Match Detail

Salters latest pre-season friendly was a trip to Gorebridge to face Dalkeith Town. On an excellent playing surface in good weather both teams played some good football.

It was a typical game of two halves.

Dalkeith were the better team in the first half playing some nice football and looking the more likely team to score.  Salters really only threatening with a shot wide from Paul Milligan, a header over the bar from Steven Illingworth and a 25 yard shot from Mikey Thomson going just over the bar. Despite the good football and build up play by Dalkeith they did not create a lot of clear cut chances as the central defensive pairing of Steven Illingworth and Neil McDonald coped well with the pressure.  However Dalkeith opened the scoring after a good run down the left hand side.  Kenny Adams dived in to concede Salter’s third penalty in as many games.  The penalty was well taken and Shane Thomson in goal had no chance.  Despite Dalkeith's dominance Salters managed to level the game after a good through ball from Paul Nelson left Richard Murray one on one with the goalkeeper.  Richard finished well, rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home.  Half time 1-1.

The second half was a different story.  Salters limited Dalkeith to only two real shots on goal.  However, one of the shots was an unstoppable effort from 30 yards out that sailed straight into the top corner, again giving Shane no chance. The score was now 2-1 to Dalkeith.  Salters, however, were on top of the game, closing down the Dalkeith players a lot better, making more tackles and passing the ball a lot better. Salters equalised after good work from Richard Murray sent Paul Milligan clean through on goal. Paul rolled the ball home to make the score 2-2.  With 78 minutes gone Salters got the winner. Paul Milligan picked out the run from Paul Nelson on the left hand side, his first touch took him past the defender, he then steadied himself and smashed home into the far bottom corner.  It was fitting that probably the best player on the park, Paul Nelson, was to hit the winner for Salters.  Salters had many chances in the second half, including a shot blocked on the line from Paul Nelson, Richard Murray shooting wide from inside the area, Scott Liddle having 2 really good efforts and in particular Paul Milligan missing a total sitter from 10 yards out with the goalkeeper stranded. 

The goals were particularly pleasing from Salters as all three were straight off the training field. We have spent hours lately working on making through balls and finishing one on one chances.  Also as a defensive unit Salters looked much stronger with the whole back four defending brilliantly, helped out by a hard working midfield.

Dalkeith will provide a stern test for the teams in our league next season and we wish them luck. Salters now look to extend our 7 game unbeaten run in preseason with a home tie versus Silverknowes next Sunday.

Team: Shane Thomson, Kenny Adams, (Dani Muir), Steven Illingworth, Neil McDonald, Ryan Newton (Darren Smith), Mikey Thomson (Scott Liddle), Trialist, Jon Weir, Paul Nelson, Richard Murray, Paul Milligan. (SUBS IN BRACKETS).