Musselburgh Maintain Perfect Start

Hill of Beath Hawthorn were the visitors to Olivebank Stadium for Musselburgh's first McBookie .com East Super League fixture of the new season.

Both sides won their opening fixture, Hawthorn at home to Ballingry Rovers and Athletic, a little surprisingly, away at Bonnyrigg Rose, so something had to give today.

Hawthorn started brightly and Adamson showed good pace before cutting inside and sending his shot wide of the far post. McDonald was prominent for Musselburgh as both sides sought to gain midfield superiority. Musselburgh were playing some good football but it was a misplaced back pass from Adamson, which allowed Thomson to play in Sheerin but he took too long to get his shot away.

However, the first goal wasn't far away. On 21 minutes, Martin on the Musselburgh left played a ball back to McDonald whose fine cross was headed in by Sheerin.

The lead last four minutes and when Bathgate put Adamson through, the tall front man finished well to draw the sides level.

Two minutes later Hawthorn nearly took the lead when Martin's attempted cleared rebounded of Adamson, but Adams was alert in the home goal.

The game was very open now with McDonald and Thomson pulling the strings in midfield for the home team and Adamson and Bathgate dangerous for the visitors. A goal was coming and when it did, it was a stunner. Sheerin picked up a ball 25 yards out and showing good skill, controlled it before smashing home an unstoppable shot.  2-1 for Athletiic with 38 minutes on the clock!

Musselburgh were dangerous now and the break came with them in the ascendency.

Musselburgh Athletic 2; Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1

There were no changes at the break.

Hawthorn were chasing an equaliser and started to control the game and there were chances for Bathgate and Hay but Adams was solid in the Athletic goal. The introduction of the tricky Shaw for Hawthorn galvanised the visitors and his runs were causing at lot of problems for the home defence.

Musselburgh were less dangerous now but still carried a threat.

The second half was punctuated with stoppages for injuries ( it lasted 57 minutes!) and it affected the flow of the match. There were chances for both teams but neither could add to their tally. Russell for the home team produced one lung bursting 70 yard run which might have led to a goal and the right full back had a steady second half although under pressure from substitute Hall.


Best for Musselburgh were Thomson and McDonald ( particularly in the first 45 minutes) but Sheerin, the match winner, was their man of the match. Hawthorn were well served by Bathgate and Adamson.

Musselburgh Athletic 2; Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1

Referee Chris Newman and his team were quietly effective.

Musselburgh remain unbeaten but were holding on at the end and Hawthorn will feel they might have taken a point. Next up for Musselburgh is a trip to Sauchie Juniors while Hawthorn entertain newly promoted,  and unbeaten,  Fauldhouse United. 

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter