Match Detail

Once again both teams were missing key players. Most notably for Redhall was the absence of Kenny Fisher, the EADSAFA League 2 top scorer last season. Salters were without the services of Goalkeeper John Paget as well as several other first team regulars including Mikey Thomson, Michael Jones, Richard Murray, Stephen Crawford, Dani Muir, Ryan Ramsay and Steven Faughnan. However back into the team came Captain Steven Illingworth, Player of the Year Paul Nelson and centre half Neil McDonald who has been missing long term due to work commitments.

The first 30 minutes of the game belonged to Salters. We took control of the ball and looked good all over the pitch. Again the centre midfield trio of Shane Thomson, Danny Watson and Stephen Brown were shutting down Redhall and causing them all sorts of problems. Salters took the lead through Paul Nelson. A good ball out of defence from Darren Smith to Paul Milligan who turned the defender and played a slide pass behind the right back, Paul Nelson arrived to slot the ball home with the outside of his boot. Excellent finish after a fine Salters move.  Salters second came from Stephen Brown. A loose ball was picked up in the centre of midfield by Shane Thomson who found Broonie breaking from the central area towards goal. He took a touch inside and cracked a shot with his right foot low and hard into the bottom corner. Another well worked strike. Salters were then denied a stone wall penalty for a foul on Kris Murdoch. It was just about as nailed on as you could ever get, however the referee allowed play to go on. After the half hour mark Redhall came right back into the game showing why they are such a class team and last seasons double winners. Their centre forward was causing problems in the air and the movement and passing, particularly in the wide areas was excellent. They created a lot more in this spell and got a goal back after a cross from the left back area was headed home at the back post by the big centre forward. Salters trialist Goalkeeper Calum Ewart also had to produce a wonderful save to deny Redhall, tipping the ball over the bar from close range. Both teams created a couple of half chances; however the defences were now on top and the half ended 2-1.

Redhall started the second half as they had finished the first. With plenty of the ball, moving it well and playing well off the big centre forward. They were all comfortable on the ball and looking to get an equaliser. It was Redhall pressure for the first 20 minutes; however Salters defended brilliantly and limited Redhall to only one real chance.  The chance fell to the Redhall forward Alan Sheriff who went through one on one with the Salters goalkeeper. He shot low and hard into the far corner but the goalkeeper produced another excellent save. Salters best chance came when Paul Milligan had a header from a corner cleared off the line. Both teams had a couple of half chances to score, but nothing more. Fitness was an issue in the second half and it was clear that both teams were just back from a break. However Salters held on to win 2-1.

Although this was a friendly and both teams were missing players, it was clear both teams were trying to win the game. With the exception of two rather daft fouls, one from each team, the game was played in good spirit with everyone’s heads fixed on playing football. Redhall play some excellent football, with a good mix of passing and the threat of the big centre forward. For spells Salters played some good stuff and when Redhall were on top we once again defended brilliantly. The most pleasing thing for Salters manager Paul Milligan is the change in attitude. Last season had we been pegged back to 2-1 we may have gone on to draw or loose the game. However we look mentally stronger and more organised. Special mention must go to the Salters goalkeeper Calum Ewart who never put a foot wrong all game, trialist Neil Wilson who came on and done well down the right wing, and centre midfielder Danny Watson who in only his second outing for the team is already showing he will be an excellent addition to the team. However last word must go to Stephen Brown. Sheer hard work, determination and then a bit of quality got him the goal he’s been looking.

Well done again, pre season or not, it’s another step in the right direction.

Team: Calum Ewart, Steven Illingworth (Neil Wilson), Jon Weir (Neil McDonald), Ryan Newton, Darren Smith, Kris Murdoch, Shane Thomson, Danny Watson (Steven Duncan), Stephen Brown (Paul Kivlin), Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan.