Musselburgh Athletic F.C 2019/20

[MDM]

13 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

In 79 minutes, Musselburgh gave themselves a lifeline, with a dipping header, in the box, from the trialist which brought the score back to 2 - 1.

Not to be for Musselburgh and after around five minutes of injury time, the final whistle went. Crossgates won the match 2-0.

Must do better

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, MDM said:

Must do better

SH1T!! Have you changed your name? A guy has caught me out previously with sloppy stats - but I did not think it was you!!

Thanks very much for this and a reminder for me to check twice (already read through it once) to ensure accuracy!! Stats are crap if they are wrong!!

Anyway - I am grateful that someone is prepared to read the notes - even if it is to spot the deliberate (or NOT) mistake!!

 

[Casey Jones]

Tough  match, this Saturday when Bo'ness are the visitors to Olivebank. 

Two wins out of six matches this season is not the start Burgh wanted. Hopefully a few players, not available last week, will return so we can give a good account of ourselves. 

[MDM]

16 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

SH1T!! Have you changed your name? A guy has caught me out previously with sloppy stats - but I did not think it was you!!

Thanks very much for this and a reminder for me to check twice (already read through it once) to ensure accuracy!! Stats are crap if they are wrong!!

Anyway - I am grateful that someone is prepared to read the notes - even if it is to spot the deliberate (or NOT) mistake!!

 

It was me CJ   Always enjoy your reports so you have at least one avid reader out there

[Casey Jones]

It seems at the moment, every second match is a cup tie!

Tomorrow, Bo’ness are the visitors to Olivebank, for the 2nd round of the Alex Jack Cup.

In the 1st round, Musselburgh were comfortable winners, beating Peebles Rovers 6-0, in a match played at Olivebank, since Whitestone Park was unavailable.

Bo’ness had an equally comfortable victory, beating Newtongrange Star 5-1 at New Victoria Park.

The last time both teams met was last season, in the East of Scotland Cup Final, held at Penicuik Park on 12 May. In a close affair Bo’ness won the final 1-0.

From the starting line up on that day, only Ally Adams is not still at Musselburgh, so, how many of the remaining 10 will start tomorrow?

Musselburgh come into this match in disappointing form, having lost their last two matches, both away, against Preston Athletic and Crossgates. Meanwhile, Bo’ness recently beat Oakley 4-2 at home and last week, got a good 1-0 win up at Jeanfield.

Contrasting form, but who will be in the 3rd round draw come 5pm tomorrow? Kick off is at 2:30pm.

[RobM]

Hear the stovies were a bit dodgy today. 

We need an EGM.

[PastyMan]

12 hours ago, RobM said:

Hear the stovies were a bit dodgy today. 

We need an EGM.

Emergency Gastric Medicine?

[Casey Jones]

44 minutes ago, PastyMan said:

Emergency Gastric Medicine?

Edible gourmet meal!  

[Casey Jones]

Eight players who took part in last season’s East of Scotland cup final against Bo’ness, on 12 May also took part in yesterday’s Alex Jack cup tie against the same team. May be no coincidence that this was Burgh’s best performance of this season, so far!

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh's form in 2019-20 has not been all that good. Having lost four out of the first six competitive matches, for Musselburgh to advance into the next round of the Alex Jack cup, improvements on the pitch would need to be sizeable.

Six changes were made to last week's team, who lost 2-1 away to Crossgates. Out went Cherrie, Downie, Gregory, McBay, O'Kane and trialist Proctor. In came Jordan Orru, for his first competitive match of the season (injured in pre-season), Tom Clare, Michael Moffat, Jackie Myles, Mathu King and Conor Thomson.

The second round tie, against Bo'ness kicked off at 14:29. The first 10 minutes were largely quiet. That is when the first goal was scored. Jordan Orru took a throw-in on the left hand side of the pitch. Conor Thomson then crossed the ball into the box. Mathu King collected and went passed the Bo'ness left back Syme. Seeing a gap, Mathu King hit the ball between Syme and Hunter and gave the keeper Murphy no chance. One-nil to Musselburgh.

Five minutes later Bo'ness were pressing for the equaliser. As the shot was fired, a number of away fans shouted 'goal'; but this was a bit premature as the ball flew over the bar and out of the ground! On 19 minutes, Burgh were unlucky not to go 2-0 up. Nathan Evens played the ball a bit too far in front of Jack Gillan. However, the ball was chased down and from the right edge of the box, Jack Gillan's shot came back across the goal area. Mathu King lunged at the ball and if he connected, ball was in the net. However, it was not to be and ball was out for a goal kick.

With 23 minutes played, Bo'ness had three chances in quick succession. The first was a shot on goal, which Michael Moffat controlled in the six yard box and moved out of the penalty box. However, Bo'ness got the ball back and the away side pressed up the left wing. As the cross came in, the Bo'ness captain, Donnelly, got his head to the ball. It looked as if the equaliser was there, but Paul Grant got a touch to the ball, which then came back off the bar and scrambled away for a corner. As the Bo'ness fans cheered with expectation, the corner came in. The big centre half Hunter was one yard from goals but somehow managed to header the ball wide and put another ball out of the ground. The great escape music could have come on at that point for Musselburgh.

Only three minutes later, Musselburgh extended the lead. Ball was played to Conor Thomson who hit a bullet shot from 25 yards. Although the keeper attempted to save the rocket, he had no chance as the ball flew into the back of the net. Musselburgh now led 2-0.

On the half hour mark, things got worse for Bo'ness. Hunter put in a strong tackle on Nathan Evans, who landed on the ground. Something must have been said as Nathan Evans quickly got up, only for Hunter to head butt the Burgh player and a straight red card was awarded. A few minutes later and Bo'ness lost their influential midfielder/defender Gemmell. A long ball out of the Musselburgh defence saw Mathu King attempt to collect, but Murphy ran out of his box at the same time. The result was that the Bo'ness keeper poll-axed Gemmell and he took no further part in the match. Snowden was the first substitute of the match, coming on with around eight minutes remaining of the first half.

Into injury time in the first half,, Bo'ness pressed for a goal. As they advanced up the field, the referee blew for a free kick; much to the annoyance of a few of the supporters behind Paul Grant's goal,  as they wanted play to continue. The free kick was taken by the no.14, Grant. On the half volley, Snowden curled the ball into the net. Same supporters were now laughing and cheering!

Half time: Musselburgh 2 - 1 Bo'ness.

Within a minute of the re-start, Bo'ness went on the attack and a shot by Donnelly was cleared for a corner by Michael Moffat. Nothing came of that.

On 47 minutes, Jono McManus brought down a Bo'ness forward. Supporters and some of the Bo'ness players were looking for a red card but the referee produced the yellow. From the free kick, Grant blasted the ball over the bar. Around 10 minutes later: Bo'ness were reduced to nine men. The captain Donnelly made a crunching tackle on Jack Gillan. What followed was a melee involving several players for both teams. This was brought quickly under control and  Donnelly was shown the red card, reducing Bo'ness to 9 men. Burgh's Tom Clare should have  considered himself very lucky not to be shown a red card as well, for his part in the aftermath. Indeed; it was amazing no other cards were produced in the 30 seconds of madness which followed the tackle.

Bo'ness showed no signs of giving in as they pressed for a goal to bring themselves back into the match. There were also dubious tackles still coming in, with Morgan lucky not to be the 3rd player to be red carded, following a rash challenge on Musselburgh's Jordan Orru.  In 63 and 65 minutes, Musselburgh had chances to increase the lead. Mathu King brought out a good save ftom the Bo'ness keeper; then Jackie Myles ' shot was blocked. Tom Clare was shown a yellow card on 67 minutes,  after he barged into a Bo'ness player, who then remonstrated that Tom Clare had used an elbow.

A minute later and the match should have been level. A cross into the box found Syme. From two yards, Syme failed to hit the target and the ball went over the bar. From the goal kick, up went Musselburgh. Mathu King passed the ball to Jordan Orru; standing on the left wing. From a tight angle Jordan Orru’s shot flew over the outstretched Murphy and dipped between the bar and the post for a spectacular goal.

With 69 minutes gone, Burgh led  3-1 to Musselburgh and there was jubilation for Musselburgh players and supporters alike. Fans of Bo'ness were moaning that it was a freak goal, from a mis-placed cross.  However, their memories were short, as 10 minutes before; Jordan Orru attempted an almost identical shot, but the initial effort came off the far side post.

On 73 minutes Mathu King was replaced by Daniel McBay with Nimmo coming off for Comrie for the away side. Five minutes after and Murphy made a good save from a jack Gillan shot. From the corner, Jackie Myles' shot went wide of the post. This was followed with Bradley Whyte being booked for bringing a Bo'ness player down. Another header and another miss, this time by the Bo'ness scorer Snowdon. Paul Grant then made two saves in quick succession to keep the Bo'ness team at bay.

A late substitution saw Michael Moffat replaced by the Burgh Under 20 player Khasim Mdalasini. Into injury time and another booking, this time for Stevenson of Bo'ness, for a challenge on Jackie Myles. One of the Bo'ness committee was rather irate at this, but it was clearly a booking. From the resultant free kick, Conor Thomson rattled the Bo'ness post.

Full time: Musselburgh 3-1 Bo'ness. A great result which put the home side into the Quarter finals of the Alex Jack cup.

Bo’ness players and fans may feel the result was unjust, given the amount of chances they squandered. However, Musselburgh missed a few chances themselves, particularly the two shots that hit the post. Overall, the correct result!

The contrast from last week's performance and on Saturday was huge! Musselburgh battled from the start and were worthy winners of this cup tie. For the first time this sesson, the right and left back positions were filled by players expected to play there; namely Michael Moffat and Jordan Orru. Both had great matches and steadied what had been a nervous back four in recent weeks.

Bradley Whyte returned to his best position - at the back of midfield and sometimes reverting to sweeper.  He had an immense game. Not sure who got the Supporters club man of match but these three players stood out for the note taker!! It was a brand new midfield from last week; each and everyone of them give their all. Front line were also pressing hard and Paul Grant's second half performance was his best since he arrived at the club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh under 20s second match of the season saw them at home tonight against East Lothian rivals Haddington Athletic under 20s, playing their third match.

Kick off was at 7:45pm. Within the first 4 minutes of the match, Haddington had three shots, all of which went out of the park towards the Pinkie burn. Wind had not even picked up at this time so the away side’s management team could not be happy at these early attempts. Musselburgh’s first shot on target came in 10 minutes, but Jay Murray’s attempt went straight to the Hihi keeper.

Haddington’s best effort came in 15 minutes when Guy McGarry hit a shot from a tight angle. Blair Orr saved the shot and the ball was cleared from the penalty area. Next forward attack from Musselburgh saw Ciaran Young play ball to Jay Murray, who was one on one with the keeper, Morgan Rutherford. The shot from Jay Murray produced a good save from the keeper.

Twenty-five minutes on the clock and Lewis Latimer challenged the Hihi centre half Daniel Lennie with a shoulder charge and went by with only the goalie in front. However, the referee blew for a foul, much to the annoyance of the Burgh bench.  Haddington keeper, Rutherford, was involved in thwarting two attacks, the first from Latimer and the second from Liam Reid, who saw the ball bounce unfavourable for him but gave Rutherford time to clear the danger.

Best chance of match came from Hihi left back Euan Mitchell, with seven minutes remaining in the first half. Mitchell hit a strong shot towards goal but Blair Orr was equal to this and turned the ball round for a corner. Haddington were now on the ascendancy and in final few minute of half, the centre forward had three quick chances. Brandon Blair’s first shot just went over the bar; his second went wide of the right hand side post. Blair then beat two Burgh players to get into the box, but his shot just went wide of the post again.

Half time 0-0.

Burgh made two substitutes with Jay and Shaun off and replaced by Declan Paterson and Khasim Mdalasini.

Within two minutes of the restart, Guy McGarry is in on goal with only Blair Orr to beat. The shot produces a great save by Orr. The first goal came in 53 minutes. From the edge of the box, Lewis Latimer hammered a shot in, to the right of the goalkeeper Rutherford, and high into the net.  Musselburgh 1 - 0 Haddington.

Soon after, a good Musselburgh move saw Ciaran Young pass to Khasim. As he was about to take a shot, a great last ditch tackle by Guy McGarry, took the ball away from the penalty area. In 62 minutes, Khasim played ball to Lewis Latimer. Rutherford half-blocked Khasim’s shot, but then ball went over his head. The keeper quickly turned and grabbed the ball just before it went over the line.

On 66 minutes, Haddington had a great chance to equalise, but a shot produced a great block by Blair and the ball went out for a throw-in. As the ball again came into the box, Guy McGarry again tried to score, but the ball just went by wrong side of post.

The second goal of the match came in 78 minutes. Musselburgh sub, Declan Paterson had ball in his own half. It looked as if Declan was going to pass the ball cross-field. Good fortune though, saw the ball move forward, into the path of Khasim Mdalasini. He went round keeper and slotted ball into the net. Musselburgh 2 - 0 Haddington.

Fast flowing football saw the ball move up and down pitch for both teams. Then in final few minutes ball was with Haddington’s Jay Hampshire. He lost control of ball, but it came to Guy McGarry, who puts a good cross into the box. The Burgh keeper, Blair Orr managed to block the ball and Ethan Wayne cleared.

No more goals and the result was Musselburgh U20s 2 - 0 Haddington U20s.

With two matches played, Burgh have six points on the board, while Haddington only have one point to show from three matches played.

Sequence of goals; 1-0 Latimer; 2-0 Mdalasini

 

Edited September 6, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Casey Jones]

Owing to a late swap in venue, Musselburgh Under 20s met BSC Under 20s at Pinkie. The home side had won their first two league matches of 2019-20 with BSC winning their only match played so far.

Only two minutes on the clock when the first goal was scored.  From a goal kick, ball played down the right wing. From the edge of the box, ball played into a crowded penalty area. BSC no.10 still found space to chose where to place the ball, and the away side went 1-0 up.

BSC nearly wet 2-0 up in 10 minutes. From a corner, after a couple of passes, the ball was played across the goal area and the no.6 slid in but just could not connect with the ball. First 15 minutes mostly went BSC U20’s way with the Burgh still trying to get in the match. 

Burgh’s best chance came in 18 minutes. From a throw in, ball came to DeeJ Nichol, put in a tremendous cross into the box. Khasim Mdalasini got his head to the ball, but it went past the post. Five minutes later, Musselburgh had two corners in succession. The first, was back-headed out of play by Kieran Lugton but ref pointed for another corner. Deej’s kick went over to far side, where Matthew Scotland headed over the bar.

First booking was given to Cameron Laidlaw after a tackle on BSC’s right back. From the free kick, the ball came into the Burgh box. The shot by no.8 was turned away for a corner by Fraser. Six minutes from half time, Burgh got back to 1-1. In a packed BSC box, Ciaran Young stroked the ball home.

The joy for Musselburgh U20 was short lived however, as, following an attack by Musselburgh, which broke down, BSC charged up to the other end. A pass was brilliantly controlled by the away’s no.8 and his shot made it 2-1 to BSC. Another chance for BSC when no.10 hit a great shot, which headed towards the top of the net. But, Fraser made an equally great save, touching the ball over for a corner.

Half time Musselburgh 1 - 2 BSC.

Just like the first half, BSC scored another quick goal. BSC’s right winger played a low ball into the box. The centre forward was first to the ball and after 49 minutes BSC were 3-1 up. Three minutes later, the same player got his second goal of the night, hitting the ball from the edge of the penalty area into the net. So only seven minutes gone in the second half and Burgh found themselves 4-1 down.

Second yellow of the match came in 55 minutes when Matthew Scotland’s name went in the ref’s book for a wee expletive! Ten minutes later, and One of the Musselburgh subs, Jay Murray was pole-axed as he was in the air. Although the ref blew for a free kick, no yellow was awarded, even though it was no less a foul that Cameron’s, which went punished. With 74 minutes played, Gary Ewing took a sore one from the BSC right winger. Unbelievably the BSC did not receive a yellow, nor was a free kick awarded.

On 83 minutes, BSC nearly went further into the lead, but for a point blank save from Fraser. Final chance of match for Musselburgh came 4 minutes from the end. The home side were awarded a corner. The ball came into Jay Murray, but instead of hitting the net, his touch put the ball so high, I am sure it hit a star before the ball came back to earth. 

Final score: Musselburgh U20s 1 - 4 BSC U20s.

Great performance and win for BSC U20s., Musselburgh U20s need to forget this result and get back to winning ways next week. The note taker’s man of the match was Daniel Nichol.

Edited September 7, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Spyro]

9 minutes ago, Casey Jones said:

Half time Musselburgh 1 - 0 BSC.

C’mon now CJ! Your high standards are slipping...

Love your reports, we will keep you right though 

[Casey Jones]

6 hours ago, Spyro said:

C’mon now CJ! Your high standards are slipping...

Love your reports, we will keep you right though 

One day Spyro I am going to get a report done with no mistakes! 

Wishful thinking on my behalf but thank you! 

Edited September 7, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Casey Jones]

Looking forward to the trip today to Foresters Park for the Tranent v Musselburgh match. Great day to watch a football game.

win lose or draw, by tomorrow night a note of the match will appear here by tomorrow night! Agree or disagree with the comments, but they will be what I think are a fair reflection of the match.

MTB!

[edthebaw]

Pumped [emoji460]️

[Casey Jones]

4 hours ago, edthebaw said:

Pumped ️

Hardly! A loss nevertheless.

[Casey Jones]

League match 5 for both teams. Musselburgh Athletic made the short (5 mile) journey to meet Tranent Juniors. The home side were sitting comfortably in 2nd place in the Premier League, knowing a win would take them to the top of the league. A draw/win for The Burgh would keep them away from the bottom 3.

After the good cup tie win of last week, Musselburgh kept the same starting line up for the 2nd time in succession. A glorious day and a big crowd at Forester Park saw the match kick off at 14:31.

First shot of the match, in four minutes, fell to the home side. Ball was played out of the Burgh goal area and Sean Murphy (Skip) hit the ball from 20 yards, just over the bar.

For the opening 12 minutes, lots of strong but fair tackles were going in. Unfairly though, Michael Moffat was awarded a yellow card at that point. He and a Tranent player both went up for a 50/50 ball. Michael Moffat stood standing after the challenge, but the home side player fell to the ground and the referee deemed a foul, when play should have continued.

A minute later and Tranent were on the attack. Shaun Rutherford hit a 25 yarder, but it hit the back of Kyle Lander. In the follow up move, Lander got the ball again but the flag was up for offside.

Back in play and in 15 minutes Mathu King and Shaun Rutherford went in for a tackle, with Mathu King staying on the ground. As play carried on, Rutherford immediately shouted for the ref to stop the match. After treatment to a leg injury, Mathu King went off for further treatment before resuming play. His first touch saw Mathu King hobbling and in 19 minutes, the Musselburgh captain could not continue and was replaced by Darren Downie.

With 23 minutes on the clock, some Burgh fans in the shed were shouting for a foul for their team. However, play moved on and towards the Burgh goals; where after a pass back, Kyle Lander hit a bullet shot into the back of the net, which gave Paul Grant no chance and 1-0 to Tranent.

Two minutes later; Grant Nelson had a corner for Tranent. Ball was put out for another corner, this time taken by Rutherford. Ball came to Ian Black whose shot brought out a good save from Burgh’s Paul Grant.

Burgh had an attack up the right wing on 28 minutes. Ball then crossed over to the left hand side, where Nathan Evans picked it up and moved towards the penalty area. Nathan Evans had a chance to shoot, but continued his run, which allowed the Tranent defence time to tackle and clear the danger. Time and again in different matches, Burgh have done this; try to take extra steps when the better option would be to shoot for goal!

With 10 minutes till half time, another chance came Nathan Evans way. His shot was met by an outstretched Adams, who cleared ball for a throw-in. In the next move Jackie Myles had a shot, just inside the Tranent goal area. The ball went wide and Jackie Myles fell down and claimed a penalty but the ref was having none of that.

Ian Black became the first Tranent player in the book, on 43 minutes for a foul on Jack Gillan. A minute later, the Tranent midfielder was on the deck, shouting for a foul and again the ref ignored the call.

Into injury time and from the left side of pitch, Black floated in the ball which was headed wide by centre half, Dean Whitson. Great chance for a second goal. Soon after the ref blew his whistle.

Half time: Tranent Juniors 1-0 Musselburgh Athletic.

Second half kicked off at 15:32. Bradley Whyte brought down Black just outside the box with 50 minutes gone. After just been spoken to a couple of minutes earlier, Bradley Whyte would consider himself fortunate not to receive a booking. Rutherford took a poor free kick and Burgh sighed a breathe of relief.

Up Musselburgh went, with Jackie Myles passing to Nathan Evans. The striker squared the ball over the Tranent six yard box, but there were no takers and the ball trundled out for a throw in.

Jackie Myles won a midfield tussle with Stephen MacDonald in the middle of the park. As Jackie Myles turned, ball was played to Nathan Evans and his shot flew past Adams and out for a Tranent goal kick.

Into the last half hour of match and a bye kick for Tranent is controlled by Darren Downie who played the ball out to Michael Moffat. As he looked up, Michael Moffat put ball into the Tranent Box. Both Nathan Evans and Darren Downie were unmarked and both up for the header. Somehow Nathan Evans got to the ball, but his header went wide of the post.

Whilst Tranent were dominant in the first half, Musselburgh were more than matching the home team in the second. This was reflected on 65 minutes when the best chance of half came to Musselburgh. Darren Downie smashed the ball from the edge of box, but an equally good save by Ally Adams.

A minute later and Stephen MacDonald, who had a quiet match, came off for Tranent. Jamie Devlin replaced the big centre forward. On 68 minutes, Andrew Jones should have put Tranent further ahead. However, Jones hesitated in front of goals, which allowed Tom Clare time to clear the ball. Back came Tranent and this time Jones did have a shot, but Paul Grant produced the save.

On 71 minutes Musselburgh had a throw in on the left hand side of pitch. Bradley Donaldson, speaking to his defensive line stated that Tranent had not even started the second half yet! At that point Conor Thomson came into the box and was brought down. Penalty to Musselburgh and Donaldson’s valiant attempt to change the ref’s decision did not work.

Conor Thomson took the spot and ball placed into the corner of net. Tranent now knew they were in for a match as the score levelled at 1-1.

Just after the kick off, following the penalty, Bradley Whyte was shown a yellow, following a tackle on Grant Nelson. On 74 minutes, three minutes after Burgh levelled, Tranent players and fans shouted for a penalty, following a coming-to in the box between Michael Moffat and Jamie Devlin, but the referee played on.

Soon after, Bradley Whyte got injured following a tackle by Kyle Lander. The referee let play continue; then two minutes later, Rutherford was shown the yellow card for a challenge on Darren Downie, just as the home fans thought the ref had blown for an offside decision against Nathan Evans. At that point the referee held up play to allow Bradley Whyte to receive treatment.

Eleven minutes remained as both teams brought on subs; Black off for the home side, with Shaun Hill coming on. For Burgh Gary Cherrie replaced Jack Gillan.

Into the last five minutes and Musselburgh broke up from defence. Nathan Evans ran passed Bradley Donaldson on the left hand side of pitch. Nathan Evans moved inside and try to square the ball to Darren Downie. Dean Whitson intercepted the pass with his knee and danger cleared for the home side.

Four minutes remaining and the referee booked Conor Thomson, for what was an incident before the last attack by Burgh. The away team were going to rue that decision, as in the next move Conor Thomson was again penalised for a challenge. Within 30 seconds, Conor Thomson got two yellows, which meant an early shower for him.

From the free kick, taken by Shaun Hill, beside the Tranent dugout, the ball was hit into the Burgh goalmouth. Bradley Donaldson failed to connect with a back header. But as the ball landed, Kyle Lander was there and got his second goal of the match, and in his debut to boot! Jubilation for the home fans, players and bench as all the coaching team were on the pitch dancing about!

In order to try and salvage a point, Tom Clare was replaced by Daniel McBay. Tranent also played their last sub, with Lewis Hawkins on for Rutherford.

Into injury time and Grant Nelson went down injured. As he got up, Nelson was booked; again, must have been for an earlier infringement. Four minutes of added time, saw Musselburgh given a thrown in, close to the 18 yard box. As most of the Burgh players were pushed up, Tranent got the ball and a great run made out of defence. Michael Moffat made a last man tackle on the edge of the box, bringing down the sub, Jamie Devlin. Before the ref could even go to his pocket, Michael Moffat was heading to the dressing room - knowing the red card was on the way.

Free kick came to nothing and after that the ref blew the whistle.

Full time: Tranent Juniors 2-1 Musselburgh.

Those involved with the home side would not be wrong in thinking that Tranent dominated the first half and could easily have gone in three up.
The second half Musselburgh competed far better and should have come away with at least a draw. Kyle Lander had a dream debut for Tranent, scoring both their goals. On the evidence of 90 minutes, you wonder what Newtongrange were thinking of, by letting the transfer go through! However, even with the two goals, my man of the match was the centre half, Dean Whitson, who was immense in defence for the home side.

For Musselburgh, after an edgy first 45; they played a lot better in a game that was harsh for them to lose. However, the away team contributed to their own demise on two accounts.

After receiving his first yellow, Conor Thomson had no need to go into the tackle which produced the yellow. I was unsighted at the time, but as play was on half way line, Conor Thomson should have avoided close contact.

Then, when the free kick was taken, even down to 10 men, it did not look like the defence (all Burgh players) were ready. Ball came to Donaldson and even though he missed the ball, there was no challenge. Then Lander should not be allowed to get his smash and grab goal!

Easy in hindsight; but best option at that point would have been to put either Liam Reid or Brian Martin on before the free kick was taken. Not sure who the Burgh man of match has gone to, but I would have given it to either Jackie Myles or Bradley Whyte.


 

Edited September 9, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Ginaro]

Red card in injury time at the end of the video - surely would've been better to concede and the game to finish 3-1, than to make the challenge and get a two game ban...

[Casey Jones]

9 minutes ago, Ginaro said:

Red card in injury time at the end of the video - surely would've been better to concede and the game to finish 3-1, than to make the challenge and get a two game ban...

Can’t answer for the player. Boy I was standing beside said same as you. But on the other hand, Tranent didn’t score from the free kick and Musselburgh could have gone up the other end, scored and Musselburgh wouldn’t be in the bottom 3!