Star Grind Out Vital Win

Newtongrange won a tight encounter with local rivals Musselburgh Athletic in a match which showed why both sides are struggling at the wrong end of the table. The only goal was a scrappy one in a match of few chances and little fluent football. However, the result saw Star leap up to twelfth as Athletic slipped into one of the automatic relegation places. 

With games running out and both sides involved in the relegation battle, this McBookie.com East Super League encounter was a vital clash. Star have been enjoying a better run of form recently and can see a glimmer of hope in what has been a season where they have found points hard to come by. Musselburgh are in a stronger position, with games in hand, but they need to pick up points if they are to avoid the play off with the third placed side in the Premier League and a loss to Star would deepen their problems. The teams met as recently as April Fool's Day at New Victoria Park when Athletic held on to win 3-2 in a very close encounter. 

The first half chance fell to Douglas after hesitation in the Burgh back line. However, the striker put the chance wide. 

Musselburgh's first chance came after McManus got his head to an O'Kane free kick with nearly 10 minutes on the clock. A few minutes later, Moffat sent in a tame shot but the first goal was not far away. 

With 17 minutes played Star won a corner, Hamilton was on the end of it but his shot was blocked. The ball popped up and DOUGLAS scrambled a header past Adams - a really scrappy goal typical of the play so far. 

Star's next effort on goal was from a Currie free kick but it was well wide. 

Neither side could find any fluency and there was very little in the way of good football although lots of endeavour. 

With 25 minutes played Douglas should have doubled the home side's lead. He got on the end of a through ball and rounded Adams but before he could slide the ball into the empty net Lynch got back with a saving tackle. O'Brien was next go try a shot from range but he fired last. 

Musselburgh were creating little but had a decent penalty claim waved away after 28 minutes when a corner fell to King and he went over. Five minutes later the visitors created their best chance. Moffat sent in a fine cross from the left and Donaldson leap to side foot the ball but it slipped wide of the far post. 

With 36 minutes played it looked like Star had added a second. Currie fired over a corner which Lally rose highest to sent a header towards the far corner. However, King leapt high at the far post and headed the ball clear. 

With 4 minutes to the break, Musselburgh's O'Brien played a great through ball but the alert Amos just got to it before King. 

Star just about deserved their half time lead although neither side were in great form and it was a tense affair. 

Half Time  Newtongrange Star 1, Musselburgh Athletic 0

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first and a chance fell to Athletic after 54 minutes. O'Kane sent in a free kick which McManus headed goalwards but Amos pulled off a fine stop. 

After 57 minutes, Adams pulled off a great save after O'Brien created an opening for Douglas- the striker looked certain to score. 

After 70 minutes Lander showed great skill as he cut in from the right, but his effort was well stopped by Adams. 

Two minutes later and Burgh worked Amos with a snap shot from range but it was easy for the keeper. 

Star had a great chance to secure the points after 74 minutes. Douglas rounded Adams for the second time in the match, but Hamilton got back to clear his goal bound effort. 

After 81 minutes,  Burgh substitute Thomson found Cherrie with a free kick but he shot over. 

With 5 minutes remaining Star's O'Brien made good progress on the right before crossing to Lander who chested the ball down, before he blasted his shot wide. Lander nearly scored minutes later but his firm shot from the left was turned away at the foot of the post. 

Deep into added time Star failed to clear their lines and McManus headed over. 

Star held on for the points which they probably deserved but the points were never secure with only a single goal separating the sides. Murray was very solid for Star and King best for Burgh. 

 This win gives Star a chance of avoiding the drop but they are still struggling with only two games left - but they have renewed hope after back to back wins. Athletic are in freefall at present and look a team short of confidence and with very few attacking ideas. 

Musselburgh host bottom club Fauldhouse United on Saturday while Star travel to Dundee to face Lochee United. 

Full Time  Newtongrange Star 1; Musselburgh Athletic 0
 

Newtongrange Star
Amos, Swaney, Martyniuk, Murray, Hamilton, Currie, Douglas, Lander, Wilson, O'Brien and Lally Subs  Weston T,  Cook T, Dyet T, Richardson and Flynn

Musselburgh Athletic 
Adams,McManus Lynch, Hogg, O'Kane, Murphy, Cherrie, Murray, King, Donaldson and  Moffat. Subs Dunn, Gillan, Ralton, Thomson and Renton 

Referee 

Stewart Luke, Assistants Boise Allan and Steve Ross 

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter