Rob Roy
2(2)
-
2(p4)
Musselburgh
19/01/08 K.O. 13.30 Scots Cup

 

Musselburgh made history today as they progressed to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup for only the forth time in over fifty years, amazingly though for the second year in a row! There is no doubt that they deserved it, their passing was excellent, defending was first class and after going behind for the first time after the hour mark, they kept it together and came through a tough penalty shoot out.

Rob Roy made four changes from the tie at Olivebank with regular keeper Kevin Ball, new signing Paul McQuilken, Stewart Morrison and Ritchie Chang coming in for Thomson, Stewart and Clinton Maxwell and McCulloch.

For Musselburgh three changes Johnny Bain, Scott Devine and Paul Tansey returned and Murphy, Porteous and McManus missed out. McManus, Johnston, Woods, Kelly and Turnbull were all unavailable.

The game started in beautiful sunshine and with a decent crowd looking forward to a great game both teams didn't let them down. Chris King almost getting on the end of a short pass back early on but the home keeper saved well. Last week Musselburgh scored from a corner and after only three minutes they did it again with King's cross put in the net by Ross Barnes but referee Brian Colvin said handball and Barnes was booked. At the other end a great cross from Brian Vaugh missed by everybody and Jamie Broadwoods' shot was cleared off the line somehow by Musselburgh captain Wes Mitchell. Chances too for McQuilken and Zok but both were blocked. Move of the game came with a fifty yard pass from Tansey to King who played in Paul Currie who hit a first time shot just over the bar. Another Chris King corner found Devine but header although powerful was well saved by Ball. Then came the break through, The referee played good advantage after a foul on Paul Currie but his pass found Tansey on the wing and a copy of his goal against Vale Of Clyde as he skipped past the challanges and with his right foot found the corner of the net to send the visiting fans wild. But 5 minutes later a cross found Zok who mis-controlled the ball fell to Vaugh who made it 1-1. Only a good challenge from Quinn and then Bain stopped any further damage and Danny Sweeney was booked for a tackle in which he got the ball. Shots from Tamburrini and the well marked Chris Zok both went wide and the teams went in level at Half time.

 

The second half started very slowly with both teams locked in midfield but another great move from Musselburgh nearly put them in front again. Currie finding Tansey and his great cross found King but a fantastic save from Kevin Ball had both sets of fans aplauding. Rob Roy though took the lead soon after, a bit scrappy with deflections favouring the home team and they were in front for the first time in the tie. Paul Currie was booked. Changes Stewart Maxwell came on for the home team and Murphy on for Devine for the Burgh. A great tackle from Karl Anderson stopped Barnes from scoring but the equaliser was coming and it was deserved. Another set play swung in by King and a bullet header from Wes Mitchell drew the teams level with twenty minutes to go. After that it was all Musselburgh as they stormed forward. Shots from Tansey and King were very well saved by the excellent Ball and he saved again from Tansey as there looked only one winner. CJ and Jamie Hawkins came on for the last ten as Barnes and Sweeney made way. Yellow cards for Prunty and Maxwell as the hosts couldn't get hold of the ball and two late chances for King and Tansey again found the goalkeepers hands. The match finished level and went straight to penalties.

After Wes Mitchell slammed in the first kick there was no looking back as two brilliant saves from Ronnie McPherson gave Chris King and Martin Murphy the chance to put the visitors in command and it was left to regular penalty taker Paul Currie to fire the Burgh into the 5th round of the Scottish Cup.

To review, yet again Musselburgh have put in a fantastic performance to out play a top quality side and they are only the second team to win at Adamslie Park this season. For Rob Roy promotion to the super league looks certain as they have a very good team. Goal keeper Kevin Ball made top quality saves as Musselburgh dominated late on and Brian Vaugh looks a great player to compliment Zok. But Musselburgh must take all the credit. Wins now against teams who were favourites before the game in Vale Of Clyde, Kelty and now Rob Roy. David McGlynn and Mark Wilson must take praise for keeping the confidence in the team high and masterminding this huge cup upset. Top performances from every player today ensured victory. Special notice for Chris King who delivered three of the set plays for our four goals in the tie and Wes Mitchell who stood out over the two games. Paul Tansey and Scott Devine who haven't played this year for the Burgh, but man of the match goes to Paul Currie. Not many players dominate the midfield away from home but he provided an outlet and linked up every move made by the visitors.

Follow Musselburgh next week as we head west again to Glenafton Athletic. We are up against the 2nd favourites to win the competition also if they win their games in hand they will top the West Super League - making them the best team in Scotland. To have any chance of getting anything from Loch Park Musselburgh will have to show the same determination and passion that has got them to this stage. A quick word to thank all the Burgh fans over the two games - i'm sure the team are grateful for your backing. SEE YOU ALL AT GLENAFTON! Well Done Musselburgh.

 

Rob Roy: Ball, Anderson, McQuilken, Prunty, Morrison, Carberry, Chang, Tamburrini, Broadwood, Zok, Vaugh Subs: C Maxwell, Kirkwood, McPeake, Campbell, S Maxwell 

Musselburgh: McPherson, Sweeney, Quinn, Mitchell (c), Bain, Murray, Devine, Currie, Barnes, King, Tansey. Subs: CJ Osazowa, Murphy, Hawkins, Porteous, Polowj  

Referee: Mr Brian Colvin

Assistant Referees: Mr David Gordon & Mr Andy Moyes 

 

y Currie, Sweeney, Barnes

 

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