Match Detail

Salters welcomed Pentland Roadhouse to Poltonhall with both teams looking to keep up the pace set by Boca, Oxgangs, Abbey and of course the favourites and champions Redhall Star at the top end of the Premier League. Once again both teams were faced with a huge wind.

Despite some forced changes due to some wee team playing a game in the west of Scotland, Salters started brilliantly. Getting the ball down in midfield and playing some decent stuff early on we forced the play up on Pentland. Against the wind we knew this would be a hard half however we quickly got ourselves in front. A needless foul by the Pentland defender gave us a free kick on our left hand side, Steven Illingworth’s driven cross was met first time by David Jamieson who volleyed the ball home from 8 yards. David played a big part in the second goal as well, picking up possession deep in the Salters half, beating a man and sending a great through ball to Paul Milligan, Paul took a couple of touches, advanced into the box and from 16 yards shot low across the goal keeper and into the far corner of the net. Salters had another chance soon after, Shane Thomson sent Paul Milligan through and from a tight angle Paul’s shot was heading in the far corner, however the goalkeeper produced a great save to tip the ball round the post. The third goal didn’t come however, and Pentland started to get into the game. They were winning tackles and headers and pressing the game in a bid to get a goal back. Although they didn’t have any clear cut chances there were plenty of worrying moments for Salters as balls into the box were difficult to deal with and a few shots flew over or were well dealt with by John Paget in goals. Pentland finished the half the stronger team however Salters led 2-0.

The second half and once again the wind died just as Salters wanted to use it to our advantage. Pentland were on top and playing some decent stuff at times. A 25 yard curling effort from the Pentland number 8 was well tipped round the post by John Paget. Pentland thought they were awarded a penalty for handball however the referee had already blown for offside against the forward. Pentland did get a goal back however, a ball played in from the right hand side to the forward who appeared to try and help the ball in to the danger area, however it looped up and went over JP and into the top corner. Nothing we could have done about that one, it was either a total fluke or one of the best finishes you will see all season. There were other chances at both ends. Pentland should have got another goal; the forward rounded John Paget but went very wide, as he came back in towards goal his drive across the goals was cleared by the defence. There were a few decent balls and corners into the Salters box which were dangerous as well. Salters had a couple of half chances, Michael Jones hitting a 20 yard volley which looked in all the way but hit the inside of the post and came straight back out to the centre half. Paul Nelsons pass to Paul Milligan was fired over from 18 yards under heavy pressure. In the end though Salters held on for the 2-1 win.

Another battling performance by Salters got us there in the end. We took our chances and defended brilliantly once again to limit Pentlands chances. There is no doubt at times we were under the cosh and we should remember that Pentland have came from behind to claim the points already this season, most notably against Currie when they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. That just goes to show the determination of the team to hold onto the lead. At times it wasn’t pretty however we will take the three points any day.

Team: John Paget, Dani Muir (Kris Murdoch), Kevin Cornwall, Steven Illingworth, Niall Malone (Darren Smith), David Jamieson (Blair Mathewson), Shane Thomson, Michael Jones, Stephen Brown, Paul Nelson, Paul Milligan. Subs not used: Steven Faughnan, Kevin Robinson.