The Burgh made advantage of a host of postponements to take up the offer of a friendly against Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts at the Dalgety Bay Sports Centre with much needed minutes in the legs of the squad following the recent inactivity.

It was a good work out for both sides and a chance to test ourselves against Premier League opposition, whilst giving a first sighting of loan signing Ewan Strang, and a return from injury for Kellar Harris. Whilst in the yellow and blue of Swifts was ex-Burgh boy Rory Marshall.

The opening 45 minutes were fairly even with opportunities falling to both sides. Lewis Stevenson had a header from a corner cleared off the line in the 21st minute and Strang had a good low effort saved by the Swifts keeper just before half time, whilst first half keeper Mark Robertson was also called into action in the 24th minute when a Swifts striker was through on goal.

Hillfield Swifts started the second half stronger with a chance in the opening seconds which was deflected behind for a corner, whilst a couple of other chances could have ended in the Burgh net.

Connall White had a good shot saved at the near post in the 56th minute, whilst Michael Perrie had a shot charged down after great work by Cai Macdonald.

The hosts took the lead in the 59th minute after a ball into the box saw a host of bodies collide, including sub keeper David Chalmers, the ball fell loose and Chalmers dived to block an effort before the ball again fell nicely for Cowie to poke home with Andrew Cameron down injured.

Burgh were unlucky to see a Macdonald goal disallowed by the linesman after a great pass by Hamid Eddouss in the 64th minute.

The Swifts put the game to bed in the 83rd minute when Cowie beat Chalmers to a through ball and slotted home into the net to make it 2-0.

The result and the performance wasn’t a let down, but it was important to get minutes in the legs of as much of the squad as possible ahead of next Saturday’s visit (weather permitting!) of Dalkeith Thistle to East Shore Park.

Thank you to Hillfield Swifts for contacting us and arranging this game, best wishes for the rest of the season.

Team: Robertson, White, Grieve, Cameron (C), Malcolm, Anderson, Macdonald, McPhate, Stevenson, Harris, Strang. Subs (all used): Fyfe, Lawson, Chalmers, O’Rourke, Eddouss, Perrie.