Match Detail

Another well deserved 3-2 victory of Salters in the Scottish Cup. Salters are now in the last 32 of the competition in our first year.

This was a very solid performance from Salters who were the better team for 75 minutes of the game. We started brightly and hit the post 3 times as well as having a succession of corners. The outstanding wing play from Paul Nelson and Stephen Brown was opening up our opponents time after time and both players were unlucky not to score after almost identical mazy runs down each flank. Kenny Adams and Paul Milligan each hit the bar with headers and two shots from man of the match Shane Thomson were well blocked from the Eastern defence.  Salters took a deserved lead when David Jamieson broke the offside trap and ran through to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball home. Although Salters were well on top at this stage and should have been at least 2 or 3 goals up Eastern scored to make it 1-1. We limited them to 2 shots in the first half, one of which was well taken by the forward. John Paget in goals was unlucky not to save it. Salters showed real spirit and determination and 2 minutes before half time we went 2-1 up. Again Stephen Brown on the right wing didn’t give up on a lost cause and his cross to the back post was excellently finished at the narrowest of angles by Paul Nelson. Salters sent into half time with a narrow but deserved lead.

The first 30 minutes of the second half were good from Salters. We again passed well and the Salters back four were well on top. We went 3-1 up after a good ball from Stephen Brown to Paul Milligan whose shot was blocked; Paul Nelson reacted quickest to grab his second of the game. 3-1 up with 20 minutes to go and inevitably Eastern threw everything forward looking for a goal. Salters had a couple of chances and Paul Milligan had a goal disallowed for offside as well as hitting the bar again. We were breaking through only to be caught offside time after time.  The final 15 minutes of the game were more nervous than they should have been. Eastern played well and brought out 2 really good saves from John Paget. Eastern brought the game back to 3-2 after a break down the right, a scramble in the box and the striker pounced. In remarkably similar circumstances to Salters other Scottish Cup victories this season we held on comfortably for a 3-2 win.

John Paget in goals produced some good saves late in the second half. The defence of Mikey Thomson, Kenny Adams, Steven Illingworth and Darren Smith were immense all day, clearing their lines when needed, winning most 50/50s and playing simple football. The midfield was excellent as well, winning everything, and looking dangerous on the attack. The wing play was outstanding from Paul Nelson and Stephen Brown.  Shane Thomson in central midfield was man of the match sitting in front of the back four and time after time picking up possession and starting attacks.  David Jamieson playing just off the main striker had an excellent game and contributed with a good goal. However the best thing was our team work. We were a unit, a solid team today and every single player put the team first and worked as hard as they could.

Next week Salters take on an excellent Motherwell team and will again have to raise the level of performance.  However reaching the last 32 of the Scottish Cup in our first season is a remarkable achievement and anything else from here is a massive bonus. We should go out on Sunday to enjoy the occasion, and who knows, we might find our self in the draw for the last 16.

Well done boys!

Team: John Paget, Mikey Thomson, Kenny Adams, Steven Illingworth, Darren Smith, Stephen Brown (Ryan Ramsay), Shane Thomson, Paul Nelson (Kris Murdoch), David Jamieson (Richard Murray), Paul Milligan. Sub not used Dani Muir.