Match Detail

Salters went out of the League Cup despite playing extremely well against high flying Redhall at Redhall Park on Sunday.

Salters made several changes to the starting 11 and the formation for this game. In came Shane Thomson in goals, Mikey Thomson at right back, David Jamieson and Stephen Brown in midfield and Paul Milligan returning to centre forward. The change in formation suited Salters as we looked to get the ball down and play through the midfield. Manager Paul Milligan stressed before the game that Salters had to prove we could play good passing football after lasts weeks embarrassing performance and every single player stood up the challenge. We decided to have a real go at Redhall and it worked well, the only thing missing was perhaps a little bit of luck in front of goal.

The first half was a very even affair. Both teams tried to get the ball down and it was obvious why Redhall have had a good season so far, they were organised and looked to get the danger men on the ball. However Salters were calm on the ball and did not resort to punting it long under pressure. We passed the ball well around midfield and played off target man Paul Milligan up front. Each team had periods of pressure, forcing corners and free kicks but not really causing either goalkeeper much trouble. Half time: 0-0.

The second half started the same. Although for the first 10 minutes Redhall had a lot of the ball and were looking dangerous. However Salters saw off the pressure and came back into the game. We created some really good chances after playing some decent football. Richard Murray raced clear after an excellent through ball from Stephen Crawford, however the Redhall centre half produced a magnificent last ditch tackle on the penalty spot to deny Richard. David Jamieson shot just wide after excellent work from Stephen Brown down the right wing, Paul Milligan volleyed just over the bar from 20 yards and Mikey Thomson headed just wide from a corner. The two best chances fell to Paul Nelson and the second was the best chance of the game. A good ball into Paul Milligan from Steven Illingworth was knocked in to the penalty area and Paul Nelson hit it first time, the shot just shaved the post, its was so unlucky not to go in. Salters limited Redhall to only a couple of shots in the second half. Redhall’s best chance came from a good cross from the left hand side which was headed just over the bar from the centre forward. Every time the Redhall number 9 got the ball you could sense something might happen, however Salters coped well and shut off the supply.

The game ended 0-0 but Salters can honestly say they had the better of the play and most of the chances. Redhall are a very good team and we should be encouraged that we matched them over 90 minutes. We defended well the whole game, so much so that Shane Thomson in goals didn’t have a single shot to save. Mikey Thomson coming back into right back had his best game of the season, Steven Illingworth and Ryan Newton didn’t let anything past all day and Kris Murdoch at left back continued his excellent form.  The midfield passed and moved the ball well and got some excellent balls into the box. David Jamieson and Richard Murray were calm on the ball and worked back and forward for 90 minutes. Stephen Brown and Paul Nelson got up and down the line all day and looked dangerous every time they had the ball. Man of the match Steven Crawford was outstanding in the centre of the pitch, winning everything and setting the attacks up. Paul Milligan playing up front on his own linked play well and won everything in the air. In truth there were 11 excellent performances from Salters.

It was a fair game between two sides not interested in fighting or moaning. Just two teams trying to enjoy a game off football.

Best of luck to Redhall in the Scottish Cup where they represent not just the Association, but the 2nd Division as well.

The real challenge for Salters is to start getting some consistency. On our day we can match the best teams, but when it’s not our day we struggle against the worst.  We have to start having more good days then bad.

Well done Salters!

Team: Shane Thomson, Mikey Thomson, Ryan Newton, Steven Illingworth, Kris Murdoch, Stephen Brown, David Jamieson, Stephen Crawford, Richard Murray, Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan. Subs not used: Dani Muir, Jon Weir, Ryan Ramsay, Steven Duncan and Darren Smith.