Match Detail

A draw was probably a fair result at the end of this competitive match against Dalkeith. However Salters feel they just edged it and could have won the game.

After a poor performance last week Salters were keen to get back to basics and put on a good performance. They did this from start to finish and the management team were very proud of the effort put in by every player.  Dalkeith also played well and they may also think themselves unlucky not to get three points.

The game was tight and there were very few clear cut chances.  Salters took the lead after a good move. Neil McDonald playing the ball out from the back to Paul Milligan who turned the defender and played Paul Nelson in on goal. Paul Nelson was fouled in the box and the penalty kick was given. Paul Milligan slotted home from the spot. There were a few half chances for both teams in the first half but nothing much more as both defences bossed the game.

In the second half Dalkeith equalised soon after kick off. A very disappointing goal for Salters to lose as the Dalkeith attacker was able to surge through midfield without much pressure. The cross ball was well finished by the striker who lobbed Shane Thomson in goals giving him no chance. The game then followed the same pattern as the first half however the chances were slightly better for Salters and perhaps had we choose the right option we may have won the game.  The best chance fell to Richard Murray after a poor bye kick left him one on one with the goalkeeper, however the centre half got back very well and cleared the danger.

All in all this was a decent game of football. Both teams were committed but completely fair and both teams passed the ball around well.

A special mention to the referee Stuart Richardson who was excellent. He did everything by the book from the start and during the game let the play flow, was strict but fair and had everyone’s respect. Not often at this level is such praise given to referees!

Best of luck to Dalkeith for the season.

Well done Salters, if we play like this every week we will do well this season.

Team: Shane Thomson, Mikey Thomson, Steven Illingworth, Neil McDonald, Ryan Newton, Kris Murdoch (Darren Smith), Jon Weir, Steffen Dulas, Paul Nelson, (Dani Muir), Richard Murray, Paul Milligan. SUB NOT USED Paul Kivlin. (SUBS IN BRACKETS).