The Seniors made four changes with Kevin Sivewright, Donal Henretty, Jordan Finnie andJack Beesley all coming into the starting line up. We dominated the opening exchanges with Donal Henretty and Chris Anderson coming close. The opening goal came after 20 minutes when Danny O’Donnel’s great far post cross was volleyed in by Dean Hoskins. Duns were dangerous at set pieces and we had to clear a Duns effort off the line just before half time to retain the lead. It was a good footballing first half with both teams trying to get the ball down and keep possession. Duns did seem to tire in the second half as we kept possession very well and made them do most of the running. We scored twice, the first a soft penalty when Duns ‘keeper Lumsden was adjudged to have pushed Jordan as they tussled for a high ball. Deano drove the ball firmly down the middle to score. ‘Keeper Lumsden was the Duns star man as he next kept out Keith McLeod from close range with a miraculous block. The Spartans fans have added a drum to their vuvuzela and flags and they kept the team going with great backing in the second half. The third came with ten minutes to go as Deano completed his hat trick. Robbie Manson was pushed in the box and this time normal spot kkick man Gavin Malin passed the ball to allow Deano to complete his hat trick by driving the ball into the corner with an inquisite strike. The Malt and Hops man of the match chosen by our guests of honour Stewart Dunnet, Dan Finlay and Alex Gardner from Spartans team of the 70′s was Deano for his hat trick and some great attacking play. Team: Flockhart, O’Donnell, Hoskins, Sivewright, McKinnon, Manson, Grant (Malin 65), Beesley, Anderson, Henretty, (Kader 60), Finnie (McLeod 65) Subs not used Veitch, Fusco. Finally many thanks to the Duns players, committee and supporters who were great visitors today and nearly cleared out the cafe/bar.
The Amateurs good form continued witha 3 – 1 win over Newcraighall Vics, goals from Dave Crawford and two own goals, Martin Douglas should have made it 4 but missed the chance in the last five minutes when it looked easier to score.

The Seniors King Cup game against Duns is definitely on with a 2pm ok. Duns are bringing a bus load of supporters so we’re looking forward to a great atmosphere. The Juniors game at Harthill has been postponed while the Amateurs league game against Newcraighall at the Academy at 2.15 is on.

We travel to Harthill tomorrow for a league fixture with a 1.45pm kick off.

Kenny, Andy and I were very disappointed with our overall performance and application last week against Falkirk; we lost a couple of very poor goals due primarily to some poor distribution of the ball. This is an area that we must improve on as a team something that we have been working on in training this week. The players set the performance standard against Tranent the previous week and this is the level of performance that we must achieve against Harthill and indeed for the rest of the season.

Harthill will provide tough opposition tomorrow especially with the game being played at Harthill.

On the player front we see the return of Stuart Thomson tomorrow from Bonnyrigg Rose which is very timely with Kiddo still out, Connor picking up a hamstring injury last week and Paulo getting back to fitness, there is also the possibility that we will have a trialist in the squad tomorrow as over the next few weeks we are missing a few players.

The challenge for the management tomorrow is to ensure that the players produce the same commitment and performance levels that were shown at Tranent; let’s hope the players are up for it.

Mike says -

“After an inept hour against 10 men Selkirk last Saturday Sam and I were always going to make changes for the Duns game tomorrow. As it is regulars Kevin Sivewright, Jack Beesley and Donal Henretty are all back fit and available so will come into the team. It might also be time to give Jordan Finnie another start in the side after some promising cameo performances recently. As we’ve no official game the following Saturday those left out will get a chance to regain their places as Sam and I arrange our first game on grass since October before we visit Tynecastle on 11th February. In fact none of our squad have even kicked a ball or trained on grass since playing away to Lothian 4 months ago.   

It’s the first time we’ve played Duns since 1973 but checking their team Sam and I have noticed a few familiar names so it won’t quite be going into the unknown. They’ve done very well since rejoining East of Scotland  football with their 5 goal defeat of a Craigroyston side we’ve struggled to overcome this season the pick of their recent results. Whoever takes to the pitch for us will know that they have to get back nearer the standards they set against Whitehill a couple of weeks ago if we are to progress in the King Cup. I hope they do.”

Mike

Our King Cup game this Saturday will ko at 2pm, Duns were unable to play at 3pm.

When clubs have floodlights our preference for will always be a 3pm ko, it is the recognised ko time for Senior football in Scotland and has been shown in recent weeks crowds will be significantly higher.

The EoS 19s comfortably beat CSS 6 – 0 today in a league game with goals from Jordan Finnie 2, Greg Atkinson, Jordan Glennie, Calum Donnelly and Chris Keppie. The Sunday Amateurs Scottish Cup game was postponed.

Mike says -

“Just as we feared, the Lord Mayor and his entourage who’d taken in our outstanding display against Whitehill a week ago were nowhere to be seen yesterday. Even then playing for an hour against the team at the bottom of the league with the advantage of a 2 goal lead and an extra man you’d have thought we’d have conjured up something better than a 1-1 draw but that’s what we got. We told the players before the game that whatever happened we’d settle for the 3 points so I can’t come on here and be over critical.   

Selkirk battled for their lives and will be proud of their display. We had the vast majority of the ball, passed it around well in midfield (most of the time) but it all broke down with our final pass and decision making round the opposition’s box.

Sam and I said we’d bring Donal Henretty, Kevin Sivewright, Jack Beesley and Jordan Finnie in against Duns next Saturday and so we will. Whoever drops out  will be comforted by the knowledge it’s because of the position those taking their place play in that they’re on the bench. Sam and I will be comforted by the knowledge that after yesterday’s displays none of those left out can argue they deserved a place against the East of Scotland newcomers after yesterday’s performances.”

Mike