Musselburgh Athletic FC 2020-21

[Casey Jones]

Two goals in last five minutes turns round the result as Burgh come from behind to win 2-1 at Newtongrange. The win moves Burgh up to 2nd place in league and four points behind Tranent.

[Passthebaw]

1 hour ago, Casey Jones said:

Two goals in last five minutes turns round the result as Burgh come from behind to win 2-1 at Newtongrange. The win moves Burgh up to 2nd place in league and four points behind Tranent.

2nd is tremendous considering the team are definitely not firing on all cylinders! But great momentum building for a huge game next week against Penicuik. #montheburgh 

[Casey Jones]

Agreed PTB. This time last season and yesterday would probably resulted in a loss. The difference though is that subs coming on are making a difference and apart from the first Newtongrange match, the team is finishing the match stronger than it starts. 

Also, away results - winning all 4 league matches. Last year we lost the first 7.

The 3 subs coming on yesterday were the mainstay of last year’s team, All have been injured but must be pressing for return to starting 11. Think this is a stronger squad than last season and 2nd place just now reflects this.

[Casey Jones]

Newtongrange Star v Musselburgh Athletic: Saturday 21 November 2020 @ 2:30pm

Match day 9 of the season for both sides as Musselburgh made the short journey to face Newtongrange Star at New Victoria Park. The first match between the two sides only took place 25 days previous, with the Midlothian team leaving Olivebank with a comfortable 5-2 victory. From that game, only five Burgh players remained in the starting line-up for today.

It will be interesting to compare the Newtongrange notes for this match as the person may have more imagination than me, but in the first 10 minutes, only five pieces of information was recorded!

The first corner of the match came in eight minutes for the home side, but Mungall must have taken too much ready break for breakfast as his cross came over to where the far-side linesman was standing. A valiant effort to keep ball in play was defeated! Jack Gillan, one of Nitten’s best players in the first match limped off injured on 11 minutes.

Nitten’s first chance of match came in 17 minutes as the ball came into the Burgh box, heading for O’Reilly. However, the clearance was swift. A minute later, following a foul by Brad Donaldson, Porteous’ free kick, was again aimed for O’Reilly, this time the ball going out for a goal kick. Burgh’s first chance fell to captain Jackie Myles, but his attempt found the ball heading to the dressing rooms, as if it had, had enough of such a drab match already!

A wee anecdote to try and lift this mundane piece of writing. On 22 minutes, Bradley Whyte played a nice ball down the right wing. Instead of Conor Thomson running onto the ball, the forward let it slip under his foot and out for a throw in. Brad Donaldson asked the forward, if he wanted a pair of football boots to wear – funny if you were at the match!

Newtongrange had to make a second substitution on 23 minutes. Tait went off injured with Nelson coming on. On 25 minutes, Burgh had their first corner of the match. The ball was fumbled by keeper Brennan and out for another corner. This time, Brad Donaldson headed the ball sideways. Great chance missed for the away side.

Up the other end of the pitch O’Reilly won the ball at the edge of the Burgh box, but a weak effort by Mitchell saw the ball go straight to Ryan McGurk. Match was now beginning to liven up. Bradley Whyte put a good ball into the box but Mungall cleared it away. Back it came with Burgh having players in numbers at the edge of the Newtongrange box, but no one seemed to want to take command of the action and ball was cleared again.

On the half hour, Josh Jeffries lost the ball and an attack came up the Nitten left wing. A shot, come cross, by McIntosh, went by the far side post. From the by-kick, first the ball was played up the left wing, then switched over to Calum Donaldson on the right. His cross into the box, again found no receivers and a good opportunity found wanting.

With 10 minutes remaining of the first half, Glendinning’s header went wide of the Burgh post. Just after and a corner to Nitten. The ball came to Ferguson and he was unlucky with his header, which went just past the post.

Burgh’s defence were missing on 40 minutes. Long ball up to the edge of the box and O’Reilly was able to control, turn and have a shot at goal. It was fortunate for Burgh that the ball went soaring over the bar. Burgh then had a corner, which Nathan Evans backward / side way header just dropped past the Nitten post. before half time, Calum Donaldson received a yellow for a foul on McIntosh. From the resultant free kick, O’Reilly kicked the ball over the bar.

Half time: Newtongrange Star 0-0 Musselburgh Athletic

Within three minutes of the second half, Newtongrange had a lucky escape. Conor Thomson laid off the ball and a shot from 20 yards by Josh Jeffries came off the post and back into play. Conor Thomson received the ball and his shot went straight to Brennan. With 57 minutes played Conor Thomson and Josh Jeffries were replaced by Darren Downie and Mathu King. Not long on, Mathu King’s first chance was blocked in the Nitten box, then Nathan Evans could not control a long ball put straight to him as he stood at the edge to the Nitten goal area.

In the next attack, Bradley Whyte was scythed down by Conlon. Free kick was cleared away from the Nitten penalty box. Play continued down the right wing and Darren Downie received a booking for a challenge. The free kick, just at the Newtongrange dugout, was floated into the box by Nelson and Porteous rose unimpeded to head the ball between Ryan McGurk and the post. With 62 minutes played, Newtongrange were 1-0 up.

Burgh were reduced to 10 men in 66 minutes. McIntosh went down from a challenge by Calum Donaldson and the referee produced the yellow card, then the red. Although McIntosh got treatment, before he even lay down, he was looking to see what the referee’s decision was! Then, as soon as he got up, he walked a few steps before running into the Musselburgh half. Very poor decision by the ref and play acting by the Nitten no.10.

On 67 minutes Michael Moffat came on, in place of Jackie Myles. A couple of minutes later and McIntosh was again involved, this time hitting a long effort over the Musselburgh bar. Two bookings in a minute for Bradley Whyte (wrestling a Newtongrange player to the ground) and Porteous for a challenge on a Burgh player. Soon after, Ryan McGurk made a save from Mitchell, collecting the ball on his second attempt.

This was a long afternoon of acting auditions for McIntosh as on 78 minutes he again was on the ground. Think Swan Lake maybe a calling for him instead of football.

As with Calum Donaldson, Michael Moffat is another right back for Burgh, who likes to get forward. Although down to 10 men, Burgh were now playing their best football since the start of the match. A long hard pass by Declan O’Kane, for sure, looked like going out for a throw in to Newtongrange, but Michael Moffat chased, then lunged at the ball, to keep it in play. Unfortunately, for Bradley Whyte, his cross, after receiving the ball was headed away by the defence.

Into the final seven minutes and the Newtongrange sub, Conlan seemed to go down with cramp. Perhaps it was the cold, or maybe cause he did not warm up properly, but not having started the match, it seemed quite early in his match to come down with the cramp.

Newtongrange appeared to be hold out for their second win over the East Lothian side, but that was about to change, with three Burgh players to the fore!

On 85 minutes, Liam Reid passed to Declan O’Kane with the ball then going out wide to Michael Moffat. The cross into the box was half cleared by a Murray header, but Darren Downie was first to react. The forward got to the ball and with his next touch, Darren Downie shot, with Brennan making the save; with the keeper falling to his knees and the ball up in the air. Brennan quickly got to his feet while Nathan Evans went in search of the ball. They both rose together and the ball appeared to come off the shoulder of Nathan Evans. While some Nitten defenders claimed Brennan was pushed, the referee blew for a goal and match was all square.

Two minutes later, the ball was in the Burgh box, with Ryan McGurk lofting the ball forward. Nelson got his head to the ball, but only as far as Michael Moffat, who played a curling pass for Nathan Evans to chase. As the ball came into the Nitten box, a powerful pass by Nathan Evans, hit Darren Downie's knee and into an empty net. The comeback was complete with Burgh now in the lead.

In order to shore up the defence, with two minutes of the match remaining, Jono McManus replaced Nathan Evans.

Final score: Newtongrange Star 1 – 2 Musselburgh Athletic

So the same happened this season as in 2019-20. Newtongrange won both league matches at Olivebank, while Musselburgh were the victors at New Victoria Park. With LTHV losing 5-0 away to Dunbar United, Musselburgh's win moved them up to 2nd in the East of Scotland Premier League table; four points behind leaders Tranent.

 

[Passthebaw]

A fair assessment CJ, although I still think Mussy were a tad fortunate with the equaliser after I thought the keeper was barged into. But after a harsh sending off, maybe the books balanced.

It wasn't pretty at times and Mussy continue to stutter to victories without firing on all cylinders. Then again, that's a good sign as in the last couple of years maybe success in all of the last 3 games may have evaded them. 

Onwards & upwards hopefully. Best wishes to the players & officials on Saturday in the preliminary, preliminary round!

[Casey Jones]

4 hours ago, Passthebaw said:

A fair assessment CJ, although I still think Mussy were a tad fortunate with the equaliser after I thought the keeper was barged into. But after a harsh sending off, maybe the books balanced.

It wasn't pretty at times and Mussy continue to stutter to victories without firing on all cylinders. Then again, that's a good sign as in the last couple of years maybe success in all of the last 3 games may have evaded them. 

Onwards & upwards hopefully. Best wishes to the players & officials on Saturday in the preliminary, preliminary round!

I do try! Agree with you on the way Musselburgh are playing,  but like you say, whereas if we played like that this time last year, we would likely have been beaten, but now we are winning these matches.

Despite already being beaten twice this season, our toughest 4 days of the season are coming up over a 4 day period. Absolute huge prelim, preliminary match, as you say, on Saturday away to Penicuik. Will definitely be underdogs, but on a one off Scottish Cup tie, anything can happen.

Then, on Tu essay. Night, same teams, same venue. At start of season, Penicuik would be one of 3 top favs for league. If Burgh win, we move 9 pts clear of Penicuik, though they have 3 matches in hand. Lose though, the gap ins only 3 points, with their 3 games in hand. If Burgh has any aspirations of winning the league, Burgh can not afford to lose Tuesday’s match.

[Casey Jones]

Half time in a keenly contested first half. A couple of players talked to for challenge/mouthing, one Burgh player booked and a couple of early goals; one by each side. 

Michael Moffat opened the scoring for Musselburgh in 6 minutes; a shot from edge of the box, which just snuck in under the bar. 90 odd seconds later and a header from captain Aaron Sommerville, pulls Penicuik level.

All to play for in second half.

[Casey Jones]

Musselburgh win 3-2 in extra time; winner coming from Darren Downie in 108 mins! 

Deserved victory on a heavy pitch!

[Passthebaw]

4 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

Musselburgh win 3-2 in extra time; winner coming from Darren Downie in 108 mins! 

Deserved victory on a heavy pitch!

A great cup-tie and a thoroughly deserved win for Musselburgh. To say the pitch was heavy is kind. It looked like a rugby pitch to me and may not be able to cope with the re-arranged league fixture on Tuesday. 

[Casey Jones]

1 hour ago, Passthebaw said:

A great cup-tie and a thoroughly deserved win for Musselburgh. To say the pitch was heavy is kind. It looked like a rugby pitch to me and may not be able to cope with the re-arranged league fixture on Tuesday. 

I might have been careful with my wording PTB! 

i was on the Burgh pitch today and we last played on n it a fortnight ago! It is still squelchy in places with no play or training on it.

I do agree, though, that if you looked at the lines running up and down the park, the grass did look longer than it should be! Certainly not an advocate for silky football, which actually doesn’t suit the style of Burgh play! 

Edited November 28, 2020 by Casey Jones

[Casey Jones]

Good result in the league as well for Burgh! A draw today for league leaders, Tranent, means they have drawn 4 out of their last 5 matches. 

Burgh now 6 points behind Tranent, with two matches in hand. Jeanfield, the best team that Burgh played against last season have only dropped 4 points from 8 matches and in 2nd place! Top 2 meet next Saturday, which should be a cracking match, with Burgh looking with interest as to how that match goes. 

[Blue White Dynamite]

[HibeeJibee]

13 hours ago, Casey Jones said:

Good result in the league as well for Burgh! A draw today for league leaders, Tranent, means they have drawn 4 out of their last 5 matches. 

Burgh now 6 points behind Tranent, with two matches in hand. Jeanfield, the best team that Burgh played against last season have only dropped 4 points from 8 matches and in 2nd place! Top 2 meet next Saturday, which should be a cracking match, with Burgh looking with interest as to how that match goes. 

Musselburgh licence looking OK timetable-wise?

You're only team in top 12 lacking currently.

[Casey Jones]

6 hours ago, HibeeJibee said:

Musselburgh licence looking OK timetable-wise?

You're only team in top 12 lacking currently.

We get SFA visit in December, which I think allows us to make any amendments/improvements ( if either are required). There is lots of work going on in the background to ensure we are compliant ( or as close as ) at time of visit! I think, if same as last year, the deadline will be end of February ‘21, so while committee will not commit; I am confident we will get our licence this season! 

Burgh made a conscious decision, not to rush this process, given the costs and works involved. Getting into this season’s Scottish Cup, via the Adam Jack cup win and South/East shield win last season, vindicated that decision. 

I think Dunbar United is also going for its licence this season.

[Casey Jones]

We go again tomorrow night. Same place same teams as last Saturday.

A win would put Burgh in 2nd place, three points behind Tranent, with a match in hand. A Penicuik win would push them up to 7th from 11th. 

Kick-off 7:30pm.

mtb

[Casey Jones]

Penicuik Athletic v Musselburgh Athletic: Saturday 28 November 2020 @ 2:30pm

As said by others, this was very much a historic afternoon for Musselburgh, who were playing their first ever Scottish Cup tie, courtesy of winning the Alex Jack Cup and East/South of Scotland Shield in 2019-20. Burgh’s opponents were home side, Penicuik Athletic, who last year, got to the 3^rd round of the cup, where they narrowly lost 1-0 against Partick Thistle.

From last week’s league win against Newtongrange, Musselburgh made three changes, with Michael Moffat, Mathu King and Darren Downie replacing Jackie Myles, Josh Jeffries and Conor Thomson, who all dropped to the bench.

Penicuik kicked off the match, playing up the hill. First chance fell to Musselburgh in three minutes, from a throw in, Darren Downie passed ball to Mathu King, who in turn played ball out of box to Bradley Whyte. The young midfielder returned the pass and all Mathu King had to do was touch the ball and Burgh would have scored. However, the Burgh captain completely missed the ball and let off for Penicuik.

Three minutes later, a long ball out of defence by Brad Donaldson eventually came to Nathan Evans, who turned and passed ball for Michael Moffat to chase. As the ball entered the box Michael Moffat beat of the challenge of a Penicuik player and an exquisite touch saw the ball fly just under the bar, giving the Penicuik goalkeeper, Tait, no chance and Musselburgh were 1-0 up.

The equaliser came within 100 seconds. From the left wing, Baptie crossed the ball towards the far post. Devlin headed the ball towards the Burgh goal, with Somerville getting the last touch before the ball hit the net. Ryan McGurk immediately shouted for offside (which was later confirmed in the highlights), but the goal stood.

On 10 minutes, Paul Tansey had a chance to put the home side in front but his shot was saved by the midriff of Ryan McGurk and out for a corner. After a moment or two of discomfort, the goalkeeper was able to resume. Five minutes later and Michael Moffat nearly got his second, but Tait made a save at the nearside post.

Musselburgh were on the ascendancy and had another chance on 19 minutes. Nathan Evans ran down the right wing and put in a low cross into the penalty area, but Darren Downie could not reach the ball, which then went out for a throw in. A minute later and it was the home side on the attack. Baptie put another long cross into the box, but it was too hard and went out for a goal kick.

On 25 minutes, Burgh had a foul and Watson was spoken to by the ref for his challenge on Declan O’Kane. The midfielder took the free kick and when it came to Nathan Evans, his shot went over the bar.  Few minutes later and Michael Moffat’s low shot was saved, with Tait having to dive to get to the ball.

Chances for both sides followed, with Thomson making a great last man tackle to stop Nathan Evans having a shot on goal. Then a free kick to Penicuik, but the ball went straight to Ryan McGurk. Six minutes to go to half time and Michael Moffat received a yellow card for a foul on Lamb. After the challenge, Paul Tansey had to pull Lamb away from Michael Moffat as the two players looked to square up to each other.

Into final moments of match and good play by the Burgh Captain. With his back to the Penicuik goals, Mathu King controlled the ball, turned and played ball into the Penicuik box. Nathan Evans shot went past the keeper’s right hand post.

Half time: Penicuik Athletic 1-1 Musselburgh Athletic

Paul Tansey had first attempt in second half, but a weak shot saw the ball go past the post. Like in the first half, Burgh were quick to take the lead, Nathan Evans had a move up the right wing, with the ball played out for a corner. As the cross went into the box, an acrobatic shot from Mathu King headed towards the goals, with Nathan Evans making sure it crossed the line. Burgh 2-1 in the lead after 49 minutes.

On 55 minutes with play deep in the Burgh half, Jordan Orru blasted the ball up field. A Penicuik defender played the ball back to the keeper, but the pass was a bit over zealous and Tait had to scramble back towards the goal line to clear the ball. From my vantage point, I could not see if the ball crossed the line or not, but it must have been very close!!

Baptie was booked on the hour for a heavy challenge on Bradley Whyte. From the free kick, Brad Donaldson got his head to the ball, but it just went the wrong side of the post. Penicuik got another chance in 68 minutes. Good play by Paul Tansey, who passed to Devlin, with his shot straight at Ryan McGurk. From the ball played up field and from the right side of the pitch and over to the left. Bradley Whyte got the ball at the edge of the box, beat a defender and passed ball towards Mathu King, but ball intercepted and cleared away.

With 71 minutes played, Mathu King was subbed with Conor Thomson coming on. Soon after, Michael Moffat was replaced by Jackie Myles. Only six minutes remaining and Burgh seemingly on their way to victory, Penicuik pressed for the equaliser. Sub, Reid, got the ball into the box, only for Liam Reid to kick it out for a corner. A short free kick came in and captain Penicuik headed at the near post and ball landed in the net and it was 2-2.

Right on the stroke of 90 minutes, Jono McManus came on for Declan O’Kane. Both sides had chances in the last few minutes, but we headed for extra time.

90 Minutes: Penicuik Athletic 2 – 2 Musselburgh Athletic

Half way through the first period, Bradley Whyte played ball up field for Nathan Evans. Keeper, Tait came out of his box, but the Burgh forward beat him to the ball but his effort on goal did not even go near. A golden opportunity on 105 minutes went begging. Jackie Myles received the ball in the middle of the box and with the goal gaping, somehow Jackie Myles’ shot landed the wrong side of the post.

105 Minutes: Penicuik Athletic 2 – 2 Musselburgh Athletic

Three minutes into the second period, Brad Donaldson fires the ball into the Penicuik half. Nathan Evans then played ball into the box for Conor Thomson, who in turn played ball past a defender. Darren Downie hit the ball which went past Tait and into the corner of the net and Musselburgh were back in front of this cup tie.

On 110 minutes, Devlin had a chance for Penicuik, but his header was wide of target. With seven minutes remaining, Baptie received a second yellow, for a foul on Bradley Whyte and Penicuik were down to 10 men. Burgh’s final substitution saw Lewis White on for Darren Downie, who was booked as the referee thought he was taking too long to leave the field!

Only four minutes remained, when Musselburgh had another chance. Bradley Whyte made all, going into the box and instead of passing to Conor Thomson, who was in a great position, Bradley Whyte wanted the final glory, but his shot went out for a corner.

Couple of late cards. Nathan Evans received a yellow card, for kicking the ball away, when a throw in for Penicuik. Then Bradley Whyte, who was pressing forward, hit the ball a bit hard, then lunged for the ball, bringing down Thomson in the process. To his dismay, Bradley Whyte received a straight red, so both teams finished with 10 men.

Full time (120 minutes): Penicuik Athletic 2 – 3 Musselburgh Athletic

Without doubt, up to 83 minutes, this was Musselburgh’s best performance of the season, but after Somerville’s second equaliser, there was a couple of worrying moments up to the end of 90 minutes. However, Musselburgh controlled extra time and deserved the victory.

So much, for one of the Penicuik coaches, who told his players, at the end of normal time, that Somerville’s equaliser had given Penicuik the momentum and that the goal had killed Musselburgh!

Although not mentioned in this note, all Burgh fans spoken to agreed that Calum Donaldson was the man of the match, particularly for covering most of the blades of grass of the pitch and for most of the time, nullifying the threat of Paul Tansey. Bradley Whyte also put in a great performance.

[Blue White Dynamite]

[Passthebaw]

I'm always appreciative of the match being streamed and will readily pay the fee to watch/donate, however last night's stream was very poor - freezing on at least 20 occasions. It was very frustrating. Hope Penicuik get it sorted for their next game. Saturday's was much better. 

Last night's pitch & Saturday's was very poor too. Players struggled to pass the ball fluently any distance and were often found wanting slipping on their support foot. I doesn't make pleasant viewing seeing teams "hoof" the ball constantly because they have no faith in the surface. 

Best wishes to both clubs going forward. I expect both to be near the top of the league come season end. 

[Blue White Dynamite]

I'm always appreciative of the match being streamed and will readily pay the fee to watch/donate, however last night's stream was very poor - freezing on at least 20 occasions. It was very frustrating. Hope Penicuik get it sorted for their next game. Saturday's was much better. 

Last night's pitch & Saturday's was very poor too. Players struggled to pass the ball fluently any distance and were often found wanting slipping on their support foot. I doesn't make pleasant viewing seeing teams "hoof" the ball constantly because they have no faith in the surface. 

Best wishes to both clubs going forward. I expect both to be near the top of the league come season end. 

 

As far as I was made aware whilst I was streaming it, there was only one issue which occurred in between Penicuik’s first two goals, which was the streaming software crashing - indeed I apologised during the stream for that. Other than that, all reports I’ve had were that the stream was fine so unfortunately not sure what I can do to fix it these ‘freezes’. There is a setting on the stream to switch the latency which helps improve buffering which might be an option next time you check out one of our streams. Hopefully it hasn’t put you off watching one of them again. Could I also ask in future if there is a problem to drop me a message - it’ll help me fix any issues quicker.

 

Also did you see Penicuik’s third goal? Players seemed to have enough faith to pass the ball at that point. A lot of work went into the pitch after Saturday to ensure it was even playable last night, as it has all season while the club seem to make improvements to the pitch. The amount of rain it’s had on it in the last few weeks has made it difficult to carry out these improvements.

 

 

[Passthebaw]

45 minutes ago, Blue White Dynamite said:

 

As far as I was made aware whilst I was streaming it, there was only one issue which occurred in between Penicuik’s first two goals, which was the streaming software crashing - indeed I apologised during the stream for that. Other than that, all reports I’ve had were that the stream was fine so unfortunately not sure what I can do to fix it these ‘freezes’. There is a setting on the stream to switch the latency which helps improve buffering which might be an option next time you check out one of our streams. Hopefully it hasn’t put you off watching one of them again. Could I also ask in future if there is a problem to drop me a message - it’ll help me fix any issues quicker.

 

Also did you see Penicuik’s third goal? Players seemed to have enough faith to pass the ball at that point. A lot of work went into the pitch after Saturday to ensure it was even playable last night, as it has all season while the club seem to make improvements to the pitch. The amount of rain it’s had on it in the last few weeks has made it difficult to carry out these improvements.

 

 

I'll support again for sure. It's better than no video - just very frustrating last night. Maybe it was my end. I switched from my home fibre to 4G but it was still a challenge. Yes, I missed Penicuik's 2nd goal. Start of 2nd half was particularly bad. Thanks again. 

No doubt Penicuik's 3rd was a fine move in difficult conditions with Musselburgh pushing well forward for the equaliser.