Burgh miss great chance to put one over on Champs

Musselburgh Athletic came into this McBookie.con Super League match at home to Linlithgow Rose with the defending champs very much on the back foot.

Rose had seen an indifferent run of form culminate in a six nil thrashing by relegation candidates St Andrews United in the East of a Scotland Cup and the subsequent resignation of Manager Mark Bradley and his coaching staff. On top of that they had both injury and suspensions problems with which to contend with trialists on the bench.

On the other hand Burgh were in reasonable form having outplayed title favourites Bo'ness United just a few weeks ago  -  although they did come into this game after a cup defeat by Broxburn in their previous match.

The conditions were extremely difficult with a strong gusting wind blowing straight down the pitch and it was evidently going to be a game where tactics would be determined to some extent by the wind.

Linlithgow, with wind advantage, went straight into the attack and Coyne looked lively bringing Musselburgh goalkeeper Cornet into early action. Rose's top scorer looked in the mood and went close twice in the opening minutes. Musselburgh were mainly seen on the counter attack although Thomson had a half chance as the teams settled down to the conditions.

After a period of sustained pressure Rose finally scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 25th minute. Keeper Cornet made a fine double save from Nelson and then Coyne but the ball fell kindly for Diack who forced the ball home.

Athletic were spurred in action and after a fine McKenna corner in 34 minutes Martin headed over when he looked certain to equalise. Minutes later a fine Thomson free kicked nearly restored parity but it was just off target. In their next attack the Athletic looked to have worked an opening for Connor Thomson before Gibson tripped him right on the edge of the 18 yard box. The referee had no option but to show Gibson the red card.

Half time Musselburgh Athletic 0 Linlithgow Rose 1

Musselburgh must have fancied their chances in the second half with both the wind and an extra man in their favour but they didn't find it easy to make the breakthrough. Rose goalkeeper Christie was in fine form and his reorganised defence looked solid in front of him. McDonald prompted in midfield and chances fell to McKenna, Hunter and Thomson but it was not to be the home team's day and they could not find an equaliser.

Best on the day for the reigning champs were Ovenstone and Christie although Coyne gets the man of the match vote for his tireless contribution. Martin and McDonald played well for the home team.

The old maxim that good players don't become bad ones overnight was never more ably demonstrated than here. Managerless and down to 10 men for nearly sixty minutes, the  Linlithgow players rolled up their sleeves and matched a good Musselburgh team to earn three vital points in the race to regain their title.

Final Score
Musselburgh Athletic 0 Linlithgow Rose 1

Report courtesy of Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter