Match Detail

Salters took on the world’s oldest football team, Foot Ball Club of Edinburgh at Millerhill once again minus some key players. With only 2 subs available club Chairman Allan Hogg had to strip up to boost numbers. We did however welcome back Ryan Ramsay and Mikey Thomson for their first outings of the season. Despite missing several regulars once again Salters produced an excellent display.

The opening 10 minutes of the game were even as both teams looked to get the ball down and pass it. However it was Salters who always looked more likely to grab the first goal.  Salters got their first goal after some superb build up. Jon Weir, Ryan Newton and Darren Smith worked the ball out from the back and down the left hand side, Darren then took on 4 players to get to the bye line and cross deep to the back post, Richard Murray arrived at the back post and placed an unsavable shot right in to the far corner of the net. Excellent goal from Salters. The second came from the other side, Steven Illingworth’s long throw in was headed on to the back post by Paul Milligan, again Richard Murray arrived at the right time, knocking the ball off both the defender and post before trickling in. The third goal was the best of the lot; Shane Thomson winning possession in central midfield and giving Richard Murray a pass to feet, Richard turned and ran at the defence before unleashing an unstoppable right foot drive from 25 yards straight into the top corner. A hat trick in 30 or so first half minutes for Richard, brilliant days work. Salters had one or two other first half chances. Richard Murray and Darren Smith were tearing open the defence every time and the driving runs from midfield from Danny Watson and Mikey Thomson were causing problems. Foot Ball Club of Edinburgh were playing some decent football at times and have a few excellent players. However the Salters back line were not going to be beaten easily and there was not a single shot at John Pagets goal. Half time 3-0.

The second half began with Foot Ball Club of Edinburgh having some decent possession. The big substitute looked good on the ball and they were gaining confidence. There was a lot of decent build up at the back and in midfield from them, however again as we have done for many games in a row now, Salters defended brilliantly as a unit. Jon Weir again at the back sweeping everything up and Neil McDonald coming in for his first start in months looked like he had never been away. The confidence John Paget now brings to the team now shows and we look solid right across the back. Salters kept possession well and passed the ball around. We got the fourth after a wonderful defence splitting pass from Danny Watson picked out Paul Milligan who went clean through on goal and with his left foot he placed the ball in the far corner. As we have come to expect in his short time with Salters, it was excellent play from Danny. There were one or two other decent chances and good play from both teams, however it ended Salters 4-0 Foot Ball Club of Edinburgh.

This was another step in the right direction for Salters. We once again looked strong at the back and well organised through out the team. The game plan was to get the ball to the full backs and start play from there which we done very well, particularly in the first half. Both wingers were excellent linking with Paul Milligan up front. The midfield duo of Shane Thomson and Danny Watson already look like they have formed a great partnership. Even Allan Hogg came off the bench and very nearly set up a fifth goal for Salters! We know its only preseason but the progress shown so far is nothing short of remarkable. Some of the passing and movement from Salters was brilliant. A number of players were in with a shout for man of the match, Jon Weir and Darren Smith in particular. However Richard Murray bagged a hat trick and looked dangerous the whole game so deserves the award this week! 

Well done again guys.

Team: John Paget, Steven Illingworth, Jon Weir, Neil McDonald (Ryan Ramsay), Ryan Newton, Richard Murray, Mikey Thomson (Allan Hogg), Shane Thomson, Danny Watson, Darren Smith, Paul Milligan (Paul Kivlin).