24/11/07 K.O. 14.00 Cup Match
The game kicked off in cold wintery conditions and despite the driving rain a decent crowd turned up. The welcome return of Danny Sweeny after 18 months out injured and Brian Murray from suspension were among the changes made from the disappointing Kinnoull game. Livingston, playing in white tops and black shorts kicked off and forced an early corner. The ball was swung in and Fleming‘s glancing header found the back of the net. Musselburgh hit back straight away. A pass from Mitchell found Kelly who played it across to Ross Barnes and his first time shot on the turn was brilliantly lobbed over the keeper to make it 1 – 1 within two minutes. Livingston had several corners in a row but the home defense stood firm and a shot from 18 yards out from Morrison sailed over the bar. Musselburgh then had a good penalty claim when Murphy looked to be pulled down in the box but a strangely quiet appeal made the referees decision easy. Good tackles from Johnny Bain and Danny Sweeny stopped Livvy scoring and at the other end Chris King made space and sent a left foot shot just over. Just before half time both teams had chances with Quinn and Barnes close for Musselburgh and McPherson saving a powerful free kick.
The second half was only 2 minutes old when Musselburgh were reduced to ten men. A harmless looking incident was deemed a straight red by the referee and Brain Murray who had played well headed off the park. Used to having players sent off Musselburgh upped their game and a corner from King found Danny Kelly unmarked and his header was brilliantly tipped onto the bar. Wes Mitchell was given a yellow card and Porteous was brought on for Hawkins. Danny Kelly was again twice denied by outstanding saves and it was Kelly again causing problems as he found Barnes on the edge of the box, the Livingston defense allowed him to turn on goal and he struck a superb shot into the top corner to put the home team in the lead. This time Kelly found Mark Quinn who again found the keeper in top form. On 70 minutes Ross Barnes was replaced by CJ and bad news ahead of next week’s big game as Johnny Bain was carried off in pain with what looked like a pulled hamstring, Musselburgh will hope that it is no worse than that as he looked in serious pain. A quick throw by Martin Murphy found Chris King in space his dangerous cross went right across goal and Mark Quinn converted the chance to put Musselburgh 3 – 1 up. Musselburgh sat back and a good save by the home keeper ensured no comeback however a second yellow was followed by a red for Wes Mitchell although it looked like he got the ball or at the very least deflected off him but the referee made the call and gave Livvy a free kick on the 18 yard line which came to nothing. Great play from Murphy to find Kelly and another shot found the keeper who turned it round the post. A similar incident involving a tackle by the home keeper had fans worried but a yellow card and a free kick again on the line was all the referee gave. The match finished 3 – 1.
Positives being the return of Danny Sweeny and also excellent performances from Kelly, Murphy, Barnes and King. However the loss of Bain and Murray to add to that of Tansey and Currie may find Musselburgh out against a top class Kelty next week. Another game and more discipline issues as clearly the teams problems are growing. 42 yellow cards and 10 red cards is not acceptable and if they lose any players next week they will be thrashed.
Directions to Kelty Hearts for what should be a mouth watering tie in the Scottish cup next Saturday will appear on our next match page from Monday. Latest travel info from Wednesday. Kelty will be worried but only if 11 Musselburgh players are still on the park come the final whistle.
Musselburgh: McPherson, Hawkins, Bain, Mitchell, Sweeny, Murray Murphy, Kelly, King, Barnes, Quinn
Mitchell , McPherson
Murray, Mitchell
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