Match Detail

Salters picked up an excellent three points away to a previously unbeaten Dalkeith Town on Sunday. Despite Salters missing several first team regulars and having to play a few injured players and players out of position, we carried out our game plan perfectly.

The first half was very even although Dalkeith had more possession and tried to pass the ball around. Salters midfield did not let Dalkeith play and won most 50/50 tackles and nearly every header. However there were no real clear cut chances for either team as the game was largely fought out in midfield. Both defences were keeping the attacks under control. Salters have been leaking far too many goals lately and decided before the game to make sure we defended first and foremost. We did this extremely well for the whole of the first half.

The start of the second half followed the same pattern. Scrappy play at times from Salters as again we just made sure we were not going to concede any easy goals having conceded so many over the last few games. However Salters were now starting to look dangerous on the break and the game opened up a little bit. We got the breakthrough from a set piece. Paul Nelson delivered great cross to the back post which was knocked down to centre half Ryan Newton who coolly volleyed home with his left foot from 6 yards. Great finish from Ryan and his first goal for the club.  Dalkeith came straight back at Salters, however we defended brilliantly.  The last 10 minutes of the game were very nervy. Dalkeith pilled on the pressure and had a few chances to grab a goal. Salters goalkeeper John Paget produced a couple of good saves, Kris Murdoch and Shane Thomson cleared shots off the line and Dalkeith had a couple of shots wide of the target. It was desperate stuff at times to clear our lines, but we deserved that little bit luck on the day. Full time whistle blew for 1-0 to the Salters and there was relief and celebration that we finally managed to hold on to a lead in the league.

All of the Salters players can be proud of the performance, JP in goals was safe, assured and very brave at times, Kris Murdoch playing his first ever game at left back was excellent. Captain Steven Illingworth played brilliantly even though he had a bad injury and wasn’t even supposed to play. Ryan Newton and Mikey Thomson at the back also defended brilliantly. Ryan Ramsay at right wing got his first start and worked hard all game, helping out his full back and trying to get down the line, Paul Nelson on the other flank doing the same despite being no where near 100% fit. Jon Weir and Shane Thomson in central midfield were brilliant, closing down the Dalkeith playmakers and winning just about everything that came near them. Up top Richard Murray worked tirelessly for the team. It was a really determined performance from Salters all round.

Salters will have to improve our passing and movement as we didn’t cause Dalkeith as much problems as we should have. However we got the goal that counted and due to sheer hard work and commitment we deserved the three points. Salters league form has not been great up until now, perhaps this was the result to kick start our season.

Well done boys, lets move forward and take another three points next week.

TEAM: John Paget, Mikey Thomson, Steven Illingworth, Ryan Newton, Kris Murdoch, Ryan Ramsay (Stephen Brown), Shane Thomson (Steven Duncan), Paul Milligan, Jon Weir, Paul Nelson (David Jamieson), Richard Murray. Sub not used: Paul Kivlin.