Musselburgh Athletic 2017/18

[Kilbowie's Finest]

Nice dry morning through here Casey- if Bankies game is off today I’ll probably pop down to see this

[Casey Jones]

13 minutes ago, Kilbowie's Finest said:

Nice dry morning through here Casey- if Bankies game is off today I’ll probably pop down to see this

Hard to believe that we are into April and still concerned about matches being postponed. Already two matches in East Region off today. Hope the Bankies match gets go ahead, but if not, should be a great match at Blackburn.

[The Faceman]

1 hour ago, Casey Jones said:

League match 22 for Musselburgh; away to Blackburn. Looking forward to it!

Will this be a league match next year Casey?

[Casey Jones]

11 hours ago, The Faceman said:

Will this be a league match next year Casey?

Depends whether or not Blackburn resign at the end of the season? Might know more at the end of this month. If their application is not approved for EoS league, the set up at Blackburn will certainly enhance the Super League next season.

[Casey Jones]

Match 22 of League campaign for both teams, with Musselburgh travelling to meet Blackburn. The first match, at Olivebank, nearly six months ago, saw a 2-1 win for the home team. Of the starting 11, in October, only five remained for Blackburn today. In contrast,  Musselburgh fielded nine of the original starting line up, and the other two came on as subs in the first match.

Flag bearers welcomed both teams onto the pitch, and the match kicked off at 14:32. 

The first 12 minutes were very fast flowing, played mainly in Blackburn’s half, with some great passing from the Musselburgh team. In that period, The first goal could have come from a goalkeeping error. Musselburgh played a long ball up the field and Marley came out of the box and tried to knee/ chest the ball, but the ball rebounded off Stephen MacDonald back into the box. Luckily for the Blackburn no.1, he was able to dive and smother the ball for safety. 

On 20 minutes, Mathu King received the ball in the box, and was goalside of Williamson. However, the Blackburn player managed to steal the ball off of Mathu and clear the danger. Then three minutes later, Ally Adams, the Musselburgh goalie had to act quickly as the ball came in towards McDowall, but Ally got in first and cleared the danger.

The first real chance of a goal came in 25 minutes, when the Blackburn left back Heath had a long range effort which just went by Ally’s left hand post. Michael Moffat was next with an shot from outside the box, which just went over the bar. 

With around 35 minutes played, on a one on one situation Ally took a head knock from an incoming attacker. The Musselburgh bench were far from happy with this, but the referee took no action. Play was stopped for a few minutes whilst Ally recovered from this. On 40 minutes, Musselburgh were awarded a free kick on the right wing, following a foul by Heath on Michael. The left back was spoken to the ref, but no card was produced. Gary Cherrie took a low free kick which was played towards Mathu. Ball was played out to Jonno McManus, but his shot was well wide of goals.

At that point, Musselburgh made a substitution with Jackie Myles coming on for Sean Murphy, who appeared to be limping from an earlier challenge. Into injury time, and Musselburgh were awarded a corner, much to the annoyance of the Blackburn players. Gary took the kick, which Jackie tried to pounce on at the near post, but ball was cleared. Half time with no score.

Second half kicked off at 15:34. The first talking point came six minutes later when ball was played into Mathu in the Blackburn area and just before his shot hit the net, the ref blew for offside, much to the decry of most of the Burgh supporters. Ref was so far away from the play of action, it was hard to reason with his decision.

On 53 minutes, ball was up the other end of the pitch with McDowall shooting from outside the box, but the ball went straight into Ally’s arms. Four minutes later, there was good interchange of play between, Young, Campbell and Hutton, which resulted in a shot by Campbell. However, instead of going towards the goals, the ball seemed to cross over the six yard area.

On the hour, a free kick  for Blackburn was floated into the goal area. Ally made a hash of his punch out, with the ball falling to Hutton who had a great chance to put Blackburn 1-0 up. However, he squandered his attempt, placing the ball yards past the post. Five minues later Musselburgh then had a chance when the ball came to Mathu, but his header went over the bar. Then from a throw in, the ball was played to McDowall,. When his ball was played into the Musselburgh goal area, no one was there to meet it. 

Blackburn’s first sub, saw Campbell being replaced by Ross.  On 73 minutes, Jonno was booked for a foul. A minute later, Matty Lynch lost the ball and Murphy make a great run up the right wing and then shot, which brought out a good save by Ally.

In quick succession, Blackburn’s Morton replaced Hutton, whilst Gary was subbed with Bradley Whyte coming on. 

With 8 minutes remaining, Jed Davie played a great cross ball to Michael, who from the edge of the box crossed in ball to the box, but Mathu’s header was saved by the keeper.  A minute later, Bradley had two attempts in quick succession. His first shot was  blocked and sent for a corner. When the ball came in, it found Bradley again, but the ball was cleared.  Tempo in the match had moved up a notch in the closing stages, and Musselburgh broke the deadlock with three minutes remaining. Mathu received a pass from Stephen, and hit a bullet shot passed Marley’s left hand side and into the net. What a goal!

On 88 minutes, Ross had a great chance to equalise when the ball wasn’t cleared from the Musselburgh goal area, but his shot went just wide. Then straight away, the ball switched to the other end of the park with Marley saving Conor Thomson’s shot. 

Into injury time and McDowall had a shot saved by Ally, and then Mildren had a golden chance for an equiliser. The ball was played to him, but from 4 yards out, he blasted the ball over the bar. 

Full time then came with Musselburgh winning 1-0 and moving 18 points clear of 2nd placed Haddington.

[Toffee fan]

A good result in the end but it was a very scrappy performance from Musselburgh. We started the match well, and for first 15 minutes were all over Blackburn playing some great passing football. After that the tempo slipped and Blackburn came more into the game. Second half was as poor as we had played all season, but got the only goal of the match with about three minutes to go. Mathu King scored a cracking goal.

With the 3 points in the bag; neither Fauldhouse or Haddington playing league matches and Tayport not winning, it was a good day all around.

[Toffee fan]

Brad Donaldson was the supporters club player of the match, yesterday at Blackburn. My choice would either have been Jed Davie or Brad.

Jed, who for this season, is usually our left back, was playing in midfield, but linked up well between his defenders and forward line. Brad was solid for most of the match, and hit a few great long passes. I could have given the award to Mathu; 1, for the brilliant goal he scored, and 2, for the 3 points it got us.

For Blackburn, thought their best two players were Murphy and McDowall.

[Toffee fan]

Hope Tayport's pitch is standing up to this p1ss awful weather and that Saturday's match goes ahead!

[Casey Jones]

League match 23 of season, away to Tayport. Looking forward to the scenic route through Glenrothes at its many roundabouts! Hopefully that will be topped by a win for the Burgh!

[Casey Jones]

Match 23 of the league campaign with Musselburgh travelling to Tayport. The reverse fixture was first league match of season. Tayport raced into a 2-0 lead, but Musselburgh raised their game, and were comfortable 6-2 winners by the end of the match. Would this be another high scoring match? One change in the starting line up from last week; with Jackie Myles coming in for Sean Murphy.

Match kicked off at 14:33, and the first shot fell to Tayport’s centre forward, Reid, who shot from outside the box. Ally Adams was too casual, and instead stopping the ball, or kicking it up the park, the ball bounced off his foot and out for a corner. Nothing came of that. On five minutes, from a throw in the left hand side of the pitch, the ball was played into Tayport’s Robertson, who in turn passed to Gill, at the edge of the Musselburgh box. Gill’s shot brought a diving save from Ally.

On seven minutes, there was good link up from defence to attack, with Ally’s kick out met by Stephen MacDonald, who then played the ball to Mathu King. Mathu back-headed the ball which Stephen collected, racing up the pitch, but he was brought down by O’Brien. From the free kick, Conor Thomson skied the ball way over the bar.

Four minutes later, and Jed Davie chased a long ball up the left wing, but Sturrock put it out for a throw in. From this, Matty Lynch put in a cross, which Stephen headed just wide of the post. Although the match was played at a quick pace, Musselburgh weren’t keeping a hold of the ball, which led to Calvin Shand shouting words of advice and encouragement to his Musselburgh players, trying to get them focused on the game they are more than capeable of playing.

The first goal came in 16 minutes. Tayport had the ball in the Musselburgh box, and Gill went down, claiming for a penalty, which the ref ignored. The ball moved quickly up the park with great passing place between Mathu and Stephen, and when Stephen was in the box, he coolly slotted the ball to the right of the goalie, and it was 1-0 to Musselburgh. As players made their was back to their own halves, Michael Moffat received a yellow card, as the ref had deemed there was a bad tackle a few moments earlier. 

The equiliser came in 23 minutes in bizarre circumstances. A punt up the field saw a Tayport player backing into the Musselburgh box, as Ally was heading towards player/ball. The Tayport player collided with Ally and both fell to the ground. The ref blew for a penalty. All those connected with Musselburgh couldn’t believe the decision, but Reid stepped up, and made the score 1-1.

The first booking for Tayport came on 26 minutes, after they were awarded a free kick deep in their half. For some reason, the ref then booked O'Brien. A couple of minutes later, Tayport were awarded another free kick, which was aimed towards the Burgh box, and Reid hit his shot just over the bar. On the half hour mark, Tayport were again on the attack, but Jonno McManus got the ball back to Ally, who kicked the ball up field. It came to Mathu, who rounded the keeper and tapped the ball into the net for a 2-1 lead to Musselburgh.

On 35 minutes, Musselburgh were in the ascendancy. Ally played the ball to left midfield, where Matty Lynch collected, and passed it forward to Conor. The ball was kicked towards Jed Davie, who was brought down in the Tayport box. Mathu slotted his penalty down the middle of the net and it was 3-1. A few minutes later, Mathu had a chance for his hat-trick but instead of connecting properly with the ball, it slide off his left boot and ball went past keeper’s right post.

With a minute to go to half time, ball was played to Conor, on the left wing. From the bye-line, he crossed the ball with Mathu rising ( like the star he is!) and heads the ball into the net for a 4-1 lead. Musselburgh were so much in control, that it was time for Rollo to throw his toys out the pram! He up-rooted Jackie Myles from behind, then walked away knowing he was heading for a yellow card. Some of the supports thought the wrong card was produced. Half time came with a 4-1 lead for Musselburgh, and a hat-trick to boot for Mathu!

The second half was two minutes old when the first sub was made. Tayport’s left winger, Ireland went off and Christie replaced him. Then on 53 minutes, Brad Donaldson was booked for a foul on a Tayport player.  First corner of the 2nd half went to Tayport on 55 minutes, but Ally collected the ball safely. Ally wasn’t as fortunate four minutes later, when he made a dreadful mistake. The ball was played back to him and he had time to clear the ball away, or pass out to a player. Somehow Ally duffed the ball, and it went to his right hand side.  All Reid had to do was collect the ball and he will never score an easier goal in his life! 

For a few minutes later, Ally seemed perplexed by what had gone by, and there was an ongoing arguement between Ally and his manager, Shand. Mathu shouted that it was over and get to get back focused for the remainder of the match. On 64 minutes, Sturrock made two fouls in a row, the 2nd of which he brought down Jackie, for which he was booked for.

A couple of minutes later, a Tayport took the ball out of play, with the linesman flagging for a Musselburgh throw in. The ref then booked Conor, again for reasons only the ref must know of. When he began play again, he pointed for Tayport to take the throw in, and the linesman said nothing, but changed the direction of his flag. Utter baffling!

On 68 minutes, Tayport were awarded a free kick just outside the box, but the ball goes straight to Ally.  Tayport were coming more and more into the match.  However, Musselburgh had a chance to increase the lead again. Ball was played over Paterson’s head, and was met by Stephen just outside the Tayport box. Mathu wat to his left, but instead of passing or having a shot himself, Stephen held onto the ball for too long, with the ball eventually cleared.  

Michael Moffat went down with a hamstring injury with 10 minutes of the match remaining. After a few minutes, he was replaced by Bradley Whyte, and at the same time, Tayport’s O’Brien was subbed with Sutherland coming on. This was soon followed by Conor being subbed with Ewan Ralton replacing him. Bradley still looking for his first goal had an opportunity with four minutes remaining. He had the ball on the edge of the box, and had Mathu on his left hand side. He decided to go on his own, but his shot was blocked. The pass might have been the best option, but Mathu, playing a captain’s role, tried to keep encorouging Bradley by clapping his effort. 

With seven minutes remaining, a long ball was played to Mathu, but his shot just went wide of the post. Ball was quickly played up the pitch, and as received by Gill, in the box, Jed brought him down. Reid scored his second goal from the spot, and in turn his hat-trick to make it 4-3 to Musselburgh. A minute later, ball was again in the Musselburgh goal area, but this time, Ally blocked a shot from Sutherland. 

On 87 minutes, Musselburgh had two chances to make it 5-3. Sorely made a great point blank save from Mathu; then the ball fell to Stephen whose shot was again saved by the keeper. Great piece of play by Sorely. In final minute, Gill received a yellow card for a kick on Ralton. 

Into injury time, and on a tackle, Jackie went down with what appeared like a knee injury. After treatment he was helped off the field, and looked to be replaced by Kevin McDonald. However, a minute later, Brad Donaldson went down, also with a knee injury. He looked in a lot of pain and he too was helped off the field, hopping on one leg. Surprisingly, Jackie returned to the fields of play, with Kevin replacing Brad.

No further goals so match ended 4-3 for Musselburgh, with Reid coming away with a hat-trick for Tayport and Mathu King doing likewise for Musselburgh. Over the two matches, 15 goals were scored, with Musselburgh netting 10 and 5 for Tayport.

[Toffee fan]

The supporters club player of the match went to hat-trick scoring Mathu King. Perhaps surprisingly, this is Matti’s first MoM award this season. Scoring the three goals was a good enough reason in itself, but for me, Matty Lynch ran him close as our best player. Had a couple of great blocking tackles in the first half, and his distribution of the ball during the match was excellent.

Great to see Jackie Myles get his first full match since he re-signed for Musselburgh. Gave his team mates and supporters a bit off of a scare when he went down injured towards the end, but showed his class, as a player when he returned to the pitch for the last couple of minutes till the final whistle. 

[Casey Jones]

Cup day with Musselburgh visiting Super League team Dundonald in 3rd round of East of Scotland cup. Winners meet Newtongrange - great incentive to progress to next round!

 

[Casey Jones]

A break from the league campaign saw Musselburgh travel to Fife to play Super League side Dundonald, in the 3rd round of East of Scotland Cup. There were two changes to the starting line up from last week. Michael Moffat and Brad Donaldson received injuries, and were replaced by Bradley Whyte and Ewen Ralton.

Match kicked off just before 2.30pm. The first corner came seven minutes later, for Musselburgh, but nothing came of it. In fact the first shot on goal was on 11 minutes when another corner to Burgh, found Mathu King. His shot went high above the bar. A couple of minutes later, Musselburgh’s passing play was in full flow with Jed Davie passing ball over width of the park to Bradley, who played it into Gary Cherrie, and then Bradley continued to run up the wing. Gary beat a Dundonald player, looked up, and played a curling pass into the path of Bradley, who attempted to find Mathu King in the box, but the centrehalf Wilson cleared the ball away.

On 18/19 minutes, Dundonald had two chances to break the deadlock. The ball came in from a corner, and was punched out by Ally Adams, but only to Meikle whose shot was blocked for another corner. Another weak punch out by Ally was met by a Dundonald player who shot, but Ally made the save. 

Dundonald claimed for a penalty in 26 minutes, when Meikle went down in the box after contesting the ball with Jed, but the ref waived play on. Then a couple of minutes later, Musselburgh were awarded a free kick deep into Dundonald’s half. Conor hit a floating cross, which landed on the bar and out for a goal-kick.

First goal of match came in 35 minutes, described by Burgh’s assistant manager as ‘outrageous’! Musselburgh had a free kick on the left side of the park. Ball was sent into the box, and cleared towards Jed. From 30 yards out, Jed looked up,  saw a clear path in front of him and just let rip! The ball hit the net to the left of the goalie, who, along with his defenders,  just stood motionless! Great goal and 1-0 to Musselburgh. 

Two minutes later and Dundonald were on the attack. Again there was a tussle between Meikle and Jed, with the forward again going down. This time, the ref, rightly gave Dundonald a penalty. Up stepped Campbell, who made no mistake, and the match was level at 1-1. 

Unbelieveably, on 39 minutes, the third goal of match was scored. Whistle was blown for Musselburgh being offside. Dundonald took the kick, up their right wing, and ball was collected by Campbell, who came into the penalty area. Poor defending allowed Campbell to shoot, and he scored his second goal in as many minutes.

In the last minute of the first half, Campbell nearly got his hat-trick, with a shot from outside the box, which Ally managed to punch away to safety. A few moments later,  Dundonald had a corner, which was met by Wilson. His header was cleared off the line by Matty  Lynch, and out for a corner. This was taken again by the left back Drummond, which Stephen MacDonald got to first, and Ally then grabbed hold of the ball.

Half-time 2-1 to Dundonald.

Into the Second half and the first shot, came after the goalie, Lennox played the ball up the park. It came to Smith, who, with the ball in the air took aim, but saved easily by Ally.  Musselburgh went straight up the park, and the ball was collected by Mathu who hit a low shot towards the net. The ball past the keeper and Musselburgh fans were cheering for a goal, only for Wilson to make an outstanding clearance off the line, and keep Dundonald ahead in the match.

On 59 minutes, Smith had a great chance for 3-1. He was on the right hand side of the box and shot, but it was a poor attempt straight into the hands of Ally.  A couple of minutes later, ball was played down the Musselburgh left wing, to Stephen, who ran clear of Walton. However, the lineman raised his flag for offside, to the fury of the Musselburgh supporters. Even Dundonald supporters were saying that the decision was wrong.

In quick succession, Dundonald made two substitutions.  Meikle was replaced by Penman and then Bell came on for McKenzie. On 67 minutes, Gary Cherrie was brought down outside the box. Conor Thomson took the free kick, but skied it over the bar. Few of the Burgh  supporters were wondering why Matty Lynch didn’t take the kick. By this time Musselburgh were on the ascendancy and a ball was played into the goal area, but centre half Wedderburn cleared the ball for a throw in. It was taken quickly and came to Conor, who on the turn, strike the ball which just past Lennox and out for a goal kick. 

On 73 minutes, Bradley had a good run down the left wing and from the by-line, crossed the ball in, but Stephen headed over the bar. With 15 minutes remaining Musselburgh’s Ewen Ralton came off; replaced by Brad Donaldson. Five minutes later,  Dundonald had the ball in the net, but goal never stood. Musselburgh tried to clear the ball away from their penalty box. Wedderburn collected the ball, and passed to Moffat, who provided the ball to Campbell, but ref blew, just as he rounded Ally and put ball in net.

Last five minutes, saw good interlinking play between Brad, Bradley and Conor, with ball moving up the left wing. Conor managed to get the ball into the goal area, but it went straight to the keeper. Then in the final minute, Ally played a dreadful kick out. Campbell met the ball and his cross found Smith whose header just went wide of the post. With time running out, there was frantic play by Musselburgh, and three plays in quick succession, saw balls played into the Dundonald goal area, but cleared to two occasions with keeper making final save.

Ref then blew the final whistle. A close match finished Dundonald beating Musselburgh 2-1.

[Casey Jones]

Thought it was a good match between the two sides, and not much in it. There were times that Musselburgh were on the ascendancy and others that Dundonald had the upper hand. Good clean match, and I don’t think there were any bookings. 

Good luck to Dundonald in the next round, at home to Nitten.

[Toffee fan]

Supporters club player of the match was Gary Cherrie. Had another solid performance again yesterday. Although it won’t seem like much, Gary hit one of the best passes I’ve seen this season, when he curled the ball in front of Bradley Whyte who was making a run up the left wing. Great piece of skill for anyone watching.

Thought Mathu had another good game yesterday, following his man of the match last week. Although he didn’t score, his play merited it, and was so close, but for a last ditch block from  Colin Wilson when the ball was about to cross the line.

Jed could have been in with a chance, purely for the audacious goal he scored in the first half.

Best players for Dundonald were the centre backs, Colin Wilson and Craig Wedderburn and Archie Campbell, who was unlikely not to get a hat-trick.

[Casey Jones]

Updated fixtures see Musselburgh face East Lothian rivals in the next two matches. On Saturday, a visit to Olivebank by Dunbar, winners of their last 6 away league games. The following Wednesday, Musselburgh travel to meet Haddington, who are undefeated at home in the league this season.

Two cracking matches to look forward to!

[Casey Jones]

League match 24 for Musselburgh who are at home to Dunbar, who have played one more!

Get along and support your team!

[Casey Jones]

7 minutes ago, gogsy said:

Like how this thread has remained focused on this season and hasnt resorted to whats going to happen next season. 

As it should do gogsy. Still got a lot to play for - and a lot to focus on, after what happened last season!

[Toffee fan]

Good 4-2 win today against a much improved Dunbar side.

Supporters club man of the match award went to Chris Gray. Bet few Musselburgh fans, if any, would disagree with that. Great in defence and scored Burgh’s 2nd goal. Thought Chris’s other central defence partner, Brad Donaldson also had a good match. You could see he was limping for most of the match, but never shirked out of a tackle the whole game.

If you could pick a man of match purely on 45 minutes play, Sean Murphy (Skip) would have walked away with the award. Again, he was injured, but his performance in the 2nd half was immense, and his pass to Ewan Ralton, to score Musselburgh’s fourth goal was pure class - what a player! Best player in the Premier League this season!

For Dunbar, thought Chris King had a good match. Few good free kicks and shots on target. But it was spoilt by his yellow card in the first half for a dreadful challenge. However, their best player was the left back Tait, who seems a very confident guy on the ball.

[Casey Jones]

League match 24 for Musselburgh saw them welcome Dunbar United to Olivebank. The reverse fixture, was the 2nd match of the season, with Musselburgh won 6-0. Two changes from last week. Jono McManus and Gary Cherrie are  absent from Olivebank, and Chris Gray and Brad Donaldson return as the centre back pairing.

Match kicked off at 14:33 with linesmen officiating for only the 3rd time this season at home. It was six minutes later before the first shot at goal. Chris King got the ball in the middle of Musselburgh’s half. He took a few steps forward then unleashed a shot, which just went past Ally Adam’s right post.

On ten minutes, King was on the move again, beating Bradley Whyte in a tackle and shot, but Ally put ball out for a corner. From this, the ball eventually came out to Steven Kean, whose shot was easily saved by the keeper.  In the 12th minute, a long pass was played up the park and chased by Jed Davie. First to the ball, was Dunbar’s James Harley, but his attempt to pass the ball back to his goalie failed, and Jed shoot from the edge of the box, past Liam McCathie’s left hand side and into the net. 1-0 to Musselburgh. Three minutes later, Dunbar could have equalised. They had a corner, taken by King. Direct from the kick, the ball came off the top of the bar, and then away to safety.

With 18 minutes played,  Musselburgh were on the attack. Ewan Ralton had the ball near to the Dunbar penalty box. Ralts seemed to hang on to the ball for too long, but managed to pass it to Jed. He was disposed and bar played  across the pitch to Stephen MacDonald. His pass found Mathu King in the box. Mathu’s shot was cleared for a corner. Conor Thomson took it, and whilst nobody seemed to move for the ball, Chris Gray rose and headed the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead to Burgh. 

Straight from the kick-off, Chris King took a pot shot at goal, which Ally saved. On 22 minutes, Ralts got the ball, and ran up the left wing, before taking a shot. The ball wasn’t going in, but Mathu was able to scramble the ball into the net. So in an eight minutes spell, Musselburgh scored 3 goals without reply. In 24 minutes, Dunbar had free kick, taken by the right back,Thomson. The ball came to Dean Ballantyne, whose shot was saved by Ally.

Chris King  got Dunbar’s 2nd yellow card (didn’t note the 1st yellow!), for scything down Jackie Myles, deep in Musselburgh’s half. From the free kick, the ball was played to Jed, but he blasted it over bar. Dunbar’s 1st goal was scored on 30 minute mark. Ball had been played into the box, and was chased by Darren Handling, and Brad Donaldson. The ball seemed to be going out for a corner, when Handling fell to the ground. To the astonishment of the Burgh players and support, the ref blew for a penalty. King took the kick and  although Ally got a hand to the ball, he couldn’t prevent the ball hitting the back of the net.

On 32 minutes and Dunbar were back in attack. Ball was played forward by Ballantyne, but it went away from him, and Ally came out of his area and cleared any danger. Burgh’s 1st booking came six minutes of the first half remaining. Brad went in for a tackle with Handling, and the ball came off him, and out for a throw in. But the ref blew for a Dunbar throw in, and Brad was apoplectic with the decision, and earned a yellow card for this. 

With five minutes to go, another attack by Dunbar saw Fraser McLaren have a shot, but this was blocked by Chris G, Soon after, Chris K, hit what looked like a driver towards goals. Ally was able to punch the ball clear. Then into injury time, Musselburgh were up the park, and Conor was fouled for a free kick. Conor took the kick himself, but the ball went over the bar, bounced, and over the perimeter fence. Sadly the ball met its demise by being flattened by an on-coming car. 

Half time and Musselburgh leading 3-1.

Start of second half; 15:34 saw Sean (Skip) Murphy replace Mathu King. Skip was in action straight away where his pass was met by Ralts. Hi sorry shot was blocked and went for a corner. When played in, ball was cleared, then met by Jed who took a shot from outside box, which was cleared away by James Harley. Another couple of plays in the box for Musselburgh were both saved by McCathie to keep score at 3-1. Jackie seemed to be hurt in a challenge, and on 60 minutes, was replaced by Michael Moffat. Around the same time, Chris King was substituted with Dunbar’s Jamie Chapman coming on.

On 66 minutes, Kieran Ingram went in heavy to bring Skip down. Ref spoke to Ingram, but surprisingly didn’t show him the yellow card. By now there was lots of good quick football being played, but little action in the penalty areas. This changed, though, approaching 75 minutes, by a piece of sheer skill by Skip. He collected the ball, and whilst it was in the air, flicks the ball in front of Ralts, who neatly passes the ball by the left of the keeper and into the net. The goal was what mattered (4-1) but the pass by Skip, was the play of the day.

A few minutes later there were a couple of subs, with Conor Thomson being replaced by Kevin McDonald, while for Dunbar, Kevin Motion came on for Fraser McLaren. Then on 79 minutes, Ingram finally went into the ref’ book for a foul on Brad - long overdue yellow card. With two minutes remaining, Dunbar had a free kick on the right hand side of the Musselburgh half. When the ball was played in to the box, Chris Gray headed the ball into his own net to reduce the deficit for Dunbar to 4-2, which was final score.

So, in two matches this season between the sides, 12 goals were scored, 10 to Musselburgh and two to Dunbar; who were a much improved side to the one that started the season. Indeed there were large parts of this match that Dunbar seems to have the upper hand, particularly in the first half. However, it’s goals that count, and the three goals in an eight minute period early on in the match, was Dunbar’s downfall!