Casey Jones

On Saturday, Musselburgh Athletic's Man of the Match award went to Jackie Myles. For Hill of Beath, the right back Russell Grierson received the award.

Musselburgh Athletic and fans alike were rocked by the news of Calvin Shand’s resignation as manager. However, he goes with the best wishes of all those involved with the club. Match at Olivebank saw 3rd meet 2nd place Hill of Beath. Honours so far were even with the Haws winning a cup tie and Burgh winning a league match, both of which were played in Fife. Two weeks ago, Musselburgh drew 2-2 at home with Oakley. The following week, Haws beat Oakley 6-0, whilst Burgh were losing their 3rd league match of the season at Dunbar. So, general feeling amongst the home support, was play like the last two weeks; face a heavy defeat; or perhaps show the league that Musselburgh are still a team to be reckoned with for the remainder of the season. Musselburgh captain, Mathu King was still out of the team injured and there were three changes from last week’s defeat. To the bench went Callaghan and Ralton, with Scott Moffat added to the injury list. In came Michael Moffat, recovered enough from illness; as well as Liam Reid and Bradley Whyte. The first signs were that the match was going to be very competitive, with Musselburgh returning to form which saw them beat Hill of Beath in the last encounter between the teams. Lots of ebbs and flows in the first 15 or so minutes, with both teams going toe to toe, having chances to score. On 19 minutes, good play up the left hand side by Nathan Evans, got himself into the box. As he moved towards the six yard box and following his cross, there were shouts for a penalty, but the ref was having none of it. On 30 minutes, Haws went close to scoring. From a corner, a great ball came into the 6-yard box, a Hill of Beath player headed ball, but it just went past Ally Adams right hand post. A minute later, Jonno McManus cut off a through ball from Adamson. Then a series of 2-touch passing football, saw Burgh go from defence to attack. Jonno moved ball to Jackie Myles, then in field to Gary Cherry. Like in slow motion, ball moved forward to Conor Thomson, then through to Nathan Evans, who ran past Kellichan into the box. Nathan’s second touch eluded Hall’s diving effort and the ball hit the post and into the net. A delighted Evans ran towards the Burgh support to join in their celebrations. A well worked goal and Burgh were 1-0 up. On 32 minutes, there was a crunching tackle involving Gary and Haws centre forward, with Morris staying down. After a couple of minutes, Morris was helped off the park, not looking likely to return to the field. Soon after, it was Hill Of Beath who moved forward. Kellichan, on left hand side of pitch made a great cross-field pass to Adamson. His shot from the 18 yard line just went past the post. On 36 minutes, Denton came on as sub for Morris. Three minutes later, Haws were on the attack again, but Gary Cherrie played a defensive role to clear any danger. Half time Musselburgh 1 - 0 Hill of Beath. Five minutes later and Michael Moffat received a yellow card for a rash tackle on Adamson. Some were surprised that it wasn’t a red card. Following this, there were some rather bruising tackles coming in for both sides - a typical real top of table clash. Credit to the referee, that he was allowing the tackles to go in, which is quite refreshing, when compared to others who blow for a foul for nothing. On 54 minutes, Haws were on the attack just inside the Burgh half. Michael Deland received a yellow card for a bear hug on a Haws player, who managed to break free, but much to the fans annoyance, the ref blew for the foul, instead of playing advantage. A couple of minutes later, another yellow for Burgh; this time for Liam Reid, who was booked for a harsh sliding tackle on the sub Denton. Hill of Beath were the team on the ascendancy with the ball being played mainly in the Burgh half. On 59 minutes, a shot for Haws again went past the post. Then on 62 minutes, Ally punched out a shot from a Haws player. The ball came to Adamson whose shot came off Ally’s right hand post. Just before 70 minutes, centre half Harrower was replaced by Dair, for the away side. Then good play by Michael M, moving ball to Bradley Whyte, who in turn passed ball to Nathan. His cross in the box went towards Conor, but he couldn’t connect clearly with the ball, which went out for a goal kick. Next move saw a double booking, for Connors and Denton, for fouls in quick succession on Michael M. Hill of Beath were awarded a corner in 72 minutes. Another good ball came into the 6-yard box, with Patrick escaping his marker, Michael M. Although Michael tried to retrieve his position, the Haws midfielder headed the ball past Ally to draw level at 1-1. A couple of minutes later, Ally made a point blank save to keep the score level. On 75 minutes, a double Burgh substitution saw Jack Gillan and Nathan going off, with Scott McMaughton, coming on for a first match in a wee while, (injury) alongside Ewan Ralton. This was followed soon with the last sub for Haws- Payne on for Mitchell. With 8 minutes left, Burgh had their first hit on target in the second period. However, Conor’s free kick was tame, and straight into Hall’s arms. On 90 minutes, another corner for Hill of Beath. Ball comes out of the penalty area, but Connors hits a howler of a shot high and wide. Then in last minute of injury time, with Haws looking for a late winner, Michael M makes a terrific clearing tackle on the Burgh goal line. Match ends in a 1-1 draw. Musselburgh were very impressive in the first half and it was hard to believe this was the bulk of the players who lost so meekly last week to Dunbar. In fairness, Hill of Beath were by far the better side in the 2nd half. Burgh battled well to come away with a draw. So, a good start for the new management duo of Kevin MacDonald and Ryan McGurk. They will be pleased with the players performance and hopefully for the rest of the season, Burgh players can continue to play like this. In reality, Conference A league winners will either be Hill of Beath or Penicuik. If either side wins their match, in Midlothian on 16 February, I believe that team will top the league at season end.

A few do go to the Ship first. They normally stand/sit to the left hand side of the bar as you enter the pub.

Good to have you there today! Team need as much support as we can give them! [emoji106]

Hill of Beath is a hard day at the office, even when you are at full strength. The loss of the manager, coupled with a few injuries, makes today all the more difficult for Musselburgh. Just need to get to Olivebank and support the team, anyway we can! MTB

Tell me when I can stop laughing!

Thanks

Or maybe the club already have the management with in the club! Geordie would be a seamless transition!

Management and players will be aware that 1 point in 9 isn’t good enough, but we are still third in league, so all together, are still in a good position at this stage. Saturday’s match will be tough against a good HoB side, but we have beat them already this season. Hopefully the form will return soon!

Instead of taking the 2nd turning on the left, after the roundabout at Asda, I took the 1st! As such, by the time I corrected my error and arrived at New Countess Park, match had already kicked-off. Two changes to the Musselburgh line-out from last week, saw Michael Moffat and Barry Hogg replaced by Jack Gillan and Ewan Ralton. In the first couple of minutes, I am told that Dunbar was first on the attack. Musselburgh came close in five minutes, but Conor Thomson’s shot was block by keeper, Liam McCathie. Ball came out to Ewan Ralton, but his shot was blocked and cleared. Soon after, Dunbar went on the attack, with a great shot from Lloyd Fiddler, coming off the Musselburgh bar. First goal came in 15 minutes.(I think) a bad pass back from Grieg Callaghan was intercepted by Dunbar’s Fraser McLaren, who was brought down in the box by Ally Adams. A number of Dunbar supporters shouted for the goalkeeper to be sent off, but someone with more knowledge than me said that new rules dictate that only a yellow card, which the ref handed out, can be awarded in that situation. Up stepped Dean Ballantyne and his penalty hit the ball into the back of the net. Dunbar were in the ascendancy and a shot from McLaren was saved by Ally. Then in 28 minutes, Fiddler past three Burgh players, then squared ball to Steven Tait, but Ally again saved the shot. A minute later, Ally was injured. Burgh were grateful for the Dunbar Physio attending to Ally. In final minute of half, McLaren was one on one with Ally but his shot just passed Ally’s post. Dunbar went in 1-0 up at half time. Bradley Whyte replaced Scott Moffat for Burgh at start of 2nd half. In 50 minutes, another bad pass from Greig, resulted in a free kick being awarded on the Burgh 18 yard box. Fiddler’s free kick brought out a good save from Ally. Five minutes later, Dunbar were awarded a free kick on the left hand side of pitch. The kick was floated into the box and an unmarked Grant Thomson’s header was cleared off the line by Bradley. Thomson then volley a shot, coming off Greig and Michael Deland before hitting the net for a 2-0 lead to Dunbar. Soon after, Jono had a screamer of a shot but the Dunbar defence cleared the ball away. The deficit was reduced in 64 minutes. From a corner, floated into the six yard box; an incoming Jonno headed the ball high into the net to make it 2-1. A minute later Thomson had a great chance to make it 3-1 for Dunbar, but his header, from a corner, didn’t trouble Ally. Two subs saw McLaren replaced by Darren McCraw for the home side with Barry Hogg coming on for Musselburgh, replacing Callaghan. A few bookings in the 2nd half with Steven Tait and Kieran Ingram receiving yellow cards for Dunbar; the same for Jackie Myles and Jack Gillan for Burgh. On 78 minutes, Burgh had a chance to equalise for Burgh. From a corner, Nathan Evans header went just over the bar. Then from the goal kick, ball moved into the Burgh half with Darren Handling playing ball over a couple of defenders. Ballantyne was first to the ball, controlling with first touch, then lobbing an outcoming Ally Adams and into the net. Ballantyne was replaced by Darren Gillon for the home side just after the goal. Dunbar had another two chances to score, but both came to nothing. Final whistle came and Dunbar won 3-1. Not sure if there was a Musselburgh man of the match award, but given what I have written, my award would have gone to Ally. For Dunbar, best players were the left/ right wingers, Lloyd Fiddler and Dean Ballantyne, along with a robust performance from Fraser McLaren.

At least 197 too many! He obviously has a grievance but this should not have been run like a mini soap series. Three tweets: Start - middle - end!

I’m forgetting my Ps and Qs! Wishing you all the best over the Festive period as well. I know from our conversations on football when we meet that your enjoyment is watching amateur football these days as opposed to EofS or Juniors. Absolutely nothing wrong with that and I hope you continue to get enjoyment out of your fitbaw!

You have let yourself down there brycey! A wonder who that wee birdie was and if his nose is getting bigger by the minute. Was it one of the other legends you were standing beside at the Bonnyrigg match, or someone else. You need to be careful with the drivel that was told to you! I missed a few early matches at start of season, but did go to the Dunbar match. Not sure why you mention the belters here! It was a roastin toastin day and I was pleasantly surprised by the size the of the crowd. We played Peebles a few weeks ago. Rubbish weather conditions. As match time approached, I thought we may not get above a crowd of 100, but fans came in at last minute and we had crowd of 130 plus at the count. I didn’t count fans at Dunbar, but 400 odd crowd would not be far out if I was to guess, when I compare the Pebbles figure. Indeed, can you think of any match you attended in previous years, with an attendance of 100 or so? In last 5 or so years, I can’t think of many that low.

Bet you think they play at Inchcolm!

These past few months have been quite hard on me, wont go ninto detail. However, I am sure my next door neighbour heard me laughing at the quote ‘of corse if EE inclood me that’s 3’ (legends)! Ha ha soo funny Brycey! You know of course you would always get a warm welcome next time you are back at Olivebank! You know we give as good as we get, but are always happy to staund beside our rivals and chat away! Its funny you say that Nitten support is gain doon. You will know from twitter, as per your earlier comments, that, that is refuted! Guid it is coming from someone wae is welcomed wae open airms at Nitten! Hope that doesnae change noo!

Last couple of times I was up at Nitten, your voice was criticising the home team more than others. The Stawnch fan made me laugh! I thought that Nitten were your 5th to support after your current team, Burntisland Shipyard; your previous team, Fauldhouse; your adopted old team, Musselburgh, as Olivebank was your favourite football ground to visit a couple of years ago, and Tranent, which is/was a home from home to you in the line of business you frequented! Now your are back to being a Nitten supporter, you will know that although Musselburgh were deservedly beat a couple of weeks ago, we are still higher up the league than Nitten! I am confident that will remain come the end of season. By the way, nothing bad about friendly rivalry between two local teams.

The biggest stirrer on P&B comes out of hibernation! Good to hear from you again sir and you never fail to disappoint. Not sure if you were in a deep sleep last weekend, but all but one East of Scotland match was postponed, with that one match abandoned. Not sure that EoS bosses will be exercised in activities as you suggest!

3-2 for Spartans. Good work out for both teams.

Waiting to see whether match against Coldstream is on. Inspection at 8:30 (past) and 10:00 depending on where you look? Thing is if forecast is right, snow won’t take effect till later on in the day. Normally have 5 layers of clothing on. May increase this today if match is on, and be glad that I am too old to play! MTB

Second last match of 2018 on Saturday when Coldstream visit Olivebank. A win and Musselburgh will be in 2nd in the league. MTB

Both Musselburgh and Newtongrange played their 12th league match at New Victoria park. Thought with 4th (Nitten) playing 2nd there would have been a bigger crowd come the 14:28 kick-off. Newtongrange were first on the attack, with Ally Adams having to make a save in only 2 minutes, putting ball out for a corner. When this came in, Kyle Lander’s shot went wide of the post. On 7 minutes, up came Musselburgh, with Michael Moffat hitting a ball into the box, only to see a glancing header from his namesake, Scott, go just past the post. With 10 minutes played, George Hunter had a great shot but the ball came off the left hand post and a narrow escape for Burgh. First goal of match came in 24 minutes, with Kyle Scott playing ball into the Burgh box and a low header from Alistair Forster hit the net and 1-0 to Newtongrange. Just after the half hour mark, Scotty was one on one with Kieron Renton in the Nitten 6-yard box, and it looked as if ball came back off the bar, with ball being cleared away. Play was stopped In 40 minutes with Mathu King suffering a head knock. He was attended to but his match ended with Nathan Evans coming on as sub. Half time 1-0 to Newtongrange. Within the first minute of second half, Conor Thomson moved the ball down the wing and then played ball into box. It hit off a Nitten defender and nearly an own goal. On 50 minutes Forster came off for Nitten, replaced by Ryan Porteous. Shortly after, Wes Mitchell received a booking for a rash lunge at Nathan. The second goal of the match came in 54 minutes. Hunter, on the right hand side of penalty area, shot and ball went past both Liam Reid and Ally to make it 2-0 to Newtongrange. Gary Cherrie was next into ref’s book, surprisingly, as it looked like a 50/50 challenge. Around the hour mark, Bradley Whyte came on for Jack Gillan, maintain his position as the only Musselburgh player to be involved in every match so far this season. Sixty one minutes and Michael Moffat received a yellow for a foul on left hand side of the park. From the free kick, Stevie Thomson got the ball and his shot hit the corner of the Burgh net and Musselburgh’s day went from bad to worse, now losing 3-0. However, a minute later, and the deficit reduced. Ball came out of defence to Michael Deland on the right wing. He quickly moved past Sean Melvin, then took ball past Scott, James Young and Porteous. Ball played into box to Bradley who squared ball to Scotty. Two touches later, and his first goal since coming from Haddington. Musselburgh were now playing the better football. In short space of time, two more bookings, Hunter for Nitten and Liam for Burgh. On 70 minutes, a great Musselburgh move involving Nathan, Michael D, Conor and back to Michael, had Scotty with the ball in the Nitten box, but he couldn’t control ball, and Renton collected it. Second goal of the match for Musselburgh came in 75 minutes. From a throw in on the right wing, Jackie received the ball, and played it forward. Gary headed it on to Michael M, who moved into the box and his shot went into the net past a diving Renton. 3-2 and comeback looked to be on. However, a couple of minute later and Ally had to make a point blank save to keep the score at 3-2. On 80 minutes, Musselburgh’s 3rd sub saw Jackie being replaced by David Maskrey. Then an error by the linesman saw a red card for John McManus. As Nitten pressed forward, Jono went for a tackle and the ball was put out for a goal-kick. However, the linesman pointed for a corner and as Jono spoke to the linesman; he received a red card shortly after. Ally was apoplectic by this decision and his anger saw a yellow card raised for him. Poor poor decision by the officials. With a minute to go to full time, Ally kept Musselburgh in the match, with a great save. However, in the final minute, Hunter got his second goal of the match when he shot into an empty net and final result was 4-2 to the home team. With Hill of Beath beating top placed team Penicuik, these four teams are separated at the top of the division by four points. All to play for, for all four sides!

Disappointing result yesterday with defeat at Newtongrange. However, Musselburgh are still one point ahead of their Midlothian rivals. If we win next Saturday, Burgh will join Penicuik on 33 points at the top of Confrernce A. Still a lot to play for.

Less than 2 days to go before the short journey to play Nitten. We have played two of the favourites to be in the mix come end of season. Got humped against Penicuik in the league but beat Hill of Beath away so mixed fortunes there. Saturday sees Musselburgh play 4th in the league. I am confident as I am each week that we will win, but until you walk on the park you have no idea how the team is going to perform. MTB

This frost can do one! Hope the cold snap disappears by the weekend as I am really looking forward to Saturday’s match against Nitten. MTB

Musselburgh’s 11th league match was on a day when a number of cup ties took place. As a result, Arniston were the visitors to Olivebank, only four weeks after the teams first met in the league, with Burgh winning the away match 3-2. Musselburgh made one change to last week’s starting line up. Jackie Myles was not in the squad due to illness, with Michael Moffat making his first start in three months, following his leg break at Dalkeith. The first goal came in seven minutes. Conor Thomson took a corner kick for the home side, but the ball came back to him by the Arniston captain, Jamie Butler. From the edge of the box, Conor passed to Jack Gillan, who looped the ball over the keeper, Jamie Newman, and into the net, for Jack’s first goal of the season. Most of the first half was played in the Arniston half. On 15 minutes, Conor had a shot from outside the box, which just went over the bar. Five minutes later, from a corner, Jono McManus nearly made it 2-0, but his shot was cleared off the line. A minute later, Scott Moffat, should have had his first goal for Burgh, but his header came off the bar. Then on 25 minutes, Bradley Whyte had a shot saved by Newman. In the last minute, Musselburgh’s centre forward Mathu King ran into the box, one on one with Newman. Mathu’s shot however, hit the bar and that was the last action of the half. Musselburgh went in 1-0 up, but it could quite have easily have been four or five. Into the second half and Arniston’s best chance of the match fell to their centre forward, Mark Mooney. Mark was in on goal, but his shot was blocked by Ally Adams to keep the score at 1-0. Arniston were playing better in the second half, but although they had a lot of possession, apart from the block save Ally made, he was rarely tested by the away side. Just on the hour mark, Musselburgh had two good chances. First fell to Mathu who chased the ball down the right wing, with Newman running out of his box. Newman knew he wasn’t going to get ball, so he stopped in his tracks and started to move back towards the goal line. Mathu looked up and tried to chip the keeper, but the ball went out for a goal kick. A couple of minutes later, Scotty was on left hand side of the box and his ball required a double block from Newman and the right back Dre Horsburgh to kick ball out for a corner for Musselburgh, which came to nothing. On 65 minutes, Michael Moffat was subbed with Nathan Evans coming on. A quiet match for Michael, but good to have him back in the team. Just after the substitution, Musselburgh were awarded a free kick, when Bradley was brought down by Arniston sub, Robert Gay. Conor’s attempt brought a diving save from Newman. On 67 minutes, Musselburgh were 2-0 up. Gary Cherrie and Bradley started the move in the Burgh half. A few passes later and the ball was back with Bradley, who played a delightful 1-2 with Gary. Two touches later and the ball was in the back of the net for Bradley’s second goal of the season. With just over 15 minutes left, Mathu was substituted with David Maskrey coming on. Burgh’s third goal came in 84 minutes. From an Arniston goal kick, Gary Cherrie was first to the ball, but his forward pass was blocked by the right back, Horsburgh. Bradley passed ball to David M, who quickly played it to Michael Deland. He ran past Horsburgh and Andrew Fleming, then hit a low drive putting the ball into the keeper’s left hand post. Full time score 3-0 to Musselburgh. This moved Burgh up to second place in the league, three points behind league leaders Penicuik. Arniston remain second bottom, seven points ahead of pointless Tweedmouth Rangers.