Haddington Edge Marathon Shoot Out 

This was a game that Musselburgh dominated for long periods, and during which they created a number chances but, they eventually paid for their profligacy in front of goal and went down in a 24 penalty shoot out, by ten goals to nine. The visitors never looked like losing in the ninety minutes but found Haddington in no mood to give much away and Alysansratos in the home goal in fine form - after he realised that his talent lay between the posts and not outfield. Haddington had a good spell just after the break but never really looked like breaking the deadlock outside that period.

Musselburgh Athletic visited Millfield for a Second Round V TECH smt limited Fife and Lothians Cup tie hoping to continue their sparkling start to the current campaign, and extend their unbeaten run to eleven games. However, the McBookie.com East Premier League leaders faced a tough task against a Haddington Athletic side who sit third in the same division and are unbeaten at home this season. The Hi His have not beaten the “Honest Toun” men since 2001 so it would be a special effort for them to make Cup progress here.

There was a good crowd on a sunny afternoon and Musselburgh were first on to the attack, taking full advantage of a stiff breeze blowing in their favour. MacDonald made great progress on the left before firing a cross into the box but, Alysansratos did well to cut the ball out.

After 6 minutes Musselburgh created a real chance. Thomson crossed the ball from a free kick and Donaldson glanced his header wide of the post. Burgh were nearly presented with a chances seconds later when Alysansratos chose to punch a cross he could easily have collected and nearly created danger where none existed!

After 17 minutes the Greek goalkeeper was at it again, trying to dribble the ball out on the edge of his area and getting it caught under his feet - he was lucky to get away it and could well have been punished by conceding a goal!

After 26 minutes Musselburgh were on the front foot again, Davie crossing for Murray but his effort was easily gathered by the home keeper.

It was all Musselburgh but,the home defence were solid organised by Player / Manager Hamill.

Haddington were glad to see the break as they were under constant pressure and created very little with the Burgh midfield well on top.

It was a poor forty five minutes with Burgh controlling play but failing to test Alysansratos in the Haddington goal. Haddington simply couldn’t keep hold of the ball and didn’t look like a side near the top of the league.

Half Time  Haddington Athletic 0; Musselburgh Athletic 0

Brown replaced Temple at half time for Haddington, and clearly they had a stern lecture at the break as they started the second period on the offensive. Devlin tried a shot in their first attack but it was over. They then won a corner and Moffat head flicked it on at the near post - it was better from the home side and far more attacking  than in the first half.

After 55 minutes Musselburgh were back on the front foot with Murray trying a shot from long range.

The Haddington resurgence didn’t last long and Burgh went close with two free kicks after 64 and 65 minutes- O’Kane curling the first just wide of the post.

Haddington countered quickly and Devlin was on the end of a chipped cross and should have scored - it was a great chance and the best Haddington produced!

Musselburgh had a chance seconds later but, MacDonald shot straight at the goalkeeper - it was end to end stuff!

Musselburgh introduced King for Murray in an attempt to make the breakthrough. That nearly came with a Gray flick from a corner after 74 minutes but, it was just over. Then King had a chance when he got on the end of a cross from the left but he too shot over.

After 76 minutes, Burgh were reduced to ten men after Gray appeared to catch Moffat with an elbow - it happened straight in front of the assistant referee and although Gray had already seen yellow earlier he received a straight red!

Musselburgh were undeterred and King went close with a diving header after 76 minutes.

Jones then brought out a good stop from Adams in the away goal but it was a rare Haddington attack.

With eight minutes left O’Kane had a good opportunity to break the deadlock but he blasted over.

With time running out Haddington were reduced to ten when Wilson got a second yellow for an incident on the edge of his own box. O’Kane hit the target from the resultant free kick but, Alysansratos pulled off a terrific stop.

This was never a great spectacle but Musselburgh did more than enough to win it and looked the better side even with ten men.

The penalty shootout was a protracted affair with both keepers saving twice and every player taking at least one penalty. Eventually it was a shot off the post which brought it to a conclusion in favour of Haddington.

Best for Haddington were all at the back and Burgh’s midfield dominated possession and it’s clear why they are top of the league as they pass the ball well and keep possession.

Next up for Haddington is a home fixture with Fauldhouse United whilst Musselburgh entertain Blackburn United.

Full Time  Haddington Athletic 0; Musselburgh Athletic 0 ( Haddington Win 10-9 on penalties)

Haddington Athletic 

Alysansratos, Berry, Tufail, Hamill, Wilson, Inglis, Hill, Devlin, Moffat, Temple and Jones Subs Wright, Brown, Chapman, Gillon and Simmonds 

Musselburgh Athletic
Adams, Lynch, Gray, O'Kane, Murphy, Cherrie, Murray, Davie, Donaldson,Thomson and MacDonald Subs McManus,Hogg, King, Whyte and Tufail 

Referees Steven  Wilson 

Assistants Gary McGregor and Nelson Silva 

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter