Musselburgh Athletic F.C 2018/19

[HibeeJibee]

Paid a visit to the Musselburgh football exhibition in the town's compact museum yesterday... very nicely presented and interesting, especially the vintage team photos, badges, shirts and old redundant Junior trophies. Good to see - there was another in the Borders last few years called "Frontiers: The Berwickshire Football Story".

Might need a new section if you win League Cup!

[Casey Jones]

19 minutes ago, HibeeJibee said:

Paid a visit to the Musselburgh football exhibition in the town's compact museum yesterday... very nicely presented and interesting, especially the vintage team photos, badges, shirts and old redundant Junior trophies. Good to see - there was another in the Borders last few years called "Frontiers: The Berwickshire Football Story".

Might need a new section if you win League Cup!

I am glad you liked it HJ! Thank you for the positive feedback.

I have still to see it, but as it is on until 8 June, I plan on going once the season is over for Musselburgh.

General of opinion is that it is worth the visit. Although, as you say, the museum is compact, people say the exhibition is well thought out and a lot of effort was put in, to get all the information and ‘memorabilia’ in there. 

[MDM]

12 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

On 80 minutes, Conor Thomson was replaced by Scott McNaughton. Just after, Deans was booked for bull-dozing into Jackie Myles; then Nathan Evans received a yellow for a challenge on Kennedy. With five minutes left, Daniel McBay was last sub on, for Conor Thomson.

There's only two Conor Thomson's  

[Casey Jones]

43 minutes ago, MDM said:

There's only two Conor Thomson's  

Morning MDM

I do that deliberately (?!?) just to see if someone is reading my notes of the match!  Looks like you are one of three that do!! Cheers for the moral support and I will delete Conor's name. There can only be ONE Conor T!

[MDM]

Just teasing CJ, you do a great job

[Ginaro]

If you want to quiz the secretary

 

[HibeeJibee]

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh have come a long way since end of 2016-17.   Got relegated from East Region East Region Super League. Bounced back as Premier league winners in 2017-18.  Then, went through the turmoil of wondering if the club would be in existence this season.

Thankfully this was resolved! From having no Management or players signed in June 18, to finishing 3rd in Conference A and reaching Sunday's league cup final against Bo'ness is nothing short of remarkable. 

The supporters are proud of players, management, new office bearers and committee for all that has been achieved! 

Whatever the result on Sunday, season 2018-19 has been a pleasure!

[Casey Jones]

Unusual situation for both set of players, as the League Cup Final between Bo’ness and Musselburgh was played on a Sunday.  In the Junior set-up, generally the only cup tie played on a Sunday was the Scottish Cup Final.  However, now that both clubs are in the East of Scotland League set up, it appears that cup finals on a Sunday are the norm.

For Bo’ness, from reports elsewhere, it appeared that some of the team would either be out due to injury or because of a pre-arranged Stag Do. One of those mentioned was the midfielder Michael Gemmell. However, he cut his venture short, to travel back for the final, an act, which, should be applauded!

For Musselburgh,; one change from last week’s semi-final. Michael Deland absent due to due holidays and he was replaced by Jack Gillan. Burgh fans might have expected a straight swap, but it was clear to see that Conor Thomson would fill the left back position with Jack Gillan in midfield.

Match was played at Penicuik’s ground on a lovely sunny day. A good crowd had built up with Bo’ness shooting down the slope in the first half. Match kicked off at 14:01. First real attack came in two minutes. From defence Jackie Myles played a long ball over the Bo’ness defence. Mathu King ran through, but ball went just too far and the keeper, Murphy got there first.

Soon after, Bo’ness’ left winger Stevenson moved up the pitch and his cross was met by Morgan. His shot was easily saved by Ally Adams. On seven minutes, Jonno McManus, played a worldy ball cross field, right to the feet of Liam Gregory. There was a wee passing match, but when ball played through to Conor Thomson, his first touch was too heavy and ball went out for by-kick.

Next move, saw a one-two between Jackie Myles and Liam Gregory. From this Liam Gregory ran into the box but  the ball from Jackie Myles was too hard and another chance went astray for Burgh. From the by-kick, ball went deep into the Burgh halfor but play broke down. Ally Adams punted ball up to Mathu King, who was one on one with the keeper, Murphy. Mathu King’s shot brought out a fine save from the keeper.

On 13 minutes, Michael Moffat was fouled close to the Bo’ness penalty box. Michael Moffat was none too happy with the challenged but no action was taken. A poor free kick by Conor Thomson went straight to Murphy. Next up, it was Bo’ness who pressed forward with Stevenson crossing ball into the Burgh penalty box. Bradley Whyte cleared ball for a throw in. From this, Stevenson hit another cross into the box. Morgan’s attempt to put Bo’ness into the lead came to nothing as Ally Adams easily saved the shot.

With half an hour played Musselburgh had a great chance to score, but instead of someone taking control and shooting, the ball was passed around three or four times in the Bo’ness penalty area but cleared without Murphy having to do anything.

On 32 minutes, Burgh lost control of the ball deep in the Bo’ness half.  If anyone has watched Youtube in recent matches, they would have noticed a couple of goals involving a good number of Burgh players.  This time, it was Bo’ness, who cultivated a worthy goal to take the lead. The centre half passed ball out to the left of the field. Five passes later ball was on the half way line, and then moved across field and down the right wing to Morgan. From the by-line, Morgan crossed the ball, over a couple of players to where Stevenson was standing. A simple tap in past Ally Adams and Bo’ness were 1-0 up.

A few minutes later, it should have been two nil. As the ball came into the Burgh box, there was a kick about by some players. Then the ball reached Stevenson but his shot hit the post and cleared to safety.

In last couple of minutes of the first half, Bo’ness were once again on the attack down the left wing. The Bo’ness supporters wanted a foul from a challenge by Michael Moffat. However, play moved on and as the ball went into the box, just as a Bo’ness player was about to shoot, the referee blew for offside.

Half time: Bo’ness 1 – 0 Musselburgh.

Into the second half and there seemed to be a change to the way the game was being played with much less excitement around the ground. It livened up a bit on the hour mark. Gemmell took a throw in on the left hand side of pitch. He got the ball back but as he moved towards the Musselburgh penalty box, ball went a bit far and he lunged at it and took down Liam Reid.

For his efforts, Gemmell received a yellow card; though a number of Burgh fans thought it should have been red! Played was stopped for a few minutes while Liam Reid was treated. At the same time, McKenzie received a yellow as he was kicking ball away to stop free kick being taken by Musselburgh.

Gemmell was not on the pitch much longer as he seemed to obstruct Jonno McManus which caused the Burgh player to fall. Gemmell was awarded his second yellow and a red card. A number of Bo’ness fans were incensed at the decision, but Gemmell was foolish in this, following the yellow he had just received.

With just more than 15 minutes remaining, Burgh fans were jumping for joy as they thought the tram had scored. From a free kick on the left hand side of the box, Conor Thomson played an inswinger, which hit the post, then, somehow ran across the line. A few seconds later and Liam Reid had the ball in the net, only for the linesman to flag for offside. From a post-match photo, there was one Bo’ness player on the line with another close by, so it appeared a wrong decision by the referee, which would prove costly for Musselburgh.

Final minutes of the match saw a couple of attempts from both teams, best of which was a shot from 25 yards by Conor Thomson, which Murphy had to tip over the bar to keep Bo'ness in the lead.

So, when the referee blew the final whistle, it was the players in orange tops who were celebrating as Bo’ness won the 2019 League cup by a score of 1-0.

Musselburgh will rue the fact that they were so much on top in the first 30 minutes of the match but failed to capitalise with a goal. At that point, Bo’ness came onto their game and were rewarded by Stevenson’s goal. Second half was even, but it was Burgh who had to make the break though which did not happen!

I think the Burgh Supporters’ club man of the match awards are finished, due to the upcoming Player of the Year night. My choice on the day would have been Jonny McManus, who had a great game in the Musselburgh defence.

Congratulations to the winners Bo’ness.

Edited May 14, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh need to get over the disappointment of losing Sunday's cup final as they have a tough match coming up on Saturday. Visiting Olivebank in 4th round of King Cup will be Linlithgow.

The last 5 matches were played against Penicuik, Hill of Beath, Camelon, Jeanfield and Bo'ness, Burgh drew one, won 3 and lost one. 

All 5 of the teams should be competing in the top half of the Premier league next season, as should Linlithgow. As all 6 matches had/have importance, either in the league or cup, it gives the Burgh management and players a good idea what to expect the standard to be in 2019-20.

[Casey Jones]

10 minutes ago, Newmania said:

Cant wait to see how the new striker gets on at Musselburgh along side Matty King.

That is a bit of a tease, since no announcement has been made yet!?

[bravehearts dad]

11 minutes ago, Newmania said:

But youll know who it is 

Wayne MacIntosh as he has not been listed on the Penicuik squad list?

Or the return of Kris Renton?

[Krul and The Gang]

1 hour ago, Newmania said:

But youll know who it is 

Darren Downie by any chance heard whisppers of Mussy sniffing about him

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, Newmania said:

But youll know who it is 

Genuinely have no idea!

Billy no mates here! I heard we had signed a player but not a striker! I see a three names mentioned - two I know; the guy, Darren, probably know him if I saw.

If it is Kris - fabulous; but he is in a higher league at moment so not sure he would come back down the ranks.

If it is Wayne - great goalscorer - but I would probably invest is a couple of ear plugs!

[Newmania]

2 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

Genuinely have no idea!

Billy no mates here! I heard we had signed a player but not a striker! I see a three names mentioned - two I know; the guy, Darren, probably know him if I saw.

If it is Kris - fabulous; but he is in a higher league at moment so not sure he would come back down the ranks.

If it is Wayne - great goalscorer - but I would probably invest is a couple of ear plugs!

Downie banged in over 30 goals for Blackburn.

[stingyjag]

12 minutes ago, Newmania said:

Downie banged in over 30 goals for Blackburn.

Was good for blackburn 

[Burnie_man]

8 hours ago, Newmania said:

Cant wait to see how the new striker gets on at Musselburgh along side Matty King.

Always with the gossip Gordon

[Deanburn Dave]

Was good for blackburn 

Was rotten for Bo'ness.

[stingyjag]

not sure he can make that step up up like 

[marcelo]

On 17/05/2019 at 14:47, leftbehind said:

Penicuik been busy with 4 new signings to their squad for next season.   No  MacIntosh    will be weighing up his close season offers   always a last MINUTE DECISION BY wAYNE.

Heard Wayne macintosh is signing for Tranent tomorrow