Match Detail

Salters took on the unbeaten Football Club of Edinburgh at Dalkeith on Sunday aware that we are the only two unbeaten teams left in the league. That meant the game was very important if the two teams really did want to go on and challenge for the league title. Salters made some changes to the team, taking out the smaller players and making sure we had big stong guys to deal with the FCOE long ball game.

In the first half Salters had a strong wind against us and the low sun in our eyes. We struggled in the conditions to get any kind of passing going and the wind kept blowing the ball back at the Salters back four. However we fought for every ball and created the first chance. A through ball sent Paul Milligan off towards goal, his tame shot was only just tipped round the post by the goalkeeper. Next Darren Smith ran down the left wing and crossed for Paul Nelson who was caught on his wrong foot and miss-hit the shot which didn't trouble the goalkeeper. Then Danny Watson was sent through by Paul Milligan and as he broke towards the box he shot high over the bar. FCOE had a half chance at the back post and another chance from 8 yards, the forward smashing the ball goal bound and John Paget in the Salters goal produced an absolutely stunning save to keep the ball out, no one on the pitch could quite believe the ball didn't end up in the net. After a scrappy first half it ended 0-0.

The wind seemed to die at half time and sun went away leaving perfect playing conditions. Salters were hoping to use the sun and wind to our advantage but that didn't go to plan. Again both teams struggled to product any real quality although there was plenty of effort from both teams.
Salters took the lead from a well worked set play; a throw from Shane Thomson to Paul Milligan who flicked the ball on for Paul Nelson to head home. This is something Salters have talked about a lot lately so to get a goal from a planned set play is very pleasing. The goal sent the Salters players and sideline mental, and rightly so. The game raged on and Salters got the second goal. Brilliant play from Danny Watson in central midfield, winning the ball and finding a way past several FCOE players before playing a perfect defence splitting pass to Richard Murray, Richard took a touch, steaded himself and placed the ball calmly in the net. Brilliant from Danny, and much more like the real Richard with the classy finish. Paul Nelson also went close from a free kick which was clawed out by the goalkeeper, from the rebound Mikey Thomson and then Shane Thomson went very close to scoring. FCOE had a couple of long range efforts however John Paget never really looked like getting beat. Although at times FCOE had a fair share of the game, it was always Salters that looked likely to score.

Salters back four were awsome all day and Michael Jones had his best game in the Salters shirt alongside Ryan Newton at centre back. Again Paul Nelson got that important goal, Richard Murray came on and made the difference and every single Salters player gave everything they have. Special mention to John Paget for THAT save, it was by far the best save most players at this level will see all season.

Despite not playing well at all Salters won this game without conceding a goal. If we can play like this and still beat the only other unbeaten team in the league 2-0 it just shows how good we can be. FCOE might think themselves unlucky, however Salters got the goals that matter and now sit proudly at the top of the league table having played 8 games and won 8 games.

Team: John Paget, Steven Illingworth, Michael Jones, Ryan Newton, Darren Smith (Kris Murdoch), Michael Thomson, Shane Thomson (Richard Murray), Danny Watson, Stephen Brown, Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan (Steven Duncan)