Musselburgh Grind Out Vital Three Points

Musselburgh put a poor first half performance behind them to score two second half goals and deny a Tranent side who, despite enjoying a lot of possession,created few clear cut chances. An own goal put the home side ahead just after the break and a late breakaway goal from substitute Ralton secured the points. It was a match played with cup tie enthusiasm as befits a derby on a windy day when silky football was at a premium.

Musselburgh Athletic’s first home East Lothian Derby of the season saw them play hosts to Tranent Juniors. The “honest toun” men lead the table by seven points at the half way stage and suffered their only league defeat last time out at Kirriemuir Thistle. They have dropped only two points at home all season and boast the meanest defence in the Premier League having conceded only 12 goals. Tranent are not enjoying a great season, having won only 5 of their 16 league games. It’s something of a disappointment after their stellar campaign last season, when they finished fourth and landed both the Fife and Lothians and East of Scotland Cups. However, the “belters” have changed their management team recently and signed several new players and they might well prove a very different prospect from their last two league outings, when they lost heavily to Dalkeith Thistle and county rivals, Dunbar United. When the teams met at Forresters Park in October, Musselburgh won by the only goal.

Both sides gave debuts to former Penicuik Athletic stalwarts, Musselburgh selecting Ryan Gay while Tranent introduced Ryan McCallum. Tranent also gave a first start to Jamie Devlin, although former Inverness Caley Thistle, Hearts and Rangers Star, Ian Black, was still unavailable.

Tranent were first onto the attack and Paterson put a shot just wide in their first attack. With 4 minutes played Tranent’s Fiddler showed good skill to create an opening for Paterson but, again his effort was wide. Fiddler was once again the creator when his fine run provided him with a shooting chance,but his effort was well saved  by McGurk, when the midfielder looked sure to score. Tranent were again on the front foot and a Miller corner was headed wide by Kerr. It was a bright opening for the visitors and there was 8 minutes in the clock before the home side created any danger going forward. Thomson made a great run before presenting debutant Gay with a shooting chance, which he put over.

After 16 minutes Tranent’s Kerr put over a good cross which Devlin put just past.

With 19 minutes played King had a chance for the burgh after confusion in the home defence, but with the goal empty he headed wide.

The wind was clearly making it difficult for the players and neither side were creating much.

After 37 minutes, a free kick sent in from the centre circle, was nearly met by Kerr but he just failed to get on the end. 

A minute later, Thomson made another fine run but Christie turned his effort behind for a corner. However, it gave the home supporters in the good crowd something to shout about. A minute later Musselburgh nearly took the lead. Donaldson had a great chance when he got on the end of a corner but his effort, from  close range, was cleared off the line by Fiddler. 

Tranent’s last effort of the half was a tame shot by McCallum straight at McGurk.

It was an entertaining first half although their were few goal scoring opportunities. However, it was competitive encounter with two committed teams and little between them.


Half Time Musselburgh Athletic 0;  Tranent Juniors 0

Their were no substitutions at the break and Musselburgh now had the advantage of the strong wind. 

Tranent were the first in the attack and Miller’s shot from range was grabbed by McGurk just under his crossbar.

Burgh’s first effort of the second half came from a quick throw which sent King scampering in on goal but, he slipped his effort agonizingly wide.

With 51 minutes played Musselburgh broke the deadlock. Gay sent a wickedly teasing free kick across the face of the goal and Todd’s attempted headed clearance ended up in the back of the net, giving Horne no chance.

Tranent were stung into a reply and a great ball by Miller found Devlin. The striker was free on the left side of the box but, he put his shot beyond the far post when he looked sure to equalize.

A minute later and only a great save from McGurk kept Musselburgh level. McCallum showed his strength in the air,heading the ball down for Paterson but, the keeper somehow kept out his strike. 

Tranent looked the more likely to score at this point and after 61 minutes Fiddlerplayed in Devlin, who poked his effort just wide. Minutes later Miller glanced a headed effort just past.

Burgh were still a threat when they broke forward and MacDonald had a great chance when the ball broke to him after a corner but, he missed his kick. 

The home side withdrew Whyte with just over 20 minutes remaining and introduced Ralton. The substitute had an immediate impact and after a great run, he passed to Thomson who produced a great stop from Horne - the ball was still in the box  and bounced around before finally being cleared but, it was all hands to the pumps for the visitor’s defence. Musselburgh replaced Gay with Wilson with 15 minutes remaining before Tranent replaced Paterson with Waters.

With ten minutes left Musselburgh substitute Wilson should have scored but his effort brought a good stop from Horne in the Tranent goal - keeping the visitors in the match.

With 6  minutes remaining Christie found Devlin with a cross but the striker’s header was again off target. 

With 5 minutes remaining Musselburgh nearly got a second own goal but this time Fairnie’s header was just over the top.

Burgh made a last substitution withdrawing King and sending on Lynch. 

Tranent were pushing forward as time ran out and won a number of corners. From the last of these the ball was headed clear, but only as far as Fiddler on the half way line. The midfielder who had enjoyed a good afternoon, was robbed by RALTON, who raced 50 yards before slipping his shot past Horne - a fine breakaway goal. 

Tranent can feel a little unlucky not to have taken a point from a game where they enjoyed so much possession. Musselburgh improved after the break and created better chances but never dominated the visitors. Burgh were well served by Gray who was by far their best player on the day and he drove them forward from the back. McGurk was solid in goal, Ralton was a good substitute. Fiddler, despite his late error played well and Miller prompted from midfield for Tranent. Referee George Calder was his usual excellent self, allowing the game to flow and using his cards sensibly.

Next week Musselburgh host St Andrews United and Tranent visit Lochelly Albert in the Fife & Lothians Cup.

Full Time Musselburgh Athletic 2;  Tranent Juniors 0

Teams

Musselburgh Athletic
McGurk, McManus, Gray, Gay, Cherrie, King, Davie, Donaldson,Thomson Whyte and MacDonald Subs Tufail, Lynch,Myles,Wilson and Ralton

Tranent Juniors 

Horne, Christie, Todd, Fairnie, Kerr,Fiddler, Miller, Hawkins,McCallum, Devlin  and Paterson Subs  Ferguson,Smeaton, Kinnear and Waters

 Referee   George Calder

Gordon Baird 

Neutral Reporter