Musselburgh Athletic F.C 2019/20

[Passthebaw]

8 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

First win in a month and watching the performance yesterday, you have to ask yourself why!

As Michael Moffat is still injured, it was a welcome return for Jack Gillan who started at right back. A new back three set up worked well with only one wobble! Brian Martin had his best match of the season so far.

Now the team will go into next week’s Alex Jack Cup final with much more confidence. MTB!

Many of us been talking about this for a long time. Maybe the difference? 

A huge lift yesterday for Musselburgh - let's hope we can take that into next week.

[Casey Jones]

2 hours ago, Passthebaw said:

Many of us been talking about this for a long time. Maybe the difference? 

A huge lift yesterday for Musselburgh - let's hope we can take that into next week.

It was a huge lift PTB! I was confident that we would win, if we played well. Last season, as said previously, we beat Camelon both times we met, in different cup competitions, albeit that one was after extra time.

Manager got team selection right yesterday. I would have changed one midfield place, but who cares, since we won. First time, this season, in the league, that Burgh has kept a clean sheet, so hopefully the back three is here to stay!

Huge credit to management and players for getting the win! 

[Casey Jones]

Yesterday saw the official opening of the Hughie Ferguson Lounge, at Olivebank. Tommy Stewart, Musselburgh Athletic committee member and Mathu King, Club captain, cut the ribbon; for a fitting and lasting memory, of a gentleman who was known as Mr Musselburgh Athletic. 

Last week was probably the lowest point of this season, for Musselburgh, who lost 2-1 away to Sauchie and ended the weekend in bottom spot, with only six points from the opening 11 league matches. In contrast, the visitors to Olivebank, Camelon, were on an unbeaten league run of 10 matches and sat in second place in the league.

Musselburgh Athletic made five changes to last week’s lineup. Onto the bench went, Michael Robinson, John Williams, Liam Gregory and trialist (Ross Lerner), while Bradley Whyte missed out due to suspension. In came Paul Grant, Brian Martin, Jono McManus, Declan O’Kane and a welcome return following a long period of injury for Jack Gillan. 

It was quick to see that Musselburgh Athletic were adopting a back three set up, with Jack Gillan and Jordan Orru operating as wing backs, with three in midfield and two forwards. A bold move from the management team, but something that the fans of Burgh were bound to like!

On an overcast afternoon, the first 10 minutes did not bring much goal mouth action. First chance fell to Camelon who were awarded a free kick just outside the Burgh box, following a foul committed by Bob Wilson on Stowe. The left winger got up and took the free kick, but his shot went wide of the post.

Two minutes later and Darren Downie chested the ball to Jack Gillan, standing on the right hand side of the Camelon box. Ball came back to Darren Downie, then onto a stretched out Jackie Myles, whose shot went straight to keeper, Shaw. On 16 minutes Mathu King went close when Shaw had to dive to save the shot and prevent the home side taking the lead.

Just before the half hour, slack defending between Brian Martin and Paul Grant panicked some Burgh fans. Brian Martin, however, made amends by blocking a shot, then clearing the ball out of defence. Another error by Paul Grant resulted in an indirect free-kick inside the box, as the keeper picked the ball up from a pass back. Camelon could not take advantage and a by-kick followed.

The first yellow card of the match was given to Camelon’s McMullan for speaking back to the referee after Declan O’Kane had been fouled. From the free kick, Mathu King flicked the ball on, but the keeper, Shaw saved Darren Downie’s shot. Just as the match was heading to half time, Declan O’Kane, needlessly brought down McMullen in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped centre forward Docherty who saw his shot smash off Paul Grant’s left hand post and back into play. Paul Grant was all smiles and in a post match note assured all that he had the matter covered!!

Half time: Musselburgh Athletic 0-0 Camelon

In the first five minutes of the re-start, Camelon should have taken the lead. From a thrown in on the dugout side of pitch, the ball was crossed into the box. If Docherty’s diving header was on target, it was net bound. However, Docherty somehow managed to guide the ball over the perimeter defence.

On 54 minutes Musselburgh had a corner. Conor Thomson’s cross was met by a header from Jono McManus, which Shaw easily saved. In the next move, Camelon’s right back McCroary was booked for a foul on Jordan Orru.

Jackie Myles’ name was added to the book for a foul on Herron. From the free kick, Docherty’s header came off the top of the Musselburgh crossbar and out for a goal kick.  Two minutes later, on 66 minutes, Camelon’s centre half, Skinner had a shot from the edge of the box, but Paul Grant got down low to smother the ball and keep the score at 0-0.  

A minute later, McKenzie was booked for holding onto Jackie Myles shirt. From the free kick, just inside Musselburgh’s half, Jono McManus hit the ball into the box and over Darren Downie’s head. As the ball ran into the six yard box, from the tightest of angles, Darren Downie shot went past an out-coming Shaw, and into the back of the net! With 22 minutes left, Burgh led 1-0.

Docherty was the fourth Camelon player to be booked for a foul/push on Jackie Myles. Into the last 10 minutes Burgh had a chance to extend the lead. Jordan Orru made a move up the left, before passing to Darren Downie. A quick lay off was intended for Mathu King, who was waiting in the box, but the ball just landed behind the forward. As Jordan Orru ran in, the ball was cleared from defence. 

Next player to receive a yellow was Skinner, following a foul on Declan O’Kane. With five minutes left Conor Thomson was subbed with Daniel McBay coming on. Soon after, Mathu King had a couple of attempts on goal. The first shot was blocked, then Mathu King tried a back heel which was also cleared. 

Into the final three minutes and Burgh were awarded a corner. Declan O’Kane hit a bullet of a cross into the six yard area. As the cross came in, Brian Martin ran from the edge of the box to head the ball into the net, to cheers of jubilation from players and fans alike. Unfortunately, the referee did not care for nudity on the field of play. As Brian Martin put his shirt back on, he was presented with a yellow card.

Camelon still came forward and in the final minutes had two chances. First; Kay’s shot went just left of the post. Then Brian Martin headed a ball off the line following a late corner. Burgh made two late subs, winding down the clock.

Full time: MusselburghAthletic 2-0 Camelon. The referee’s duties were not finished, as he awarded a red card to Herron, presumably for something he said after the final whistle.

That was Musselburgh’s first win in the league since 28 September, when they beat Linlithgow. For Camelon, it was their first defeat since the end of July. Hopefully this is when the fortunes of Musselburgh Athletic start to improve. A great performance, and the home side’s first clean sheet of the league campaign saw them move up two places to 14th in the league.

Edited November 17, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Passthebaw]

8 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

It was a huge lift PTB! I was confident that we would win, if we played well. Last season, as said previously, we beat Camelon both times we met, in different cup competitions, albeit that one was after extra time.

Manager got team selection right yesterday. I would have changed one midfield place, but who cares, since we won. First time, this season, in the league, that Burgh has kept a clean sheet, so hopefully the back three is here to stay!

Huge credit to management and players for getting the win! 

No doubt about it. Momentum is huge in football - here's hoping they can take that into next week's final! Even with an eligible Moffat & Whyte, surely they can't change it!?

[Casey Jones]

5 minutes ago, Passthebaw said:

No doubt about it. Momentum is huge in football - here's hoping they can take that into next week's final! Even with an eligible Moffat & Whyte, surely they can't change it!?

That is when you do not want to be a manager PTB! One of Burgh’s issues (I think) is there has been too many changes to the starting line ups week in  - week out. Some are enforced, some are tactical, but some have been strange (for me!). However, following such a good win, what does a manager do? Deservedly make the starting line up the same, two weeks running (for first time this season) or bring in players, such as you quote; Moffat and Whyte, who could make the team even better! 

We wait seven days to see what happens! 

[Passthebaw]

21 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

That is when you do not want to be a manager PTB! One of Burgh’s issues (I think) is there has been too many changes to the starting line ups week in  - week out. Some are enforced, some are tactical, but some have been strange (for me!). However, following such a good win, what does a manager do? Deservedly make the starting line up the same, two weeks running (for first time this season) or bring in players, such as you quote; Moffat and Whyte, who could make the team even better! 

We wait seven days to see what happens! 

Leave Michael & Bradley for the last 20, if required. Musselburgh need continuity of shape. 

Regardless, I still think they'll shade this against a workmanlike Oakley by the odd goal or E/T. They need to! 

[RobM]

However Geordie lines his team up we'll be behind him  and the rest of them, everybody on the playing and management side seem to care as much as we do.

Mark of a good club.  I'm sure Oakley'll be looking for the same.

[Casey Jones]

Definitely on countdown mode for Sunday’s Alex Jack cup final against Oakley!

Given the overall performances this season, we are perhaps lucky still be involved at this stage of the competition.

However, play again, like we did last weekend against Camelon and Musselburgh have a great chance of lifting the cup. That performance couldn’t have happened at a better time, and hopefully Burgh can repeat the intensity of play against a team that Burgh certainly won’t be taking on lightly!

Last season, we just beat Oakley, away, thanks to a late penalty! Our match at Olivebank ended in a draw. Hopefully a big crowd will witness a good final, with my East Lothian club lifting the cup! MTB

[Casey Jones]

Great results today by Broxburn and Bonnyrigg in the Scottish Cup. By all accounts, Penicuik were unlucky not to get at least a draw away to Patrick. 

If that itself is not an inspiration of what could be for Musselburgh to win tomorrow ( and then beat Mid Annandale); then nothing will!

If Burgh play to there best, which we were nearly there last weekend, then we have a great chance of winning the Alex Jack cup! 

MTB!

[BigTboy]

Well done mussy, delighted for you guys particularly CJ who’s been pulling his hair out recently. Big result for the club, Scottish Cup draw next year I’m sure was the carrot! 

[Ormi]

Well done to Musselburgh 

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, BigTboy said:

Well done mussy, delighted for you guys particularly CJ who’s been pulling his hair out recently. Big result for the club, Scottish Cup draw next year I’m sure was the carrot! 

 

1 hour ago, BigTboy said:

Well done mussy, delighted for you guys particularly CJ who’s been pulling his hair out recently. Big result for the club, Scottish Cup draw next year I’m sure was the carrot! 

Nae hair left !! Cheers BigT!

Going off at half time, Burgh fans would have bit your hand off for a 2-1 win. However, two subs on at start of second half made the difference, as did getting the penalty in 46 minutes to equalise. After that, Burgh took control and were worthy winners. Definitely a game of two halves! 

Nothing against Oakley, who started the match well, but Burgh were not going to have a better chance of winning a cup in a long time, as today! Thankfully we won and all down, now,  to the play off against Mid Annandale in a couple of months.

 

[Belter1]

Well done to Musselburgh. Congrats

[HibeeJibee]

Congratulations to Musselburgh... Looked in trouble at HT - lucky not to trail by more - but different story 2nd half. First silverware of season, and great opportunity for more and a Scottish Cup place v Mid Annandale.

[Casey Jones]

First trophy of 2019-20 was up for grabs today as Musselburgh Athletic met Oakley United in the Alex Jack Cup final.

To get there, Musselburgh beat Peebles, Bo’ness, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts and Edinburgh United for an aggregate score of 16-4 or 4-1 for each of the four matches.

Oakley received a bye in the first round, then beat Dalkeith, Kinnoull and Dunbar for an aggregate score of 5-3 or 2-1 for each of 3 matches.

Musselburgh Athletic fielded the same starting line up as last week, following the win over second placed Camelon in the Premier League.

The match at New Victoria Park, Newtongrange, was preceded by a minute’s silence following the morning’s news that Dunbar United’s secretary Malcolm Jones died suddenly at yesterday’s match at Crossgates.

Oakley United kicked off the match at 14:01.  On seven minutes, the first shot of the match fell to Oakley’s number 8 (Halpin? - I’m guessing some names as no numbers were on the Oakley Facebook page - where the team-line appeared), whose shot just went by Paul Grant’s right hand post.  A minute later, Oakley’s right back, Gruar, was spoken to for a foul on Jordan Orru. From the free kick, taken by Burgh’s Declan O’Kane, Jono McManus header was safely held by keeper Robertson.

With 17 minutes played, Burgh were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Oakley box. Up stepped Conor Thomson and his kick was turned away for a corner by Robertson. Nothing came of this. Oakley were soon on the attack but both Love and Alan’s shots were blocked by the Burgh defence.  

On 23 minutes, Oakley were awarded a penalty after Bob Wilson had handled the ball in the Burgh box. Up stepped Oakley Captain, Love, but Paul Grant got down to his right to save the spot kick. From the rebound, Oakley hit the far post before Jono McManus headed the ball out for a corner. The kick came into a crowded penalty area, with Craig Martin first to react. His header went straight past Paul Grant. On the balance of play, Oakley deservedly lead 1-0.

Thirty two minutes on the clock and a great chance for a Burgh equaliser. Ball played down the left hand side. In the box, Darrren Downie squared the ball over to Jack Gillan. From the edge of the six yard box, Jack Gillan’s shot failed to hit the target, instead, going out for a goal kick. Definitely should have been 1-1 at that point. Three minutes later and Oakley’s left winger, McGowan had a 25 yard attempt which just went over Paul Grant’s bar.

Into the last five minutes and following a move by Gruar, the Oakley right back hit a great pass into the Burgh six yard box. Waiting was McGowan and he somehow managed to hit his shot over the bar, when it looked easier to score. An injury to Oakley’s no.10 (Alan?) saw him subbed with two minutes left of the half.

Just after the substitution, Conor Thomson managed to get to the Oakley goal line but his attempted cross was blocked for a corner. Upfield then went Oakley and McGowan was allowed into the Burgh box and shoot, without a tackle being made. Luckily for Musselburgh, the shot just past Paul Grant’s right hand post.

Half time: Musselburgh 0-1 Oakley; and the Fife team would have gone in wondering how they were only a goal up. 

The chat was that changes had to be made by Musselburgh. Sure enough, as the players came back on the pitch, Brian Martin and Jack Gillan had come off to be replaced by Michael Moffat and Nathan Evans. A bit of a surprise that the big centre half was off, but it became clear that the back three had switched to a back four, with a more attacking force as well!

Immediate dividends came in the first minute of the second half, Conor Thomson was brought down by Oakley’s no. 4 Kelly, who received a yellow for his troubles and Burgh had a penalty. Straight away, Musselburgh captain Mathu King picked up the ball. From the penalty spot, Mathu King put Robertson the wrong way as his shot was hit into the corner of the net. 

Forty six minutes played and match was level at 1-1. Within three minutes and Burgh took the lead. Ball was played up the right wing. Nathan Evans collected the ball, but he was immediately cornered by two Oakley players near to the corner flag. Somehow Nathan Evans managed to pass into the box. Darren Downie was first to the ball and his shot went by an Oakley defender; past the front of Robertson and into the net. 

In the space of four minutes, Burgh were in control of the final and lead 2-1.  A minute after the goal and Oakley were back on the attack. Jono McManus was dispossessed of the ball and McGowan missed a golden chance when the equaliser looked a stick on! A great escape by Musselburgh. 

On 52 minutes, Burgh had a free kick in their own half. Jono McManus played the ball upfield, and it was chested down to Jackie Myles, who ran into the box. Jackie Myles then hit a powerful shot which was saved well by Robertson. Next 12 or so minutes were played with no real chances for either side.  

Musselburgh’s third substitution came on 65 minutes with captain Mathu King off and replaced by Bradley Whyte. For third time in match Burgh formation changed, this time from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2.  Almost immediately Burgh went back on the attack. From his own throw in, ball was played back to Michael Moffat. His pass up the right wing to Darren Downie was followed by a quick pass inside. Bradley Whyte’s shot produced another good save by Robertson. 

The next move saw another break up field by Musselburgh. With the ball up the right wing, Oakley’s no.4 Kelly played ball back to Robertson. As Nathan Evans chased the ball, a poor pass out by the keeper only went as far as Bradley Whyte, who straight away played the ball forward. Darren Downie’s first touch was poor, however, he was first to react. As Darren Downie slide forward, he beat two Oakley players to the ball and his touch placed the ball past a motionless Roberson. Burgh now led 3-1.

Five minutes later and the Burgh forward, on a rich vein of form, got his hat-trick.  From a ball out of defence, Nathan Evans chested the ball towards his teammate. A defender could not clear the ball and up stepped Darren Downie, who ran forward and slide the ball to the side of an out-coming Robertson and the ball hit the net, Burgh now led 4-1 with 17 minutes remaining.

Four minutes later, on 77 minutes, Burgh had a corner. Conor Thomson’s ball came out to Jackie Myles, but his shot was saved by Robertson, who was becoming the busiest player on the park.  Burgh were soon on the attack again with both Nathan Evans and Conor Thomson in the Oakley box. Neither were able to shoot and the ball was cleared away. 

On 81 minutes, Oakley were thrown a lifeline. A forward move saw the ball go over Michael Moffat. The Oakley no. 14 got to the bye-line and his cross into the six yard box was met by Dylan McGowan. From one yard out, all McGowan had to do was tap the ball in to the net, to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Entering the last few minutes and what appeared to be a tough 50-50 tackle between Declan O’Kane and Bruce McAdam saw the ref bring out a card. To the surprise of McAdam and a number of fans, the referee showed the Oakley defender the red card! Harsh decision, but by then the match was all but over. A late Yellow card to Bradley Whyte, then around five minutes of injury time saw the referee blow the final whistle. 

Definitely a match of two halves. But two goals in the first four minutes of the second half, saw Musselburgh take control of the cup final, and the East Lothian side won the match 4-2. 

Ten minutes after the match, Oakley were first awarded with their runner up medals, before the victorious Captain Mathu King lifted the Alex Jack Cup aloft for Musselburgh Athletic! Man of the match, is unknown at the moment, but it must surely have gone to the hat-trick hero Darren Downie.

Musselburgh must now wait until 26 January 2020, before meeting Mid Annandale in a play off match at Blackburn. The winners will then gain entry to the 2020-21 Scottish cup !

Edited November 26, 2019 by Casey Jones

[Tappy the Toon]

Congratulations to Musselburgh.Oakley done well,but a strong second half showing deservedly won the cup for 'Burgh.Hope you all enjoyed your evening and all the best for the rest of the season.

[Casey Jones]

15 minutes ago, Tappy the Toon said:

Congratulations to Musselburgh.Oakley done well,but a strong second half showing deservedly won the cup for 'Burgh.Hope you all enjoyed your evening and all the best for the rest of the season.

We were told by others who had seen Oakley play this season, that Musselburgh would be in for a tough match. That proved to be right, particularly in the first half. Luckily for Burgh, the changes at half time was pivotal to our success! All best to Oakley as well for the remainder of the season.

[Passthebaw]

23 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

First trophy of 2019-20 was up for grabs today as Musselburgh Athletic met Oakley United in the Alex Jack Cup final.

To get there, Musselburgh beat Peebles, Bo’ness, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts and Edinburgh United for an aggregate score of 16-4 or 4-1 for each of the four matches.

Oakley received a bye in the first round, then beat Dalkeith, Kinnoull and Dunbar for an aggregate score of 5-3 or 2-1 for each of 3 matches.

Musselburgh Athletic fielded the same starting line up as last week, following the win over second placed Camelon in the Premier League.

The match at New Victoria Park, Newtongrange, was preceded by a minute’s silence following the morning’s news that Dunbar United’s secretary Malcolm Jones died suddenly at yesterday’s match at Crossgates.

Oakley United kicked off the match at 14:01.  On seven minutes, the first shot of the match fell to Oakley’s number 8 (Halpin? - I’m guessing some names as no numbers were on the Oakley Facebook page - where the team-line appeared), whose shot just went by Paul Grant’s right hand post.  A minute later, Oakley’s right back, Gruar, was spoken to for a foul on Jordan Orru. From the free kick, taken by Burgh’s Declan O’Kane, Jono McManus header was safely held by keeper Robertson.

With 17 minutes played, Burgh were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Oakley box. Up stepped Conor Thomson and his kick was turned away for a corner by Robertson. Nothing came of this. Oakley were soon on the attack but both Love and Alan’s shots were blocked by the Burgh defence.  

On 23 minutes, Oakley were awarded a penalty following an infringement in the Burgh box. Up stepped Oakley Captain, Love, but Paul Grant got down to his right to save the spot kick. From the rebound, Oakley hit the far post before Jono McManus headed the ball out for a corner. The kick came into a crowded penalty area, with Craig Martin first to react. His header went straight past Paul Grant. On the balance of play, Oakley deservedly lead 1-0.

Thirty two minutes on the clock and a great chance for a Burgh equaliser. Ball played down the right hand side and Jack Gillan was clear on goal. From the edge of the six yard box, Jack Gillan’s shot failed to hit the target, instead, going out for a goal kick. Definitely should have been 1-1 at that point. Three minutes later and Oakley’s left winger, McGowan had a 25 yard attempt which just went over Paul Grant’s bar.

Into the last five minutes and following a move by Gruar, the Oakley right back hit a great pass into the Burgh six yard box. Waiting was McGowan and he somehow managed to hit his shot over the bar, when it looked easier to score. An injury to Oakley’s no.10 (Alan?) saw him subbed with two minutes left of the half.

Just after the substitution, Conor Thomson managed to get to the Oakley goal line but his attempted cross was blocked for a corner. Upfield then went Oakley and McGowan was allowed into the Burgh box and shoot, without a tackle being made. Luckily for Musselburgh, the shot just past Paul Grant’s right hand post.

Half time: Musselburgh 0-1 Oakley; and the Fife team would have gone in wondering how they were only a goal up. 

The chat was that changes had to be made by Musselburgh. Sure enough, as the players came back on the pitch, Brian Martin and Jack Gillan had come off to be replaced by Michael Moffat and Nathan Evans. A bit of a surprise that the big centre half was off, but it became clear that the back three had switched to a back four, with a more attacking force as well!

Immediate dividends came in the first minute of the second half, Conor Thomson was brought down by left back McAdam, who received a yellow for his troubles and Burgh had a penalty. Straight away, Musselburgh captain Mathu King picked up the ball. From the penalty spot, Mathu King put Robertson the wrong way as his shot was hit into the corner of the net. 

Forty six minutes played and match was level at 1-1. Within three minutes and Burgh took the lead. Ball was played up the right wing. Nathan Evans collected the ball, but he was immediately cornered by two Oakley players near to the corner flag. Somehow Nathan Evans managed to pass into the box. Darren Downie was first to the ball and his shot went by an Oakley defender; past the front of Robertson and into the net. 

In the space of four minutes, Burgh were in control of the final and lead 2-1.  A minute after the goal and Oakley were back on the attack. Jono McManus was dispossessed of the ball and McGowan missed a golden chance when the equaliser looked a stick on! A great escape by Musselburgh. 

On 52 minutes, Burgh had a free kick in their own half. Jono McManus played the ball upfield, and it was chested down to Jackie Myles, who ran into the box. Jackie Myles then hit a powerful shot which was saved well by Robertson. Next 12 or so minutes were played with no real chances for either side.  

Musselburgh’s third substitution came on 65 minutes with captain Mathu King off and replaced by Bradley Whyte. For third time in match Burgh formation changed, this time from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2.  Almost immediately Burgh went back on the attack. From his own throw in, ball was played back to Michael Moffat. His pass up the right wing to Darren Downie was followed by a quick pass inside. Bradley Whyte’s shot produced another good save by Robertson. 

The next move saw another break up field by Musselburgh. With the ball up the right wing, Oakley’s no.4 Kelly played ball back to Robertson. As Nathan Evans chased the ball, a poor pass out by the keeper only went as far as Bradley Whyte, who straight away played the ball forward. Darren Downie’s first touch was poor, however, he was first to react. As Darren Downie slide forward, he beat two Oakley players to the ball and his touch placed the ball past a motionless Roberson. Burgh now led 3-1.

Five minutes later and the Burgh forward, on a rich vein of form, got his hat-trick.  From a ball out of defence, Nathan Evans chested the ball towards his teammate. A defender could not clear the ball and up stepped Darren Downie, who ran forward and slide the ball to the side of an out-coming Robertson and the ball hit the net, Burgh now led 4-1 with 17 minutes remaining.

Four minutes later, on 77 minutes, Burgh had a corner. Conor Thomson’s ball came out to Jackie Myles, but his shot was saved by Robertson, who was becoming the busiest player on the park.  Burgh were soon on the attack again with both Nathan Evans and Conor Thomson in the Oakley box. Neither were able to shoot and the ball was cleared away. 

On 81 minutes, Oakley were thrown a lifeline. A forward move saw the ball go over Michael Moffat. The Oakley no. 14 got to the bye-line and his cross into the six yard box was met by Dylan McGowan. From one yard out, all McGowan had to do was tap the ball in to the net, to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Entering the last few minutes and what appeared to be a tough 50-50 tackle between Declan O’Kane and Bruce McAdam saw the ref bring out a card. To the surprise of McAdam and a number of fans, the referee showed the Oakley defender the red card! Harsh decision, but by then the match was all but over. A late Yellow card to Bradley Whyte, then around five minutes of injury time saw the referee blow the final whistle. 

Definitely a match of two halves. But two goals in the first four minutes of the second half, saw Musselburgh take control of the cup final, and the East Lothian side won the match 4-2. 

Ten minutes after the match, Oakley were first awarded with their runner up medals, before the victorious Captain Mathu King lifted the Alex Jack Cup aloft for Musselburgh Athletic! Man of the match, is unknown at the moment, but it must surely have gone to the hat-trick hero Darren Downie.

Musselburgh must now wait until 26 January 2020, before meeting Mid Annandale in a play off match at Blackburn. The winners will then gain entry to the 2020-21 Scottish cup !

Cheers CJ. Fair play to Musselburgh's Head Coach that he changed things at H/T, after starting with the correct line-up in my opinion, after last week's great performance.

Congratulations to all concerned. Now to kick on, starting with a home league tie next week.

[Casey Jones]

15 minutes ago, Passthebaw said:

Cheers CJ. Fair play to Musselburgh's Head Coach that he changed things at H/T, after starting with the correct line-up in my opinion, after last week's great performance.

Congratulations to all concerned. Now to kick on, starting with a home league tie next week.

Hi PTB.

I agree. The back three worked for the Camelon match and it wasn’t working for the cup final. By changing the set-up on Sunday, within four minutes of the second half, Burgh had scored twice and there was only going to be one winner from then on. In that respect you are spot on!

Let me give you another thought - bearing in mind we will never know the outcome!

Burgh won at Camelon and I think it gave Kevin a headache, as I said last week. Did he keep the same side as that which won the previous week or did he break up a winning team knowing our ‘best player’ (my opinion) was fit again? He chose the first option and while I was disappointed for Michael, I could see why Kevin made his choice, as Jack had a good match against Camelon.

For the final, a lot of play was going up the left wing, and we didn’t cope as well against Oakley as we did against Camelon. Cue the double substitution on Sunday which proved to be a match winner!!

But if Michael started at right back, I think the back three would have worked again and we would still have won! I just think that Kevin shouldn’t ditch the back three from his mind as it can be a winning combination again!

Regardless of any of the above, first half performance and second half performance for Sunday’s final was night and day and Kevin totally deserves praise for the cup win.

[Passthebaw]

9 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

I just think that Kevin shouldn’t ditch the back three from his mind as it can be a winning combination again!

Regardless of any of the above, first half performance and second half performance for Sunday’s final was night and day and Kevin totally deserves praise for the cup win.

I agree totally, CJ. I'm a big fan of the back 3 at MA, especially with the offensive mobility of Michael & Jordan.

And yes, Kevin deserves significant credit for a bold decision that paid instant dividends.