Match Detail

Salters first ever Scottish Cup tie was against a much fancied Donner Inn team from Falkirk.  Donner Inn are the Falkirk district league champions and Salters knew this was going to be a hard tie.

The first 20 minutes of the game were fairly even, although Salters were playing well and winning a lot of challenges. Around the 15th minute the game changed. John Paget in goal went to collect a cross and was fouled, however the referee let play continue and the Donner forward sent a shot goal bound.  Neil McDonald was forced to save the ball with his hands and was sent off.  Salters down to 10 men with 75 minutes left to play. Donner scored the penalty and went 1-0 up.  Going down to 10 men combined with the constant abuse from the Donner sideline only spurred Salters on. We rose to the challenge and from this moment onwards we were the better team. We won nearly every challenge, defended well, passed the ball in midfield and Richard Murray as the lone striker caused Donner problems all day. Salters equalised after a good cross from Kenny Adams. The Donner goalkeeper went to claim the cross and Paul Nelson jumped alongside him and forced the ball home with his head. It was similar to the build up to the Donner goal and most referees would have given a foul. However 1-1 was the least Salters deserved at this stage. Although there were a couple of efforts and corners for both teams the score was 1-1 at half time.

The second half was excellent from Salters. Straight from the kick off Richard Murray raced on to a through ball from Paul Nelson, controlled well, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball home calmly. An excellent goal for Salters who were in complete control of the game at this stage. Both teams tried to pass the ball but it was Salters who were playing better.  The four Salters midfields were covering every blade of grass shutting down Donner. Salters went 3-1 up after Richard Murray shot low and hard with his left foot into the far corner.  As always in cup ties the team behind threw everything they had forward and for the last 10 minutes had some decent pressure. With 5 minutes left Donner got a goal, a headed knock down in the 6 yard line was tapped home.  However Salters held out for the win comfortably.

An excellent team display for Salters, every player gave 100% effort and worked hard as a unit.

A proud day in the short history of Salters Athletic Football Club.

Well done lads.

Team:  John Paget, Mikey Thomson, Neil McDonald, Ryan Newton, Darren Smith, Stephen Brown (Steven Faughnan), Shane Thomson (Kris Murdoch), Jon Weir, Kenny Adams, Paul Nelson (David Jamieson), Richard Murray. Subs not used:  Dani Muir, Jonathan Main. (Subs in brackets)