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Both teams will be happy they are still be in the cup after reflecting on the game. Musselburgh, with only 11 fit players and many just returning to the squad would have settled for a replay at the start and Rob Roy, 2 – 0 down away from home and not finding a way through a tough defense will be glad they escaped with a draw.

A large crowd tuned up at Olivebank with both teams well backed and the pitch again looked in stunning condition.  A welcome return of a match program for the fans which along with the pies were sold out by the end! 

Both teams started slowly as the importance of the game set in. The home team looked good and the opening goal was not long in coming. A corner swung dangerously in which came back of the post and Martin Murphy prodding the ball in. After that though Rob Roy showed why they are flying high in the west league. They upped their game and tried to use width and cross in short. Carberry and Zok had good efforts saved by home keeper McPherson. Musselburgh were defending very well with Mitchell and McManus proving a wall at the back. Only a good save from McPherson stopped Rob Roy’s top scorer Chris Zok from scoring from almost under the bar. Although the visitors had four corners before half time Musselburgh dealt with them easily and only Mark Quinn and Chris King found their name in the book with a yellow card.

With Musselburgh leading, the second half started but Rob Roy didn’t. They were slow out the blocks and Musselburgh extended their lead. A throw in not cleared and Murphy chipped the ball to Ross Barnes and left footed smashed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. Musselburgh then played some great football as they tried to hit the visitors on the break. Defensive play was the best this season with every player keeping their concentration and clearing the ball well. A turning point though came late on when one on one Rob Roy keeper John Thomson made a fantastic save from sub Turnbull.

That spurred Rob Roy on and the game became stop start with long gaps and stoppages the referee taking an age to book Rob Roy’s McCulloch, Maxwell and Anderson and not playing any advantages or let the game flow. This was clear when Mark Quinn was given a second yellow for a 50/50 challenge and despite coming off worse he was then shown the red card. Rob Roy then pulled one back following a dangerous cross and top scorer Chris Zok scrambled into the net. The visitors piled forward but Musselburgh defended well Murray, Mitchell and Currie making some great tackles. But then a similar move to their goal and Maxwell hit the back of the net to send the large visiting crowd – despite many heading to the bar early, wild. Only good tackles from Musselburgh ensured the match finished 2 – 2 and the final whistle was greeted as if Rob Roy had won the cup, Musselburgh will surely be encouraged by this as it seemed they think that they are already through.

Both teams will be happy in the end with a replay and every Musselburgh player will be pleased with 100% effort against a very good Rob Roy who are 5^th favorites to win the cup.

Follow Musselburgh next week as we head to Kirkintilloch to play the replay with Rob Roy in what will be the Match of the day. Musselburgh should have Paul Tansey, Danny Kelly, CJ, Woods and Bain who have contributed 18 goals this season. Directions to the ground click here>>.

A big positive was the excellent atmosphere at the game thanks to both sets of fans who will look forward to next week’s game.

 

Musselburgh: McPherson, Sweeney, Quinn, Mitchell, McManus, Murphy, Porteous, Currie, Barnes, King, Murray. Subs: Turnbull, McGlynn, Polowj

Rob Roy: Tomson, Anderson, S Maxwell, Prunty, Tamburrini, Carberry, McCulloch, C Maxwell, Broadwood, Zok, Vaugh. Subs: Chang, Kirkwood, Campbell, Morrison, Bonnar     

 

Quinn, King Quinn

 

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