Match Detail

Salters got back to winning ways against Alba at home and played some very good football at times. Having been very fortunate to beat Alba last time out there was no doubt this time as Salters thoroughly deserved the three points.

Late call offs from Blair Mathewson and Dani Muir meant changes to the starting 11. Kris Murdoch and Kevin Robinson came in to the right hand side of the team and Michael Jones returned to replace Richard Murray.

Salters started the match on the front foot and were creating chance after chance and passing the ball about as well as we have done for a long time. The movement was superb and everyone wanted the ball. We got ourselves in front through Paul Nelson after another good passing move saw a ball crossed along the six yard line; Nelly reacted quickest to stick the ball in the net. Soon after Paul Milligan made it two after a good through ball sent him one on one with the keeper, Paul picked his spot and slotted it home. Salters had several more chances and could have been 4 or 5 ahead however the third goal never came and Alba got back into the match, the forward taking a through pass and rounding JP then rolling the ball home. Alba got another goal back soon after and were playing well at this stage. Then a shot from the Alba player hit the post and came back to John Paget; the referee thought the ball had went in and gave a goal to the surprise of everyone. Up steps the Alba played to admit the ball didn’t go in, a very rare moment of honesty in the game that was widely applauded by everyone! Michael Jones, David Jamieson, Kevin Robinson, Stephen Brown, Paul Nelson and Paul Milligan all had chances to add the scoring however the half time whistle went and the score was 2-2.

Salters completely dominated the second half from start to finish and created many chances playing some good football. Salters went ahead again after a free kick was awarded; Paul Milligan stepped up to bend the ball around the wall and past the goalkeeper. We went further ahead after a great delivery from Paul Nelson was headed home by Captain Steven Illingworth. Salters wrapped up the scoring when Paul Nelson broke down the left hand side and crossed to Paul Milligan who controlled the ball and volleyed it in off the bar. There were many other chances created again in the second half however the game finished 5-2.

This was much better from Salters who settled down early on and played some excellent stuff. Alba had a spell of pressure and played well, however on the day Salters were good value for the win and made it a league double against our old rivals.

Best of luck to Alba for the rest of the campaign.

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