27/05/08 K.O. 7pm 1/2 Final Cup Musselburgh turned in one of the performances of the season to beat Super league Whitburn on penalties after a fantastic 2-2 draw at Central Park. Indeed had it not been for Whitburns goal keeper Stewart Walker who produced 6 outstanding saves the win would have been more clear. Musselburgh with 11 outfield players named were without captain Wes Mitchell, Andy Porteous and Martin Murphy and there was a first start for Brian Murray following his injury at Edinburgh, for Whitburn only 1 change from their previous game.
The visitors started well attacking Whitburn down the left with Paul Tansey causing problems his shot was comfortably held by Walker. Smart play from Chris King ended with another shot just wide. John Murphy had a good shot well saved by McPherson at the other end in a rare Whitburn attack. 20 minutes in and a great passing move from Musselburgh involving Currie, Devlin and Tansey lead to a superb pass through to Chris King who showed great pace to outrun the hosts defence but Walker produced a great save one on one with Paul Tanseys follow up shot just over. Another shot from Matti King went close as the visitors played some great football and it was no surprise when they scored the opening goal. It came from for wonderful one touch passing the ball was played through to CJ who was brought down in the box, both the referee and linesman pointed to the spot. Paul Currie stepped up but Stewart Walker saved brilliantly from the well struck kick but following in was Chris King who volleyed in his 25th goal of a terrific season. After again pushing forward Musselburgh were hit on the counter attack a superb 50 yard pass from Mooney was brought down well by Flanagan who finished well from a tight angle to draw the teams level. The teams cancelled each other out till the break with Whitburn the happier of the two sides.
The second half ranks near the top for performances from the visitors as after a scappy opening ten minutes they totally dominated the play and only the keeper kept Whitburn alive in the game. A warning shot from Chris King came before the hour mark which went just wide and after that it was one way traffic. Musselburgh took the lead after another great move Tansey played in Chris King who again took on the keeper this time moving on to his left foot to calmly stroke the ball home for goal number 26 and instead of sit back Musselburgh continued their trademark attacking football and with nice sharp build up play that had the crowd applauding at times. A Chris King free kick 30 yards from goal was well held, an unbelievable 35 yard piledriver from Tansey which was heading for the top corner was tipped somehow over the bar from Walker. He then produced a similar save to stop Tansey again before a CJ effort went inches wide. King again went close this time 20 yards out and Walker again pulling off a super save. With five minutes left Whitburn did show some good play getting the ball wide before Mooney hit a cross right accross the face of goal with no takers. Then just as it looked like a win for the visitors Whitburn scored with their only real effort of the second half, a John Murphy effort went through a host of players and rolled into the net to draw Whitburn level for the second time. There was still time for three Musselburgh attacks Tansey shot tipped over and King shot tipped wide by Walker. A King free kick was finished well by Matti King to send the visitors wild but a incorrect offside flag cut short celebrations. There was a player offside but he was not interfering with play and after the protests the final whistle followed with Whitburn looking realived that it was going to penalties.
With 2 regular penalty kick takers missing the Burgh fans may have been worried that the chance of winning had gone but they needn't have been. Perfect kicks from Chris King, Scott Devlin ( his first goal for the club) Matti King and Brian Murray put Musselburgh in the driving seat after Ronnie McPherson dived full length to save the opening kick from Stickland. It was then left up to Paul Currie who stepped up to complete a fantastic result and performance for Musselburgh who totally deserved the victory tonight with all players management and the big travelling support playing their part. For Whitburn the East Of Scotland Cup is still a possiblity as they head to Carnoustie and as for Musselburgh Linlithgow Rose this Saturday for another cup final chance.
For Musselburgh there were some fantastic performances but it would be unfair to single out specific players, this was a superb Team effort with the supporters also driving the team on for a historic and famous victory. Hopefully the town will come out again on Saturday to drive us on with all to play for in this fantastic season. Well Done to Musselburgh!
Follow Musselburgh this Saturday (31st) as Super league giants Linlithgow Rose visit Olivebank. Kick off is 2.30pm - Bring a friend and help drive on Musselburgh to cup glory!
Referee Mr Gavin Ross
Musselburgh: McPherson, Sweeney, CJ Osazowa, McManus, Bain, Murray, Devlin, Currie, ,C King, M King, Tansey Subs: Turnbull, Polowj
Currie, CJ Osazowa, Murray
Match report by Ryan Kelly
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