Musselburgh Athletic F.C 2019/20

[bigwullieac]

15 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

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.

If we didnt have the "never say die" attitude that Max has instilled in the players Mussey would have had the three points. I think coming away with a loss is really harsh on you guys, but thats football for you, as you said don't defend, don't be shocked when the opponent takes advantage of the space. Sure you guys will be moving up the table in no time, number 20 (nathan?) was some player, lot of pace and tricky footwork, just a shame about his needless high tackle that the ref wanted to ignore until the bo'ness player pointed out the blood coming out his thigh! 

[bigwullieac]

Also have to say i enjoy having a peek in here to see your reviews CJ, always very entertaining reads!

[Casey Jones]

3 hours ago, bigwullieac said:

If we didnt have the "never say die" attitude that Max has instilled in the players Mussey would have had the three points. I think coming away with a loss is really harsh on you guys, but thats football for you, as you said don't defend, don't be shocked when the opponent takes advantage of the space. Sure you guys will be moving up the table in no time, number 20 (nathan?) was some player, lot of pace and tricky footwork, just a shame about his needless high tackle that the ref wanted to ignore until the bo'ness player pointed out the blood coming out his thigh! 

Thank you wullie; I appreciate the comments! In both posts.

Nathan Evans has come on to a good game in the last two matches. That was one of main reasons why we beat Lithgow as they couldn’t deal with Nathan! Think he should have got a hat-trick, which at time would probably have sealed the win. However, we need to convert these chances or stop leaking the goals if we are to move up league. Genuinely never saw the incident you refer too. 

[Bo'nus Ball]

An excelent evenings viewing. Not bad for £7. Good review of the game CJ.. Thought the atmosphere in the ground was great. Bring on more floodlight games. 

[Casey Jones]

Last Friday night saw a spirited second half performance with Musselburgh U20s coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win the match 4-3.

This week, Burgh returned to Pinkie, hoping to maintain that form, against Dunipace U20s; a team who had won 1 league match so far this season.

Dunipace had the first effort on goal, after five minutes. A pass into the box by Alex Thomson was headed on by Keir Stevenson, but out for a by-kick.

The first goal came in 11 minutes. Dunipace attacked down the right side of the park, with a shot by the centre forward pushed away for a corner by Ross McCrae. Two corners followed, the second of which Dean Muir headed into the net. Dunipace 1-0.

Dunipace U20 nearly increased the lead shortly after, but a powerful shot by the no.9 narrowly went past the Burgh post. Musselburgh’s attacks were mainly up the right wing, where Khasim Mdalasini was playing, but no end result. On the half hour, a good cross into the Dunipace box was put out for a corner; which came to nothing. From the by-kick, the centre forward’s shot was blocked by the Burgh defence and the ball fell to Keir Stevenson. As he controlled the ball, it was as if the whole Burgh defence stood still, allowing Stevenson to hit a shot into the net for a 2-0 lead. 

With seven minutes remaining in half, Burgh had a corner; taken by Daniel Nichol. As the ball came in, Jay Murray’s header was just wide. Into the last two minutes of the half and a crowded box, Alex Thomson managed to guide the ball into the net. Jubilation for Dunipace. At that point Gary Ewing came off injured; replaced by Arron Matheson.

Half time: Musselburgh U20s 0-3 Dunipace U20s.

The second half was a much more guarded affair. Dunipace had done all the hard work in the first half. Unlike last week, Musselburgh were not able to stage the comeback as Dunipace were a far better outfit! Only one more goal came in this period, and it was the best in the match. Good fast interplay around the right hand side of the Burgh box, saw the ball played to Keir Stevenson, who hit a curling shot past Ross McCrae.

Burgh had a couple of late attempts. First, Lewis Latimer shot, but his shot went to the keeper. Then Ethan Wynne hit a good pass to Lewis Latimer but the keeper ran out to block the shot.

Full time: Musselburgh U20s 0-4 Dunipace U20s.

The management and team were buoyed after last week’s comeback, but both would be deflated by this defeat. Make no mistake, Musselburgh deservedly got beat by Dunipace; another good team to visit Pinkie this season.

In the words of another supporter, Burgh were bullied (fairly) throughout the match by Dunipace. It seemed the away side were more committed to winning this match, playing well and for each other. Dunipace were quick on the attack and solid in midfield. Their players were talking to each other throughout the match. Even with 15 minutes to go, a Dunipace player shouted to his teammates that there was still time to get more goals out of match.

i know this is a young squad, most of which will be with the team, for two or three years. However, being young does not mean being inferior. Ethan Wynne’s best match was in the friendly against Edinburgh City, who will either win their conference, or be thereabouts. Ethan was not in awe at their players, most of which were 3-4 years older. Ethan won most of his tackles against older and more experienced players. When he lost the ball, he was straight back at them trying to win the ball back!

With the above in mind and putting a positive spin on this; again, using some thoughts of another supporter;

1. Musselburgh U20 have to give as much as they take. Sometimes the boys lose the ball too easily. They need to show a mentality that opposition have to win & keep hold of the ball.

2. The boys need to talk to each other. Last night, through out the match, Dunipace talked all the time; either shouting for the ball, or warning teammates about Burgh players coming through or just egging their mates forward.

3. The Burgh team is crying out for a leader.. Someone who stands out as a captain should. A team with a strong captain is much stronger than purely a team of players. I could name three players now that I think would fit the role, one in particular. 

4. Finally, the players know how to win matches. They had a couple of big wins pre-season; won the first two league matches and showed huge commitment and awareness last week coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win match.

if you are good enough it doesn’t matter how old/young you are. What matters is being strong and show commit at every match. We have winners in this Burgh team and now is the time to show it week in; week out!

MTB!!

Edited October 5, 2019 by Casey Jones

[boheesian]

On 04/10/2019 at 17:16, Bo'nus Ball said:

An excelent evenings viewing. Not bad for £7. Good review of the game CJ.. Thought the atmosphere in the ground was great. Bring on more floodlight games. 

Couldn’t agree more. Plus a great finish by  big man to secure a win.

[Casey Jones]

League match 8, for both teams, as Musselburgh travelled to meet Blackburn United on a rather drench October afternoon. Both teams had lost league matches in midweek so would hope for a victory to move themselves away from the bottom three.

Musselburgh made two changes to the team that lost 4-3 to Bo’ness. Michael Robinson started his second match in goals, with Paul Grant dropping to the bench. The other change was a surprise to a number of supporters as Daniel McBay made way for Conor Thomson.

The first twenty minutes was pretty much a none event with Musselburgh spending a lot of time in their own half with a plethora of passes either moving sideways or backwards, which raised a bit of disquiet from the away fans. Blackburn were quite happy stemming in their opponents, with pre-match tactics obviously going their way.

On 22 minutes, there was a rare forage up field for Musselburgh. Jackie Myles received the ball in the penalty box, but then lost possession. The ball came to Nathan Evens, but his shot went wide of post. Then on 25 minutes, the home side came forward. McLeod crossed the ball into the goal area and no.7; McDowall’s(?) header narrowly missed the goals.

A couple of minutes later Jackie Myles played a great cross-field pass and Michael Moffat’s shot was put out for a corner. Two corners in succession came to nothing.

The remaining minutes came and went much much to test either keeper. Looking back over the season, could result in the first half of this match being voted as the most boring 45 minutes that, certainly Musselburgh fans have witnessed. Hopefully the best was still to come.

Half time: Blackburn United 0-0 Musselburgh Athletic

First goal of match came in 49 minutes with ball played up the Blackburn left wing. The Burgh centre back John Williams passed ball back to Michael Robinson, but it was heavy. Michael Robinson got ball before it went out for a corner. The ball should have been kicked straight up field or out for a throw in. However, with a Blackburn player in the box, Michael Robinson hit the ball, which came off chest of John Williams. Blackburn quickly regained ball and crossed it into the box. The no. 10, Campbell was unmarked and his shot went over Brian Martin’s head and Blackburn were 1-0 up.

Three minute later and another defensive error by Musselburgh. The ball came into the Burgh box and Brian Martin sent it up toward half way. Soon after, ball was back with Brian Martin, who tried to play ball past McDowall. However, the Blackburn player got a leg to the ball and it headed into centre of 6-yard box. McLeod got his heel to the ball and it landed between the posts. Blackburn led 2-0.

To try and change Burgh’s fortunes, Liam Gregory replaced Bradley Whyte on 54 minutes. On 57 minutes Burgh were awarded a free kick as Jackie Myles was brought down. Ball was to the right of the Blackburn posts. Conor Thomson’s shot did not make target as it slide out for a by-kick. With the angle of the ball to the goals, the free kick was crying out for a left footed player to take it, but alas that did not happen.

Burgh had another chance on 59 minutes but Darren Downie’s effort was saved by the home side keeper Mitchell. Shortly after Jordan Orr was booked for pushing a Blackburn player who would not release the ball after it went out of play. Then on 65 minutes an overhead kick by John Williams was safely held by Mitchell.

As the ball was played up field, it came to Brian Martin who hit the ball back into the Blackburn goal area. Nathan Evans passed to Darren Downie, who hit ball back to the 18 yard line. Conor Thomson ran on and curled a shot just in from the far side post and Burgh reduced the deficit to 2-1 to Blackburn.

On 73 minutes, Daniel McBay replaced Brian Martin on 73. Then on 82 minutes Mathu King returned from injury, with Jackie Myles coming off. While Burgh had another couple of chances in the last 20 minutes the Blackburn keeper Mitchell did not have a save of substance to make.

Indeed it was Blackburn who were the likeliest of the sides to score. With a couple of minutes remaining, Midren took a throw-in, which Campbell played onto the Blackburn sub; no.16. His shot came off the Burgh post then ran back along the goal line but no one there to tap the ball in.

Full time: Blackburn United 2-1 Musselburgh Athletic.

That result moved Blackburn up to 12th place with 7 points. Newtongrange also leap-frogged Burgh, into 11th place following their 2-2 draw away to Jeanfield. Having risen to 10th in league after last week’s win over Linlithgow, Musselburgh are down to 13th; with only two points separating the bottom four sides.

Musselburgh’s next two matches are cup ties, before returning to league action on 26 October, at home against Penicuik.

At this time I do not know who the supporters club player of the match was. I would really struggle to name mine, so this week I gave it to Slim!! Most of the Burgh supporters were getting more and more restless as the match progressed. However, the smiling taxi driver, did just that - kept on smiling throughout the 90 minutes. That alone was deserving of the award!

[Passthebaw]

On 06/10/2019 at 18:26, Casey Jones said:

League match 8, for both teams, as Musselburgh travelled to meet Blackburn United on a rather drench October afternoon. Both teams had lost league matches in midweek so would hope for a victory to move themselves away from the bottom three.

Musselburgh made two changes to the team that lost 4-3 to Bo’ness. Michael Robinson started his second match in goals, with Paul Grant dropping to the bench. The other change was a surprise to a number of supporters as Daniel McBay made way for Conor Thomson.

The first twenty minutes was pretty much a none event with Musselburgh spending a lot of time in their own half with a plethora of passes either moving sideways or backwards, which raised a bit of disquiet from the away fans. Blackburn were quite happy stemming in their opponents, with pre-match tactics obviously going their way.

On 22 minutes, there was a rare forage up field for Musselburgh. Jackie Myles received the ball in the penalty box, but then lost possession. The ball came to Nathan Evens, but his shot went wide of post. Then on 25 minutes, the home side came forward. McLeod crossed the ball into the goal area and no.7; McDowall’s(?) header narrowly missed the goals.

A couple of minutes later Jackie Myles played a great cross-field pass and Michael Moffat’s shot was put out for a corner. Two corners in succession came to nothing.

The remaining minutes came and went much much to test either keeper. Looking back over the season, could result in the first half of this match being voted as the most boring 45 minutes that, certainly Musselburgh fans have witnessed. Hopefully the best was still to come.

Half time: Blackburn United 0-0 Musselburgh Athletic

First goal of match came in 49 minutes with ball played up the Blackburn left wing. The Burgh centre back John Williams passed ball back to Michael Robinson, but it was heavy. Michael Robinson got ball before it went out for a corner. The ball should have been kicked straight up field or out for a throw in. However, with a Blackburn player in the box, Michael Robinson hit the ball, which came off chest of John Williams. Blackburn quickly regained ball and crossed it into the box. The no. 10, Campbell was unmarked and his shot went over Brian Martin’s head and Blackburn were 1-0 up.

Three minute later and another defensive error by Musselburgh. The ball came into the Burgh box and Brian Martin sent it up toward half way. Soon after, ball was back with Brian Martin, who tried to play ball past McDowall. However, the Blackburn player got a leg to the ball and it headed into centre of 6-yard box. McLeod got his heel to the ball and it landed between the posts. Blackburn led 2-0.

To try and change Burgh’s fortunes, Liam Gregory replaced Bradley Whyte on 54 minutes. On 57 minutes Burgh were awarded a free kick as Jackie Myles was brought down. Ball was to the right of the Blackburn posts. Conor Thomson’s shot did not make target as it slide out for a by-kick. With the angle of the ball to the goals, the free kick was crying out for a left footed player to take it, but alas that did not happen.

Burgh had another chance on 59 minutes but Darren Downie’s effort was saved by the home side keeper Mitchell. Shortly after Jordan Orr was booked for pushing a Blackburn player who would not release the ball after it went out of play. Then on 65 minutes an overhead kick by John Williams was safely held by Mitchell.

As the ball was played up field, it came to Brian Martin who hit the ball back into the Blackburn goal area. Nathan Evans passed to Darren Downie, who hit ball back to the 18 yard line. Conor Thomson ran on and curled a shot just in from the far side post and Burgh reduced the deficit to 2-1 to Blackburn.

On 73 minutes, Daniel McBay replaced Brian Martin on 73. Then on 82 minutes Mathu King returned from injury, with Jackie Myles coming off. While Burgh had another couple of chances in the last 20 minutes the Blackburn keeper Mitchell did not have a save of substance to make.

Indeed it was Blackburn who were the likeliest of the sides to score. With a couple of minutes remaining, Midren took a throw-in, which Campbell played onto the Blackburn sub; no.16. His shot came off the Burgh post then ran back along the goal line but no one there to tap the ball in.

Full time: Blackburn United 2-1 Musselburgh Athletic.

That result moved Blackburn up to 12th place with 7 points. Newtongrange also leap-frogged Burgh, into 11th place following their 2-2 draw away to Jeanfield. Having risen to 10th in league after last week’s win over Linlithgow, Musselburgh are down to 13th; with only two points separating the bottom four sides.

Musselburgh’s next two matches are cup ties, before returning to league action on 26 October, at home against Penicuik.

At this time I do not know who the supporters club player of the match was. I would really struggle to name mine, so this week I gave it to Slim!! Most of the Burgh supporters were getting more and more restless as the match progressed. However, the smiling taxi driver, did just that - kept on smiling throughout the 90 minutes. That alone was deserving of the award!

Thanks for your report as always CJ. Hopefully Musselburgh can bounce back in their next 2 cup matches. 

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, Passthebaw said:

Thanks for your report as always CJ. Hopefully Musselburgh can bounce back in their next 2 cup matches. 

Thank you PTB! Get no bad comments so I must be doing something right!

Could make my reports smaller, but it gives a wee bit more than just goals going in and by writing so much, it helps me remember about the match, as my memory isn’t as good as it used to be! Have to say though, particularly for away games, it is sometimes a struggle given the number of losses!

Saturday is going to be a hard match for us. Only 2nd time (I think) we have met a Lowland side. Caledonian Braves are 3rd in the league and beat Spartans 3-1 away from home on Saturday. If we win it’s a bonus! 

[Passthebaw]

8 minutes ago, Casey Jones said:

Saturday is going to be a hard match for us. Only 2nd time (I think) we have met a Lowland side. Caledonian Braves are 3rd in the league and beat Spartans 3-1 away from home on Saturday. If we win it’s a bonus! 

Agreed but some of Musselburgh's best results have been when least expected! 

I saw the highlights of CB beat Spartans last week with a "goal of the season" 

[Casey Jones]

26 minutes ago, gogsy said:

Caledonian Braves are sixth, its BSC that are third.

Indeed Gogsy! 

[Casey Jones]

South Challenge Cup tie away to Caledonian Braves.

2nd time Musselburgh has met a team from Lowland League; winning the last one 1-0 away to Gala Fairydean, last season.

Caledonian Braves beat Crossgates 4-0 in the previous round. Three weeks prior; Crossgates beat The Burgh 2-1 in the league, so a hard match in prospect.

A later kick off time of 3:00pm

MTB

[Casey Jones]

On 12 October 2018, Musselburgh Athletic U20s travelled to Alliance Park to meet Caledonian Braves U20s, albeit, at that time, the home side were then known as Edusport.

On that night, in front of a crowd of around 12 (all Burgh supporters), Musselburgh U20 absolutely pummelled the home side but somehow only came away with a 1-1 draw.

Yesterday, Burgh were the underdogs in this South Region Challenge Cup 3rd round Cup tie, as the Braves were 6th place in Lowland League before the 3:00pm kick off time.

Musselburgh made three changes to the team, beaten last week at Blackburn. In a surprise move, Brian Martin was replaced in central defence by Tom Clare. Other changes were Daniel McBay and Liam Gregory coming in for Jackie Myles and Darren Downie.

First attempt in match came in seven minutes. A shot by captain, Michael Moffat, went soaring over the bar. First goal came in 12 minutes. It was the end result of 12-13 passes by the home side without a Burgh player getting a touch. The Braves no.10, then smacked the ball to the right of Michael Robinson and into the net. The home side led 1-0.

Within eight minutes Musselburgh levelled. Jordan Orru ran 40 yards down the left wing before his pass into the box. The Braves keeper, Hogarth got a touch to the ball. Liam Gregory then hit ball, which landed beside Daniel McBay, whose shot hit the net for Burgh to draw level at 1-1.

Lewis Lovering nearly restored the lead for the Braves, on 22 minutes, but his header just went wide of post.

A nervy but good end of play, followed for Burgh from 33 minute. Ball was passed about in the Braves half for a few seconds before moving forward.  David Sinclair was first to to ball and he squared it to David Winters, who then played ball towards the Burgh18 yard line. Michael Moffat made a dash back to attempt to clear the danger; while the Braves left winger, Craig Quinn was determined to get to the ball first. The forward won that battle and looped the ball over the outcoming Burgh keeper, Michael Robinson. The ball headed towards an open goal, but chased by a determined captain. Michael Moffat’s momentum won the day and he got to the ball just before it crossed the line. Michael Moffat played an overhead kick, which cleared the ball away from the goals, with the player himself landing over the line - something which VAR could not dispute. Tremendous defensive play from the captain of the day. When Mathu King finally retires and hand backs the captain’s armband, Michael Moffat will surely be handed the arm band and lead from the front (in defence) for the next 10 or so years! 

Ball then moved up field. Conor Thomson squared ball and a low drive by Declan O’Kane went past the keeper for a 2-1 lead for Burgh. On 36 minutes, again from the left wing, ball was crossed into box. Hogarth saved, but Nathan Evans latched onto ball and his attempt was checked by Raffi Krissian. Liam Gregory then nipped in and flicked ball into the net. Burgh were playing good football and winning 3-1.

Within a minute Burgh conceded a penalty, but it was hard to see why. Ball was played to the edge of the Burgh box. Jack McDowall hit a shot, which, most rugby players would have been proud of, as ball soared high and over the crossbar! However, instead of a by-kick, the referee pointed to penalty spot. The match highlights would have given an explanation, but this was not shown. Ross McNeil kicked to his right hand side, but an excellent save by Michael Robinson and ball went out for corner.

A glaring miss by David Sinclair from 10 yards, when his shot missed the target (hardly possible). With five minutes till half time, Burgh must have thought this was their day. On 43 minutes and another multiple passing display by the home side. There were more passes, this time, than with first goal. Ball then played out to McLaughlin, who whipped in a great cross into the Burgh box. David Winters (Ex- Dundee Utd, Ross County, Forfar, Hamilton and Livingston player - to name a few!!) was there to nod the ball in. Score now 3-2 to Musselburgh.

Into injury time, the referee blow for an infringement by Burgh. The ball was wellied up field. Ball came to David Winters and there were shouts from Burgh that a hand had been used. But ball was squared to Craig Quinn, who scored from the edge of box. 3-3.

Injury time continued. Nathan Evans pumped a cross into the Braves goal area. The keeper, Hogarth could not get control of ball, and in came Daniel McBay from the right and the shot was cleared off the Braves goal line.

Half time Caledonian Braves 3-3 Musselburgh Athletic.

A substitute at the start of the second half, saw Braves player Quinn, replaced by no.15, Ben Daily.

With 49 minutes played, Michael Robinson had to clear ball from Burgh 18 yard line. However, from 25 yards, (man of the match) Neil McLaughlin tried to chip the ball into the net, but it narrowly missed. Burgh had bulk of possession in the first 10 minutes of 2nd half, without the ball moving forward! Then on 56 minutes, Michael Moffat came off injured, passing the captain arm band on to Club captain, Mathu King.

In next 10 minutes, Michael Robinson was playing both keeper and sweeper at same time as he continually came out to thwart Braves in their attempt to lead again. But, on 67 minutes Braves did strike the lead. Ben Daily played a great pass into the box. Tom Clare was odds-on to get ball, but instead of cantering to the ball, it was a lazy trot. David Winters nipped in and his shot hit the post. As the ball went behind Michael Robinson, David Winters ran to his left to finish the move, while Tom Clare made no attempt to match the speed of the attacker. With 23 minutes left. Braves were 4-3 up.

A minute later and Ross McNeil had another attempt for the Braves. Once again Michael Robinson ran out of his six yard box to clear the ball. With 20 minutes to go, Burgh introduced Darren Downie to the match with Liam Gregory coming off. A chance came Burgh’s way on 73 minutes. Nathan Evans passed ball into box, towards Mathu King. However, the ball was high enough for Nicky Hogarth to collect.

Into last 13 minutes of match and another defensive error for Musselburgh. McLaughlin hit ball by Tom Clare. Then McNeil tapped it past John Williams, who should have done much better. The ball landed at feet of Winters, whose shot into the corner of the goals, saw Winters grab his hat trick and Braves were 5-3 up.

On 84 minutes, Braves attacked again. Ball came to Slattery who hit a curling shot which came off the bar. Brian Martin came on for last six minutes and replaced Bradley Whyte. However, by that time, Game was a bogie! 

Full time: Caledonian Braves 5 - 3 Musselburgh Athletic

Edited October 17, 2019 by Casey Jones

[GNU_Linux]

Highlights from the Caledonian Braves game

[Passthebaw]

7 hours ago, GNU_Linux said:

Highlights from the Caledonian Braves game
 

That's probably the softest penalty I've ever seen! Justice prevailed!

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, Passthebaw said:

That's probably the softest penalty I've ever seen! Justice prevailed!

Kind of agree PTB, but as per the new rules, a penalty it is - arms away from the body.

Not sure of the man of match. I had narrowed it down to two - Jordan and Dan, but watching the highlights, it showed how many more  The Braves could have scored if it wasn’t for Michael Robinson. 

[Ormi]

21 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

Kind of agree PTB, but as per the new rules, a penalty it is - arms away from the body.

Not sure of the man of match. I had narrowed it down to two - Jordan and Dan, but watching the highlights, it showed how many more  The Braves could have scored if it wasn’t for Michael Robinson. 

I’ve just qualified as a referee and I just want to say that what you’re saying isn’t entirely correct. The laws state your arms must not be outwith your “natural silhouette“. In most cases this means away from your body - but at some points your natural position is not to have  your arms right by your side. 

[Passthebaw]

3 minutes ago, Ormi said:

I’ve just qualified as a referee and I just want to say that what you’re saying isn’t entirely correct. The laws state your arms must not be outwith your “natural silhouette“. In most cases this means away from your body - but at some points your natural position is not to have  your arms right by your side. 

As clear as mud then - no wonder you guys get a hard time! Based on what you said, interpretation of a "natural position" is key. I wish you well in your new career. 

So again, probably the softest penalty I've ever seen!

[Ormi]

11 minutes ago, Passthebaw said:

So again, probably the softest penalty I've ever seen!

I’m only going by the above highlights but to me it did look soft. Handball, and offside with no assistants, is possibly the hardest thing to make a split second on though so I have sympathy with the ref there.

[Casey Jones]

59 minutes ago, Ormi said:

I’ve just qualified as a referee and I just want to say that what you’re saying isn’t entirely correct. The laws state your arms must not be outwith your “natural silhouette“. In most cases this means away from your body - but at some points your natural position is not to have  your arms right by your side. 

I’m now a fully fledged / qualified linesman and I will agree that I may not be be entirely correct; but I am somewhat right! Allegedly; if this match took place in Fife it would be 99.5% likely that a penalty would be given. Elsewhere it would just be the interpretation of the referee on the day!

Form a standing position, then turning your back against the ball, I agree that it would be nigh impossible to have your arms by your side. But who interprets how far would your arms naturally swing would be as you did a 180 degree spin? Bet no manual has an answer!

On the day, can’t remember anyone shouting for a penalty. If anything, Braves were just as surprised as Burgh were that the penalty was awarded.