MUSSELBURGH ATHLETIC (Olivebank Stadium)

SJFA EAST REGION SUPERLEAGUE, MUSSELBURGH ATHLETIC 1-2 BROXBURN ATHLETIC, ATTENDANCE: 263 (h/c)

Once again it was another Saturday north of the border. The big attraction was the chance to get to a couple of games in one day as there was another game taking place later in the evening.

After consultation with the other members of my travelling party we opted for Musselburgh Athletic v Broxburn Athletic as our aperitif. Musselburgh is 6 miles east of Edinburgh so for the second time in a week it was a journey up the A702.

After the events of earlier in the month when rain scuppered our planned game in Scotland, there was no danger today as the sun was beating down and East Lothian was bathed in glorious sunshine.

Founded in 1934, Musselburgh play at the Olivebank Stadium which has a a large covered enclosure on one side and concrete terracing on the other. There is a grass bank behind one of the goals but this is not in use for spectators but a few, including myself, did walk around to take a few snaps. The snack bar was doing a roaring trade in stovies but had gone by the time I got served so I had to make do with a pie, not that I didn't mind that!

At the start of play Musselburgh were 12th (out of 16) whilst Broxburn were in 6th position. The home side could probably do with picking up a few more points between now and the end of the season but it was the visitors who consolidated their position, coming from behind to win 2-1. The game was a typical end of season affair but was entertaining enough.

Declan O'Kane gave Musselburgh the lead after 17 minutes when he found space in the area to guide the ball into the corner of the net. Despite a few efforts from Broxburn, the home side held on to be leading at the break.

The second half began with the visitors on the attack and on 47 minutes they were level. Alexander Nimmo headed home and, despite the valiant efforts of goalkeeper Kieron Renton to claw the ball away, the officials agreed the ball had crossed the line.

Broxburn went ahead on 52 minutes when Kieran Anderson smashed home a free kick into the top corner from 25 yards. A superb strike. Musselburgh had late chances to snatch a point but Broxburn held on to secure the victory.

After leaving Musselburgh, it was a journey down to the Borders where Hawick Royal Albert were entertaining East Stirlingshire in a Lowland League clash, which kicked off at 7pm in the evening.