Match Detail

Salters extended their unbeaten run to 9 games with an impressive win over higher league opponents Silverknowes Star at Millerhill on Sunday.

Silverknowes started the match better and passed the ball around well. They created a few half chances and their centre forward was unlucky to hit the bar 3 times in total, including two brilliant efforts, one from 30 yards out and the other from the tightest of angles.  However it was Salters who took the lead after great work down the left hand side from Darren Smith. He beat 2 defenders and advanced into the box before smashing the ball into the roof of the net from a difficult angle.

Silverknowes came straight back at Salter’s and grabbed a deserved equaliser after the Silverknowes attacker turned and shot low into the far bottom corner.  For the first 30 minutes of the game Silverknowes were the better team and unlucky to not to take the lead.  However Salters were also creating chances and went 2-1 ahead after a good long ball to Paul Kivlin. Paul nodded the ball on to the advancing Paul Milligan who took a touch to steady himself then shot low into the far corner from 20 yards out. Then Salter’s went 3-1 up after Darren Smith was fouled in the box. Paul Milligan rolled the ball home.  From this point onwards Salter’s were in full control of this game. Both teams had a few other chances in the first half, including two shots from Salters being blocked on the line and a good header from Jon Weir bringing out a good save from the goalkeeper. Mikey Thomson had a couple of half chances but was just unable to control the ball in the centre of the box. Silverknowes could have scored as well and Shane Thomson in goal for Salters did well on a few occasions.

The second half display from Salters was excellent.  Straight from the start we were first to every ball, winning headers and tackles, passing the ball well, using the width of the park and creating chance after chance. Half time substitute Richard Murray grabbed the goal of the game and probably Salters best team goal of the season.  The move started on Salters left wing, came across the park and out to Mikey Thomson on the right hand side. A fantastic run and then pass from Mikey right to the feet of Richard who calmly slotted home. An excellent passing move involving several players, this was really good football from Salters to make it 4-1. Salters made it 5-1 after a free kick from Kenny Adams into the box, the ball rebounded and fell to Paul Milligan who turned 2 defenders and slotted into the bottom corner.  Paul Milligan scored again to make it 6-1 after a throw from Ian Danczyszak. Paul controlled the ball, spun the defender and hit a shot into the far bottom corner from 18 years. The final goal of the game was similar, Ian throwing the ball to Paul who turned the defender and lashed home from just outside the area to get his fifth of the game.  Salters also created a few other chances and could have scored more. Mikey Thomson had a header from a corner just over and a 25 yard drive tipped just over by the goalkeeper. Paul Milligan had a 30 year effort turned just round the post by the goalkeeper again. Silverknowes had some pressure and Shane had to save well with the striker one on one. Silverknowes also hit the bar again.

This was a good run out for Salters. Shane in goals was excellent as always. The defence was immense despite the loss of captain Steven Illingworth and first team regular Dani Muir. The midfield was brilliant with Jon Weir and Steffen Dulas both outstanding and the wide players causing havoc for Silverknowes. Up top Paul Milligan and Richard Murray continued their hot scoring streak and Paul Kivlin did an excellent job holding the ball up and getting an assist.  All four subs came on and made a great impact as well.

Salters have hit top form just in time for the season starting. The team all know what is expected from them and everyone works extremely hard for each other. The spirit between the players is very high.

We can now approach the start of the league with a lot of confidence.

Team: Shane Thomson, Kenny Adams (Ian Danczyszak), Neil McDonald, Ryan Newton, Duncan MacDonald (Paul Nelson), Mikey Thomson, Jon Weir, Steffen Dulas (Trialist), Darren Smith, Paul Kivlin (Richard Murray), Paul Milligan. (SUBS IN BRACKETS).