Casey Jones

Best post, on the East of Scotland pages, in the close season! Keep up the good work and let’s hope a few more Musselburgh supporters come on and give their thoughts in 2019-20!

When Musselburgh met Bo’ness at Penicuik in League cup final, cost remained at £6 and £3. Fact this seems to be a first this season that two conference teams are paying extra, when it’s not even a final seems a bit off! As Linlithgow will pocket all the money, I wonder if Bonnyrigg were consulted about the additional gate costs?

Wayne is NOT signing for burgh. Told me this himself today. Signed Darrent Downie from Blackburn who scored 36 goals this season, same as Mathu King. Musselburgh needed another guy working alongside Mathu and hopefully still hitting net as before. With those two and Nathan Evans, it will give Burgh a stronger attacking line up for the challenge of 2019-20.

Musselburgh Athletic Player of the Year Awards 2018-19 Supporters Player of the Year - John McManus 1934 Club MOTM Awards - Jackie Myles Players Player of the Year - Mathu King Top Goal Scorer - Mathu King (36 Goalscorer)

Musselburgh lost last week’s League cup final 1-0 to Bo’ness. If Burgh had won, there would be few complaints, given the closeness of the tie. There was little time to dwell on that match, as another tough encounter was anticipated on Saturday. Linlithgow were the visitors to Olivebank in a quarter final of the King Cup. The away side finished runners-up in conference C, behind Broxburn. Musselburgh’s line up for their 40th match of the season saw one change from last week. Gary Cherrie came in for Jack Gillan. Bradley Whyte moved to left back and Conor Thomson returned to his customary midfield position. First goal came in two minutes. With Linlithgow pressing, Ally Adams and Jonno McManus passed the ball between each other. Strickland intercepted the ball as it was coming towards Ally Adams. He squared the ball to Ruari MacLennan and a tap in, in front of the goals Put Linlithgow 1-0 up. Musselburgh pressed for the equaliser in a move, which saw Ally Adams, find Liam Gregory on the left wing. Nathan Evans met the cross into the box, but his effort went wide of the post. Michael Moffat was the first player to receive a yellow card in 11 minutes. Another defensive blunder in 15 minutes and it was 2-0 to Linlithgow. From a Burgh throw in, Gary Cherrie passed the ball to Jonno McManus. Instead of clearing the ball up the park, Jonno McManus tried to beat MacLennan, but was dispossessed of the ball. MacLennan took the ball round Ally Adams and slotted the ball in the net. Musselburgh got a goal back five minutes later. Long ball out by Ally Adams found Conor Thomson at the edge of the Linlithgow box. Ball was passed to Mathu King, whose shot was saved by the keeper, McKinven. As it rebounded Conor Thomson was there to blast ball into the net. Score now Musselburgh 1 - 2 Linlithgow. Three bookings in Quick succession, saw Jackie Myles was booked for diving in the Rose box. Tommy Coyne received a yellow, again for speaking back to the ref and Gary Cherrie for a foul. On the half hour, another chance for Linlithgow, but Ally Adams dived at Ronald’s feet to grab the ball. A defensive error nearly put Musselburgh further behind. With lots of players in and around the penalty box, Ally Adams passed to Liam Reid, who was standing facing the goals. Straight away, Liam Reid was dispossessed and Ally Adams had to parry the ball away for a corner. The ball should have been belted away by the keeper at the first opportunity. Musselburgh had two chances in the remaining minutes of the half. From a shot from Conor Thomson, the centre half McKinlay headed the ball over the bar, for a corner. Next up was a screamer from Jackie Myles, but his shot was cleared off the line. On 43 minutes, Linlithgow had a goal chalked off, for offside. Half time Musselburgh 1 – 2 Linlithgow. Five minutes into the second half and Musselburgh were next to have goal disallowed for another offside decision. The home fans did not have too long to wait for the equaliser. In 56 minutes, Nathan Evans passed ball to Conor Thomson, down the right wing. His cross was met by Mathu King and his header went past a diving McKinven. In a two-minute spell, Linlithgow re-established their two-goal advantage. First was a cracking drive at the edge of the box for MacLennan for his hat trick. From the kick off, Burgh went up the park, and Conor Thomson was unlucky not to score as the ball came off the bar. On Linlithgow’s next attack, the ball was put out for a throw in. In the box, ball was played to Smith who, in turn, looked to pass the ball to Coyne. However, as Jonno McManus attempted to intercept, the ball came off him and in the net. Linlithgow were now 4-2 up. Jack Gillan replaced Liam Gregory on 65 minutes. A few minutes later, Nathan Evans had the ball on the right wing. His cross to Bradley Whyte was squared in the box to Mathu King. His shot was blocked. Linlithgow counter attacked and Smith combined with Coyne who slide the ball passed Ally Adams and after 72 minutes, Linlithgow had increased the lead to 5 – 2. On 75 minutes, Scott McNaughton came on for Gary Cherrie. Just after, McKinlay received a yellow card for holding onto the ball when a corner had been awarded to Musselburgh. Jackie Myles pressed for a 3rd Musselburgh goal, but his shot was again blocked, this time by Smith. When the ball came out Jack Gillan also had his shot blocked by a resolute Smith. Final sub for Musselburgh, around 80 minutes saw Daniel McBay replace Jackie Myles. In last five minutes, Shields and Sloan replaced Smith and Ronald. In between these two substitutions, Linlithgow increased their lead to 6-2. Following a move up the left wing, as the ball came into the box, Batchelor dummied the ball and Strickland ran into the box and his shot hit the net. Two minutes later, Michael Moffat played forward to Conor Thomson. The cross came into Mathu King, who again headed the ball past McKinven and the score now stood at 6-3 to Linlithgow. Scoring had not finished! In injury time, man of the match MacLennan, scored his fourth goal of match with a simple tap in. Final score was Musselburgh 3 – 7 Linlithgow. The cup-tie seemed a much closer affair than the score would suggest. However, Linlithgow were clinical with their finishing and deserved the victory. Linlithgow now meet Bonnyrigg in the semi-final of the King Cup a week on Wednesday. The loss ended Musselburgh’s 2018-19 campaign. Overall, the positives far out-weighed the negatives. Players and management now go on a well-earned rest. Before we know it, pre-season training will commence, with the first friendly of 2019-20 in the middle of July. The last official event comes this Saturday with the Musselburgh Athletic end of year player awards. Good luck to all the guys!

Was the game filmed yesterday - as sods law I missed this cracker?? AH; goals are on Musselburgh twitter page now! Cheers.

Was the game filmed yesterday - as sods law I missed this cracker?? Hopefully the goals will be put on twitter! Not sure though, as guy is on a well earned holiday - does an awful lot of work behind the scenes, and not sure if he would have time before he went! A day on, I still think 30 mins to go, Burgh were in with a chance of winning. However, The Rose were lethal in attack, great from back to front and Ruari was outstanding, so you did miss a good performance by your team! All best when you meet Bonnyrigg in semis.

Although the Rose won by 4 goals, I don’t think the match was a comfortable as the score suggests. Sometimes there are small margins in football! Burgh Shoot and ball just goes wide. Linlithgow go up field as 60 secs later it is 4-2! Then, we have a shot, which looks like it is going in, defender gets a good block. Then Rose go up field and Coyle gets goal for 5-2. On another day, our two chances go in and different completion on match. Before all that, a goal conceded in 2 minutes did Burgh no favours. Then, you are right with your second goal. Ball comes to our centre half, who, instead of clearing ball, tries to be clever and gifts Rose the goal. Ruari was best player on the field. Not just for his 4 goals. I thought his play throughout the match was brilliant!

Genuinely have no idea! Billy no mates here! I heard we had signed a player but not a striker! I see a three names mentioned - two I know; the guy, Darren, probably know him if I saw. If it is Kris - fabulous; but he is in a higher league at moment so not sure he would come back down the ranks. If it is Wayne - great goalscorer - but I would probably invest is a couple of ear plugs!

That is a bit of a tease, since no announcement has been made yet!?

Musselburgh need to get over the disappointment of losing Sunday's cup final as they have a tough match coming up on Saturday. Visiting Olivebank in 4th round of King Cup will be Linlithgow. The last 5 matches were played against Penicuik, Hill of Beath, Camelon, Jeanfield and Bo'ness, Burgh drew one, won 3 and lost one. All 5 of the teams should be competing in the top half of the Premier league next season, as should Linlithgow. As all 6 matches had/have importance, either in the league or cup, it gives the Burgh management and players a good idea what to expect the standard to be in 2019-20.

Unusual situation for both set of players, as the League Cup Final between Bo’ness and Musselburgh was played on a Sunday. In the Junior set-up, generally the only cup tie played on a Sunday was the Scottish Cup Final. However, now that both clubs are in the East of Scotland League set up, it appears that cup finals on a Sunday are the norm. For Bo’ness, from reports elsewhere, it appeared that some of the team would either be out due to injury or because of a pre-arranged Stag Do. One of those mentioned was the midfielder Michael Gemmell. However, he cut his venture short, to travel back for the final, an act, which, should be applauded! For Musselburgh,; one change from last week’s semi-final. Michael Deland absent due to due holidays and he was replaced by Jack Gillan. Burgh fans might have expected a straight swap, but it was clear to see that Conor Thomson would fill the left back position with Jack Gillan in midfield. Match was played at Penicuik’s ground on a lovely sunny day. A good crowd had built up with Bo’ness shooting down the slope in the first half. Match kicked off at 14:01. First real attack came in two minutes. From defence Jackie Myles played a long ball over the Bo’ness defence. Mathu King ran through, but ball went just too far and the keeper, Murphy got there first. Soon after, Bo’ness’ left winger Stevenson moved up the pitch and his cross was met by Morgan. His shot was easily saved by Ally Adams. On seven minutes, Jonno McManus, played a worldy ball cross field, right to the feet of Liam Gregory. There was a wee passing match, but when ball played through to Conor Thomson, his first touch was too heavy and ball went out for by-kick. Next move, saw a one-two between Jackie Myles and Liam Gregory. From this Liam Gregory ran into the box but the ball from Jackie Myles was too hard and another chance went astray for Burgh. From the by-kick, ball went deep into the Burgh halfor but play broke down. Ally Adams punted ball up to Mathu King, who was one on one with the keeper, Murphy. Mathu King’s shot brought out a fine save from the keeper. On 13 minutes, Michael Moffat was fouled close to the Bo’ness penalty box. Michael Moffat was none too happy with the challenged but no action was taken. A poor free kick by Conor Thomson went straight to Murphy. Next up, it was Bo’ness who pressed forward with Stevenson crossing ball into the Burgh penalty box. Bradley Whyte cleared ball for a throw in. From this, Stevenson hit another cross into the box. Morgan’s attempt to put Bo’ness into the lead came to nothing as Ally Adams easily saved the shot. With half an hour played Musselburgh had a great chance to score, but instead of someone taking control and shooting, the ball was passed around three or four times in the Bo’ness penalty area but cleared without Murphy having to do anything. On 32 minutes, Burgh lost control of the ball deep in the Bo’ness half. If anyone has watched Youtube in recent matches, they would have noticed a couple of goals involving a good number of Burgh players. This time, it was Bo’ness, who cultivated a worthy goal to take the lead. The centre half passed ball out to the left of the field. Five passes later ball was on the half way line, and then moved across field and down the right wing to Morgan. From the by-line, Morgan crossed the ball, over a couple of players to where Stevenson was standing. A simple tap in past Ally Adams and Bo’ness were 1-0 up. A few minutes later, it should have been two nil. As the ball came into the Burgh box, there was a kick about by some players. Then the ball reached Stevenson but his shot hit the post and cleared to safety. In last couple of minutes of the first half, Bo’ness were once again on the attack down the left wing. The Bo’ness supporters wanted a foul from a challenge by Michael Moffat. However, play moved on and as the ball went into the box, just as a Bo’ness player was about to shoot, the referee blew for offside. Half time: Bo’ness 1 – 0 Musselburgh. Into the second half and there seemed to be a change to the way the game was being played with much less excitement around the ground. It livened up a bit on the hour mark. Gemmell took a throw in on the left hand side of pitch. He got the ball back but as he moved towards the Musselburgh penalty box, ball went a bit far and he lunged at it and took down Liam Reid. For his efforts, Gemmell received a yellow card; though a number of Burgh fans thought it should have been red! Played was stopped for a few minutes while Liam Reid was treated. At the same time, McKenzie received a yellow as he was kicking ball away to stop free kick being taken by Musselburgh. Gemmell was not on the pitch much longer as he seemed to obstruct Jonno McManus which caused the Burgh player to fall. Gemmell was awarded his second yellow and a red card. A number of Bo’ness fans were incensed at the decision, but Gemmell was foolish in this, following the yellow he had just received. With just more than 15 minutes remaining, Burgh fans were jumping for joy as they thought the tram had scored. From a free kick on the left hand side of the box, Conor Thomson played an inswinger, which hit the post, then, somehow ran across the line. A few seconds later and Liam Reid had the ball in the net, only for the linesman to flag for offside. From a post-match photo, there was one Bo’ness player on the line with another close by, so it appeared a wrong decision by the referee, which would prove costly for Musselburgh. Final minutes of the match saw a couple of attempts from both teams, best of which was a shot from 25 yards by Conor Thomson, which Murphy had to tip over the bar to keep Bo'ness in the lead. So, when the referee blew the final whistle, it was the players in orange tops who were celebrating as Bo’ness won the 2019 League cup by a score of 1-0. Musselburgh will rue the fact that they were so much on top in the first 30 minutes of the match but failed to capitalise with a goal. At that point, Bo’ness came onto their game and were rewarded by Stevenson’s goal. Second half was even, but it was Burgh who had to make the break though which did not happen! I think the Burgh Supporters’ club man of the match awards are finished, due to the upcoming Player of the Year night. My choice on the day would have been Jonny McManus, who had a great game in the Musselburgh defence. Congratulations to the winners Bo’ness.

Hope you enjoyed your wee excursion down the east coast

Haha; from a man with experience?? Great day for football, so hope the match lives up to it! May the best team win (as long as the Cup travels back to East Lothian)

Looking forward to the mach tomorrow. Bo'ness are always a hard team to play as we know whenever we play away. Harder still because of the great run you are on now Max is the manager. However, as you say, some of the goals we have scored involve good slick passing movements. We also have a management team that wants us to play the right way! Who knows how it will go, especially at a neutral venue. As I've said before, no matter how the match goes; Musselburgh can be pleased the way the season has gone - and we achieved our aim of playing in the top EoS league next season - Saying that; no one ever wants to get beat in a cup final so hope the sun is shining on us come 4:00pm.

Musselburgh have come a long way since end of 2016-17. Got relegated from East Region East Region Super League. Bounced back as Premier league winners in 2017-18. Then, went through the turmoil of wondering if the club would be in existence this season. Thankfully this was resolved! From having no Management or players signed in June 18, to finishing 3rd in Conference A and reaching Sunday's league cup final against Bo'ness is nothing short of remarkable. The supporters are proud of players, management, new office bearers and committee for all that has been achieved! Whatever the result on Sunday, season 2018-19 has been a pleasure!

Morning MDM I do that deliberately (?!?) just to see if someone is reading my notes of the match! Looks like you are one of three that do!! Cheers for the moral support and I will delete Conor's name. There can only be ONE Conor T!

I am glad you liked it HJ! Thank you for the positive feedback. I have still to see it, but as it is on until 8 June, I plan on going once the season is over for Musselburgh. General of opinion is that it is worth the visit. Although, as you say, the museum is compact, people say the exhibition is well thought out and a lot of effort was put in, to get all the information and ‘memorabilia’ in there.

Third League cup tie in eight days! Following wins at Olivebank over Hill of Beath; then Camelon; Jeanfield were the next visitors to Olivebank. The quirks of this was; not only was this a third round but also a semi-final! Burgh last met Jeanfield two seasons ago. A loss up at Jeanfield, saw Musselburgh relegated, from the Junior Super League. A 9-1 victory, in a cup tie at Olivebank soon after, for Musselburgh against the same team was no consolation to the East Lothian side. This season, Musselburgh finished 3rd in Conference A. If Jeanfield win next week in their final league match against Ormiston, they will finish 3rd in Conference C. As such another close match was anticipated. For the first time since 2 March, Musselburgh fielded the same starting line up for the second game in a row. Kick off at 14:34. As with the tie with Camelon on Tuesday night, although both teams were out of the blocks quickly, no shots were on target in the first 10 minutes of match. Then, Jeanfield had a chance. Fergus played ball towards the by-line and the no. 2, Reid, attempted to cross the ball over to Davis. However, the ball went over his head and Liam Gregory got the ball and passed it upfield where Nathan Evans was waiting. With Whitehead approaching, Nathan Evans’ quick movement found himself in the open and ball was floated towards the Jeanfield goal area. Up stepped Mathu King and one touch later, the ball was lobbed over the keeper Mitchell. Even before the ball crossed the goal line, the home support was already clapping and cheering. Mathu King, turned and ran towards the supporters, happy as Larry, and Musselburgh were one nil up. A couple of minutes later Conor Thomson was heading towards the Jeanfield goals, when he fell to the ground. The referee’s whistle blew. Although Conor Thomson appeared to have been fouled, the referee produced a yellow card for the Musselburgh no.9 for diving! From the free kick the ball moved towards Musselburgh goal area. From a cross / shot, there was a debate as to whether or not Davis connected with the ball. However, Musselburgh had a narrow escape as the ball hit the inside of post and bounced back into play, where ball was cleared. On the half hour, Nathan Evans passed ball to the far side of the goal posts. Mathu King was there, but had to stretch for the ball. As his momentum took him towards the ground, Mathu King got another touch on the ball and it was put out for a corner. Conor Thomson’s kick was met by Jonno McManus. Mitchell saved at post, then had to dive to keep ball away from an incoming Michael Deland. Musselburgh were on the attack again on 35 minutes. Mitchell again covered himself well by saving a header from Michael Deland. The ball moved into the Musselburgh half. Simpson swung ball over to no.15 Smith. From left hand side, Smith hit a cross into the six yard box, but Ally Adams managed to get hold of ball. In last five minutes of half, the same two Jeanfield players combined; this time Smith passed to Simpson. He ran past Michael Deland then squared ball to Davis who was standing a few feet from the goals. Somehow, as Davis connected with the ball, it spun away from the goals and out for a goal kick. How the ball did not hit the net was anyone’s wonder! Still more time for Jeanfield to get an equaliser before half time. The number 3, Kennedy had a thunder shot which came off the body of Jonno McManus. Dear knows how he stayed upright, but Jonno McManus shrugged it off like a true centre half with ball out for a corner. Ally punched the ball away from the goal area with Burgh moving ball up to the other end of the pitch. Mitchell got ball in Jeanfield box and the away side were once again on the attack and another corner came. Ally Adams made another save. When the ball came back over, Musselburgh were awarded a foul. The referee then blew for half time. Musselburgh returned to the changing rooms 1-0 up, with a number of Burgh supporters wondering how this could be! The second half was delayed for a couple of minutes as a two year old ran onto the pitch wanting a game! Within two minutes, Simpson crossed ball into the Burgh penalty area. Michael Moffat cleared the shot from the goal line. Another opportunity going astray from the away side. On 50 minutes Jeanfield were again on the attack. Another cross into the box from Simpson was headed out by Michael Moffat. Ball went out to no. 15 Smith (another Smith was no.8!) but his shot went over the bar. Two minutes later; Jeanfield had a corner. No. 8 Smith played ball to the edge of the box with Simpson waiting to shoot. Ally Adams, who had a fine match saved the shot and Burgh were still 1-0. Ally Adams kicked ball up to Nathan Evans whose header found Mathu King. His shot from 30 yards just went wide of post. On 55 minutes, substitute Deans, brought down Jackie Myles just outside the Jeanfield box. Conor Thomson’s free kick was saved by Mitchell. Five minute later and Smith (15) passed ball to Simpson but his shot went just wide of post. 63 minutes and another Burgh attack. From a corner, Michael Deland hit a bullet shot which Scott managed to get a block on. Couple of minutes later and probably to shore the midfield up, Jack Gillan replaced Liam Gregory. Musselburgh were again under pressure with 20 minutes remaining. With ball running out of play, Jonno McManus tried to shield the ball, but was dispossessed. Luckily for him, no.15 Smith made a hash of his shot. With Jeanfield on another attack up their left wing, the referee blew for a foul against Michael Moffat, who was none to happy with that. The referee called Michael back to have a word with him re his petulance! From the free kick by Smith ( 8 ), both Michael Deland and Mathu King worked together to clear ball. Into last fifteen minutes Michael Deland made another of his standard runs down the left wing and crossed ball towards Mathu King. Luckily for the away team, a defender slipped in to get ball out of goal area. Couple of minutes later Nathan Evans had shot blocked and out for a corner. From the corner, Nathan Evans got another shot, again blocked. Ball came to Jackie Myles, hoping for third time lucky, but the Jeanfield defence was resolute once more. It appeared that the defenders of both sides were more than matching the efforts of their attacking opponents. On 80 minutes, Conor Thomson was replaced by Scott McNaughton. Just after, Deans was booked for bull-dozing into Jackie Myles; then Nathan Evans received a yellow for a challenge on Kennedy. With five minutes left, Daniel McBay was last sub on, for Nathan Evans. Jeanfield were awarded two late corners and the keeper Mitchell came up for both. However, to no avail and when the final whistle went, Musselburgh had held on for a 1-0 win. A very spirited performance from Musselburgh with Jonno McManus winning the supporters club player of the match award. Match was played at high tempo throughout, with ball going from one end of the park to the other. Burgh had a few chances to increase their lead, but in the end were thankful to be in the final. Opinion from a few Burgh supporters were that this was the toughest opposition that Musselburgh had played this season. Jeanfield will have gone away thinking that had they taken some of their chances, a different result may have occurred! Best player for Jeanfield was Simpson. Musselburgh now await the winners of Bo’ness v Bonnyrigg who meet on Monday night. Once that semi final has been decided, the venue for next Sunday’s final will be announced.

Now that the league season is finished, cup matches are coming fast and furious. On Saturday, Musselburgh beat Hill of Beath 3-0 in the 1st round of the League cup. So, on Tuesday night, Camelon were the next visitors to Olivebank for the 2nd round of same cup; match kicking off at 6:45pm. Camelon last visited Musselburgh on 23 March, for the 3rd round of the King Cup. The home side won 3-2 after extra time. Musselburgh made one change to Saturday’s line up, with Liam Reid coming in for Greig Callaghan. Greig received 7 stitches following an elbow to the head in a challenge against the Fife team. First yellow card of the match needlessly went to Ally Adams for kicking the ball away following a free-kick – an event which was to repeat itself later in the half for a Camelon player. Although the match started at a fast pace, there was little goalmouth action involving either keeper, in the first 15 minutes. Camelon could have gone one nil up in 17 minutes. Anderson picked up the ball in midfield, then passed ball to Docherty. He played round Jonno McManus but as he hit the ball, it flew over the bar and out the perimeter fence! A couple of minutes later, the referee stopped play and spoke to the Camelon centre forward, Sneddon, for an aerial on Jonno McManus. On 22 minutes, Ally Adams was called in to action to block a shot from Anderson. Then in the next attack, Camelon’s Herron gave ball to Docherty just inside the Burgh box. As Docherty moved into the six yard box his shot came off the post and ran along the goal area and cleared. The centre forward, Sneddon was non-too happy as he felt he was in a better position. First goal of match came in 23 minutes and what a cracking goal it was involving several Burgh players. From Michael Deland in his own half, ball was moved around the park with about 10 passes involved. Michael Moffat got the ball as he entered the Camelon goal area. Michael passed to Nathan Evans, who drove towards the by-line before getting the ball into the goal area. Who else but Mathu King was waiting to hit the ball into the net. From the kick off, Camelon moved up field and following a challenge on Michael Moffat, Docherty was spoken to by the referee. The Musselburgh supporters could not understand why Camelon’s left wing was not booked. He did not have to wait long, though, as in 27 minutes following an alleged shove on Michael Moffat, Docherty was booked. However, home supporters standing behind the goal area said it was actually Jonno McManus who pushed his own player out of the way! A couple more chances for either side came and went and in the last minute of first half, as the ball went out for a Musselburgh throw in; Anderson kicked the ball away and another stupid yellow card awarded. Half time Musselburgh 1 – 0 Camelon. Six minutes to the second half and a challenge on Michael Deland saw the referee speak again to Anderson. The Musselburgh fans were furious at the decision not to book / send off the forward. With 52 minutes played, Camelon were awarded a free kick in their own half. Ball was floated into the Burgh box and Morrison should have done better with his header. First sub for Musselburgh came in 65 minutes when Jack Gillan replaced Liam Gregory. A minute later Michael Moffat was booked for a challenge on Docherty. Around 70 minutes gone and Musselburgh were awarded a soft penalty. A corner from Conor Thomson was punched back to the edge of the box by Shaw. As Conor Thomson came in, the number 8, Herron went in at full pelt and brought Conor down. Herron was booked for this. The whole Camelon team would regret the rash challenge as Conor Thomson scored from the resultant penalty and increase Burgh’s lead to 2-0. As the match headed towards full time, the sub (no.12 – don’t know name) was booked as he and Sneddon sandwiched Liam Reid in a challenge. Following this, Bradley Whyte became the third Burgh player to be booked for a foul on a Camelon player. With just over five minutes to go, Nathan Evans had a chance to get on the score sheet. He was in front of Morrison as he approached the box, but a great last minute tackle by the defender, allowed the keeper, Shaw to collect the ball. Michael Moffat was then subbed with Scott McNaughton coming on. As we moved into injury time, the 3rd and final sub for Musselburgh saw Daniel McBay come on for Nathan Evans. The referee’s final act was to book the Camelon centre half for a bad tackle on Jackie Myles. Full time and Musselburgh beat Camelon by 2-0. The supporters’ club player of the match was Michael Moffat. Mention for Liam Reid who had his best match for Musselburgh, particularly in the second half. Musselburgh are well served in that area with Greig Callaghan, Jonno McManus and Liam Reid trying to ensure they are the captain’s pick for each match. Jackie Myles and Nathan Evans must also have been in with a chance of player of the match! Next fixture at Olivebank is this Saturday as Jeanfield Swifts are the visitors for the semi-final of the League cup. The other semi-final takes place on Monday 6 May when Bo’ness meet Bonnyrigg. Thereafter, the final will be on Sunday 12 May.

Not a great set up, for getting income. However, I needed to ‘spend a penny’ before our match, and went to changing rooms. When I came out, I saw the guy collecting the money so I paid for my pal and myself. Hopefully other like minded fans did the same, if, say they go for a drink, or a pie during first half.

I assume it is the same players in the team, so how has Christie got Bo’ness winning so many matches on the bounce?

Following our 3-0 win on Saturday, we now meet Camelon in 2nd round of the League cup. Match takes place tomorrow night at Olivebank; kick off at 6.45pm. Musselburgh beat Camelon 3-2, AET, in 3rd round of King Cup on 23 March. Another hard match may be on the cards. The winner of this tie will be at home on Saturday against Jeanfield.

League campaign ended last weekend for both teams. However, there are still a couple of cup competitions to keep Musselburgh’s season going. The visitors to Olivebank for this League Cup 1st round tie was Hill of Beath (3rd v 2nd at end of Conference A league matches). In two league games and 3rd round of South Region Challenge cup; honours were even. Both teams winning and losing one match and drawing the other. So, another tight affair was envisaged. Musselburgh made two changes to last week. Liam Reid was suspended, after being sent off against Penicuik and Scott McNaughton dropped to the bench. Returning to the team from injuries, were Jonno McManus and Michael Moffat. First chance of match fell to Mathu King but his shot was blocked by an away side defender. The better option may have been for Mathu to try and go round the defender before shooting for goal. From the corner kick, Jackie Myles shot went over the bar. On six minutes, the referee blew for a foul against Liam Gregory. However, Hill of Beath defender, Russell Grierson remained on the ground. Following assessment by the physio, Grierson’s match was ended and he was replaced by Kellichan. One of the Hill of Beath backroom staff, said that Liam Gregory’s studs tangled with Grierson’s laces and his studs got stuck in the ground; (more later) With 13 minutes played, Hill of Beath attacked up the left wing. Jackie Myles went in for a tackle, and ball bounced in front of Watt. His shot from the edge of the box was safely held by Ally Adams. Shortly after, Hill of Beath right back, Leishman was booked for a foul on Michael Deland. Another opportunity came Hill of Beath’s way on 20 minutes. Elder had a great chance to score, but ball just cleared the bar. Another injury stopped the match with Greig Callaghan going down. A couple of minutes later, around 25 minutes gone, he was replaced by Jack Gillan. Two minutes later, from a defensive clearance by Hill of Beath; Bradley Whyte received ball. From the middle of pitch he laid ball to Liam Gregory. From left wing, Liam hit a delightful cross over to the far post. Mathu King was there to head ball past keeper, Hall. Musselburgh were 1-0 up; a score which remained until half time. Into the second half and on 52 minutes, ball was with Bradley Whyte. He passed to Liam Gregory. Following further interchange between the two players, from the corner area, Liam Gregory hit a cross into the six-yard box. Another header, this time by Nathan Evans crossed the line and Burgh led 2-0. With 56 minutes played; some of the home support were screaming for a ‘stone wall’ penalty, but referee waived play on. Soon after, Hill of Beath players were claiming ball came off the arm of a Burgh player. Again the referee disagreed, so no penalty and a corner kick was awarded; which came to nothing. On 56 minutes, Hill of Beath had a chance to reduce the lead, but Mitchell’s shot was turned round post for a corner. With this escape, Musselburgh were soon on the attack. Ball was played to Michael Deland, who fired a cross to Michael Moffat on right side of pitch. Michael Moffat played a 1-2 with Jackie Myles. Michael took the ball past Patrick and his pass was flicked into the net by Nathan Evans, for his second. Burgh were 3-0 up after 68 minutes. Two minutes later, Jackie Myles was replaced by Scott McNaughton. Then, Hill of Beath had men in attack. Kirby passed to Watt but his shot from edge of box was saved by Ally Adams. Leishman was none too happy as he felt he was in a better position to score. Last substitution for Burgh saw Daniel McBay come on for Michael Moffat. Also in the 2nd half, Wright replaced Denton for the away side. Into the last five minutes and Bradley Whyte played a great ball through to Mathu King. He headed down to Nathan Evans, looking for his hat trick, but his shot was blocked and out for a corner. With three minutes left, Leishman was again on the attack and his cross was punched out by Ally Adams. From this, a shot by Hill of Beath just cleared the bar. Next play saw Mitchell booked for holding the shirt of Jack Gillan. Hill of Beath continued to press forward. In last minute, Elder’s shot was so high, it cleared the perimeter fence. Then in injury time, Ally Adams produced a great save from the boot of Leishman. From the rebound, Elder was there again, but Ally blocked the shot. Final whistle and Burgh were winners by 3-0. Second round of cup takes place on Tuesday, 30 April with Camelon the visitors to Olivebank. Liam Gregory was named supporters club man of the match. Bradley Whyte must have been in with a chance too! On the injury front, both Russell Grierson and Greig Callaghan were taken to hospital - Russell by ambulance and Greig by the Secretary of Musselburgh. Russell damaged his ankle ligaments and will be out for 6-8 weeks and it looked like a deep gash to Greig’s head would require stitches. Best wishes and recovery to both players!

Thank you Cookie. I do try and be objective with my match posts. Agree re the result!