Musselburgh Athletic Offical Match Reports :

Action from Meadow Park as Irvine host Musselburgh

Musselburgh 2 Broxburn 1 - 14/11/09 The visitors took the lead midway through the second half after fine work from Stuart Cairns and Michael Gibson created the chance and the ball was slipped through to the striker who beat the keeper from 10 yards with a low shot. The Super league team drew level and the two substitues were heavily involved. From the half way line ony 3 players and three touches were needed. A quick free kick by Scott Delvin was met with a perfect volleyed pass by Matti King and Chris King from 8 yards headed in his 7th goal of the season. The second goal was a perfect training ground move and again can be traced right back to a quickly taken throw in on Musselburghs own goal line. Calvin Shand taking the quick through to Stuart Fraser, his pass on the 18 yard line found Scott Gibson who played a good right foot pass to Ryan McCallum who held the ball up well. Once again after his pass which was just inside Broxburn half Musselburgh only needed 3 touches in a beautiful 1 touch move. Chris King with the right foot first time pass into the path of Paul Tansey, his left footed cross was perfect for Matti King as he stole in to finish well.
Musselburgh 1 Camelon 2 - 7/11/09 The deadlock was broken two minutes from the interval when Paul Tansey was adjudged to have brought down striker Chris Jeffrey just inside the area and the Camelon striker picked himself up to convert the penalty kick. Straight from the kick-off, Musselburgh almost equalised when a King shot was tipped over the bar. Camelon added a second when they broke up field and when the ball was crossed in low from the left it fell to the unmarked Mark Stevenson who scored. Musselburgh pulled a goal back in the last minute when a King free-kick was met at the back post by substitute Ryan McCallum and his looping header beat the keeper. Camelon: Hutchison, Bell, Fullerton, Graham, Cringean, Shirra, Batchelor, Dick, Jeffrey, Stevenson, Desmond. Subs: Killgallon, Lynn, Mooney, McCulloch.
Irvine Meadow 3 Musselburgh 0 - 31/10/09 Musselburgh gave as good as they got in the Scottish Cup at Meadow Park, however 2 late goals gave the score line an exaggerated look as in truth the visitors did their large support proud. Musselburgh started well and Matti King had an angled Shot well saved by keeper Michael Wardrope and, two minutes later, the same player had space in the box but his shot was mis-hit. The home side went ahead on ten minutes when the keeper launched a long ball upfield and found Chris Strain whose volley was only parried by keeper Kieran Renton and John Paul Boyle was on hand to head into the empty net. Substitute Chris King had a great opportunity to equalise with 15 minutes remaining with a header from six yards which was well saved by the keeper. Despite pressing for an equaliser, Musselburgh were dealt a late blow five minutes from time when substitute Emilio Jaconelli scored from close range following a low cross from David Hamilton. In the final minute, Scott Gibson was adjudged to have fouled Mark Crilly in the box and Brian McGinty stepped up to convert the penalty to finish off the scoring. Irvine: Wardrope, Swift, Wingate, McGowan, Robertson, Crilly, Strain, Turner, Barr, Boyle, Hamilton. Subs: Jaconelli, Dillon, Wild, Cudding, McGinty, McClymont, Hewitt. Musselburgh: Renton, Porteous, Gordon, Shand, Gibson, Fraser, McKenna, Devlin, McCallum, M. King, Tansey. Subs: C King, Crolla, Ramage, McPherson.
Musselburgh 3 Lochore Welfare 0 - 17/10/09 For the 4th successive Fife and Lothian’s cup tie Musselburgh scored 3 goals as they hit top gear to see off a spirited Lochore side at Olivebank. Musselburgh also kept a clean sheet in this competition for the first time in 5 years a long run stretching 15 cup ties. That, together with the attitude and 5th game out of 6 with no bookings will keep the management happy ahead of a vital 2 weeks for the club. The first half was only a minute old when McCallum turned in the area and smashed a low left foot shot goal wards which Lochore keeper Scot Haldane did brilliantly to keep out from 6 yards. King went close after a good run and a Devlin free kick went narrowly over as the hosts pushed hard for the opening. Just as the game looked to be coasting to half time Musselburgh struck a really simple, effective, goal on 36 minutes. A Tansey throw in straight to Devlin and from 30 yards out he drilled a low swerving shot into the bottom corner of the net. Scott scoring his 6th goal of the season, 1 behind last seasons total. The second half followed much the same pattern and on 57 minutes Musselburgh doubled their lead. Paul Tansey with the corner and Scott Gibson scoring his 13th goal in a Burgh shirt with a header into the corner of the net.  Lochore will be disappointed that a free header from 12 yards was allowed to happen, however the goal had been coming. McKenna had forced a brilliant one handed diving save from Haldane seconds earlier. A very close call for the referee who had a quiet afternoon, a deflected shot hitting a defender then hitting the bar and bouncing down on the goal line looked in from the stands however the camera proves inconclusive and the ref made a great call. The third goal was top drawer passing football from the hosts; the move can be traced right to the back. Calvin Shand playing the ball out to Andy Porteous, his long range inch perfect pass found Tansey on the left, he produced a great ball into the box and McCallum had time to take a touch, turn and drill home his 15th goal for Musselburgh. Highlights click here
Whitburn 3 Musselburgh 1 - 10/10/09 Musselburgh fell to their first league defeat of the season at Central Park as Whitburn fought off a late comeback to secure the points. The hosts started well and keeper Renton was forced into 2 saves in the opening 15 minutes, 1st to his left to stop Steven Weir from 20 yards and then to his right to foil Andy Doig from 15 yards. Musselburghs best chance of the half came on 18 minutes, a fine low drive from 30 yards from Adam Nelson came crashing off Walkers left hand post. Four minutes later and a pin point Matti King crosss with his right foot found McCallum unmarked in the box and his header was tipped over the bar by the diving Walker. A 30 yard Scott Murphy shot which went well over Rentons bar was the closest thing either team came to after that and the sides went in level at 0-0. The second half only got started after a Whitburn free kick from 25 yards out gave Renton another problem but this time a diving save to stop Weir saved the visitors. However Whitburn camped in the Burgh half for the following five minutes and made the break through after 65 minutes. Steven Weirs shot cannoning off Gordon to fly over Renton into the back of the net from the angle of the penalty area. Nine minutes later and a hump up the park found Colin Strickland in plenty of space and he calmly right footed the ball into Rentons bottom left hand corner. Straight from the kick off Musselburgh responded. McKenna playing the ball wide to Nelson who played a 1-2 with Tansey Nelson driffed the ball into McCallum who flicked the ball on to Chris King who chipped the ball over the defender with the outside of the right foot, then went past him again with a lovely touch onto his left and slid the ball under Walker from inside the 6 yard box. Chris King should have drew the sides level on 79 minutes, again Nelson playing in McCallum, his cross field pass found Porteous and he put a excellent cross in and from 5 yards Kings header was somehow saved on the line by Walker. Excellent save. The 3rd goal came against the run of play, another free kick swung into the back post and McNelis outstretched leg connected and Steven Weir on the goal line drilled it home. The visitors ended with ten men following a very weak second yellow card. To review Musselburgh didnt play well and can point to many factors that didnt help. Star players were also missing and still they were unlucky not to claim a point which I think on reflection they deserved. The return of Paul Tansey was another positive after a long injury lay off.
Haddington 0 Musselburgh 3 - 26/09/09 Goals scored by Chris King 43, Matti King 45, Ryan McCallum 69 Burgh boss David McGlynn made five changes to the side who drew with Bo'ness, Ronnie McPherson, Calvin Shand, Andy Porteous, Chris King and Jacob Crolla coming in. Musselburgh, shooting into a strong wind started the better, with a Chris King shot producing a fine save from the Haddington goal keeper Stobie after only 4 minutes. 8 minutes later, Musselburgh went close after nice one touch football between McKenna, Nelson and Gray ended with Ryan McCallum shotting just wide from the edge of the box. McKenna then found King with a great pass and he cut the ball back to Crolla and from 20 yards hit a good shot just wide of the keepers right hand post. McKenna then tried from distance, 30 yards out hit a powerful shot just wide of the same post. Haddington had two shots on goal in the first half the first came on the 36th minute and produced a good save from McPherson who kept his eye on a swerving shot from Lukasz Kroczak. Rollo then went close from slack passing at the back but he shot wide and should have done better from 12 yards out. The break through did come for the visitors on 43 minutes and it was all about left feet when it came. Michael McKenna again producing a powerful run, his chipped pass was well won by McCallum on the edge of the box, and he squared it to Chris King who produced a perfect first touch to set up a left foot drive into the top right hand corner of the net. 3 minutes later it was 2-0, Adam Nelson swinging in a free kick from the right hand side of the box and Matti King helped it on its way into the bottom left hand corner of the net. Haddington almost pulled one back from a free kick, Robert Greenaway with a powerful header at the back post and McPherson diving fuull length to his right to tip the effort past his post. The second half was ten minutes old when McCallum hit a good shot just wide. Two minutes later a Nelson free Kick was tipped wide from 20 yards by Stobie. There were chances for Matti and Chris King but both shot wide. The third goal did come on 69 minutes, Matti King running down the right wing and produced a super cross to the back post with Ryan McCallum rising to head home to seal the game. King then had two identical chances to add to his tally, runs from the angle of the box were followed by right foot shots and both were well saved by the keeper. On 79 minutes another run from the right, this time McCallum and a shot from 12 yards out clipped the bar on its way over. Six minutes left and Haddington were reduced to ten men Rusin given a second yellow card and he was quickly followed by Motion again for two bookings. The final action saw McCallum again go close but there was no further scoring and the crowd were releaved to hear the final whistle and for Musselburgh a week off followed by a Super League trip to Whitburn on the 10th October. To review, Musselburgh will be pleased to have come through what turned out to be an easier than expected match. All three strikers scoing and a clean sheet, they will also reflect on only 1 booking in their last 4 gamesa terrific effort and will be vital if they are to continue the good start to the season. Haddington though will be dissapointed at their performance, they need look no further than 6 yellow cards - 2 of which resulted in red cards on a day to forget for the hosts.
Musselburgh 1 Bo'ness United 1 - 19/09/09 Both Bo'ness and Musselburgh remain unbeaten in the super league this season after an entertaining top of the table clash at Olivebank. The visitors, who had won their first two games 4-0 started well and nearly took the lead on 5 minutes, a free kick taken short was played to Gary Brown and his right footed shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly saved by Renton, diving full length to his right to tip the ball away from the goal. Both teams then played some cracking football with corners providing the chances and on 17 minutes Musselburgh were denied after Nelsons ball in came out to Scott Gibson who smashed a goal bound shot which Jordan Longmuir tipped over the bar, Scott Devlin unlucky from the resulting set piece and headed over the bar. Bo'ness then produced a great flowing move started with good play on the left and pass inside to Snowdon, he crossed it in to the box and found Gribben who control passed it to Morrison , passed it back to Gribben and his right foot shot heading for the left corner was met again by the diving Renton. At the other end Ryan McCallum tried his luck from distance but the shot lacked power. Another corner on 27 minutes caused problems at the near post and Bo'ness were lucky that the ball deflected wide of the right hand post. Whilst Bo'ness were denied by a terrific interception from Chris Gray after Gribben controlled the ball well and was ready to pull the trigger. Gray again did well covering in behind as Bo'ness searched for the break through. A great move this time from the hosts - passing one touch football between Gray, McKenna led to a cross from the left which was headed out for a corner, and from that the home side took the lead. Wes Mitchell touched on a Matthew Docherty cross and Matti King bundled the ball in at the near post for just inside the 6 yard box. Just before the whistle Paul Shields headed a Derek Fleming  free kick just wide of the Musselburgh post and at the break the teams were applauded off the park. The second half saw the pace increase even further and Bo'ness had a few half chances but none which caused the Burgh defence any problems, a shot from Paul Shields which flew wide and a header from McFadyen from fully 15 yards out. Gribben though went a whole lot closer on 55 minutes, straight from a throw he turned on the angle of the box and struck a sweet curling shot with his right foot which struck the inside of the post. Fearing a goal was coming Musselburgh brought on Chris King and went with 3 strikers but it was midfileder Michael McKenna who went close with a shot from 18 yards out which went wide. The Musselburgh move of the match on 65 minutes from Rentons throw, Musselburgh passed their way through the Bo'ness team and Matti King was surprised to be found after excellent work from Chris King, 6 yards out he put the ball over the bar. Two minutes later great work from McKenna to intercept in his own half and the two Kings inter passed all the may up the park before Chris King hit a left foot shot narrowly wide. From the resulting goal kick Bo'ness drew level, excellent passing in midfield with great movement throughout, this led to Andy Shirra passing out wide to Derek Fleming and his low cross from the left was met with a right footed volley by Chris McFadyen in at the near post to massive cheers from the large visiting support. Five minutes later Chris King again hit a shot which was well saved by Longmuir, and then a free kick from the same player 25 yards out right footed was tipped over the bar. On 82 mintues Bo'ness went close a free kick out swinging from Gribben was met on the stretch by Morrison but the ball flew over the bar. Three minutes later Scott Devlin curled a right foot shot which Longmuir again dived full length to tip over the bar. The final move of the match almost saw Musselburgh collect the win, Chris King with a lovely piece of control and turn, his pass to Matti King who found McCallum in space in the box and he drilled the ball left footed with Matti King an inch away from deflecting the ball in and the Bo'ness defender on the line cleared the ball from going in. The final whistle saw both teams remain where they were at the start of the game, with a point scant consolation for the effort and play that both teams produced. Plenty of possitives for both teams who I thought provided an excellent game of football for the crowd. They are clearly the teams capable of challenging for silverware in May, exactly which will depend a lot on if they can keep their star players and if they can add a few to their ranks. The referee Neil McLennan had another good game in his 10th Musselburgh match, and his note book can be used again next week as only Gribben of Bo'ness received a yellow and for the 3rd straight league game no cards for the Burgh. Next week Bo'ness head North to Arbroath and Musselburgh head South to Haddington as the East Of Scotland Cup takes centre stage. Despite being regarded as the 2nd biggest cup competition Musselburgh haven't won it since 1937 - as well as the Musselburgh cup win that year saw 149,000 fans watch Scotland beat England at Hamden - the highest number of paying spectators at a football match. Photos click here
Musselburgh 1 Bonnyrigg Rose 0 - 12/09/09 The battle of the Champions went the way of the Premier League winners in a close match in front of a bumper crowd at a sun drenched Olivebank. With the eyes of many cameras and reporters watching this game, both teams took a while to settle and with the high pace of the game in the baking sunshine it looked like a single goal would settle the game. In the first half Bonnyrigg nearly got the break though with Andy Howat finding the ball at his feet and with a powerful shot heading goal bound it took a super save from Kieron Renton who closed him down and spread his body well. At the other end, a corner from Nelson caused problems in the Rose box with a header inches wide of keepers Atai's post. Both teams were giving 100% and play was good in the midfield but not too many chances of note in either penalty box. That changed though in the second 45 minutes. Into the second half and Musselburgh increased the pace even more, just a minute from their kick off Adam Nelson crossed the ball in, the flick on from Scott Gibson fell right into the path of Matti King and from a very tight angle he drove the ball past the Bonnyrigg keeper and into the back of the net despite a last ditch attempted clearance. King scoring his 1st Super league goal for Musselburgh and his 34th in a Blue shirt. Goal 35 could have come shortly after, with King giving the Rose defence no piece he closed them down and ran fully 40 yards before curling a 25 yard effort just wide of the left hand post. Bonnyrigg had another shot which was met by another excellent save from Renton and a Musselburgh corner found Gibson un marked but the header with pace went wide. With Musselburgh looking sound at the back a final chance for the visitors could have leveled the game - a cross from the right fell to the Rsoe in the box and the lay off to Graham McCaul who hit a powerful shot from ten yards out but again the crowd were applauding a terrific full length diving save from Renton with the keeper pushing the shot as far away as possible and with it came Musselburghs deserved victory. Despite this being a close game, a derby, with plenty of challenges and tackles coming in credit has to go to - the players of both sides for their timing and to referee Michael Banks and his officals for allowing the teams to play football. A fact supported by the award of only 4 free kicks in the second half and for the second game running not 1 booking for either team. Next week both sides ar at home - Bonnyrigg face Lochee United, but the game of the day is back at Olivebank as the top two in the table clash with Musselburgh playing Bo'ness. Both kick off at 2.30pm - This game is a vital game as a win for Musselburgh and they go into the league break with a minimum 3 point lead at the top of the East Super League.
Bathgate 0 Musselburgh 1 - 05/09/09 The 26th January was the last time Musselburgh picked up 3 points in the league at Creamery Park, however after todays result they have now won their last 3 competitive games against the 2008 Scottish Cup Champions. Fears about the weather winning the game were to be proved wrong, with credit going to the officals who actually produced a great surface despite over 48 hours of constant rain in the region. The game was played more like a Cup tie with play switching from end to end and the crowd that did turn up certainly went home happy even I suspect, the locals. Musselburgh started brightly and were rewarded in the 8th minute when Ryan McCallum ran onto a flick on from Rentons pass and outsprinted the defense before calmly slotting the ball past Andy Carlin to grab the Burgh's first ever away Super League goal. Musselburgh almost doubled their lead on 27 minutes with the move of the game involving 12 passes, the ball found its way out to Michael McKenna who swung a right footed cross which McCallum headed inches over - the crowd applause rang round the stadium. However 2 minutes later Bathgate should have been level. A corner, outswinger from Iain Nicolson landed at Scotland Junior International striker Jim Listers feet he turned and blasted a left foot shot low and hard from inside the six yard box and somehow Kieron Renton got down to it and point blank turned it round his right hand post. Again the crowd who braved the weather were applauding. It was a excellent reaction save. Lightening nearly struck twice for the hosts as a copy move from Musselburgh should have doubled their lead, again a flick on from Matti King and McCallum running in on goal, but one on on his left foot shot beat Carlin but not his near post and the shot came back off the woodwork and the chance was gone. On the stroke of half time persistance from Captain Matti King ended with a shot from the angle which the keeper did well to hold with McCallum ready to score. The second half started with Bathgate trying to build from the back but straight from the keepers throw left back Alan Neill was put under pressure by King and his pass back was intercepted by partner McCallum, he found King with a pass but the strikers shot hit one of the two defenders on the line. Excellent team closing down which nearly paid off for the visitors. A move through the centre of the hosts midfield almost found a deserved 2nd goal, after head tennis from Gibson, Nelson, and Devlin, McCallum found King on the left, he out paced the Bathgate defense but his shot was well saved and the rebound from McKenna was blocked by a defender with the goal wide open. Bathgate pushed everything forward and on the 74th minute they went close from another good move. Nicolson passing to Lister on the right wing, the striker managed to produce an excellent cross under pressure with his right foot, straight onto the head of Lurinski, but Renton again was equal to it, either touching it onto the outside of the post or at the very least would have had a comfortable save if directed further towards goal. With 81 minutes on the clock Lister, this time on the left swung in a right footed cross that caught the Bathgate players out. The final real chance came seconds later. Good work on the left by Lurinski, he cut inside and chipped a cross into the box which Paul Reilly tried to chest down. It instead found its way back to Lurinski who hammered a shot towards goal but again, low down Renton produced a great block to earn the first league clean sheet of the season. All the team had earned this win and in fairness after the work they put in and the limited selection available, they deserved to come away with a priceless three points and maintain a long running away run in David McGlynns 200th game in charge. Fitting that such a landmark results in the team sitting proudly at the top of the highest level in junior football tonight. Well Done Musselburgh. For such a keenly fought game credit must go to the referee and his assistants for their handling of this game and to the players of both sides for receiving no bookings. So after playing the 2007 Super League Champions, the 2008 Scottish Cup Winners, the supporters will be glad it's just the 2009 Super League Champions Bonnyrigg Rose next to visit Olivebank on Saturday 12th September. Kick Off 2.30pm
Musselburgh 3 Linlithgow 3 - 29/08/09 'Burghs first ever super league campaign kicked off on Saturday at Olivebank in what turned out to be a festival of goals. With the team playing their third game in six days, and second against super league giants Linlithgow Rose in three, most fans were secretly hoping for a draw. After a stunning opening 40 minutes from the hosts expectations had risen and it looked like we were on for the win! Burgh's number 8, Scott Devlin, supplied the clubs historic first super league goal in the 40th minute with a beautiful display which saw the ball played from keeper Renton then headed on by Matti King and Chris King to the feet of Devlin who didn't need to break his stride to shoot and put it past two defenders and the keeper from just outside the box. The normally reserved Burgh fans demonstrated their approval with shouts, cheers and applause. The season had got off to a good start. Two minutes later after a period of posession and great passing play it was the turn of number 20, Adam Nelson, to impress the crowd. After receiving a pass from the sideline he only had a moment to line up the perfect shot, almost from the centre spot through a crowded Linlithgow half. But line it up he did and struck a great low ball which found it's way past five of the opposition as well as the keeper, who looked just as shocked to see the ball in the back of his net again as the normally vocal Rose fans did, who were now uncharacteristically quiet. Just moments before half time though Linlithgow began to claw back the Burgh advantage with a goal that saw Renton, off his line and back peddling, beaten after saving a close range shot only to have Murray McDowell put it in on the rebound. Straight after the break Linlithgow crossed the ball in which looked like a shot going wide of the goal. To the surprise of the crowd it fell to the feet of the only Linlithgow striker to have made his way up to meet it and Steven Manson slotted it in, from an almost obscene angle, through the feet of Renton. So the second half had begun as we have seen it do before. A dominant beginning from Burgh had put the Rose on the back foot who had come out with a renewed determination. The 70th minute saw the Linlithgow determination rewarded with a low ball threaded past two of the Burgh defence by Manson into the bottom left of Renton's goal who could only watch as it rolled over the line. So now it looked like Linlithgow were determined to leave with the win, but as all Burgh fans know, in our last two meetings we've won once with ten men on the pitch and they couldn't beat us after 90 minutes even after we had been reduced to nine. With that knowledge brave Burgh didn't lose faith in their ability and in the 74th minute Chris King delivered the Burgh's third with some left footed marksmanship past four Linlithgow defenders and through the arms of the keeper, who would probably have lost an arm if he had got a hand to the ball. Just minutes later though the Burgh tradition of playing the Rose with a reduced team was kept up when scorer King was red carded after a tackle. Linlithgow fans seemed to approve of the refs decision, Burgh fans seemed to disapprove but it has to be said, any appeals from the Burgh players were pretty short lived. So it made for an exciting finish during which time the Burgh defence was well tested and found to be solid. Overall Burgh were unlucky not to have come away from this game with a win. The team played confidently and Davie McGlynn and the rest of the management team have done well to field a team capable of putting on a performance like this, particularly with the number of injuries currently handicapping his selection. This game should also go some way to silence the critics and shows that Burgh more than deserve their place in the Super League. Photos - Thanks to Andrew Sutherland - Click here
Musselburgh 2 Linlithgow 2 (3-4p)- 26/08/09 After an eventful half hour Musselburgh took the lead thanks to a strike from Matti Doherty 30 yards out which flew into the top corner of the net. Rose forced a series of corners but failed to seriously test the home goalkeeper. Linlithgow started the second half positively and were soon camped in the Musselburgh half. McLennan had the ball in the net from a Ward knock down but the referee disallowed the goal for an infringement. Mitchell was booked for a foul on Herd as the home team struggled but the goal Rose had been threatening arrived just after the hour when a through ball was deflected to Herd who rifled home a shot to get Linlithgow back on level terms. Three minutes later Linlithgow turned the game around. Herd's shot could only be parried and Manson slotted home the rebound. Musselburgh were steadily picking up yellow cards and were reduced to 10 men when Nelson received a red card for a tackle on Manson. Two minutes later Musselburgh were down to nine men when Mitchell received a second yellow. Rose were caught by a late sucker punch when Chris King swung in a great cross that the unmarked Matti King converted. McCallum and Devlin both struck the bar as Musselburgh missed their first two penalties, while Ward's effort was saved. Rose made no mistake with their remaining four kicks. Photos - Thanks to Andrew Sutherland - Click here Match report
Tranent 2 Musselburgh 1 - 24/08/09 Tranent won the final league cup match with a good display against a tough Musselburgh side. Both Tranents goals coming from the set piece corners and Musselburgh producing a lovely move to collect the consolation.
Musselburgh 4 Haddington 0 - 19/08/09 Musselburgh were too strong for Haddington winning by 4 goals to 0. Matti King (2), Chris King and Ryan McCallum on the score sheet. The hosts opened the scoring after 2 minutes from a great free kick from Chris King, 30 yards out and right foot struck into the keepers right hand corner. Musselburgh went close again after a fantastic run from Michael McKenna taking on players at pace and struck a powerful shot from over 40 yards out which smashed off the bar. Other chances came but it took a scarppy goal to double the hosts lead, Adam Nelson swinging in a cross that wasn't cleared and after many attempts the ball fell to Matti King who tapped in from all of 2 yards out. The second half followed the same pattern and it was Ryan McCallum who produced a wonderful finishto open his account for the season. Straight from the kick off it was four and Matthew Doherty set up Matti King who slid the ball into the back of the net to complete the scoring.
Bonnyrigg 0 Musselburgh 2 - 15/08/09 The trip to Bonnyrigg last Saturday had always looked likely to be the key fixture in League Cup section four, with both sides going into the game on full points. Premier League champions Musselburgh proved their worth with a fine victory over their Superleague counterparts. Both teams provided good quality entertainment, and there was little between the teams. The home side had no shortage of possession, and although they worked Kieron Renton and then Ronnie McPherson in the 'Burgh, goal they couldn't find the net. Musselburgh, however ,didn't suffer from the same problem, and they went in front near the half hour mark when Scott Devlin struck a fine twenty 25-yard free kick past helpless ex-Hibs 'keeper Andy McNeil, playing as a trialist for Bonnyrigg. This proved the only goal of the first half, and when Burgh were reduced to 10 men midway through the second, the home fans' hopes were raised. Renton came charging out of his goal as Rose star Grady approached the penalty area and the 'keeper's mistimed challenge earned him a red card, a punishment many thought harsh. McPherson stepped in and coped ably, and the 10 men were celebrating seventeen minutes from time when a trialist, lobbed McNeil from just outside the penalty area. Bonnyrigg pressed to try and get back in the game and McPherson was forced into several good saves. Many thanks to the
Musselburgh 2 Arniston 1 - 11/08/09 Musselburgh went into last Wednesday evening's match against Arniston Rangers with a 100 per cent record from their opening two games, while Arniston had gathered just one point. Olive Bank newcomers Calvin Shand and Stuart Fraser lined up against their former team, with Shand in particular putting in a fine display. The first 45 minutes featured a lot of scrappy play, but Davie McGlynn's team had the edge and they dealt Arniston a real blow with two goals just ahead of the interval. On 40 minutes, some neat play on the edge of the visitors' penalty area allowed Scott Devlin to fire home. Then Fraser claimed his first goal in Musselburgh colours, juggling the ball cleverly over the 'keeper's head as the visiting defence hesitated. Arniston felt aggrieved to be 2-0 down and they started the second half in positive fashion, pulling a goal back on 55 minutes. Musselburgh's task was made harder by the referee's harsh dismissal of Fraser, but the visitors couldn't find an equaliser. Many thanks to the
Musselburgh 2 Penicuik 0 - 08/08/09 Last Saturday Penicuik Athletic visited Olive Bank, with second-half goals from Mathu King and Scott Devlin sealing Burgh's win and their place at the top of section four. Photos - Thanks to Andrew Sutherland - Click here
Dunbar 1 Musselburgh 2 - 05/08/09 Musselburghs' season started at New Countess Park and they came away with a hard fought victory over a very good Dunbar side. Musselburgh took the lead when captain Wes Mitchell scored with a header. After playing some excellent passing football against Kinross on Saturday Dunbar shown why they could be a force this season by dominating the remaining minutes of the half but didnt really test Renton in goal. They did though draw level after a penalty was well saved by the Burgh goal keeper but Dunbar reacted first. The second half was just as bad as the first with constant stopping and starting of play - Chris King came off the bench to net the winner bending his run to beat the hosts offside trap and calmly slotted the ball home.
Tayport 1 Musselburgh 1 - 01/08/09 Musselburgh got a creditable draw on their first ever visit to the Canniepart. The goal machine Andy Porteous scored in the City of discovery. Next up a trip to sunny Dunbar on Wednesday. Other scores Craig Levein witnessed Dundee United u19s win 2-0 at Penicuik and Arniston won 1-0 over Fauldhouse with David Morris the scorer - Arnistons average age in the team was 21.
Musselburgh 1 Hearts 1 - 28/07/09 Musselburgh held on for a deserved draw against a fit and skilled Hearts team. Ex Burgh star Darren Murrays side had to draw level after Chris King hit a bullet shot to give the hosts a second half lead. He almost made it two, creating a chance from nothing and hitting a curling effort off the bar. A decent crowd were impressed by both teams despite the conditions and other factors. We wish Darren and his side all the best in the league this season Photos - Thanks to Andrew Sutherland
Musselburgh 1 Raith Rovers 0 - 23/07/09 V Olivebank Stadium Wednesday 22nd July 2009 After a long month of June and July with shopping and East Enders the order of the day it was great to finally watch football again as we prepare for the Super League season. Musselburgh welcomed high flying Raith Rovers Champions of the Second division to Olivebank and despite constant rain for the last week in East Lothian the surface was excellent condition and a credit to the club. Burgh boss David McGlynn gave new signings Calvin Shand, Kioron Renton and Matti Doherty starts and all impressed in an even first half. Raith looking good with a few players with 1st team experience in Craig Irelands side. It took a excellent strike shortly into the second half to break the dead lock and Scott Devlin provided the finish. Raith did have chances but found keeper Renton in excellent form the pick of his saves a point blank tip round the post which looked a certain goal. Musselburgh defended well and could have added with chances from a corner and a few free kicks which went close, Musselburgh's passing game was also a high light with the midfield and defense playing well. In the end though the hosts just sneaked the win in what was a very good and keenly fought opening game of the season. May I pass on my best wishes to Raith Rovers squads for the new season
WELL DONE MUSSELBURGH - FROM ALL AT MUSSELBURGHATHLETIC.COM LINLITHGOW 1 MUSSELBURGH 2 David McGlynns men became legends at New Dundas Park after scoring from the last kick of the season to complete a historic Double Double by lifting the St Michaels Cup. Goals from Chris Gordon and Paul Currie gave them the win. Linlithgow had equalised from the spot with a few minutes to go but the Burgh pulled of the result of the season to end on a massive high.   Finally the club would like to thank its supporters and sponsors for their excellent backing this season. The crowds have been excellent and the club is grateful for the possitive backing the players receive. Please tell your friends and continue to back the Burgh as they head to the super league in a few weeks time! Well Done to David, Mark Iain and the coaching staff. To the Chairman, President, commitee for their hard effort and graft throughout the season and to the players who have done the club proud not only for their success but for the way they have achieved it. Photos - Thanks to Andrew Sutherland - Click here Video of the last 5 minutes click here - thanks to musselburghathletic.com
MUSSELBURGH 2 WHITBURN 0 Musselburgh won with a mix of great football and sound defending with every player working hard to ensure a famous victory. The management team were spot on with their set up and Iain Ramage was the star player puting a stunning work rate. Paul Currie showed real class with the opener and Paul Tansey (above) completed the scoring A thank you to The Whitburn and Musselburgh officals as well as the Edinburgh Evening News and Black Diamond FM who worked hard to get a big crowd to cheer on both teams. A Big thank you to Andy Sutherland for his time to take photos of the game, Musselburgh V Whitburn Goals click here thanks to musselburghathletic.com