Penicuik: Bejaoui, Cunnison, McDermott, Meikle, Bunyan, Burrell, Gay, McCulloch, Killin, Jancyzk, Ross Subs: McPartlin, Montgomery, Young, Trialist, Trialist

Newtongrange: Renton, McManus, Deland, Tolmie, Dunn, Cherrie, Jamieson, Thomson, K Renton, Cropley, M King Subs: Gillon, Kerr, C King, Court, Amos

Referee: Mr D Kniff

Penicuik 0 Newtongrange 3

Penicuik were applauded on to the pitch by the players of Newtongrange Star in recognition of winning the East Premier League Championship. The Championship Flag was presented to the team by ERSJFA Discipline Secretary, Sydney McAlpine.

The game started brightly with both sides fairly evenly matched, and in the 5th minute, Newtongrange were under pressure following two consecutive corner kicks, but the defence held firm and the danger was cleared. At the other end, the Penicuik defence showed their mettle, defending three strikes on goal. In the fifteenth minute, Penicuik created two great chances, the first saw Gay shoot straight at keeper Renton and a minute later, a Killin shot was tipped over the bar by the keeper. Then a swift break from defence saw Jamieson denied by a great one handed save by Bejaoui. Shortly afterwards the big keeper turned a long range strike by Thomson round the post for a corner kick. In the 23rd minute, Star took advantage of a gap on the right side of the Penicuik defence, but Bejaoui was again in the right place to save. However, three minutes later the visitors were deservedly ahead when RENTON headed home a Deland cross from the left wing. Newtongrange continued to dominate play throughout the remainder of the half and McManus had a great chance to double the lead, but blasted the ball high over the bar.

Half Time: Penicuik 0 Newtongrange 1

Penicuik were quick out the starting blocks in the second half, with a reshuffle of positions giving the side a more balanced look. They took the game to Newtongrange with some excellent pacey passing and movement off the ball. A great move up the right wing involving Ross, Gay and Killin opened up the Star defence, and Ross’s ball across the six yard box was just missed by Burrell for a tap home. Then a long range strike from the right wing by Jamieson was comfortably clutched by Bejaoui. Penicuik attacked up the right wing again through Gay who slipped the ball to Killin, but his effort hit the side netting. Immediately afterwards, Penicuik won possession in midfield and Gay was set free. He laid the ball off to Ross but his strike was saved at the second attempt by keeper Renton. Shortly afterwards a Deland clearance was won by Renton who got past two defenders only to see Bejaoui pull off an excellent save to deny the striker. Minutes later, a curling left foot strike by Killin was gathered at the second attempt by keeper Renton. With Penicuik piling on the pressure, a glancing header by McCulloch was tipped away by Renton and cleared. Then, in the 81st minute, came a killer blow for Penicuik when a thump up the park was missed by Meikle and RENTON blasted the ball past Bejaoui to put the game to bed. Five minutes later, a swift break from defence by Newtongrange saw Jamieson set up substitute CHRIS KING who gave Bejaoui no chance.

Final Score: Penicuik 0 Newtongrange 3

Report by Jim Dick Penicuik Athletic