Match Detail

Salters went into this match after a 5 week break from competitive matches. Our opponents, St Vincent's, finished 2nd in the league and won the league cup last season so we knew we were going to have a tough game.

We looked a little shaky early on and St Vincent's passed the ball around well and were the better team. St Vincent's took the lead around the 5th minute after a through-ball split the Salters defence. The forward raced through and hit a decent shot which Shane saved and pushed away, however the on-coming St Vincent's player was able to head home the rebound.

Salters then woke up and began to pass the ball and get a lot closer to St Vincent's. We created a few decent chances with Richard Murray and Paul Milligan having four efforts on target, but all were saved by the terrific St Vincent's GK. After the first 15 minutes of the first half Salters were on top and really should have gone in to half time at least level.

The second half was a very even tie. Salters had a few chances and again the GK kept us out. However Salters finally hit the back of the net in the 65th minute after a good through ball from Darren Smith sent Richard Murray through on goal. His finish was excellent as he held off the centre half and slotted low into the near post. On the 72nd minute St Vincent's scored out of the blue. The St Vincent's midfielder committed a foul throw and a lot of the Salters team stopped thinking we would get the call from the referee. However play went on and an excellent volley from 20 yards out into the far corner gave St Vincent's the lead again.

Salters really pushed and although both teams looked tired at the end it was a good football match. Salters grabbed an equaliser in the 80th minute after a cross from the right was dropped by the GK and straight to the foot of Paul Kivlin to give Salters a draw which on another day could have been a win.

This was a good game by two decent teams. Best of luck to St Vincent's in the coming season.

We now look forward to Alba on Thursday.

Team: Shane Thomson, Dani Muir, Steven Illingworth, Neil McDonald (Ryan Newton), Paul Nelson, Mikey Thomson (Kris Murdoch), Steffen Dulas, Jon Weir, Matty Rose (Darren Smith), Richard Murray (Paul Kivlin), Paul Milligan. (SUBS IN BRACKETS).