Musselburgh March on in Cup with straightforward win over Star

Musselburgh were too strong for Newtongrange Star and as the match wore on completely dominated a lack lustre home team - winning more comfortably than the score suggests.

Musselburgh Athletic, fresh from their Scottish Cup semi final victory over Linlithgow Rose, rolled up to New Victoria Park to face East Super League title challengers and local rivals, Newtongrange Star, in the DJ Laing East of Scotland Cup.  The visitors had played well in their two semi final ties but Star promised to provide an equally huge challenge. Star themselves continue to grind out victories in the league and have lost only once this season at home and only three times in total. In fact only two teams have lowered their colours as they have lost twice to league leaders Kelty Hearts. The winners of this tie would host Hill of Beath in the Quarter Final.

On a fine Spring evening, Musselburgh took the opportunity to refresh their team from the side that had taken part in those two huge semi final ties and there were starts for Jackson in goal, Hamilton and Davie. However, Sheerin their prolific goalscorer and Darren Smith, the midfield anchor both kept their places. Star also rested Chris King who dropped to the bench.

It was Star who were first to threaten and Kris Renton blasted over in their first raid. Jamieson was prominent on the right and he created an opening for Cropley, but he shot tamely at Jackson. The wide man fired in another good cross which Renton just failed to direct goalwards and minutes later found another dangerous cross ball, but there were no takers. 

Musselburgh took a quarter of an hour to produce anything but good play involving Christie and and Davie almost created something for Martin at the far post. Next Sheerin sent in a low cross but no one could get on the end of it.

At the other end, a fine Thomson pass gave Jamieson a sight of goal but he shot wide. After twenty five minutes, Jamieson again beat Martin and when he pulled the ball back Renton blasted it wide.

As so often happens in games you are punished if you don't take your chances. After 28 minutes Star were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.  Noble handled just outside the box and Sheerin stepped up to blast the ball past the helpless Renton in the home goal - a goal of real power from the top striker.

The goal seemed to change the game and Musselburgh suddenly looked a much stronger team. Star were restricted to long range efforts and Athletic looked dangerous every time they attacked.

Half time: Newtongrange Star 0 ; Musselburgh Athletic 1

At half time Darren Smith was replaced by Thomson in the Musselburgh line up.

Star nearly got back into the tie immediately when a miskick by Wilson let in a Renton, but he couldn't finish. A minute later Cropley shot just wide.

However, it was Burgh who looked more likely to score and Sherrin was always dangerous- shooting over after fifty minutes. On the hour, Sherrin headed just wide but the second goal was not far away. After 62 minutes, Thomson did some good work on the right and when the ball broke into the middle,  Davie fired a fine shot into the far corner.

The tie looked over and from that point onwards it was all Musselburgh. Sheerin nearly extended their lead after sixty eight minutes, he made a terrific turn and then shot just over the bar. A few minutes later, Thomson had a great effort just over the bar from a free kick. Thomson then set up  Sheerin, but Renton pulled off a fine save.

Both teams used substitutes and had half chances but there were no more goals.

Musselburgh ended the game well on top and cruised through to the next round.

This was a strong Musselburgh performance from a confident team where the whole squad seems to be buzzing - Star had opportunities early on but when they went behind never really looked like saving the tie.

Best for Musselburgh were Myles,  Sheerin and Christie - Darren Smith retained the ball and ran the midfield until substituted. Star were well served by Jamieson but lacked a finisher on the day.

Full Time  Newtongrange Star 0; Musselburgh Athletic  2

Teams:
Newtongrange Star
Renton, McManus, Noble, Tolmie, Dunn, Thomson, Jamieson, Cherrie, Renton ( K) Cropley and M King. Subs Deland, C King, Wilson, Gillon and Amos

Musselburgh Athletic
Jackson, Christie, Hamilton, Wilson, Myles, Smith, Turner, Sheerin, Davie, Beveridge and Martin Subs Thomson, Hunter, Ralton, Doig and Adams

Referee Simon MacLean

Gordon Baird  Neutral Reporter