Match Detail

Salters made hard work of getting the three points against a much improved Longstone United on Sunday; however in the end we just had enough in the tank to get the win. At times it was laboured and uninspiring as Salters got stuck in first gear. Missing many first team regulars including Darren Smith, Mikey Thomson, Stephen Brown, Steven Faughnan and Paul Nelson through injury and suspension didn’t help, and the week long rest coming up without a game has come at exactly the right time for Salters.

We started the game with an unfamiliar look. Richard Murray returning to his preferred striking role and Niall Malone started his first game at left wing among several changes. We were against the wind and playing up the hill which played a major factor in the first half, however it looked simply as if though Longstone wanted to win the first and second balls more. Salters took the lead after one of our only decent few moves in the first half. A ball to Paul Milligan from the back was controlled, he turned the defender and played Kris Murdoch in behind the full back, Kris ran through to goal and was fouled by the goalkeeper. Richard Murray stepped up to slot home the spot kick. Longstone equalised with a dangerous ball into the box wasn’t cleared and the striker pounced to slot home at the near post. Salters had a few chances to move ahead. Paul Milligan playing Niall Malone clean through twice, but both times Niall couldn’t find the finish. Richard Murray should have got his second after a header come off the bar, however Richard misjudged the bounce and header over the bar. Longstone had a few half chances and might have got a goal themselves, however the half ended 1-1.

The second half was a bit better from Salters although again we didn’t really get going. We did get ourselves in front again, Kris Murdoch’s long throw was headed on by Paul Milligan and Richard Murray reacted first to head home at the back post. Paul Milligan again turned provider for Richard soon after, running down the left wing and crossing for Richard to volley home from 6 yards. At 3-1 up you would expect Salters to see the game out, however Longstone never gave up and got back in the match soon after. The excellent Longstone number 10 turning the defence and running at JP in the Salters goal, Ryan Newton’s last ditch tackle resulted in a penalty kick which the striker rolled home with ease. Salters had to dig deep and went 4-2 up, an excellent delivery from the corner was headed back across from Ryan Newton and Richard Murray reacted first to head home. Salters fifth goal again came from Richard Murray, Paul Milligan crossing to Richard who was completely unmarked 6 yards from goal, at the second attempt and under severe pressure somehow Richard bundled the ball over the line. Allan Hogg playing centre forward for Salters didn’t get on the score sheet, however he lead the line well and was unlucky with a 40 yard curling effort that hit the bar, then post and rolled across the line before being cleared by the defender.

It wasn’t pretty or anything like how Salters normally play the game. Missing key players and having played so many games in such a short period of time seemed to show and Salters were just delighted to get the points in the bag. It virtually guarantees 2nd spot, unless we get hammered in all 3 of our last games and Duddingston win by 30 goals in their games we will finish second.

Salters manager Paul Milligan said after the game:

“There were many positives although it wasn’t pretty at times. It shows the strength of our team to get the points today when other teams might have struggled; an example of this was Duddingston losing to bottom team Edinburgh South today. It was great to see Danny Watson return after a bad injury and thankfully he will be able to play a big part in the run in. However the main positive was the return to goal scoring form for Richard Murray. Having gone through a terrible time in his personal life lately Richard somehow found it in him to first of all get out and play football, and then when he got his chance up top he got 5 goals and terrified the Longstone defence. I think I speak on behalf of the whole Salters team when I say we are delighted for him, if anyone deserves a bit of luck and praise then its Richy. As I said to the lads last week, the aim is to win all the games left and enjoy it. Although we perhaps didn’t enjoy it as much as we should have, the points are ours. We welcome back just about everyone next week and should have a full squad available for the last three league matches which will be a massive boost. Three wins from three is the aim”.