Jeanfield climb to third in the table with a convincing 3-0 win over derby rivals Luncarty. Goals from Mark Smith (2) and Archie Campbell mean The Bleachers stay put at 13th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

Prior to kickoff both teams find themselves in similar positions as the end of last season, with The Swifts fighting amongst the top teams whilst The Bleachers are scrapping to avoid relegation. Jeanfield’s last game came against Lowland League side and last season’s East of Scotland Premier champions Broxburn Athletic, with The Brox winning a penalty shootout to progress in the Qualifying Cup.

Action was sparse in the early moments of the game, with a Mark Smith shot held comfortably by Luncarty keeper Matthew Curtis in the 8th minute.

Jeanfield grew into the game well, with midfielders Ross Philip and Patrick Brown winning their battles well. Smith continued to cause problems to the Luncarty defense, setting up Archie Campbell for a shot that was well blocked on the 23rd minute.

A cross from Campbell found Gary Fergus, who would head just wide in what would be Jeanfield’s final warning before the opening goal. A minute later Campbell slid the ball between centre backs’ Liam Woolly and Jack Simpson, finding Smith who lashed the ball beyond Curtis in the 29th minute.

Luncarty nearly found an equaliser in their best effort of the half, with a deep cross finding Kyle Woolley at the back post. His first time strike rattled off the post and away from danger.

Smith grabbed his second moments after, giving Jeanfield an important buffer on the 35th minute. An awkward through ball made Curtis gamble but Smith was quicker, rounding the keeper before slotting home.

A killer third involved Smith again, this time turning provider for Archie Campbell. Smith nodded down from a cross, leaving Campbell to slot the ball home from 10 yards.

The half-time halted The Swifts, who finished the half playing very positive football. Luncarty were blown away by Smith and Campbell, and offered little up top.

The second half brought less action to the Riverside with Jeanfield seemingly content with their three goal lead. An inviting free kick on the edge of the Jeanfield box gave Luncarty a chance to strike back, but Sean Hastie’s effort was deflected off the wall and wide.

Substitutions slowed the game down further, with action limited to a Gary Fergus strike that soared over the bar. Luncarty pushed for a consolation in the final 10 minutes and came close through a Gregor Donald free kick, but Jeanfield keeper Ben Swinton would earn his clean-sheet. Jeanfield almost added a fourth in the 89th minute, but Matthew Cullerton dragged the final effort of the game wide.

The referee blew the final whistle after 95 minutes of action, confirming a comfortable home win.

Full time: Jeanfield 3-0 Luncarty

The Swifts are on the road to Sauchie for their first match of 2025, whilst Luncarty host Dunipace.