Star Grind Out Win To Go Top

Musselburgh Athletic were the latest side to visit New Victoria Park in an attempt to end Star's unbeaten start to the season. The visitors are comfortably in the top half of the Super League and despite losing to league leaders Kelty Hearts last week, are enjoying a good run of form.

Newtongrange are going well on all fronts but we're anxious to get back to winning ways having drawn in controversial circumstances the previous week with Bonnyrigg Rose . This match was switched from Olivebank to allow ongoing work to take place at Musselburgh's ground. 

There was a good crowd to watch this local derby and thankfully the rain had gone off by kick off time.

Star were quickly on the attack with Kris Renton shooting just wide in their first attack. Musselburgh looked comfortable in the early stages and had a good penalty shout rightly turned down after 8 minutes. Davie then had a good run and shot well saved by Renton.

After 16 minutes Star goalkeeper Renton took a heavy blow on the head making a save and the big Keeper looked groggy despite continuing after prolonged treatment.

After 32 minutes the Keeper showed his well being by making a fabulous save from a Davie header from a Thomson corner.

At the other end Cropley saw a good shot saved.

After 35 minutes Star were forced into a change with Kerr limping off to be replaced by Dunn.

It was a fairly even game at this point but slowly the home team were starting to get on top. Thomson tried to sneak a free kick in at Adams' near post and Jamieson headed over from a fine cross by Delland. Dun then headed over right on the break from a Thomson corner.

Half-time.  Newtongrange Star 0; Musselburgh Athletic 0

There were no changes after the break and Musselburgh were straight onto the attack with a dangerous cross from Turner finding no takers.

Thomson was beginning to dictate things in midfield and he shot just wide after 55 minutes. The same player brought out a fine save from Adams but it looked only a matter of time before a Star went ahead.

The goal came in 74 minutes. Tolmie lofted a long ball forward. Kris Renton got on the end of it to chip the advancing keeper Adams. A fine piece of skill and a reward for the hard working front man.

Musselburgh, as so often happens, seemed stung by the goal and had their best spell of the second half. Their pressure culminated in Sheerin having a fine chance for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining, but could not find a finish.

Chris King, who had replaced Mattie King, nearly added to Star's lead but his fine effort went just wide.

In the last piece of action, the dangerous Davie blasted over for the visitors.

This was a game in which Star did enough to take the points, although Musselburgh were never out of it. Defences were definitely on top and it took a special piece of skill to win the points. Neither side were at their best but this win could prove crucial at the end of the season.

Best for Star were Renton and Thomson with substitute Dunn fitting in to a solid back four. Martin and Davie were best for Musselburgh.

Newtongrange go top of the Super League with this win and remain unbeaten in all fronts this season.

Scottish Junior Cup action for both sides next week. Musselburgh away to Blackburn United and Star away to Greenock.

Scott Millar handled the game competently without the help of official assistants

Full Time Newtongrange Star 1; Musselburgh Athletic 0

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter