31/05/08 K.O. 2.30pm 1/2 Final Cup Musselburgh progressed through to their second cup final in four days at a baking hot Olivebank and in doing so have now went 7 games unbeaten and have seen off 3 super league teams in 15 days! Musselburgh were again without Captain Wes Mitchell also Johnny Bain but were boosted by Andy Porteous retuning.
After a tough start from both teams Musselburgh stepped up a gear after 15 minutes and a Paul Tansey shot from outside the box smashed off the post and looked in but the ball didnt cross the line. 5 minutes later though there was no doubt a terrific corner from Chris King was met by Scott Devlin and the gifted midfielder glanced the ball past the keeper although the defender on the line did try to clear in vain. In scoring his first goal for the Burgh Scott became the 20th different player to score this season for the blues. Three minutes later it should have been 2, a great move and pass put Matti King though on goal he rounded the keeper but the Linlithgow defender got back just in time to clear the shot of the line. It was all Musselburgh at this stage with Chris King and Paul Currie running the show and going close with good efforts. Two good corners from Carrigan tested the Burgh defense but Danny Sweeney and Craig McManus were well positioned. Another King shot whistled wide and Paul Tansey had a powerful shot well saved as Musselburgh pushed for a second. A fantastic overhead kick from Brian Carrigan was the closest the visitors came in the first half which ended scrappy as Linlithgows frustration grew, yellow cards were dished out by the referee Neil McLennan who will be in the main leagues next season. Paul Currie, Chris King and Craig McManus booked for the home team as the half ended the teams applauded off the field by the sizable crowd.
The second half saw total dominace from the home team as Musselburgh threw everything to grab the second goal and when it came it was special. Chris King feeding Scott Devlin and he finished well one on one to give Musselburgh the cushion they were after. Instead of sit back Musselburgh roared forward backed by the crowd they took Linlithgow to pieces with superb passing and movement football that had even the away support applauding, Chris King again with the chance but found the Linlithgow keeper in great form. Indeed the keeper then produced major saves from Matti King, Paul Currie 2 Paul Tansey efforts and a terrific save one on one with Matti King as Linlithgow looked lost. When CJ came on for the brilliant Danny Sweeney Musselburgh again pushed for more goals Paul Tansey linking beautifully with the tall striker who produced a great bit of skill but shot straight at the keeper. After a Carrigan free kick 3 minutes from time went just over the bar Musselburgh finally settled with what the had and then did a great job of simply holding onto the ball a Chris King shot that went just over was his last play in the game he has cheered of the pitch when replaced by David Turnbull. At full time the home side were clearly excited with the prospect of 2 cup finals to look forward too.
To review todays game after all the effort put in midweek to see off Whitburn this was a superb display of passing and movemnet football and whilst you were expecting the super league giants Linlithgow to maybe snatch a goal and put pressure on Musselburgh's constant attacking play was pinning them back and had it not been for another great goalkeeping display the margin of the victory could have been wider. Again you look through the team and every player played to his potential and as the game progressed the confidence levels increased and you would have to say the football on display was on a different level today. Very hard to pick a man of the match, I thought Chris King was at his best with passing and crosses superb, Scott Devlin getting his first goals for the club, Andy Porteous, Brian Murray playing in the back four were excellent, Danny Sweeney and Craig McManus never missed a header or tackle and kept the Linlithgow attack to long aimless shots but Paul Currie stood out again today, ran midfield and brought others into play, passing and tackling were first class full of running he was on a different planet football wise today.
Credit to the large crowd that turned up on a beautiful summers day in Musselburgh, hopefully the exciting game will bring you back to help us bring the Cup's back to the Burgh! A great day for Musselburgh with two more to come. Well done to the management and team for a great footballing week!
Follow Musselburgh this Saturday (7th June) as we go into the final of the Brown Cup - Bring a friend and help drive on Musselburgh to cup glory!.
Referee Mr Neil McLennan
Musselburgh: McPherson, Sweeney, Devlin, Porteous, McManus, Murray, Murphy, Currie, M King, C King, Tansey Subs: Turnbull, C J, Polowji
Currie, CJ King, McManus
Match report by Ryan Kelly
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