead before half-time thanks to an Abbie Ferguson hat-trick, and the young star netted another with a superb volley just after the break to extend the lead.
Abbie Johnstone from our U12s team created this masterpiece decked out in her team’s kit, sponsored by Speakeasy.
DEVELOPMENT S
itting below St Johnstone WFC in the Jeanfield Swifts Girls FC club pathway, Jeanfield Swifts Development is competing in the SWFL2 East this season. The team features a blend of experience and youth that is helping to challenge younger players physically while giving returning players an opportunity to play competitive football.
the players acquitted themselves well and they are relishing the prospect of hosting Bonnyrigg Rose this afternoon. You can follow their progress on the club’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Their opening league game could not have been harder, facing a strong Kelty Hearts away from home. Despite the 9-0 scoreline, 16
St. Johnstone Women FC vs Hearts Women FC
Celtic fought back strongly, however, and scored two quick goals to climb back within reach. Claiming their equalizer with 20 minutes still on the clock, it looked as though they might find a winner, but stout defence from Jeanfield and some brave keeping from Beth Allen kept the Glasgow team at bay and the match finished 4-4. Head coach Louise McClelland praised her players’ composure, “the girls have demonstrated great fitness and tenacity to hang on, and in truth we had a couple of opportunities to go back ahead in that final quarter. We’re really looking forward to the new season starting now, having shown in this game and the first half of our friendly with Hibs a couple of weeks ago that we can definitely mix it with the top teams.”
City and Hearts week in week out. Their league opener against Bayside on 3 March fell victim to the weather. After travelling to Edinburgh this weekend to tackle Boroughmuir Thistle, they will be back in Perth on 17 March hosting Glasgow City
Abbie Ferguson Jeanfield Swifts U15s
The Swifts Girls U15s will be competing in a new National Performance League this season, facing the likes of Hibs, Celtic, Glasgow 11 March 2018
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ST. JOHNSTONE WFC 1
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Corrie McIlravey-Davidson A&B Taxis Perth
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7
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Hannah Clark Station Hotel, Leslie
Niamh Irvine Liam Anderson Arch.
St. Johnstone Women FC vs Hearts Women FC
Emma Maclean Radio Taxis
16 Laura Dunn Radio Taxis
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Ellie Cowie Master Trophies
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Amy Henderson
Jennifer Rodgers Milk Hairdressing
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Chiara Grossi Grossi Dry Cleaners
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Emma Flynn-Scott Smith Services
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Rhianna Tweedie St. John’s Centre
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SQUAD 2018
Eilidh McIntyre AGB Scotland
19 Rachel Todd J T Handyman
12 Rachel Wolecki Victoria Houston Prams
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Rebecca McGowan easityre
14 Rebecca Foote Ally Foote Flooring
17 Leah Fleming Fleming SubServ Ltd.
20 Rebecca Cameron
15 Megan Moss A&B Taxis Perth
18 Jade McDonald Stephen Gardiner Homes
21 Bobby Cochran AM | Architect
22 Emma Sommerville R&M Bearings
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SWPL2 FIXTURES Date
Opposition
Result
Date
Opposition
11 Feb
Central Girls FA (H)
1-3
20 Jun
EUHV (A)
18 Feb
Aberdeen (A)
0-2
24 Jun
Kilmarnock (A)
11 Mar
Hearts (H)
5 Aug
Motherwell (H)
18 Mar
Glasgow Girls (A)
19 Aug
Central Girls FA (H)
15 Apr
Kilmarnock (H)
26 Aug
Aberdeen (A)
22 Apr
Motherwell (A)
9 Sep
Hearts (H)
6 May
Central Girls FA (A)
23 Sep
Glasgow Girls (A)
9 May
Aberdeen (H)
30 Sep
EUHV (A)
13 May
EUHV (H)
21 Oct
Kilmarnock (H)
27 May
Hearts (A)
28 Oct
Motherwell (A)
3 Jun
Glasgow Girls (H)
Result
Designed & edited by Iwan Davies, Translutions Ltd. Printed by John McKinlay Printers Ltd., 11-15 King Street, Perth ©Jeanfield Swifts Girls FC 2018