Match Detail

Salters changed nearly the whole starting 11 for this friendly with Boca at Dalkeith to give everyone a start and at least 45 minutes of play.

Missing key players like Goalkeeper John Paget, Captain Steven Illingworth, Midfielder Stephen Brown and top scorer Paul Milligan meant Salters had an unfamiliar look at kick off. Coming into the team for the first time was Allan Hogg in goals and Michael Jones in central defence. Also making their first starts were Paul Kivlin and Steven Faughnan up front. Dani Muir returned after a long injury layoff. Full back Kris Murdoch was given his chance to impress in a central midfield role and Ryan Ramsay a chance to shine on the right wing. Stephen Crawford was forced to move back to central defence due to lack of cover. On the bench were regular starters like Richard Murray, Jon Weir, Paul Nelson and Mikey Thomson.

Boca started well and took the lead early on; Allan Hogg in goals nearly produced a fine save however the ball came off him and went into the far corner. After Boca took the lead Salters started to play well and played some really good football. Steven Faughnan and Paul Kivlin were excellent up front and Boca were struggling to handle them. Steven had 4 clear cut chances to score. Twice he went through and lobbed the keeper for the ball to bounce wide, once after an excellent driving run and cross from Darren Smith saw Steven head over when unmarked at the back post and then the best chance of all missing from 10 yards with no goalkeeper Ronnie Rozenthal style! It was very unfortunate on Steven as he was the first halfs outstanding player and really deserved a goal. Salters equalised after a long throw from David Jamieson was met by Paul Kivlin who beat his man to head home. Good goal from the big man who held the ball up brilliantly at times. Salters scored again after a free kick was swung in and missed by everyone, Stephen Crawford was brave at the back door to nod home. 2-1 Salters.

Salters made 5 substitutes at half time. Boca also made some changes at half time and looked better for it after the break. They got the ball down more and passed it well and looked dangerous. They scored two good goals to go back ahead 3-2. However Salters kept going and got an equaliser through a magnificent free kick from Stephen Crawford. On the left hand touchline, 30 yards out he stepped up and hit the ball with the outside of this foot and bent it straight into the far top corner. Stunning goal. Both teams tried to get the winner however it didn’t come. The best chance fell in the last minute to Steven Duncan who mis-kicked when he was one on one with the goalkeeper.

A draw was a fair result in the end. However the most important thing for Salters was getting everyone at least 45 minutes of football and getting to see the new players in action. Michael Jones looked calm and solid all day and had an excellent debut. Steven Faughnan, Ryan Ramsay and Paul Kivlin played really well in the first half and Dani Muir slotted back in like he was never away. Special mention must go to Allan Hogg who never put a foot wrong all day in goals. Despite the fact he’s been on an oil rig for weeks and hasn’t kicked a ball for ages! Well done big man! Also must be said the game was played in the correct manner, not a single bad tackle to mention from either side, and the referee was good on the day.

Team: Allan Hogg, Dani Muir (Mikey Thomson), Stephen Crawford, Michael Jones, Darren Smith, Ryan Ramsay (Paul Nelson), Shane Thomson, Kris Murdoch (Jon Weir), David Jamieson, Paul Kivlin (Richard Murray), Steven Faughnan (Steven Duncan). Sub not used: Paul Milligan.