Match Detail

Salters progressed to the next round of the David Temple Cup after a comfortable 8-0 win against First Division newcomers IONA Hibernian.

Salters were without Darren Smith, Kevin Cornwall, Shane Thomson, Mikey Thomson and Niall Malone for this game. In came Dani Muir, Kris Murdoch, Kevin Robinson getting his first start and Paul Nelson returning earlier than expected on the left wing.

Although Salters dominated nearly the whole match we made it tough for ourselves first half. Despite having many chances and creating some decent openings we were only able to get two goals. Both came from Paul Nelson. The first was very lucky, a through ball to Paul was over hit and he chased it down, the centre half and goalkeeper collided and left Paul with the ball to walk into the net from 5 yards. The second was a screamer! A magnificent cross from the right touchline by Blair Mathewson was met at the back post on the volley by Paul who nearly ripped the net off the post, a brilliant finish to put us 2-0 up. Paul Milligan had 3 or 4 chances to get a goal and was way off target. Blair Mathewson put in some great crosses we just failed to connect with and there were a few other half chances. IONA were giving a good account of themselves and battled away without troubling the Salters goal, a floated free kick was all the John Paget had to deal with.

The second half was much the same, wave of Salters attacks however IONA still battling away and giving it 100%. The third goal was crucial though as it seemed to take the wind out of IONA. Kevin Robinson playing a one two with Paul Milligan and going through on goal, he beat the goalkeeper to the ball and it bounced in at the near post despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper. Paul Milligan was next to get a goal, going clean through on goal and from 25 yards rolling the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net. The next goal was very similar, John Pagets long punt upfield beat the IONA defence and left Paul Milligan clean through, and again he rolled the ball past the keeper and into the net. Next up was Richard Murray getting his first of the season, Michael Jones and Paul Milligan working the ball well on the edge of the box to slide a pass through to Richy who shot high into the roof of the net from 12 yards. Paul Milligan got his hat trick soon after, the goalkeeper coming 40 yards out to try and clear the ball, Paul beat him to it and was able to roll the ball home for his 200th Salters goal. Paul Milligan got another one soon after, Stephen Browns slide pass was placed home into the far corner to make the score Salters 8-0 IONA. The IONA keeper then produced a wonder save to deny Paul Milligan from 8 yards out, somehow diving the length of the goals to palm the ball out. 

The game ended 8-0 and a comfortable day’s work for Salters. It was good to get Paul Nelson an hours run out and Kevin Robinson was excellent on his debut. Kris Murdoch and Dani Muir came back into full back and looked accomplished as usual. IONA in spells showed some decent stuff and it’s hard to believe they are 2nd bottom of the first division with only 1 point. Again it was a clean game, only one booking in the whole match which was pleasing.  Its clear once IONA get settled and work on some things they will have a decent team and everyone at Salters wishes them all the best for the season ahead.

Scottish Cup next weekend for Salters against another Edinburgh team Tytler BC AFC.  Another chance for a good Scottish Cup run which in the past has provided some brilliant moments for Salters AFC.

Team: Dani Muir, Ryan Newton, Steven Illingworth, Kris Murdoch, Blair Mathewson (Steven Faughnan), Michael Jones, Kevin Robinson (David Jamieson), Stephen Brown, Paul Nelson (Richard Murray), Paul Milligan.