Sauchie surrender two goal lead to ten man Musselburgh

Despite being two goals up and well in command for large periods of the game, Sauchie managed to let Musselburgh back into the game and are still looking for their first win in 2015.


Sauchie Juniors were the visitors to Olive Bank on Super League business looking for their first victory in 2015. In fairness to the Clackmannanshire outfit this was only their third outing since the turn of the year. Last time out they suffered a Valentine's day East of Scotland Cup exit ( they won the trophy in 2014) at home to Broxburn and we're looking to get their season back on track. They currently sit ninth in the league and look certain to be playng at that level next season. They are still involved in the Fife and Lothians Cup.

Musselburgh are enjoying a fine season and still firing on all fronts, although Kelty Hearts are setting a high standard in the Super League and the cups are where Burgh's best chance of silverware lies. The home team lost the reverse fixture away to Sauchie and this was an opportunity to avenge that defeat and keep their fine home run going - the chance of a top four finish is still there for them. Interest is high in the Burgh with a home Scottish Junior Cup quarter final tie due next month.

Sauchie started brightly and in their opening attack Diack tried an ambitious overhead kick which went wide of the target. The home side took time to settle and their first attempt on goal was a tame one from Hunter. A minute later, Diack again tried his luck from long range but it sailed over the crossbar. A good Beveridge cross was then put just wide from Hunter. End to end stuff and an open and attractive game.

After 13 minutes Sauchie made the breakthrough. A flick on from Diack was chased into the area by the lively Kelly and he was upended by Wilson before he could get his shot away - referee Millar had no hesitation in awarding a penalty and Cummings stepped up to give goalkeeper Adams no chance.

Sauchie were playing well and two minutes later, Kelly, who was giving the home defence and uncomfortable afternoon, broke down the right and blazed over from the right hand edge of the penalty area.

Musselburgh were struggling but a fine pass from Smith gave Thompson a shooting chance which he put wide. Musselburgh's top scorer Sheerin was having a difficult day typified by a fresh air effort when he had a shooting chance.

After 28 minutes Sauchie doubled their lead. A short corner allowed Ashe a shooting chance and when Martin failed to clear, the ball broke to Syme, who forced it home.

Musselburgh kept pushing forward and with Smith spreading the passes in midfield, created half chances before the break and it took a fine stop by Harkness at his near post, to keep a Turner shot out.

Half Time Musselburgh Athletic 0; Sauchie Juniors 2

Musselburgh were playing with the strengthening wind in the second half and went straight on the attack. Sheerin's frustrating afternoon continued when from a Thompson corner,  he misheaded. However, the prolific front man kept trying and had a tremendous shot saved by Harkness after fifty one minutes.

A minute later Musselburgh were reduced to ten men. A fine ball by Beveridge gave Turner an opportunity on the right,  but when he went down under a challenge from a Sauchie defender,  the referee adjudged that he had dived and awarded him a second yellow for simulation - his first a few minutes earlier had been awarded for kicking the ball away!  Musselburgh two goals down and now down to ten men.

Sauchie saw their chance and created a series of clear cut chances for Kelly, Diack and Samuel but the Musselburgh keeper produced a string of fine saves to keep his team in the game.

It was to prove the turning point as in 71 minutes Sheerin brought Burgh back into the game. As Burgh broke from defence, the ball was played through to the prolific frontman. He cut in from the left and lazily curled a shot cum cross into the far corner - it took everybody by surprise as there was no pace on the ball and it can only be assumed that the keeper was unsighted.

Sheerin was firing now and brought out a good save from Harkness with fifteen minutes left.

After 81 minutes Burgh were awarded a penalty - the ball appearing to strike the hand of McCulloch. Sheerin stepped up and blasted home the equaliser!  Once again the big striker had delivered the goals to save the Burgh.

There was still time for one more Musselburgh chance and a Hunter header brought out a good save from Harkness with 5 minutes remaining .

In the end Musselburgh deserved a point but it was an unconvincing performance and they will have to improve if they are to progress in the Scottish Cup. Sauchie will be regretting the second half chances that they failed to convert when they led two nil.

Best for the home team were Adams with crucial saves, Sheerin ( a mixed afternoon but two goals) and Smith who calmly stroked passes around until substituted late on. Sauchie were well served by Kelly and Diack in the first half.

Next up for Sauchie is a home Super League encounter with Armadale while Musselburgh visit Lochee United.

Full Time: Musselburgh Athletic 2; Sauchie Juniors 2

Teams
Musselburgh Athletic
Adams, Martin, Myles, Hunter, Turner, Smith, Beveridge, Thompson, Sheerin, Wilson and Munro
Subs Christie, Hunter, Russell, Davie, Moffat and Hamilton

Sauchie Juniors
Harkness, Ashe, Syne, King, McCulloch, Morgan, Diack, Comrie, Kelly, Cummings and Samuel
Subs Kiczynski, Morrison, Wilson, Hendrie and Dolan

Referee Scott Millar

Gordon Baird Neutral Reporter