Match Detail

After last weeks disappointing defeat to Redhall, Salters looked to get back to winning ways against Edinburgh Thistle. A couple of late call offs with injuries meant a change to the starting eleven with Shane Thomson and Steven Faughnan coming in for David Jamieson and Kris Murdoch.

Salters looked to start the game well and it couldn’t have gone any better. Straight from kick off Paul Milligan sent Paul Nelson through on goal and as ever Nelly coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net just 30 seconds are so into the game. This was ideal for Salters as we were then able to settle down and at times played our opposition off the park. Salters second goal came after a great ball from Stephen Brown to Paul Milligan; Paul took one touch before volleying the ball home through the goalkeeper’s legs. Salters third goal again came from Paul Milligan, a ball into the box fell kindly to the striker and he poked it home from 6 yards. However the forth goal didn’t come and Edinburgh Thistle pulled a goal back. Another long ball up field fell kindly to the forward who calmly bent the ball home from 18 yards. Thistle had a spell for 10 minutes just before half time, but one long punted ball forward after another was simply headed back out by the Salters rearguard. There were a few other chances for Salters; Paul Milligan, Stephen Brown, Paul Nelson and Steven Faughnan all having decent chances to extend the lead further. However the score at half time was Salters 3-1 Edinburgh Thistle.

The second half was comfortable for Salters and we again created chance after chance. We went further ahead after a good ball from Paul Nelson sent Paul Milligan through on goal, Paul finishing well on the angle across the goalkeeper. Salters fifth goal came from Blair Mathewson. An excellent through ball from Shane Thomson sent Blair away and despite miss kicking his first effort the rebound fell kindly and Blair finished it well. The final goal was the pick of the bunch, Paul Milligan winning the ball on the far touchline, beating a couple of players before sending a left foot shot from 25yards right in the top corner. Again we created chances and at times tried to walk the ball into the net. Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan, Stephen Brown, Steven Duncan and Blair Mathewson all had chances they should have done better with, however we cannot complain with the final score and 6-1 victory. In the second half Edinburgh Thistle caused us hardly any problems and didn’t have a shot on target.

At times Salters were very impressive. We created roughly 18 very good chances and could easily have reached double figures. The back four were impressive again dealing with the enormous long punts from the opposition goalkeeper and number 8. The midfield covered every inch of the pitch and we looked dangerous up top.

Next weeks game away to Currie is a real test for Salters. Last seasons double winners hit form by demolishing a good St Vincent’s team 6-1 so we will have to step it up again if we want to compete. However these games are why we want to be playing in the premier league so we very much look forward to it. In the meantime we get a midweek break after our game was postponed, this should do us the world of good.

Team: John Paget, Kevin Cornwall (Daniel Muir), Steven Illingworth, Ryan Newton, Niall Malone, Steven Faughnan (Blair Mathewson), Stephen Brown (Steven Duncan), Shane Thomson, Michael Jones, Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan. Sub not used: Kris Murdoch.