Musselburgh Athletic F.C 2019/20

[Ormi]

28 minutes ago, RobM said:

£6 adults, £3 concessions mate.

 

Cheers

[Spyro]

Building bridges CJ...

 

[Casey Jones]

5 hours ago, Spyro said:

Building bridges CJ...

 

You must have huge influence on Penicuik if you instigated this! I'm impressed!

Edited September 25, 2019 by Casey Jones

[cookieboy]

2 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

You must have huge influence on Penicuik if you instigated this! I'm impressed!

You have got a very good player and a gem of a guy all the best John 

[Passthebaw]

Musselburgh now appear to have 5 Centre Halfs signing 2 in the last 10 days, yet have only scored 7 goals in 5 league games. Odd. 

[Casey Jones]

20 minutes ago, Passthebaw said:

Musselburgh now appear to have 5 Centre Halfs signing 2 in the last 10 days, yet have only scored 7 goals in 5 league games. Odd. 

Interesting point PTB!?

It could be a two prong question or issue.

The goals for tally is worrying.  Just over 1 goal per match, but when you look at goals conceded that isn’t great either - 11 or just over 2 goals per match!

said before and I will say it again - I go to each match thinking we will win. A number of times this season I have come away feeling disappointed. I still think Musselburgh will finish in the top half but we have to start playing better in the league.

I thought at start of season, that the squad has depth in numbers. I still do, but (I) we have had a number of issues with injuries, particular with Mathu, Michael and Jordan which has not helped. Michael & Jordan have shored up the defence and I think some of the midfielders/attackers have to get back to the way they should and give a Mathu more help in scoring stakes (league mainly).

Ii think the bench should be used more. Last year I watched the U20s each week - just missed 3 matches. The guys who came up, for me are in the main squad on merit. So let’s use them!

[Black Dug]

Good win for you boys today. Whilst we were dreadful I thought you kept a good shape and took your goals well. Great free kick for the boy's hattrick.
Unfortunately for me when you're fans in the shed we're singing "easy, easy, easy" I had to agree with them.

[Belter1]

Well done Musselburgh. Great result.

[BigTboy]

51 minutes ago, Belter1 said:

Well done Musselburgh. Great result.

Well said Belter. Well done mussy. Love to see EC clubs doing well. 

[Casey Jones]

15 hours ago, Belter1 said:

Well done Musselburgh. Great result.

Thank you Belter.

It was probably the most comfortable result we have ever had with Linlithgow.

We matched them throughout of the game, except when they scored with last kick of ball in first half.

Linlithgow should have come out for 2nd half with confidence, but we hammered them and worthy winners.

 

[Casey Jones]

After winning their first two league matches, Musselburgh U20s have had some bruising encounters, losing 3 out of their next 4 with the other drawn.

Friday night’s match saw a journey through to Newbridge to meet Broxburn U20s in the league. The home side played 4 league matches, drawing two of them and losing the other two.

Nothing to write about for first five minutes of match, says the note writer who arrived late!! In the next 10 minutes, Muss U20 had ball in the Broxburn goal area a few times, but the home side keeper only had one save to make, when Ethan Wynne’s shot was tipped over bar.

On 17 minutes, ball played upfield. From distance, the home side’s centre forward shot and Broxburn were 1-0 up, from only their second shot of the match.

Kieron Lugton was subbed early following a reoccurrence of a knee injury. Daniel Nichol replaced him.

Two goals in a three minute spell put real pressure on Burgh U20s. A clearance by Gary Ewing, out wide, was returned and the Broxburn left wing scored. Then on 26 minutes, with the ball up the left wing, the home side no.7 drove the ball into the net from 20 yards.

Burgh had 4 more chances in first half but no goals. Broxburn had the ball in the net again but it was ruled offside.

Half time Broxburn U20 3-0 Musselburgh U20

Jack Crombie replaced Ethan Wynne at half time. Two minutes later and Jack was spoken to by the bench for not getting the ball up front, then losing possession. It was Jack Crombie’s last mistake as he had an excellent half.

Broxburn nearly went further ahead when but no.7 shot just went past the post. Up went Musselburgh and a great through ball Jack Crombie found Khasim Mdalasini and his shot from a tight angle hit the hit.

Another scare for Burgh as the Broxburn no.9 beat the offside trap, but his touch was too hard and keeper kept score at 3-1. From the kick out Cammi Laidlaw’s shot/cross is put into the Broxburn net by one of their defender’s. Burgh right back into the match with 35 minutes remaining.

The equaliser came in 67 minutes. Ciaran Young played a good one-two with Jack Crombie and put ball past keeper. Five minutes later and Broxburn were very unlucky not to regain the lead. The no.9 beat Gary Ewing to the ball and hit a cross goal shot. It re-bounded off Ross McCrae’s right hand post; rang along the line and came off the other post and Ross was able to get the ball then.

A free kick was awarded just outside the Broxburn box. About a minute later a home-side player was sent off, presumably for arguing with the referee.

End to end play saw the Broxburn keeper save from Ciaran Young. Then Declan Paterson made a last man tackle to foil an attack by Broxburn. The winner came in 88 minutes. A penalty awarded to Musselburgh, following a hand ball. Ciaran Young wrong footed the keeper and ball was  sent to the corner of the goals.

Full time Broxburn U20s 3-4 Burgh U20s

Hard to understand how Broxburn went in at half time 3-0 up. Broxburn were not in the match for the first 20 minutes.  However, three scored from four attempts is clinical finishing. Burgh had a number of chances and the bulk of possession but zilch to show for it! Getting the four goals in 2nd half must have had a pleasing effect  

The result has to give Musselburgh 20s confidence going into their match. My man of match was Gary Ewing.


 

Edited September 29, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Casey Jones]

On the back of two cup tie victories, it was back to league business for Musselburgh. This week saw Linlithgow visit Olivebank. The visitors came with a record of four wins and one defeat and sat second in league with 12 points. Contrast that to the home side. One win in five matches and 14th in league with three points.

The teams last met in May 19 in quarter final of the King Cup. Linlithgow came away with a resounding 7-3 win. Only three players from that day were in Musselburgh’s starting line up for this match; a result of injuries, suspensions and players out on loan; Ally Adams was the only player no longer on the Burgh books.

There was a further blow when captain for the day, Jono McManus had to pull out after an injury in the warm up. So, the remaining available 10 out-field players, without injury took the field. This in included John Williams, who was signed on loan, in midweek, from Penicuik. The Musselburgh subs bench had two under 20s players and a player just returning from injury.

The match kicked off at 14:29 in front of the biggest crowd of the season.

The first shot of the match fell to Jackie Myles who’s shot went over the bar. The first goal of the match came in 13 minutes. Paul Grant threw the ball to Tom Clare, who fired a long ball upfield. Nathan Evans was on to the ball, ran past two defenders then fired a shot between the Linlithgow keeper and post. Musselburgh led 1-0.

On 18 minutes, Allum had a chance to equalise for Linlithgow, but Paul Grant blocked the shot and out out for a throw in. Two minutes later, Jackie Myles had possession and played ball back to Tom Clare. A pass up the centre of the pitch was chested on by Nathan Evans. Play continued up the right wing where Darren Downie crossed the ball into the goal area. Waiting there was Daniel McBay, whose shot from six yards made it 2-0 to Musselburgh.

Both teams had chances to score, but it was not till the stroke of half time till the next goal. Linlithgow’s Ronald ran up the right wing and squared the ball into the Burgh box. Bradley Whyte was first to the ball, but could not control it and Ross Allum scored, from a tight angle.

Half time Musselburgh 2-1 Linlithgow.

The crowd did not have long to wait till the next goal. On 48 minutes, Linlithgow keeper, McKinven played the ball up field, with Brian Martin first to the ball. Jackie Myles passed ball out to Jordon Orr. Darren Downie was next on the ball, which returned to Jackie Myles, who plays an exquisite pass into the box. Nathan Evans ran through and clipped the ball past McKinven. Great goal and Burgh were in 3-1.

Following the goal, McKinven received treatment for an injury. The Linlithgow keeper was unable to continue play and on 53 minutes was replaced by the ex-St Andrews keeper, Wilson.

A couple of minutes later, Nathan Evans was on the ground following a challenge from Thom. Initially, the referee played on, then stopped play. As Nathan Evans returned to his feet, he received a yellow card, either for speaking out of turn or for simulation?

As the ball moved upfield, a good cross came into the box. Tommy Coyne rose to head the ball, but, he was just too short! Next goal of match came in 61 minutes. Jordan Orr took a throw in to Daniel McBay, which was played forward to Bradley Whyte. After teasing a defender with his nifty skills, Bradley Whyte crossed the ball from the edge of the park into Nathan Evans. Ball was out to Darren Downie and his shot went between a defender and Wilson. Musselburgh now up 4-1.

Linlithgow had the ball in the Burgh net a minute later, but the referee blew for hand ball. However, three minutes later and Linlithgow’s next attempt counted.The sub, Slaven, beat Tom Clare to the ball and a couple of plays later, ball came to Ronald. He won a challenge with Paul Grant and was able to tap the ball in to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

The third goal in seven minutes came on 68 minutes. From a throw in to Linlithgow, they lost possession. Jackie Myles played ball to Darren Downie, who nutmegged Scullion. Darren Downie then placed the ball into the corner of the net and Burgh were strolling to a 5-2 lead.

Soon after, the left back McKinlay was booked for punching the ball away another the referee blew for a foul. The Linlithgow faithful, were none to happy with their player for wasting time when the team were behind.

On 74 minutes, Linlithgow should have scored. The ball came into the far side post. Thom rose to header the ball but only succeeded in hitting fresh air!! Four minutes later a good save by Paul Grant from Ronald’s free kick kept the score at 5-2. Another ball hit the Burgh net, but again the referee blew, this time for offside.

Jackie Myles was booked on 80 minutes for a foul on McKinlay. Then on 86 minutes, Liam Gregory came on for the final few minutes, returning from a period of Injury. Daniel McBay came off, to a round of applause after another good performance and his third goal of season.

Final goal of match came in 88 minutes and a stoater it was. Musselburgh were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Declan O’Kane, whose shot cleared the Linlithgow wall. The keeper took a couple of steps to the right, but then stood in awe as the ball hit the net! Sheer jubilation between the players and the supporters!

Khasim Mdalasini, one of the Musselburgh Under 20, side came on, in 90 minutes and replaced Nathan Evans. A few minutes of injury time played before the final whistle went.

Full-time: Musselburgh 6-2 Linlithgow Rose.

An absolutely fantastic match for Musselburgh, who completely out-played their West Lothian rivals. Although at bare minimum, the Musselburgh team played their best match of the season ands and all players fully contributed to the win.

Best upfield player, Nathan Evans, was brilliantly supported by Darren Downie. In defence, Brian Martin played his best match since his return to Musselburgh.

The win took Musselburgh up to 10th in league (from 14th). Nathan Evans was the supporters player of the match.

[cookieboy]

1 hour ago, Casey Jones said:

On the back of two cup tie victories, it was back to league business for Musselburgh. This week saw Linlithgow visit Olivebank. The visitors came with a record of four wins and one defeat and sat second in league with 12 points. Contrast that to the home side. One win in five matches and 14th in league with three points.

The teams last met in May 19 in quarter final of the King Cup. Linlithgow came away with a resounding 7-3 win. Only three players from that day were in Musselburgh’s starting line up for this match; a result of injuries, suspensions and players out on loan; Ally Adams was the only player no longer on the Burgh books.

There was a further blow when captain for the day, Jono McManus had to pull out after an injury in the warm up. So, the remaining available 10 out-field players, without injury took the field. This in included John Williams, who was signed on loan, in midweek, from Penicuik. The Musselburgh subs bench had two under 20s players and a player just returning from injury.

The match kicked off at 14:29 in front of the biggest crowd of the season.

The first shot of the match fell to Jackie Myles who’s shot went over the bar. The first goal of the match came in 13 minutes. Paul Grant threw the ball to Tom Clare, who fired a long ball upfield. Nathan Evans was on to the ball, ran past two defenders then fired a shot between the Linlithgow keeper and post. Musselburgh led 1-0.

On 18 minutes, Allum had a chance to equalise for Linlithgow, but Paul Grant blocked the shot and out out for a throw in. Two minutes later, Jackie Myles had possession and played ball back to Tom Clare. A pass up the centre of the pitch was chested on by Nathan Evans. Play continued up the right wing where Darren Downie crossed the ball into the goal area. Waiting there was Daniel McBay, whose shot from six yards made it 2-0 to Musselburgh.

Both teams had chances to score, but it was not till the stroke of half time till the next goal. Linlithgow’s Ronald ran up the right wing and squared the ball into the Burgh box. Bradley Whyte was first to the ball, but could not control it and Ross Allum scored, from a tight angle.

Half time Musselburgh 2-1 Linlithgow.

The crowd did not have long to wait till the next goal. On 48 minutes, Linlithgow keeper, McKinven played the ball up field, with Brian Martin first to the ball. Jackie Myles passed ball out to Jordon Orr. Darren Downie was next on the ball, which returned to Jackie Myles, who plays an exquisite pass into the box. Nathan Evans ran through and clipped the ball past McKinven. Great goal and Burgh were in 3-1.

Following the goal, McKinven received treatment for an injury. The Linlithgow keeper was unable to continue play and on 53 minutes was replaced by the ex-St Andrews keeper, Wilson.

A couple of minutes later, Nathan Evans was on the ground following a challenge from Thom. Initially, the referee played on, then stopped play. As Nathan Evans returned to his feet, he received a yellow card, either for speaking out of turn or for simulation?

As the ball moved upfield, a good cross came into the box. Tommy Coyne rose to head the ball, but, he was just too short! Next goal of match came in 61 minutes. Jordan Orr took a throw in to Daniel McBay, which was played forward to Bradley Whyte. After teasing a defender with his nifty skills, Bradley Whyte crossed the ball from the edge of the park into Nathan Evans. Ball was out to Darren Downie and his shot went between a defender and Wilson. Musselburgh now up 4-1.

Linlithgow had the ball in the Burgh net a minute later, but the referee blew for hand ball. However, three minutes later and Linlithgow’s next attempt counted.The sub, Slaven, beat Tom Clare to the ball and a couple of plays later, ball came to Ronald. He won a challenge with Paul Grant and was able to tap the ball in to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

The third goal in seven minutes came on 68 minutes. From a throw in to Linlithgow, they lost possession. Jackie Myles played ball to Darren Downie, who nutmegged Scullion. Darren Downie then placed the ball into the corner of the net and Burgh were strolling to a 5-2 lead.

Soon after, the left back McKinlay was booked for punching the ball away another the referee blew for a foul. The Linlithgow faithful, were none to happy with their player for wasting time when the team were behind.

On 74 minutes, Linlithgow should have scored. The ball came into the far side post. Thom rose to header the ball but only succeeded in hitting fresh air!! Four minutes later a good save by Paul Grant from Ronald’s free kick kept the score at 5-2. Another ball hit the Burgh net, but again the referee blew, this time for offside.

Jackie Myles was booked on 80 minutes for a foul on McKinlay. Then on 86 minutes, Liam Gregory came on for the final few minutes, returning from a period of Injury. Daniel McBay came off, to a round of applause after another good performance and his third goal of season.

Final goal of match came in 88 minutes and a stoater it was. Musselburgh were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Declan O’Kane, whose shot cleared the Linlithgow wall. The keeper took a couple of steps to the right, but then stood in awe as the ball hit the net! Sheer jubilation between the players and the supporters!

Khasim Mdalasini, one of the Musselburgh Under 20, side came on, in 90 minutes and replaced Nathan Evans. A few minutes of injury time played before the final whistle went.

Full-time: Musselburgh 6-2 Linlithgow Rose.

An absolutely fantastic match for Musselburgh, who completely out-played their West Lothian rivals. Although at bare minimum, the Musselburgh team played their best match of the season ands and all players fully contributed to the win.

Best upfield player, Nathan Evans, was brilliantly supported by Darren Downie. In defence, Brian Martin played his best match since his return to Musselburgh.

The win took Musselburgh up to 10th in league (from 14th). Nathan Evans was the supporters player of the match.

 

Another great read what a weekend you had 20’s 3 down at ht go on to win then Saturday doesn’t get much better 

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, cookieboy said:

Another great read what a weekend you had 20’s 3 down at ht go on to win then Saturday doesn’t get much better 

Cheers Cookie! Was a great weekend. We dominated the first half on Friday night but still went into half time 3-0 down. Boys did great to comeback and win. All the supporters appreciated the team's efforts.

Best match for main team this season, coupled by the worst Linlithgow side I have seen. Their defence was poor and our forwards ran them ragged!

Doubt your guy John will have an easier match this season either at Burgh or back at Penicuik. Didn't put a foot wrong but at same time didn't have much to do!

[Casey Jones]

Tomorrow night sees Musselburgh play their seventh league match.

Honours between Bo’ness and Musselburgh are even in their last two cup ties; played at the end of last season and a few weeks ago.. However, the last time Burgh visited Newtown Park, on 4 April 2017, they came away with a resounding 5-1 defeat! Burgh’s goal scorer that day was our captain, Mathu King.

Kick off is 7:30pm.

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh travelled through to meet Bo’ness for the first floodlight match on the new 3G pitch. Both teams had good victories at the weekend and were looking to cement another win which would see either Bo’ness return to the top of league or Musselburgh move closer to  a top half position.

Burgh made one change to Saturday’s line up. Michael Moffat replaced Tom Clare at right back. First 10 or so minutes were quite cagey with no real efforts on target. The first goal came in 14 minutes, Bo’ness had a free kick in their own half. Ball was aimed at Hunter, but instead of heading towards the Burgh box, Hunter headed sideways towards Jackie Myles, who unfortunately lost control of the ball. The Bo’ness right back, Jacobs then produced a powerful shot from 25 yards which went over Paul Grant and Bo’ness were 1-0 up. Certainly a contender for goal of season, if there was such an award!

The lead lasted three minutes. Following a throw in by Michael Moffat, the ball was cleared back into the Musselburgh half. John Williams then played ball to Jackie Myles. Depending on who you talked to, either Jackie Myles scuffed the ball into the box, or played a delightful top spin pass. Either way, the ball came to Nathan Evans whose shot made it 1-1.

Bo’ness should have went 2-1 up on 22 minutes. A free kick into the Burgh box was half cleared and the Bo’ness number 4, Campbell shot wide, when he should at least have hit the target. Four minutes later, Michael Moffat broke up a Bo’ness attack with a long ball which landed in the path of Nathan Evans. The Burgh forward ran between Campbell and Hunter, then placed the ball to the right of the out-coming Bo’ness keeper. Musselburgh now 2-1 up.

On 33 minutes there was a loud scream as the Bo’ness no.10 Morgan was fouled. The tackle did not look that bad, but a yellow card was given to a bemused Declan O’Kane. Morgan got up, limped for a mandatory six steps, then after the free kick was taken, Morgan suddenly forgot the limp as he raced to the ball.

Nathan Evans should have got his hat-trick on 36 minutes. Following a pass by Jackie Myles, the forward nearly lost the ball but then managed to control it. But, instead of hitting the ball between the posts, Nathan Evans somehow hit the side net.

The equaliser came in 43 minutes; the 2nd match in a row that Burgh conceded a goal close to half time. A long throw in, was headed into the Burgh net by an unchallenged Hunter.

Half time: Bo’ness 2-2 Musselburgh Athletic

Blink and you just about missed the first goal of the second half. Only 38 seconds on the clock when a cross to the far post, was knocked back by Nathan Evans. Waiting on the goal line was Darren Downie to hit the ball into the net and Burgh led 3-2.

Three minutes in and Morgan looked to get the equaliser but his shot went straight to Paul Grant. However, on his knees and his hands in the air, Morgan tried to claim for a penalty but was unrewarded for his efforts.

On 50 minutes, Nathan Evans nearly made it 4-2 for the away side. Good link up play between Bradley Whyte and Daniel McBay and ball was played to the Burgh forward. With his back to goals, Nathan Evans quickly turned but his shot went straight to the Bo’ness keeper, Murphy.

Morgan was booked for a rash foul on Michael Moffat on 57 minutes. Tempered were raised as the match progressed with the Bo’ness bench particularly unhappy at a couple of decisions made against their players. The assistant manager Black seemed very perplexed, shouting and speaking to himself, then he charged up the steps towards the changing room. He appeared to hide amongst Bo’ness fans by standing against the building wall. At this point the linesman called the referee over. Bizarrely the referee showed the manager, Max Christie the red card. Christie stood there in bewilderment and at that point, Black came back to the dugout. Another conflab between officials and Black was instead shown the red card. Black moved away from the dugout, while Christie stayed where he was. You just could not make this up. But, instead of going further up the enclosure, Black stood behind the dugout, making a mockery of the sending off.

Soon after, Morgan received his second yellow/red for an apparent hand ball, when Morgan thought he had been fouled. Morgan had to be told to go to the dressing room as he tried to stand beside his assistant manager. With 13 minutes left, Bo’ness were 3-2 down and only 10 players on the park.

This did not have an initial impact on the home side, as two minutes later the match was all square. The ball was played to the right hand side of the Burgh goal area. The left winger, Henderson (?) played the ball into the goal area and the unmarked substitute, Keast levelled the score at 3-3, with eleven minutes left.

Into the last nine minutes, Jackie Myles had a chance but his effort went over the bar. Soon after, Bradley Whyte was booked for a foul when Bo’ness were on the attack. The winner came in 88 minutes. Bo’ness had a corner and Hunter ran in and again unchallenged, headed his 2nd of the match.

Full-time: Bo’ness 4-3 Musselburgh Athletic.

The home side and fans were jubilant with the win, whilst Musselburgh will have regrets about not taking at least a point rom the match.

Absolutely nothing that could be done with the goal scored by Jacobs, but the other three all went in with no challenge on the goalscorer. That is something which needs addressed.

The positives for Musselburgh are that in the last two matches, Darren Downie and Nathan Evans have scored seven goals between them.

While Bo’ness returned to the top of the Musselburgh slipped a place; so a win on Saturday, away to Blackburn, takes on added importance.

Edited October 3, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Passthebaw]

On 25/09/2019 at 20:37, Passthebaw said:

Musselburgh now appear to have 5 Centre Halfs signing 2 in the last 10 days, yet have only scored 7 goals in 5 league games. Odd. 

Much better goals for, but leaking goals against. A 1-0 win wouldn't go amiss. 

[Casey Jones]

2 hours ago, Passthebaw said:

Much better goals for, but leaking goals against. A 1-0 win wouldn't go amiss. 

That is harder than you think. The average matches played  per team is just under 7 (6.75). 

Only 3 league matches have ended in a score of 1-0; HoBeath v Dunbar; Broxburn v Whitehill and Jeanfield v Bo’ness.

8 of 16 teams have conceded at least 1 goal per league match; Of the other 8 teams, only Tranent has kept a clean sheet more than once (twice).

But I agree we need to be tighter in defence in order to climb the table. Burgh has conceded 2.42 goals per league match, which is 12th best in league ( we are currently in 11th place in league) so these stats closely match.

[Passthebaw]

4 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

That is harder than you think. The average matches played  per team is just under 7 (6.75). 

Only 3 league matches have ended in a score of 1-0; HoBeath v Dunbar; Broxburn v Whitehill and Jeanfield v Bo’ness.

8 of 16 teams have conceded at least 1 goal per league match; Of the other 8 teams, only Tranent has kept a clean sheet more than once (twice).

But I agree we need to be tighter in defence in order to climb the table. Burgh has conceded 2.42 goals per league match, which is 12th best in league ( we are currently in 11th place in league) so these stats closely match.

Stats, stats & more stats, cheers CJ

I agree. At this level, low scoring games are rare, but for MA it would be nice to solidify things, and hopefully the in-form Evans & Downie can keep scoring. 

[Casey Jones]

5 hours ago, Passthebaw said:

Stats, stats & more stats, cheers CJ

I agree. At this level, low scoring games are rare, but for MA it would be nice to solidify things, and hopefully the in-form Evans & Downie can keep scoring. 

Sorry for that! Lack of sleep is a blight on my life, so i thought a few stats would make my eyes tired so I could sleep!!

I agree! wit your sentiments about closing up shop!