Match Detail

Salters overcame a late fight back to take the three points against a very good Abbey team at Poltonhall.

Over the last three years the ties between these two teams have always been extremely close and tough matches, and that was the case again.

Abbey had the better of the first half and John Paget in goals produced an unbelievable save to deny Abbey, from point blank range somehow JP kept the ball out. Abbey did take the lead, a set piece was cleared to the back post, Salters stood still as the Abbey forward overhead kicked the ball back into the 6 yard line straight to the other forward who was unmarked and had an easy tap in. This spurred Salters into life and after Blair Mathewson had a half chance blocked we got an equaliser through Paul Nelson. Another set piece into the Abbey box wasn’t cleared and Paul out jumped the Abbey goalkeeper to head the ball home. Salters soon took the lead, a defence splitting diagonal ball from Steven Illingworth towards the left wing looked like it would be cleared by the defender or collected by the goalkeeper, however Paul Nelson was brave and threw himself in there and with his right foot he knocked the ball past both of them and into the net. Play raged from end to end with Abbey having a lot of possession and putting Salters under pressure, however Salters held on for a 2-1 half time lead.

Salters had more of the play and chances in the second half; however it was still a very tight match. Salters went 3-1 ahead after a throw in from Kris Murdoch was controlled by Paul Milligan who turned and shot, the ball deflected off the defender and into the net. Salters went 4-1 ahead after a through ball put Paul Milligan clear, he rode the tackle from the last defender, went through on goal and shot low and hard to the back post. Although Salters were 4-1 up there was never a 3 goal difference in the game. We expected Abbey to come back at us and they did that, getting two goals back to make it 4-3. One goal was a composed finish from Abbeys best player Craig Trotter, who beat JP when he was clean through and the other a bullet header from and big striker who has always caused us problems when we play Abbey. At the other end Salters did have chances, Paul Milligan and Stephen Brown going close. However Salters hung on well in the end and got the much needed three points.

Another great game between these two sides. It was a close battle the whole game and Salters are delighted to get the three points. Both teams were again only interested in playing football and the referee had a good game. Abbey have a great blend of passing and direct football and its hard to play against them, Salters though dug in and played well especially in the second half.

Best of luck to Abbey for the rest of the season.

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