King Nets Four as Burgh Thrash Jeanfield

Musselburgh may have lost their Super League Place after defeat at Jeanfield Swifts last Saturday, but they put the Perthshire outfit to the sword today with a display of clinical finishing, which included a sparkling four goal performance by MATHU KING. The home side never looked in danger of losing this D J Laing East of Scotland  Quarter Final and go through to a home semi final with Bonnyrigg Rose for the right to face Tranent Juniors in the final. Burgh ended a week which saw them relegated and then defeated in a penalty shoot out in the Fife &Lothians Cup, by turning on the style and recording their biggest win of the season.

The visit of Jeanfield Swifts to Olivebank was an early chance for Musselburgh Athletic to avenge the defeat they suffered to the same side last Saturday in Perth. It was Burgh's home form that cost them their Super League status as they managed only two wins in the league at home all season. However, back in October they managed a home draw with today's visitors and a decent performance in midweek against Tranent gave them some encouragement.

Burgh were first on the attack with Moffat's effort scrambled away by Gunnion. Next Hogg put an effort well wide but it was a bright start by the home side.

Jeanfield's first effort came from Anderson's header from a Holden cross- his effort was well wide. 

After seven minutes, Murray struck a stinging shot but it was straight at Mitchell in Swift's goal.

Next Murphy put in a dangerous cross but King couldn't get on the end, however the home side were moving the ball around well.

With eight minutes played Burgh took a lead their play deserved. Top goalscorer KING got on the end of a cross and finished clinically.

The goal boosted the home side and they played some attractive attacking football in an open game.

With thirteen minutes played Murray fired over from range.

King was dangerous every time he saw the ball and after twenty minutes he nearly latched on to a through ball.

Jeanfield's next effort was a well struck free kick from Anderson, but it whistled wide of McGurk's post.

King then brought out a good stop from Mitchell before great interplay between Ralton and King gave the former a shooting chance. A second goal was coming and in 29 minutes RALTON claimed it - taking his time before shooting under McGurk

With thirty five minutes on the clock, Cherrie nearly added a third. He beat several men inside the box before chipping his shot onto the crossbar - it was a great solo effort and deserved a goal.

Jeanfield kept playing open football and just before the break they should have pulled a goal back. Donovan cut the ball back on the right and Holt sidefooted his effort wide when he should have scored.

Musselburgh deserved their lead at the break and might have been further ahead but looked comfortable and were playing well.

Half Time  Musselburgh Athletic 2; Jeanfield Swifts 0

Burgh brought Dunn in at the break to replace Hogg.

After 47 minutes Burgh increased their lead. After pinball in the box the ball fell to O'KANE who steered his shot into the far corner from just inside the box. It looked like tie over and indeed it was! After 60 minutes MOFFAT chipped the keeper to make it four before Dunn brought out a good stop from McGurk.

Musselburgh introduced Gillan for Murphy.

With 55 minutes played Musselburgh added a fifth. Jeanfield didn't clear a corner and KING sent a delicious chip beyond McGurk - a great piece of skill from the front man who was on fire.

After 57 minutes there was some consolation for the visitors when substitute YOUNG shot home after a break away.

It seemed to give the visitors encouragement and a Smith shot was deflected for a corner minutes later.

However, Musselburgh were not resting on their lead and got a sixth after 62 minutes. They broke quickly from the back and after good interplay, KING completed his hat trick.

Two minutes later it was seven. McGurk pulled off a great save from King and RALTON fired home his own second.

Musselburgh looked like scoring every time they went forward and after 69 minutes they made it 8. O'KANE added his second goal after a goalmouth scramble. It was becoming embarrassing now for the visitors although they kept trying to play football and Anderson shot over after seventy minutes.

O'Kane nearly completed his own hat trick after seventy five minutes but McGurk saved well.

After 80 minutes Burgh added a ninth. KING got on the end of a through ball and controlled it instantly before volleying home - a terrific finish to cap a superb all round display!

Jeanfield nearly added a second late on with Mitchell pulling off a fine stop from Donovan.

With time running out Anton saw red for a second yellow, before Donovan again brought out the best from Mitchell.

This was a fine performance from Musselburgh who showed no signs of any hangover from the events of the last week. They were well served by King who was head and shoulders the best player on display,  although there were no failures for the home side. Jeanfield were never really at the races after the second goal went in. After losing five in the first half on Wednesday at Bonnyrigg they shipped seven in the second half here. They have one game left against Linlithgow Rose and need to steady the ship.

Full Time. Musselburgh Athletic 9; Jeanfield Swifts 1

Teams

Musselburgh Athletic

McGurk, McManus, Hogg, O'Kane, Murphy, Ralton, Murray, King, Donaldson, Cherrie and Moffat Subs Dunn, Porcher and Gillan

Jeanfield Swifts

Mitchell, McDermid, Smith, Scott, Holt, Holden, Donovan, Anton, Gunnion, Anderson and Dewar

Subs Young

Referee Craig Ferguson, Boise Allan and Gary McGregor

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter