Casey Jones

Musselburgh’s 3-0 win today takes us up to 2nd place. Won 10 out of 11 league matches, losing only to league leaders, Penicuik, who have 11 straight league wins.

Agree Rob. Just missed one under 20 match this season, and there are a few other players who have the potential to step up. The problem is though, that some players will be disappointed as there cannot be an automatic place for players at end of season. It would be un-realistic for costs and size of the main team’s playing squad. Liam Gregory and to a lesser extent, Daniel McBay have had match time already for Musselburgh. Both could make the grade, but who do you leave out of the team if they were to have more starts for the Saturday squad. Jack Stewart has also been in the squad as back up keeper a number of times. But can we have three keepers signed at one time, and would keepers be interested if they were third choice!? Hard enough being 2nd choice keeper if you dont get much match time during the season. There are another three that I think could make the squad, though not sure at this time if they be better than what we have got? Liam Reid though has grabbed the chance he got and said to Calvin, that he was good enough! Not sure I could be a manager and make these decisions!

First home match in four weeks saw Peebles visit Olivebank on a wet afternoon. Bad weather appeared to have had an effect as only 134 supporters came through the gates. Hopefully more of the usual supporters will turn up next week! For third week in a row, Musselburgh started with same 11 players. Only two minutes played before the first goal. From a corner kick, ball played into the middle of the goal area. Jackie Myles ran in from the edge of box and beat the right back, McKenzie to the ball and Jackie’s shot made it 1-0 to Musselburgh. PLEASE note, there is a 3 minute video on Musselburgh’s twitter page showing all the goals from the match. Musselburgh should have went 2-0 up when Gary Cherrie had a good chance to score. His shot went past post, but if he had shot quicker with his left boot, almost certainly ball would have hit net. On 8 minutes, Pebbles were awarded a free kick, with Gary being penalised for a foul. Shot was saved by Ally Adams. In a four minutes spell, Musselburgh had a few chances to score their second. On 12 minutes, Mathu King had a shot which went past the post. Then Liam Reid should have scored from close range, but his shot was blocked by the keeper Kerr. Scott Moffat then headed a ball backwards to the goals, but Kerr was there again. A few minute later, Scott had a better headed effort which saw a great diving save by Kerr to put ball behind for a corner. Two corners in quick succession for Peebles, came to nothing. In 24 minutes, centre half, Ben Brown received the first booking of the match for a bad foul on Jackie. Forward again came Peebles, with Forrest having a shot, but the ball went past Ally’s left hand post. Another great save by Kerr, kept the score at 1-0, but Burgh’s 2nd goal came in 42 minutes, with a screamer into the corner of the net from Mathu King. Half time 2-0 to Musselburgh. Early in the 2nd half, Ally saved, parrying the ball out for a corner. Then, on 52 minutes, Musselburgh went 3-0 up, following a long ball upfield from Ally to Bradley Whyte. Ball came into penalty area and Conor stroked ball into net. Peebles reduced the deficit in 65 minutes. Ally turned the ball over for a corner; a great save from a free kick. From the corner kick, it appeared that centre forward, Wilson scored. However, highlights appear to show Mathu hit ball into his own net. I will leave this up to the website to decide who gets credit for this. Twelve weeks after fracturing his leg against Dalkeith, Michael made his long waited return to the pitch, replacing Burgh’s right back, Jack Gillan. Then, Musselburgh’s fourth goal came from a move involving, Conor, who passed ball to Mathu and he made sure of getting his second goal. Michael; only on pitch for 4 or 5 minutes, when all his built up frustrations of being a spectator (which he hates!), resulted in a booking from a rash tackle. Welcome back Michael!! A penalty was awarded shortly after, to Musselburgh, although there was a short delay to proceedings as a Peebles player had to be attended to for a nosebleed. Up stepped Scott Moffat, but a brilliant save meant Scott’s first goal for Burgh would have to wait. A good goal from Michael Deland, in 82 minutes made it 5-1. A minute later, following a rocket shot by Michael M, which came off the bar, substitute Nathan Evans made the final score 6-1. Peebles battled well throughout the match. That being said, Musselburgh could have scored a few more, if it was not for the skills of Peebles keeper, Tom Kerr. After the match, Bradley Whyte was named the Musselburgh Supporters club man of match. That was followed by the announcement that Liam Reid, had signed from the Musselburgh Athletic under 20 side. Liam has effortlessly made his step up to the main Musselburgh team and a bright football career awaits him.

Keeper was probably man of the match today. Got down well to save a shot from Liam Reid. Made a couple of great diving saves in first have, and saved a penalty from Scott Moffat. Musselburgh won by 5 goals but it could and should have been by more.

For the second Saturday in a row, Musselburgh players and fans made the journey to face Hill of Beath. Last week the home team were comfortable 3-1 winners in the South Challenge cup. Yesterday was back to league business. Hill of Beath were undefeated in eight matches, while Musselburgh had seven wins and one defeat, at home to league leaders Penicuik. Not sure whether this was Hill of Beath’s strongest team. But, both teams came out with the same starting line up for the second week running. Musselburgh’s first aim, was surely to avoid going behind early in the match as happened last week. As it was, the away team went in front after 15 minutes. Musselburgh were awarded a free kick after Jackie Myles was brought down, on the left hand side of the pitch. Conor Thomson and Mathu King had a wee chat before Conor lined up the kick. From around 25 yards, Conor’s strike hit the net into corner of the near side post. Conor must have saw that keeper, Stuart Hall was standing too far to his left, so Conor picked his spot with precision! The match was played at high tempo throughout and as said elsewhere, football was played ‘as it’s meant to be’. The difference this week, was that Musselburgh were fighting for each ball, so Hill of Beath were not awarded the same amount of freedom as in the previous match. Jackie had a chance to extend the lead in 29 minutes. Ball was played to him at the edge of the box, but Jackie’s shot went wide of the goals. Ten minutes later, a delightful ball was played into the home team’s box, but Mathu was unable to control it and ball was cleared. On 40 minutes, Conor was brought down in the box by the keeper, Hall. Players and fans of Burgh expected the referee to point to the spot, but instead he ruled it was a corner. Just before half time, Gary Cherrie was booked for a foul on Calum Adamson. The free kick went sky high over the bar, so at half time Musselburgh went in 1-0 up. Three minutes into the second half and a chance of an equiliser. Adamson had a shot from outside the box, which Ally Adams saved well from. On 50 minutes, Bradley Whyte had a chance for Burgh from the 18 yard line. Anywhere apart from the middle of the goals would have resulted in Musselburgh going ahead, but not to be this time. Lee Reid was booked for a crunching tackle on Jackie with eight minutes of the second half played. Jackie stayed on the ground for fully a minute, and was hobbling as he got up. Thankfully he was able to resume play, which was good as he was having a great game by this point. In 55 minutes, Hill of Beath had another chance to equalise as Adamson was 1 on 1 with Ally. But the keeper got down to block and then smother the ball before Adamson could get another attempt at goal. Two minutes later and Hill of Beath were back on the attack. A corner kick came towards Rory Harrower; who sliced the ball towards the right back, Shaun Leishman. His shot was blasted over the bar. Next chance fell to Musselburgh. Jackie collected the ball in the middle of the park. He passed it back to Michael Deland, who from the left hand side, played the ball forward to Scott Moffat. His shot was put out for a corner. Musselburgh went 2-0 up in 79 minutes. Jackie hit the ball forward, but first player to ball was HoB sub, Kevin Corners. However, he could not control it and Nathan Evans; sub for Scott, headed ball to Mathu. He played a neat flick over his head and moved past defender Jake Mitchell. As Mathu approached the keeper; in the same movement, they collided and Mathu volleyed the ball into the next. Joyful scenes for the away team and a number of Burgh fans standing behind the goals!! Although Hill of Beath continued to attack, both Jonno McManus and Liam Reid were outstanding in defence and Ally made a couple of further saves. Final whistle went and score was 2-0 to Musselburgh. Hill of Beath players and fans may not agree, but this was a great match to watch, with both teams giving it their all. Not sure if Liam Reid enjoyed his match last week, as he had a torrid time with the Hill of Beath forward line. However, he was great this week, particularly in the second half winning every header and tackle which came his way. However, the supporters club deemed that another player was better. Jackie Myles awarded man of the match for 2nd time in three weeks. The midfield master is back!

We’ve used squad numbers for the last 3 seasons I think. Current left back is no.16, and right back in no.22. I’m sure other teams use them, but off top of my head, can’t name them just now.

So you have not been to Olivebank for a couple of years then? Musselburgh have been doing a team sheet for a while now, and used to print this off, on match day for fans, showing the actual starting line up for but teams plus subs. This was proving too time consuming though in the short period of time, so now Musselburgh do a team sheet each team with the squads of both teams. If teams have squad numbers from start of season, as do the Burgh, then it is easy to identify who is on the pick at any time. Harder if squad not numbered, hence the teams board which is displayed at each match, and the teams announced prior to match.

The 2-0 away win at Hill of Beath was Musselburgh’s best result of the season so far. Boys picked themselves up after losing 3-1 last week against the same team, so some turnaround for the Burgh.

Need to leave the answer to a Bonnyrigg supporter, as I am not sure which is the best pub for you to go to. East Stirlingshire have come through two potentially hard ties in the last couple of rounds. I think Bonnyrigg will give you the toughest test of all! All best.

Honestly not sure why they say that the Butterly farm is in Lasswade - Gilmerton is closer. If you actually go to Lasswade, you have no chance of finding it! Anyway, enjoy the football, but while your gf is at the butterfly farm, just go next door (literally) to Dobbies and buy a cappuccino - much more enjoyable!

Part 2 of the double header this Saturday as the Burgh once again head for Hill of Beath. League business is more important than cup ties, even though I wish we had won last weekend. However, HoB can be beaten so I hope my team make that a reality in two days time. Easy to say as I am a supporter and not a player or coach, but; 1. We need to defend the penalty box better this weekend. 2. We need to own up to our mistakes and ensure we are in this together. 3. We need more that just MK to score on a regular basis! Take more chances when approaching the penalty area. A keeper isn’t going to save every shot he is faced with! I think Musselburgh’s pitch is one of the smallest in the league. But perhaps HoB’s is shorter in length, so a player should be aware of this and not hit such long passes/kick outs. Once size does not fit all!!

First match between between Hiill of Beath and Musselburgh sine 2016-17. Both matches in the league that year ended 1-1. As Armistice Day approached, the ground fell silent, as a mark of respect before the 3rd round South Challenge cup tie kicked off. Within one minute, the home side scored. A move up the right wing and despite two Musselburgh players in front of the ball, it was crossed into the box. Beyond the far side post, Kirby headed the ball back towards goal and a side foot, by the centre forward, Daniel Watt, made it 1-0 to Hill of Beath. On eight minutes, first real chance to Musselburgh fell to Scott Moffat, making his debut after signing this week from Haddington. Conor Thomson took the free kick from right hand sid of pitch; but Scotty’s header went straight to the Hill of Beath keeper, Adamson. The keeper kept the ball out again in 22 minutes, when a great shot from outside the box, from Conor, was put behind for a corner. The second goal came in 37 minutes. Hill of Beath were on the attack, but the ball was cleared by the Burgh defence. Up came the home team again and Mickey Deland made a great tackle, taking the ball away from Patrick and out from a throw-in. As it came into the box, it was headed by a Hill of Beath player; then unfortunately came off Liam Reid’s head for an own goal. Half time; Hill of Beath 2-0 Musselburgh. Five minutes after the restart, Burgh pulled a goal back. From a throw in for the home side, Gary Cherrie claimed the ball. His pass to Conor, was played to Math King. He hit a low shot between Adamson and his left hand side post. In 53 and 54 minutes, Musselburgh had two chances to make it 2-2. Mathu collected ball in Hill of Beath’s half, but had to slow down the play until support arrived. Mathu passed the ball towards Scotty, but he missed it and the ball was kicked out of the box. Then In the next move, Scotty had the ball at the edge of box. He tried to chip the ball over Adamson, but it went over bar. Just after the hour mark, the home side had a corner, which was cleared away. As the ball came back in, Scotty was adjudged to bring down the sub, Grierson. Ally Adams was booked for his comments towards the linesman and then Lee Reid scored from the penalty, hitting the ball into the middle of the net. Musselburgh had shouts of a penalty of their own in 73 minutes. One of the Hill of Beath defenders was so cold, he decided to give Mathu a man-hug, but the referee only blew for a corner kick. Eight minutes later and another chance fell to Burgh. Gary floated a free-kick into the box. Jonny McManus was first to ball, but instead of heading towards the goal area, the ball went sideways. Full time; Hill of Beath 3-1 Musselburgh. The two sides meet again at the Haws ground next week, this time for league business. Musselburgh need to re-group and match-up better if they wish to win that match.

Haud yer wheesht pal! Things to do today. Will post my comments soon! Yeah sound likt anuthr postir whey comes on heer just tae stur up things!

Fickle reason if true! By definition depending on the opposition, a fan may not turn up if his/her team are to win/lose by a landslide. So they should only turn up if they think there is a chance. Surely fans should be turning up as they wish to support their team whatever the outcome.

Looking forward to the double header over the next two weekends away to Hill of Beath. Always tough matches, but you win some and you lose some and I think on the last two occasions we met, both matches ended in 1-1 draws.

Musselburgh’s 8th league match saw them away to Arniston, and started the match playing against a strong wind. First chance came in two minutes with a through ball from Jackie to Mathu, who should have hit his shot straight away. Mathu tried to control the ball, but his attempt pushed the ball away from him. On six minutes, play involving Ralts and Bradley up the right wing, was then played into Jackie. He passed to Mathu, who had his back to the net. Mathu shot as he turned but shot easily saved by the keeper, Newman. First goal of match fell to Musselburgh in 14 minutes. From defence, ball moved up right wing and Ralts played a long pass into box. Liam Gregory was there and he placed ball past Newman’s left hand side to go 1-0 up. Five minutes later, it was 2-0. Mike Deland’s throw in, was played sideways by Jackie. Bradley had his shirt pulled, but ref played on. Gary took control and placed a good ball through the middle of the park. Mike was first to the ball surrounded by four Arniston defenders in the goal area. Not fussed, Mike left footed ball past Newman and in the net. Musselburgh were in total control of the match. On 20 minutes a through ball towards the Arniston goal area was left by Liam G. Mathu moved one on one with the keeper, but his shot went straight to Newman and another chance went by. Arniston had ball in the Burgh net on 27 minutes, but ref ruled it offside. More chances fell to Burgh, but half time score remained 2-0 to Musselburgh. Five minutes into 2nd half, Arniston were awarded a penalty. Jackie was adjudged in bringing down the no. 11 Horseburgh. Tom McNally took the penalty which saw a save by, Ally pushing the ball onto the bar. The rebound was placed high over the bar. From the by-kick, ball eventually came to Gary. He moved from the half way line and made a cross field pass, which reached Ewan Ralton on the right hand edge of box. Ralts moved in and drove the ball into the corner of the net to increase lead to 3-0. Musselburgh were streets ahead of Arniston, but could capitalise matters by scoring any more. Indeed, on 59 minutes, Arniston reduced deficit to3-1, when Jamie Butler stroked ball past Ally into the net. Burgh used their three subs but changes did not yield a further advantage. With 10 minutes left, Mike delivered a ball into the goal area, but from 3 yards, one of the subs, Nathan Evans blasted the ball over the bar. Then on 88 minutes, Bradley’s corner was met by Mathu. His header went straight to the keeper. Arniston then moved up left wing, and ball went out for a throw in. This came into the box and headed high into the net; with Jamie getting his and Arniston’s second. Final score was Arniston 2 - 3 Musselburgh. Best three Burgh players were Gary Cherrie, Jack Gillan and Jackie Myles. Man of match awarded to Jackie. Good to see a great Musselburgh servant getting back to the player he was before his horrendous injury whilst he was at Linlithgow. A mention for Liam, Gregory, Liam Reid and Dan McBay. All three are in the Under 20 squad, but are now being introduced into the Musselburgh main team. Certainly fitting in well!

Musselburgh should have won today’s match up at Arniston at a cantor. We were 3-0 up and coasting, but back came The home team, and Burgh limped over the finish line 3-2 winners. Supporters club man of match was Jackie Myles. Good choice, but I may have gone for the other Jack (Gillan), who is turning out to be a right good player!

This was our last fixture of season 2017-18, with Musselburgh beating Arniston 5-2. We now have three of the Arniston players on our books now. Think the home side will be much changed since we met in May 18, so we will see how the match pans out tomorrow afternoon.

Can’t comment on your thoughts about the other guy, but thank you for your honesty if you are referring to me as well! My comments are based on the match on Saturday and I think I have said it as I saw it. If you disagree then feel free to back up your wee rant just now. Football is all about opinion.

Don’t agree Rob. They had first real chances in both halves, but for about 70 minutes of the match they mainly defended in numbers. Musselburgh were always looking to get so why be negative when they get it. Yes, we scored deep in injury time, but so what. If a winner is scored in first or last minute, it doesn't matter. A good team should play for the full 90 minutes and if it is a last minute winner, as was yesterday then all good as far as I am concerned! Think most people thought Burgh would win by a large margin, given the amount of goals Tweedbank have been conceding this season. New manager comes in, and his first thoughts are most likely be to sort out the defence, which is what the tactics were yesterday. We finally managed to break the code with Liam’s goal so let’s celebrate as opposed to saying we were lucky to get the goal. MTB!

Musselburgh’s match against Tweedmouth was first of three days, where the home club invited a batch of sponsors to Olivebank to thank them for their support this season. All sponsors will enjoy the same hospitality throughout the year. At 2:00pm the clubhouse was full with the committee hard at work in their different roles. From early doors, Tweedmouth had set their stall out for the 90 minutes, as each time there was a forward attack, the defence was swamped with players. Although a defensive set up, the first main chance of a goal fell to Tweedmouth’s no. 9, Robinson, who’s shot from outside the box was tipped over the bar by Ally. On 21 minutes, Scott McNaughton had ball on right wing and looked to put in a cross into the penalty area. However, ball flew close by the far side post in what could have been an unlikely first goal for Burgh. A couple of minutes later Mathu had a shot which keeper dived to save. Around the half hour mark, Mathu had another chance, receiving a free kick from Gary Cherie. But Mathu’s flick was easily saved. Just after; Michael Delland had a chance, but it was a fresh air shot, then followed up with hitting ball over bar. Ten minutes to half time, Musselburgh were on the attack with two quick corners. However, the 2nd led to a breakaway from Tweedmouth, earning them a corner. This resulted in the no.4 Cromarty just missing the goals from a header. Five minutes later, Musselburgh must have had a 40 pass move around the Tweedmouth goal area. Michael eventual shot was going miles past, with Mathu unlucky not to get a touch when trying to keep ball from going out. No score at half time, and clear than this was not going to be a high scoring affair. Early in 2nd half, and Tweedmouth no.7 Graham, came close with a shot, which Ally put out for corner. In 64 minutes, Michael had another chance but his shot came off a defender for corner. Musselburgh were huffing and puffing throughout 2nd half but could not break the defence down. Then the debacle of the injury that wasn’t with the keeper going down an feigning injury. If he isn’t embarrest by his actions that received a booking for Mathu, then he should be ashamed. On the ground for five minutes, this led to a long period of injury time. Gary ‘s free kick in this time was saved by keeper for a corner. Match was heading for a 0-0 draw, but a last minute penalty box flurry, saw Liam Gregory hit a diving header into the back of the net, for Musselburgh to win 1-0. Not the prettiest of matches to watch. A lot of time, Tweedmouth had 10 players behind the ball, but overall Musselburgh just deserved the victory to remain in 4th place in league with 18 points from 7 matches. Sponsor player of match was Bradley Whyte.

Home league match today against Tweedmouth, before three successive away matches. Hope the Burgh supporters are out in force to cheer the team on!

Musselburgh won their first four league matches of this season’s campaign, but were well beaten by a good Penicuik team, last time out. Management team reacted by making five changes to the starting line up for the match at Easthouses. Liam Reid got his first full match under his belt, progressing from the under 20s side and gave an impressive performance throughout the 90 minutes. Mathu King opened the scoring in 15 minutes. Following a great ball from Gary Cherrie, a lovely first touch by Mathu saw him clear of the defence and he placed the ball past the right hand side of keeper and into the net. The second goal came in 34 minutes, a movement from defence to scoring in around 15 seconds. Ball played out and Conor Thomson made a swinging pass to Jack Gillan, on the wing. Jack ran past a defender then crossed a great ball into the penalty area, with Mathu volleying a low ball into the net. ÌMusselburgh went close in 40 minutes, when Conor let rip from 25 yards. His deflected shot saw a diving save by the Lily keeper who put ball out for a corner. Then in 43 minutes, ball played towards the Lily goal, with Mathu chasing. Keeper came out and appeared to stop ball hitting his face with his hands. No whistle blown, much to the annoyance of Burgh players and fans. Half time score 2-0. Easthouses did have a number of forward moving plays but Ally Adams hardly had anything to do in the Burgh penalty area. Around 57 minutes, Jackie Myles nearly scored Burgh’s third goal. David Maskrey, with ball on left, passed into Jackie, but his shot just went by the keeper’s left hand post. The goal came a couple of minutes later. From the centre of the pitch, Bradley White and Gary had a wee passing game, then Bradley played a neat pass through to Mathu as he ran into box. Mathu slide ball past Lily keeper into the net for his hat trick. Following this, Mathu could have scored a further hat trick, but a couple of good saves in quick succession by the keeper, especially a header by Muthu, put a halt to the scoring. David Maskrey also missed the target from about three feet, following a free kick by Scott McNaughton which was saved by keeper. To be honest, I switched off in the last 5-10 minutes, but it appears that Easthouses had a good chance to reduce the gap with a long shot, which Ally saved. Then in the final minute, the no. 9 (?) scored from a corner, when he headed ball into net. Musselburgh man of match was Jonno McManus, who had a fine match following his return from injury. Next week, Musselburgh are at home, in the league, against Tweedmouth.

Indeed brycey boy! Used to stay about a mile from the ground a number of years ago but was too timid to venture up there on my own in case I was set upon. Today I had my brouncer with me, so no worries there! Match was delayed for around 30 seconds to let the hoardes of Burgh supporters in. Thought I might have seen you there today as it is nearly a home ground for you?! Could so easily have been 7 or 8 goals we scored, but a mixture of good saves by the Lily keeper plus a few missed opportunities kept the score down to 3-1. Home match next week for a team you used to secretly love! Don’t know what happened that Olivebank rarely sees you now, but we have a good young side in case you are interested!

Wasn’t at the home match against Leith so can’t comment on that aspect. Easthouses were a Junior team last few seasons, but I didn’t think that Musselburgh were stretched too much today. Perhaps if Easthouses strikers were in better form it may have been different, but Ally wasn’t really troubled much in the first half. Easthouses had a good chance late on in the second half, before they scored in the final minute, but by then match was over. Mathu King scored a hat-trick but it wouldn’t have been a surprise if he got a few more. The Easthouses keeper made two good saves from MK in 2nd half in quick succession and he had another good chance after. David M also missed a great chance in 2nd half. Result puts us in good stead for next week’s home match.