Musselburgh Athletic FC 2020-21

[falkirktv]

Best team won today.  No complaints.

[Casey Jones]

10 minutes ago, falkirktv said:

Best team won today.  No complaints.

It is funny, but we do seem to play well against Camelon. Maybe it is because we are quite close with the way we play.

I said to a couple of Burgh pals this morning that I expected Burgh would beat Camelon. There are some teams I don’t think the same way! 

[Casey Jones]

Whitehill Welfare v Musselburgh Athletic: Wednesday 21 October 2020 @ 7:30pm

Musselburgh Athletic agreed to a request from Whitehill Welfare to bring forward the original fixture, set as Wednesday 11 November by 4 weeks. Last season, Musselburgh lost their first seven league matches, finally breaking their duck up at Rosewell, so were hoping for another win tonight.

First corner of match fell Burgh’s way, but a shot pass was blocked and cleared. It was Whitehill who took the lead after 9 minutes. With the ball being played up left wing, Maguire put in a long deep cross into the Burgh Box. Thomson ran in from the edge of the box and powered the ball past Ryan McGurk’s left hand side and into the net.

Two minutes later and it could have been 2-0.  Janczyk was clear and his shot produced a great save by Ryan McGurk. The big keeper got a touch on the ball which ran towards goal, but hit the post and Burgh were able to clear. Not sure if that stung Musselburgh into action but the equaliser came on 14 minutes. From inside the Burgh half, Brad Donaldson passed ball up to Michael Moffat. The right back stepped inside and passed a couple of players before squaring ball to Jackie Myles. One touch and the ball came to Lewis White, who controlled ball then let fly. The ball soared past the keeper, Gilpin and into the corner of the net.

Just on the 20 minute mark, a surprised Nathan Evans received a straight red card for a challenge on the Welfare right back, Twaddle. The defender required treatment before he could resume play.

On the half hour and Ryan McGurk was called into action again. This time, another shot by Thomson, was saved by the advancing keeper and ball went out of the box and cleared. Soon after and the Burgh manager was talked to by the referee. In the run up to Thomson’s shot, Brian Martin was felled by a crunching tackle and the manager was none too happy that a foul was not awarded.

Into the final minute of the first half and Whitehill had a couple of chances. The first saw a ball come into the Burgh box but Ryan McGurk had an easy save to make. The second attempt was from out the box but went over the bar.

Half time: Whitehill Welfare 1 – 1 Musselburgh Athletic.

At the start of the 2^nd half, probably for tactical changes, from being down to 10 men; on came the Burgh Captain Mathu King and Bradley Whyte, who replaced Dean Ballantyne and Brian Martin. This proved to be instrumental in the 52^nd minute. Welfare were on the attack, when Conor Thomson intercepted a ball, just in the Burgh half. Declan O’Kane kicked the ball forward, perhaps too long for Bradley Whyte to collect, but the young midfielder kept running. The ball came to Matthew King, who put a delightful through ball for Bradley Whyte to chase. The midfielder dashed by three defenders, into the box then slotted the ball past an out coming Gilpin.  Burgh were 1-2 up.

Whitehill could have been level on 55 minutes. Following a foul by Michael Moffat, the ball came into the box, but the defence cleared their lines. Back came the home side, but the shot was poor. In 62 minutes a shout by the Whitehill Welfare media man produced a bit of a giggle. Whitehill were again on the attack, right up to the Burgh box. However, the attempted shot was more like an American Football punt as it soared up into the dark night, with the words ‘Holy Moly’ being heard from the side-lines.

Musselburgh’s first two goals were impressive enough, but they were about to be outstripped by an outstanding finish by the Burgh captain. A free kick was played into the box by Conor Thomson. McGlashan headed the ball clear and to a team mate. Bradley Whyte won the tackle and from the left edge of the box, produced a great ball into the six yard box, over the heads of two Welfare defenders. With a right footed acrobatic shot, Mathu King saw his shot go over an outstretched Gilpin and high into the net. Contender for goal of the season – surely.

Burgh’s final substitution came in 80 minutes with Jordan Orru coming on for Conor Thomson. With three minutes remaining, Whitehill Welfare were unlucky not to get a goal back as a shot, from the 18 yard line came off the top of the Burgh bar!

Final score: Whitehill Welfare 1 – 3 Musselburgh Athletic.

The second win in four days saw Musselburgh move up to 5^th place in the league. Next match is another away fixture, this time against Blackburn United. Kick off on Saturday 24 October is 2:30pm  

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh Athletic v Newtongrange Star: Tuesday 27 October 2020 @ 7:30pm

Musselburgh Athletic came into this fixture against their Midlothian rivals, on the back of two victories, while Newtongrange had lost their previous two. With a lot or rain fall during the day, the ground was very soft underfoot at kick-off. Three ex-Musselburgh players from last season, Jack Gillan, Ross Larner and Daniel McBay, were all in the Nitten starting line-up.

Burgh started off well and were 1-0 just after four minutes. Josh Jeffries’ corner kick was headed over the keeper from about four yards by Captain, Mathu King. The home side had other chances in the first 10 minute. Dean Ballantyne saw his shot easily saved by McCathie.  The Nitten keeper, then had to make two good saves following a free kick by Declan O’Kane after nine minutes.

Newtongrange were unlucky not to take the lead on 18 minutes. A corner taken by Nelson was headed out of the six yard box. Then a tremendous shot by Gillan came of the top corner of the bar/post and out of play. Then two shots in as many minutes from Musselburgh. First, Lewis White shot from outside the box, but the ball went straight to McCathie. The second, on 21 minutes went way over the bar by Mathu King.

A mistake by Musselburgh should have resulted in the opener for the away side. Jono McManus had the ball and time, but somehow missed the ball and McBay collected and had a clear run and shot, but missed the target.

Jackie Myles was booked on 26 minutes for a challenge just outside the Burgh box. The free kick by Gillan was hit over the bar. Jono McManus soon after received a yellow card following a challenge with Newtongrange on the attack. Nothing came of the free kick.

Against the run of play, Burgh doubled the lead in 38 minutes and it was so avoidable. A cross field pass by McIntosh, was too strong and heading out for a throw in. However, a Nitten player managed to keep the ball in. But in doing so, gave the ball to Bradley Whyte. The ball came infield and a shot by Josh Jeffries produced a great save by McCathie. But as the ball came off the bar, Dean Ballantyne was waiting to prod the ball into the net.

Burgh could have went into half time 3-0 up. From the left hand side, ball played into the box. Bradley Whyte just had the keeper in front of him, but poor ball control and the attack was over.

Half time: Musselburgh Athletic 2 – 0 Newtongrange

Two minutes into the 2^nd half and Nitten pulled a goal back. Cross came into the Burgh box. O’Reilly collected, then took it past Brad Donaldson and shot hit the net. The equaliser came five minutes later. A poor free kick by Brad Donaldson, was picked up by McBay who ran into the box and his shot found the centre of the net.

A minute later, Dean Ballantyne had the ball in the Nitten net, but the linesman had already raised his flag for offside. On the hour and Burgh found themselves behind. From a throw in, the ball came into the box. A Nitten player could not get a touch of the ball, but it then fell to O’Reilly who neatly slotted the ball in front of Paul Grant and into the opposite corner of the goals. Newtongrange 3-2 up.

The second half capitulation by Burgh became worse on 64 minutes and it was another ex-Burgh player causing the damage. A long ball up-field by Glendinning found Jack Gillan on the right side of the box. The ball went to the other side of the box and then came to McBay. His shot was blocked, but then bounced to Gillan who from a few yards made no mistake.

On 67 minutes a great one-two between McBay and Gillan found the latter on the right of the Burgh box. His cross into the six yard box should have been Paul Grant’s but it went over him and Michael Moffat had to clear the ball off the line.

Gillan received a booking for a challenge on Lewis White, which ended his match. Declan O’Kane played the free-kick into the six yard box and the save of the season (69.21 mins on clock) from McCathie, who dived down low the saw the shot and put it over the bar.

Final goal came in 82 minutes and it was the best of the match. Gillan won a headed challenge. Sub, Conlan played ball out to O’Reilly who returned the favour. On approach to the Burgh penalty area, Conlan chipped a delightful effort over Paul Grant and into the net.

Final score: Musselburgh Athletic 2 – 5 Newtongrange Star

First win of the season for Newtongrange and it was a well-deserved victory. Burgh must have wondered what hit them. Two nil up after the first half but a well below par second half for the home side.

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh Athletic v Linlithgow Rose: Saturday 31 October 2020 @ 2:30pm

After Tuesday night’s hammering, no better team than to bounce back again as Linlithgow Rose were the visitors to Olivebank. The same fixture last season had eight goals, with Burgh winning 6-2. Another high scoring match in prospect? Interestingly, Ryan Lee was referee for both of the fixtures.

The first shot of the match fell to Jackie Myles, on four minutes, but the ball went straight to keeper Schwake. The first goal came in 11 minutes. A long clearance out of the Linlithgow box came into the Burgh half. Brad Donaldson and Liam Reid stood beside each other, with the former heading the ball forward. McLennan got on first and passed out to Willis, who went passed Calum Donaldson and his shot beat Paul Grant. 1-0 to the Rose.

A few minutes later and Burgh had a free kick. Conor Thomson’s attempt was blocked by the defensive wall. Shouts for hand ball by Burgh player was waived away by the referee. Musselburgh equalised on 25 minutes. A throw in to Burgh on the right wing, was then crossed over by Calum Donaldson. Conor Thomson got the ball, with two defenders in front of him. From outside the box, on left side of the pick, Conor Thomson swung the ball mover and the keeper’s attempt was fruitless as the cross found the net. Great goal.

Burgh’s defence was called upon on the hour. From deep in the Rose half, ball came to Willis on the left wing as he came into the box, his attempted pass was blocked by Brad Donaldson and cleared. A bit of an unsavoury piece of action happened in front of the Burgh dugout. Linlithgow’s Hare bundled Jordan Orru onto the ground, then appeared to follow through with his leg, which both player and Burgh bench reacted to. Both players were spoken to by the ref and both received a yellow card.

Musselburgh went 2-0 up in 40 minutes and it was the same two players involved. Calum Donaldson had a throw in near the right hand corner flag, when it was played back to him, a deep cross found Conor Thomson, who flew at the ball, with a header, which went in at the far side post.

Couple of minutes later and Crawford was spoken to for a challenge on Conor Thomson. Following the free kick, it wasn’t long before Burgh opened up a two goal gap. In front of the Burgh bench, Jackie Myles played ball to Bradley Whyte, depending on who you spoke to, Bradley fired in a cross/shot into the box and Schwake was unable to hold onto the ball and Nathan Evans was there to tidy up!

Half time: Musselburgh Athletic 3 – 1 Linlithgow Rose

The first 25 minutes of the second half was a bit non-eventful. Both sides had chances but nothing to speak of. Following a foul by Declan O’Kane, the free kick, by Cairns was headed into the centre of the box and the referee blew for a penalty kick. He adjudged that Jordan Orru had brought down Alum. Any contact was minimal and both Jordan Orru and Paul Grant looked bemused by the decision. Up stepped sub, Coyne and placed the ball into the corner of the net. Burgh now 3-2 up after 72 minutes.

From the kick-off Nathan Evans received a yellow for a challenge on Willis. The equaliser came on 79 minutes. A free-kick in The Rose’s half came into the box, then out again. A high ball played to the 18 yard line and Moyes went into spoon position with Bradley Whyte. Unbelievably the referee blew for a free-kick and then spoke to Bradley Whyte. The free kick by Willis cleared the wall and into the net before Paul Grant could react.

With seven minutes remaining Burgh had a corner, which Brad Donaldson headed wide. A minute later following a Linlithgow throw in, Bradley Whyte won the ball. It came to Nathan Evans who returned the ball. Into the box and Bradley Whyte shot past two Linlithgow defenders, but the ball bounced off the post and no Burgh players there to follow up.

A minute later and a free kick by Conor Thomson is put out for a corner. Brad Donaldson gets a head to it, but keeper gets. Up the field it went and Calum Donaldson played good football in his own box, beating a couple of players. Bradley Whyte received the ball then plays a great pass in front of Michael Moffat, who slotted ball into net. A bad decision by linesman called Michael Moffat offside. However, Moyes had played the Burgh player on and it was directly in front of the linesman. Burgh players non-too happy.

Burgh had two fouls in closing stages of match. The first, saw Conor Thomson’s effort tipped over bar. A fine save by Schwake. Then The Rose had a ball in the net, but it was offside. Up came Burgh and Jackie Myles was scythed down by Cairns, who had been booked a few moments earlier. How Cairns stayed on the field is hard to believe. Conor Thomson’s effort was way over bar. That was final chance of match.

Final score: Musselburgh Athletic 3 – 3 Linlithgow Rose

Two matches in a row that Musselburgh went in at half time two goals up but came away without a win. That is something which will need to be addressed at training and with discussions between management and players. At least this time, Burgh battled to the end and were very unlucky not to collect all three points.

The result left Burgh in 6^th place with 10 points from six matches. Linlithgow are back in 9^th place, having played five matches and on 9 points.

[Passthebaw]

Always look forward to your updates CJ. Thanks. 

[HibeeJibee]

Confirmation tonight Musselburgh are in the hat/bowl/recepticle for tomorrow's Scottish Cup draws.

They face a randomly-drawn opponent from East, West or South and debut in PR1 on Saturday 28th November.

[Casey Jones]

15 minutes ago, HibeeJibee said:

Confirmation tonight Musselburgh are in the hat/bowl/recepticle for tomorrow's Scottish Cup draws.

They face a randomly-drawn opponent from East, West or South and debut in PR1 on Saturday 28th November.

From this, are you saying that Musselburgh are automatically in the first round draw? Or do they have a chance of a bye like vast majority of the clubs? 

No need to answer as I see we do! Hope we get a good draw!! 

Edited November 9, 2020 by Casey Jones

[FairWeatherFan]

2 minutes ago, Casey Jones said:

From this, are you saying that Musselburgh are automatically in the first round draw? Or do they have a chance of a bye like vast majority of the clubs? 

I think it was around the time the 2 Preliminary Rounds were introduced, that a decision was made for qualifiers to start at the earliest round. Only SFA members are eligible for a bye.

[Casey Jones]

Camelon Juniors v Musselburgh Athletic: Saturday 7 November 2020 @ 2:30pm

Match day 7 of the season for Musselburgh which was away to Camelon. For the first time this season, an almost unchanged team, from last week, took to the field. The only change was Ryan McGurk in goals in place for the injured Paul Grant.

Before the match kicked off, the Camelon Chaplain commemorated Armistice Day with a short reading/verse, which was followed by the Last Post as those in the ground stood in silence. It was a fitting and moving tribute.  

Out of all the Musselburgh Athletic matches to date, the first half was a relatively dour affair and apart from one or two instances will not live in the minds of many!

Camelon had the first opportunity with a corner. As it came in, it appeared to come off skiff off the back of Calum Donaldson’s head. Ryan McGurk had to tip the ball over for another corner. Then on 10 minutes, Musselburgh had a free-kick to the left of the Camelon goals. Conor Thomson’s kick went between Stowe and Kane, but keeper, Gray, had an easy save to make.

A minute later and another corner to Camelon. The big centre forward Docherty headed towards goals, which produced a great save from Ryan McGurk. On 21 minutes, a move up the left wing ended with a shot from Stowe, from t’other side of the ground, it looked like another fine save from McGurk, when the ball actually missed the target, hit the goal frame for a bye-kick to Musselburgh.

Just after the half hour, from a corner, Nathan Evans headed the ball towards the Camelon goals but the left back, Macauley cleared the shot off on the goal line. Into the final few minutes and Ryan McGurk saved from Stowe, but the linesman had his flag up and an attempt by Declan O’Kane at the other end went flying up and away from the Camelon goals

Half time: Camelon Juniors 0-0 Musselburgh Athletic

Jordan Orru received the first (?) yellow card of the match on 53 minutes. The excitement rose further four minutes later with the first goal. A corner to Burgh came into the six yard box and a great header, sorry, shoulder by Brad Donaldson and the ball was in the net. 0-1 Musselburgh.

It was not long before the home side were back level. With ball on left wing, a pass came into the ‘D’ at the front of the penalty area. Best goal of the match from Stowe who hit a low shot past a despairing Ryan McGurk and into the corner of the net. After 59 Minutes match was level at 1-1.

On 62 minutes Burgh were on the attack and Nathan Evans had a great chance to fire Musselburgh ahead again, but from a short distance the shot was scuffed and Camelon were able to breathe again. Soon after, Jackie Myles, captain for the day, was booked for a challenge on Docherty.

Conor Thomson was next to have an attempt on goal. From a free kick, front left of the goal area, the ball came over the wall and shouts of good save bellowed from the Musselburgh committee members. However, the ball was at least six feet right of the keeper’s post as he touched it out for a corner.

With 69 minutes gone another chance went by for Musselburgh. Declan O’Kane played a long ball into the Camelon half. Brad Donaldson’s run into the box was blocked but Bradley Whyte gathered the ball then played into Jackie Myles. The captain’s shot was saved by the keeper.

Liam Reid was booked, just into Camelon’s half for a challenge on Kane. The free kick into the Burgh half, was cleared, then a pass back from a Camelon player. As McKenzie came for the ball, he completely missed allowing Bradley Whyte to move forward and then put the ball cross-field and into the path of Nathan Evans. Into the box and the Burgh forward slide the ball past Gray to put Burgh 2-1 up.

Three late subs for Musselburgh saw Jono McManus, Michael Moffat and Lewis White replace Calum Donaldson, Josh Jeffries and Conor Thomson.

Final score: Camelon Juniors 1 - 2 Musselburgh Athletic 

Third away win out of three for Musselburgh which saw them move up to third from sixth. The loss for the home side dropped Camelon from fifth to eighth.

Piece of useless information to end the notes. Burgh’s new floodlights are placed on four stands either length of Olivebank. Camelon has 22 stanchions along the length and breadth of Carmuirs Park, from where their floodlights beam from!

[Casey Jones]

Tomorrow Musselburgh’s last home match for over a month, sees the visit of Dunbar to Olivebank. Due to Scottish Cup ties, two scheduled lead matches will be postponed.

After a good 2-1 away win at Camelon, The Burgh need to replicate away results at home! Kick off at 2:30pm.

[Passthebaw]

14 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

Tomorrow Musselburgh’s last home match for over a month, sees the visit of Dunbar to Olivebank. Due to Scottish Cup ties, two scheduled lead matches will be postponed.

After a good 2-1 away win at Camelon, The Burgh need to replicate away results at home! Kick off at 2:30pm.

Goalkeeper aside, assuming PG is fit, same team again? Continuity!

[Casey Jones]

46 minutes ago, Passthebaw said:

Goalkeeper aside, assuming PG is fit, same team again? Continuity!

I would make or or two outside change and perhaps due to team we are facing this could happen! If I am wrong, but we win, I will not care! We need to make sure we win more home matches!

[Passthebaw]

10 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

I would make or or two outside change and perhaps due to team we are facing this could happen! If I am wrong, but we win, I will not care! We need to make sure we win more home matches!

You're correct. Dunbar probably present a different opposition to Crossgates & L/Rose, and are reportedly short of a few players, so a tweak here or there wouldn't go amiss but the nucleus of the side should be the same. Looking forward to it. Enjoy CJ.

[Casey Jones]

4 hours ago, Passthebaw said:

You're correct. Dunbar probably present a different opposition to Crossgates & L/Rose, and are reportedly short of a few players, so a tweak here or there wouldn't go amiss but the nucleus of the side should be the same. Looking forward to it. Enjoy CJ.

Agreed PTB! Just waiting to see what the line up is! Most important is, whatever the start line up, that Burgh get back to winning ways at Olivebank.

[Casey Jones]

A 3-1 win today over Dunbar lifts Musselburgh from 6th to 4th. Perhaps more important is that after 8 matches last season, Burgh had 6 points. This season, after 8 matches, we have 16; so 10 pts better off!

 

[Krul and The Gang]

5 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

A 3-1 win today over Dunbar lifts Musselburgh from 6th to 4th. Perhaps more important is that after 8 matches last season, Burgh had 6 points. This season, after 8 matches, we have 16; so 10 pts better off!

 

Nice one Casey Kind of on subject/off subject with a stat like that but not Mussy noticed Nitten are 2 points of last seasons whole total, some turn around that is 

[Casey Jones]

4 hours ago, Krul and The Gang said:

Nice one Casey Kind of on subject/off subject with a stat like that but not Mussy noticed Nitten are 2 points of last seasons whole total, some turn around that is 

Great start for Nitten! They beat us in our 1st home match of last season and done us over again this season. Huge improvement in their this season, though and thoroughly deserved their win. Chris and Wes have done wonders with a new young team. Both of us were near bottom this time last year, now both teams in top half! Great to see local teams (like ours) doing so well!

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh Athletic v Dunbar United: Saturday 14 November 2020 @ 2:30pm

Burgh were hoping to make it two wins in a row, following last week’s 2-1 win away to Camelon. Today’s visitors to Olivebank were Dunbar United, whose last win was on first match day of season. The sea-siders had lost all previous five away matches this season, conceding 18 goals and not scoring any along the process.

The night before the match, it was announced that the Dunbar United Manager was taking a bit of time out of football. Musselburgh Athletic wished Geoff all the best and hoped to see him back in the near future.

With only two minutes on the clock, trialist, Josh Fital received the first yellow card of match for a foul on Conor Thomson. Seven minutes later and Jones nearly scored the opener for Dunbar, with his shot going across goals and past the post. Then up the other end, Jordon Orru got a good cross into the box, but keeper was first to the ball. Back on the attack went Dunbar and Ingram ball played out on the left wing. Szemis put in a good cross into the box. McTernan beat Jordan Orru to the ball and his header beat Ryan McGurk and Dunbar were 1-0 up after 12 minutes.

Four minutes later and the equaliser. From a throw in, ball played back to Calum Donaldson, whose cross found Conor Thomson. A good 1-2 with Dean Ballantyne and Conor Thomson squeezed the ball threw McFarlane and the Dunbar keeper Johnstone. Score now 1-1. Andy Jones had another attempt soon after, but it was an easy save for Ryan McGurk.

Burgh looked to go two up, when a corner say both Brad Donaldson and Declan Kane move into the 6-yard box and the ball landed in the net. But the referee blew for an infringement, which seemed very harsh.

On 36 minutes, a golden opportunity fell to Nathan Evans. The Burgh forward was in the clear to the right of Johnstone’s post. Instead of either positioning himself or shooting at an angle, Nathan Evans hit the ball straight in front of him and a by-kick. Thirty seconds later and Jones had the ball on the right of the Burgh box. The pass came into the box, but too heavy for Tait to get to. Declan O’Kane was booked for a foul in the final minutes of the first half.

Half time: Musselburgh Athletic 1 – 1 Dunbar United.

Musselburgh Athletic seemed to be making the match hard for themselves, with a lot of bad passes, being in good positions but not taking advantage and on occasions, letting Dunbar United move up both wings without challenges going in. Perhaps that’s why a raised voices could be heard in the Burgh changing area.

Musselburgh had two free kicks in first ten minutes of the second half. On the first, Declan Kane was brought down. Conor Thomson’s kick was saved by Johnstone. On the second, Fital received his 2^nd yellow of the match and so was ordered off. A kerfuffle ensued as Fital returned to the ‘Dunbar bubble area’. The referee was not happy at that and continued to point Fital away. The away dugout were non to happy shouting to the referee as to where Fital was meant to go (no changing room). Matters were finally resolved as Fital moved away from the covered enclosure. It would have been so much easier/quicker if either the referee or linesman had gone over and explained that the player had to move away from the rest of the squad.

So, after more than two minutes, Declan O’Kane’s low free kick was an easy save for the keeper. The match seemed to be heading for a draw, when Burgh made a couple of substitutions on the hour. Off came Dean Ballantyne, who had a quiet match against the team he played for last season and Josh Jeffries. On came Mathu King and Darren Downie; returning from a few weeks injury.

In next five minutes Burgh had a number of chances. The first, was a good cross into the Dunbar box which McFarlane had to clear. Then Darren Downie’s first attempt went wide of target. Then Bradley Whyte and Conor Thomson were involved in a good move, but the attack broke down on the edge of the box.

Approaching 70 minutes, Jordon Orru lost the ball on the left wing. The Burgh defender quickly turned and lunged to try and retrieve the ball. However, the result looked like an ugly tackle from behind on Duncan. The foul happened in front to the Dunbar bench, who were non-to happy that only a yellow card was issued. Minutes after and Dunbar had a chance A corner by Neave, was headed back towards him by Duncan. Neave hit a low shot which Ryan McGurk got down to save, but then fumbled the ball. Luckily there were no Dunbar players approaching so the keeper at the ball safe at the second attempt.

On 74 minutes Jordan Orru was replaced by Lewis White. Just after and Burgh had a corner. Conor Thomson took a short kick, which Declan O’Kane ran on to meet. The midfielder headed a high looping effort over a number of players, from both sides and the ball was in the net. Burgh now 2-1. Dunbar were quickly on the attack, but a shot rose high over the bar.

Into 80 minutes and Dunbar were still pressing for the equaliser. They had a corner which travelled to the other side of the pitch. As the ball comes into the box again, Duncan gets a good head to it. Ryan McGurk was moving to his right, but managed to stop and dive down low to save a net-bound attempt and the ball was cleared. What a great save it was. (On the Musselburgh twitter page, there are highlights of the goals and a few other actions. Anyone wanting to see the save, it is timed at 2mins 9 seconds, out of a 3.48minutes highlights clip.

Two minutes later and a header from Brad Donaldson, from a Burgh corner, meets with a strong hand save by Johnstone. Another good start. Final minute of normal time and ball is down the centre of the pitch, when Declan O’Kane passes ball out for Conor Thomson to chase. Not only does he stop the ball going out of play, Conor Thomson, got the ball then was able to pass to Lewis White, who crossed back into the box. Mathu King was there to knock the ball in, which looked to be deflected past the keeper.

Into injury time and a pass, on the turn, by Mathu King, found Darren Downie. The big centre forward fended off Peden but the shot was saved by Johnstone.

Final score: Musselburgh Athletic 3 – 1 Dunbar United.

[Casey Jones]

Less than 4 weeks after Musselburgh were humped 5-2 at home to Newtongrange, the reverse fixture takes place tomorrow afternoon at New Victoria Park.

A win for Burgh takes us up to 2nd or 3rd, depending on the result of Dunbar Utd v LSVT.

A win for Nitten takes them above Musselburgh and into 4th place.