Chris McLeish was at the double as Jeanfield Swifts picked up an impressive 3-1 Challenge Cup win against 10-man Civil Service Strollers.
And manager Ross Gunnion admits youngster Kieran Sweeney grabbing the third away at the Lowland League side was the “icing on the cake”.
Civil Service Strollers (CSS) were down a player after just five minutes when Lewis Duffy was shown red for handball.
The resulting penalty was missed and Swifts were unable to make a breakthrough in the opening half.
But forward McLeish soon struck after the break with two clinical finishes before Sweeney showed neat feet and composure to make progression safe.
CSS did net a consolation but it was the men from Perth who advanced beyond round four of the competition.
“I thought we started the game very well and put CSS on the back foot,” Gunnion told the PA.
“On a very poor surface we still managed to move the ball quick and some of the movement we had was excellent.
“CSS going down to 10 men early meant that they were more focused on stopping us playing rather than trying to express themselves in the game and that can prove a challenge.
“But we were patient and eventually got the goals our play deserved. I believe even if they had 11 men we would still have been the better team.”
McLeish earned praise, not just for his goals, but his all-round contribution.
“Chris McLeish getting two goals was something his overall performance merited,” Gunnion said.
“He led the line very well and linked the play at every opportunity.
“Some of the link up between him, Shaun Struthers and Paul Simpson was impossible to defend.
“And the icing on the cake was Kieran Sweeney getting a goal with a very good touch and finish.
“He’s been excellent since stepping up from our U20s and I can see him getting better and better as he develops.”
