Match Detail

Salters secured their sixth league win in six games away from home against Silverknowes Star on Sunday. Silverknowes came into the game on the back of three successive wins and Salters were expecting a tough match.

Salters started very well. Paul Nelson opened the scoring early on after excellent work from Danny Watson; Paul went through on goal and buried his shot. Next Paul Milligan went through and lobbed the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Paul Nelson got his second of the game, running through and smashing a shot in the roof of the net. Paul Nelson then got his hat trick, again neatly placing his shot pass the goalkeeper when through on goal. Paul Milligan got his second of the game after a great run and assist from Kris Murdoch, Paul took one touch and placed the ball in the back of the net. Paul Nelson got his fourth of the game when Salters were awarded a free kick for a pass back 4 yards out, he blasted the ball right in the top corner. Silverknowes scored 2 good goals after intercepting passes at the back and finishing them well. John Paget in goals also produced a magnificent save in the first half. However it was all Salters as we created many chances and played some excellent passing football. The move involving Paul Milligan, Steven Illingworth and then Shane Thomson, who sent in a lovely cross that Mikey Thomson headed an inch past the post was just one of many passages of play from Salters that deserved a goal. The half time score was Salters 6-2 Silverknowes.

Salters continued to play good football after the break and we created many chances. Mikey Thomson capped a fine display with a well taken goal, shooting home from 20 yards with three defenders on the line. Danny Watson produced the highlight of the match, picking the ball up 25 yards out and smashing a right foot effort right in the top corner, an excellent goal from Danny who was the best player on the pitch all day. Salters' last goal came from Neil Wilson, who ran on to a Paul Milligan cross to smash the ball home from a very tight angle. With the exception of 2 or 3 long range efforts Silverknowes didn’t get near the Salters goals in the second half. Salters had many other chances to score, Richard Murray going through on goal twice but shooting just wide, Paul Nelson had a couple of excellent efforts and there was always a threat from Salters. Paul Milligan and Steven Illingworth also entered the miss of the season contest, both scooping the ball miles over the bar from 6 yards, the footballs have still not been found, but still not as bad as Stephen Browns effort in pre season. Silverknowes had a man sent off right at the death in a terrible refereeing decision. There wasn’t a bad tackle the whole game and the player was booked twice for absolutely nothing. However that aside the referee had a good game.

All in all a good days work for Salters. Plenty of passing and moving and everyone wanted the ball. This was a million times better than last week against Alba, however the main thing is the three points are in the bag. The Salters' midfield deserves special mention as they were outstanding all day. Mikey Thomson and Danny Watson in particular were impressive and ran the show. Neil Wilson coming on as sub looked very good and contributed with a goal. And as we have now come to expect, Paul Nelson made the difference at the other end of the pitch. It shows that when Salters settle down and pass the ball we are a very good team.

Best of luck to Silverknowes for the rest of the season. Up next is Liberton United away for Salters as we aim to continue our winning run.

Team: John Paget, Steven Illingworth, Michael Jones (Dani Muir), Ryan Newton, Kris Murdoch, Richard Murray (Neil Wilson), Shane Thomson (Stephen Brown), Mikey Thomson, Danny Watson, Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan. Subs not used: Jon Weir, Paul Kivlin.