Venue: Home

Attendance 195

Broxburn made three changes to the side that earned a hard-earned point last week at Hill of Beath. Changes enforced through suspension were Jordan Orru and Mark McConnell both serving a one match ban and Liam Gray dropping to the bench after retiring at half time last week. In comes David Greenhill, Shaun Harrison and Gordon Donaldson.

Greg Binnie was the first to try for goal in 3 minutes turning and shooting just wide left from edge of the box . A couple of minutes later Craig Newall made a good run down the right before slipping Gary Brass through his cut back from the bye line found Andrew Gillen but he shot poorly wide left as he rushed his shot.

At the other end Gregor McDonald was sent clean through but he shot over the bar. Broxburn created a opportunity in ten minutes but the ball wouldn’t fall kindly, and the chance was gone. On the Quarter hour mark Aaron Somerville made a good run before sending Alexander Chingwalu out on the left who’s cross into the box from the bye line was safely cut out by Josh Blair. Broxburn were awarded a corner on 19 minutes and the ball to the back post found the head of Harrison who in turn found Gary Brass who’s shot was blocked then saved by Robert Watt . The home side had a scare on 21 minutes when Aiden Walsh fired in a shot that Josh Blair in the home goal did well to stop and hold on to . Half way through the half good play down the left saw Binnie lay the ball off to Errol Douglas who’s effort sailed just over the bar from just outside the box. Good Penicuik pressure was thwarted by the home defence who were equal to it and cleared the danger on 27 minutes .

The opening goal came on 31 minutes and was a disaster for the visiting defence . A poor throw in put the full back under pressure and eventually robbed of the ball by Errol Douglas who got to the bye line before cuttig the ball to the back post where Binnie headed back into the path of ANDREW GILLEN  who hit the back of the net from the underside of the bar . Penicuik should have been on level terms four minutes later when Jack Furness was through one on one, but Blair saved well at the expense of a corner. With five minutes left Somerville should have scored but couldn’t control the ball in the box and it ran away from him and out for a bye Kick .

A scramble in the home box ended when Aiden Walsh struck the bar from 8 yards and Harrison cleared the ball away from the danger area. In the last minute of the half Scott Irving was booked for a reckless challenge on the halfway line.

Penicuik made a change at half time , bringing on Paul Thomson for Greg Page .

Penicuik forced a corner straight from the kick off that came to nothing . The second half was like the first end to end as both teams tried to cut out chances .

It was Broxburn who increased their lead on 53 minutes when good work down the right saw a great ball to the back post which found ERROL DOUGLAS who headed home before clashing with the back post in the process .He quickly recovered to continue with the game . Alexander Chingwalu was booked for a cynical foul on Binnie as he was about to break forward from half way .

Penicuik tried hard to change things bringing on Cameron Fraser for the injured captain Aaron Somerville on 62 minutes with Former Broxburn loan player Andrew Mair and Reece Hope coming on for Aiden Walsh and Alexander Chingwalu respectively on 68 minutes .

A free kick on 69 minutes from way out on the left went straight through into the arms of Blair in the hosts goal.

two minutes later a corner at the other end saw a Gordon Donaldson header from the left hand side go just past the right hand post . Craig Newall picked up a booking in the 72nd minute for delaying the restart of play .

A good move from the hosts ended when Stevie Clark fired just wide left of the target .

Penicuik sent in a good free kick from the left hand side but was too far in front of their strikers and went straight to Blair  who held on comfortably . They did get a lifeline back into the game after good play on the left after a poor clear out on the touch line was worked back inside to GREGOR MacDONALD who gave Blair no chance firing in from 20yards out despite the fingers of Blair getting a touch it went high into the net. With five minutes left Penicuik made the last of their substitutes when Fletcher Hendry replaced Jack Furness , Bradley Donaldson replaced Craig Newall at same time . Penicuik pressed the final five minutes with Broxburn’s defence throwing their bodies on the line as they held out for an overdue win .It was 6 years ago that the BURN last beat Penicuik but on this occasion, they deserved the points ,

The next two games are on the road in cup ties . Next Saturday we travel to Whitburn in the South Challenge cup and the following week we travel to Oakley United ,who won their first points of the season in a 3-1 win at Vale of Leithen , in the South Qualifying Cup both 2-30pm kick off’s .

REFEREE   MR. R. LEE   ASSISTANTS  MR. S. DOWNIE , MR. K. CHARLES

Attendance 100
East Of Scotland Premier League: Hill Of Beath Hawthorn v Broxburn Athletic – 01 October 2022

Broxburn were on their travels once again this time to Fife to face Hill Of Beath Hawthorn.
The Brox made 3 changes from Wednesdays draw against Inverkeithing, Newall, Binnie and Clark replacing Jeffries, Donaldson and Harrison.
Hill of Beath were still seeking their first league win of the season having lost midweek at Vale Of Leithen by 2-0.
There was a strong breeze blowing straight down the ground which was in favour of the home side in the 1st half.
In the 2nd minute Connelly made a good run down the left his cross finding Leishman in the penalty box but he fell over under challenge from Orru and the ball cleared.
A Gillen miscontrol in 6 minutes allowed Connelly clear to cross but Douglas defended well and cleared.
Broxburn created their first decent attack a minute later Newall finding Gray with a throw, his shot blocked, Newall receiving the ball back and his cross was a good one well saved by Hall.
The home side were making good use of the wind at their backs a cross from Leishman finds Connelly in the middle of the goal mouth but he can only direct his header straight to Blair who fumbled the ball but it was then cleared.
In 13 minutes controversy kicked off! Connelly passed to Allum in the box and challenged by Orru which all seemed quite innocent until the referee pointed to the penalty spot, with home players as surprised as the visitors. After a number of protests ex Brox striker ALLUM dispatched his kick into the net.
The drama wasn’t over however before the game could kick off Orru was shown a red card by the referee with it not being clear what for. Foul and abusive language towards a spectator perhaps.
In 18 minutes Kellichan played a nice through ball to Connelly who advanced but dragged his shot wide right of goal.
Brass was then booked for Broxburn presumably for arguing about manager Townsley’s red card.
Connelly was prominent in the home sides attacks and from a run on the left he played the ball inside to MacLachlan whose shot was blocked by Blair with his feet.
Hill Of Beath continued to create chances with numerical advantage and the wind they forced 3 corners in succession the last of which saw Watt wins a header which Blair did well to parry and was then fouled as the home side bundled the ball into the net, correctly chalked off by the referee.

In 35 minutes Clark played a neat through ball to Binnie who had strayed offside. The home side played the ball forward quickly with Adamson hitting a great shot producing an equally great save from Blair.
Broxburn were nearly level in 37 minutes after a great individual effort by Gray his curling shot from 25 yards looked netbound until Hall saved by diving to his left to concede a corner. From the corner Clark squeezed an effort in at the back post which was scrambled clear from the line.
This was definitely Broxburn’s best spell and Binnie was played neatly through by Newall but his shot was well wide and high.
In 45 minutes Gray was booked.
HALF TIME: Hill Of Beath Hawthorn 1 – 0 Broxburn Athletic
Sinclair was introduced for Gray at half time.
Clark got in a decent cross in 47 minutes but its just out of Binnie’s reach.
Allum then has a ball to chase but Blair is alert and claims at the edge of his box.
A neat home passing move between Adamson and Connelly sees the latter shoot well off target.
In 50 minutes Sayers is the Brox hero making a great saving tackle with Connelly looking to get in on goal.
Broxburn made good ground down the right with Newall playing in a cross which broke to Clark but his shot was too high.
In 52 minutes from a Kellichan free kick the ball was flicked into the net but from an offside position.
The Brox pulled level in 56 minutes Binnie chasing hard to win a long ball, he played to McConnell who passed to the right wing to Newall who put over a great cross which CLARK won with a diving header into the net.
In 62 minutes a corner from Luke is right on the money Watt wins the header but it cracks off the bar and cleared to safety.
From a long ball forward Newall misjudges although injured at that point Connelly has a great opportunity but fires wide to the right.
Allum makes a good run down the right and finds an equally good cross which Douglas defends brilliantly and collected by Blair.
In an end to end game Binnie appears to be completely wiped out by Hall in the penalty box but the referee and his assistant are motionless which seemed bizarre given what was awarded in the 1st half.
Newall went off injured in 68 minutes, Henderson coming on. McConnell moving back into defence.
The Brox work a nice break out in 71 minutes between Henderson and Brass with the forward sending Binnie away but he has strayed offside.
In 72 minutes Payne comes on for Connelly.
Another home corner has the Brox defence struggling Luke again with a great delivery Watt wins again and same result as before he hits the bar.
In 78 minutes Forbes replaced Watt.
Another corner from Luke has Douglas scrambling the ball away from the line.
In 81 minutes Henderson was booked.
In 88 minutes Turnbull came on for Clark.
To complete Broxburn’s afternoon McConnell was given a straight red card for a last man challenge on Payne in 89 minutes.
From the free kick Luke curls a good effort on target which is matched by Blair’s save.
In injury time incredibly from another Hill Of Beath corner Broxburn break out quickly Sinclair finding Binnie on the left he advances to the penalty box but strikes with his left foot which Hall saves easily.
FULL TIME: Hill Of Beath Hawthorn 1 – 1 Broxburn Athletic

Referee Mr Robert Bowie     Assistants Mr S.Ross, Mr J. Feechan

Attendance 151

East Of Scotland Premier League: Broxburn Athletic v Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts – 28 September 2022

Broxburn welcomed Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts for a game under the floodlights at the Albyn.

There were 4 changes in the Brox line up from the disappointing loss at Linlithgow last Saturday Douglas, Harrison, Gillen and Gray replacing Clark, Henderson, D.Nimmo and Newall.

Inverkeithing came into the game on the back of 4 straight losses the last one being a reverse in a Fife derby with Dundonald Bluebell by 2-1.

In 3 minutes Liddell was brought down for the visitors 30 yards from goal but the free kick was wasted going straight out.

The Brox responded in 5 minutes Orru being pulled down on the left. Gray took the free kick in line with the penalty box but his effort drifted just wide to the right.

Broxburn continued to move forward with purpose Orru playing a nice pass to Jeffries who laid the ball off for McConnell to run on to but his effort went high over the bar.

In 8 minutes the first real chance of the game fell to the Swifts when Spence was played through but he delayed his shot long enough for Sayers to make a brilliant saving tackle.

Broxburn forced a free kick and corners in a good spell of pressure with good deliveries from Gray and Jeffries but the visitors defended these diligently.

In 13 minutes Douglas slipped the ball to Gray on the right who curled a great shot towards goal which Mitchell in the Swifts goal palmed away.

In a very open game the visitors Trialist, Liddell and Simpson created a great chance which the latter just shot wide.

Broxburn were having a difficult spell, in an attempt to move forward quickly they took a short free kick deep in their own half which Murray was alive to and got into shooting position but his effort was just wide and no more.

The warnings weren’t heeded with the Swifts Liddell feeding a great through ball to MURRAY who slid the ball past Blair and into the bottom right hand corner to put the visitors ahead. Time 18 minutes.

In 26 minutes after good work by Gray he appeared to be pulled back as he shoots with the shot running easily through to Mitchell.

A minute later and the hosts had their equaliser with a great passing move McConnell played a great ball into the box to GILLEN who tucked his shot past Mitchell into the keepers bottom right corner of the net.

Sayers then had a go for Broxburn from 35 yards out with his effort going past the right hand post.

In the 33^rd minute another excellent Broxburn move sees them ahead Orru doing well down the left the ball finding GRAY who cut inside his man before shooting high into the net from 12 yards.

In 38 minutes the Brox had another presentable opportunity Gray and Orru working a nice move down the left which was stopped by a handball. Brass took the free kick but it was well off target high over the bar.

From a Donaldson error Spence went chasing down the left, Donaldson doing well to recover to concede a corner. From the kick the Trialist headed over the bar.

The Brox capped a great half by increasing their lead in 44 minutes a Douglas shot parried by Mitchell with MCCONNELL following in to shoot home.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 3 – 1 Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts

The Swifts came out positively in the 2^nd half Trialist flicking the ball on to Spence who was brilliantly tackled by Sayers to prevent a goal scoring chance.

In 51 minutes with claims for offside Spence chased a long ball to the bye line and put over a great cross which SIMPSON applied a finishing to, to pull a goal back.

Three minutes later Jeffries played in a great ball which Douglas won in the air but he could only pick out keeper Mitchell who saved.

Brough went off to be replaced by Kelly for the Swifts. Time 58 minutes.

In 63 minutes a pass back from Harrison to Blair sees him delay a fraction in clearing which Spence blocked taking a deflection off Blair for a corner. From the resulting corner Scullion headed back across goal from the back post the TRIALIST does brilliantly to control and turn and fire low into the net to equalise.

In the following minute Henderson replaced Jeffries. Six minutes later Binnie replaced Gray.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and a neat move saw Liddell play the ball in to Kelly who turned Donaldson, with his shot well saved by Blair.

Sayers was booked in 74 minutes.

The Brox had their best move of the 2^nd half Gillen forcing a corner, Henderson taking the kick to the back post, Donaldson wins the header but the player on the goal line cleared.

The Swifts broke out and Spence hit a fine shot which brings out a good save from Blair at his near post.

In 79 minutes the clearest chance for the Brox in the 2^nd half Henderson is sent clear but Mitchell is very alert off his line and does brilliantly to block Henderson’s shot.

In 85 minutes from a Henderson free kick Harrison wins a header but he can’t direct on to the target.

Brass sends Henderson scampering down the right wing he put over a great cross which Mitchell has to dive to intercept.

In the last minute Kelly hits a fantastic curling shot which hits the inside of the post and comes out to Spence who volleyed home smartly, only to see the flag up for offside.

Three other bookings in the game McConnell for Broxburn and Liddell and Scullion for Inverkeithing.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 3 – 3 Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts

REFEREE MR. C. WHYTE    ASSISTANTS MR C. ASHLEY, MR K. CHARLES

ATTENDANCE 151

East Of Scotland Premier League: Broxburn Athletic v Sauchie Juniors – 3 September 2022

(Photo’s courtesy of Andrew MacPherson )

Douglas congratulated after the first goal        Douglas denied by Clark after great ball from Nimmo

Not to be denied Broxburn’s 4th and Douglas’s 2nd to seal the points earning MOM award

Broxburn welcomed Sauchie Juniors to the Albyn getting back to league business following last Saturday’s Scottish Cup success.

There were 3 changes in the home side line up Douglas, Clark and Churchill replacing Brass, Greenhill and Henderson.

For the visitors, who also triumphed in last weeks Scottish Cup ties by 4-2 over St Andrews, there were also 3 changes Balmer, McCaughie and Chris Kelly for Carroll, Docherty and Morgan.

It was the visitors who created the early chances with Connor Kelly turning in the box before crossing across the six yard box where Daniel Smith floated a header on to the top of the bar and over . Samuel Collumbine tried a shot from the edge of the box that went just wide left of the target.

In 7 minutes, Churchill advanced well from midfield beating a couple of defenders before cracking a shot wide to the right.

Sauchie responded in 9 minutes Columbine sending a volley high over the bar from the right.

Broxburn were knocking the ball about well on the left Orru, Binnie and Jeffries manufacturing a chance which required a timely interception with Jeffries in shooting range.

A similar move down the right bears more fruit, R. Nimmo sliding a great pass to set Newall away on the right he cut inside Peacock playing the ball to Churchill whose quick pass went to DOUGLAS who fired the ball under Clark and into the net.

In 17 minutes its not far off being 2-0, R.Nimmo and Newall again combining well to set up Jeffries with his shot just curling wide of the left hand post.

Sauchie served notice that they were a danger forcing a corner which Smith took with Cavanagh getting a free header which crashed off the bar.

In 25 minutes R.Nimmo played a fine ball to the left to pick out Orru who moved forward into the penalty box where he is challenged by Willaghan who mis-times his challenge leading to the referee pointing to the spot.

JEFFRIES dispatched the penalty kick low into the right hand corner of the net just out of the reach of Clark. Time 26 minutes.

The visitors carved out a great opportunity in 29 minutes Smith sliding a ball through to Cavanagh which keeper Blair is alert to and makes a great save from his shot.

On the half hour another free flowing move from Broxburn, R.Nimmo playing a great ball across to Douglas who catches on the half volley and hits keeper Clark somewhat fortuanately on the goal line.

Broxburn carved through the visitors defence in 32 minutes R.Nimmo, Churchill and Douglas combine with the latter’s final pass just out of reach of Binnie.

Sauchie had a free kick 30 yards out after a foul on ex Brox striker C. Kelly, Smith took the kick but its blazed wildly over.

In 40 minutes the Brox’s slick passing continued to cause problems R.Nimmo, Newall and Churchill whose ball just fails to play Nimmo in on goal.

Clark was booked for Broxburn.

In 42 minutes Connor Kelly played a neat pass to Chris Kelly with the Brox defence standing off him he had a clear shot which Blair dealt with comfortably.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 2 – 0 Sauchie Juniors

Henderson replaced Churchill at half time.

In 48 minutes Henderson is brought down by Balmer who is booked. Henderson takes the free kick but its just too high and clears the bar.

Against the run of play the visitors get back in the game, Smith playing a great ball over to the back post where DAVIDSON got the better of D.Nimmo and heads past Blair to pull a goal back. D.Nimmo was booked.

Sauchie had their tails up now MCCaughie hitting a fine shot from 25 yards which just drifted wide of the post.

This warning was not heeded and in 56 minutes the scores are tied Connor Kelly laying the ball off to McCAUGHIE whose shot is struck low and hard into the bottom left corner.

Just past the hour R.Nimmo and Jeffries are replaced by B.Donaldson and Greenhill.

The visitors continued their best spell of the game forcing 2 corners in quick succession which Blair punched clear.

In 65 minutes Binnie does brilliantly to flick the ball through to HENDERSON on the left who drills the ball hard and low which Clark can’t get enough on to stop going into his net.

A minute later Orru makes great ground down the left and gets to the edge of the penalty area before shooting but Clark gathers his effort.

In 71 minutes Columbine and Chis Kelly are replaced by Hutchison and Connor.

In 75 minutes Connor Kelly was booked.

There is then a sending off for Willaghan for a late challenge on Binnie.

Its Broxburn’s turn to force 2 corners in succession after great work from Orru, Henderson and Binnie but nothing comes of them.

Sauchie made further changes in 84 minutes Ross Balmer and David McCaughie off for Jack Fisher and Jon Tully. This was followed by Gillen for Binnie for Broxburn in the following minute.

In 87 minutes Broxburn make the game safe Orru again providing a great cross picking out Newall at the back post whose shot is blocked off to DOUGLAS who does brilliantly to divert the ball into the net.

There’s a further Sauchie booking in injury time Tully for appearing to catch D.Nimmo in the face.

G.Donaldson was also booked for Broxburn in the game.

A resolute performance from Broxburn having stormed into a 2 goal lead and losing that advantage they showed great resilience to battle back to get an all important 3 points. Back to cup action next week and a trip to Whitburn.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 4 – 2 Sauchie Juniors

REFEREE MR M. HARRIS

ATTENDANCE 220

East Of Scotland Premier League: Broxburn Athletic v Blackburn United – 6 August 2022

Derby day at the Albyn with Blackburn United as the visitors.

Broxburn made 1 change from Tuesday’s game against Musselburgh, Donaldson replacing a trialist.

Blackburn arrived having drawn last week at home to Linlithgow being pegged back in the 92^nd minute and fallen to a 3-2 to Inverkeithing in midweek.

Three minutes into the match great play down the left sent Craig Henderson away but his effort was matched by the Blackburn full back who got back to cut his cross out for a corner .

In 9 minutes Douglas made a nice run down the left but his cross was behind his fellow forwards.

The game was very scrappy with the strong breeze making it difficult for the teams to settle.

Blackburn made decent progress down the right but Heath’s cross wasn’t a good one going straight out.

Neat play from Henderson his pass finding Downie who turned to play a pass to the left where Orru had made a good run but the wind carried the ball just out of reach.

Broxburn did get their first shot on target in 19 minutes Orru played the ball to Jeffries 25 yards out but he doesn’t get enough power on his shot which goes straight through to Saunders in the visitors goal.

The home team were growing into the game in a sweeping move from left to right Downie fed the ball to Henderson but his shot was blocked.

In 25 minutes Sayers gets to the bye line his cross is cleared only as far as Greenhill who plays the ball into Downie’s feet in the penalty box but the strikers shot is blocked.

Two minutes later, Henderson played the ball into Jeffries from just outside the box but his curling shot is off target.

In 31 minutes Gillen is booked for a foul on Heath.

The first real chance of the game fell to Broxburn in 32 minutes Jeffries sliding a pass to Downie on the right, the striker can’t get his shot on target crashing the ball into the side netting.

The pressure begins to increase on the visitors Downie breaks down the left McLung does well to force him wide, his cross finds Douglas but the ball sits up and the striker fires well over.

In 38 minutes, Jeffries in centre field unintentionally handles the ball from a bounce of the ball, he plays the ball wide right to Gillen who slips the ball to HENDERSON who drills the ball into the net past Saunders from 20 yards.

The Brox have another great position in 41 minutes Jeffries has room in midfield and has a great chance to feed Henderson but he tries to be over elaborate with his pass and the chance looks to be gone till Blackburn fluff trying to clear the ball Henderson getting the ball but shooting over.

A hesitation by Donaldson in defence allows Hutton a sight of goal but he shoots over from the edge of the box.

Greenhill gets a shot on target in first half injury time but its straight at Saunders.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 0 Blackburn United

In 50 minutes Douglas is sent away by Orru with a great pass, the striker shows great strength and gets in a shot which Saunders has to save. From the corner Henderson’s corner eludes all bar D. Nimmo whose shot spirals over the bar.

In 55 minutes Thomas replaced Richards for Blackburn.

Sayers was booked.

In 59 minutes Sinclair replaces Greenhill.

In 64 minutes total calamity in the home defence, Donoghue plays a very short goal kick to D. Nimmo in the 6 yard box, Devine is alert and closes the centre half down and challenges as Nimmo tries to clear but it cannons off the striker and against the bar. The ball breaks back to DEVINE whose shot looks as though Donoghue will save to redeem the situation but it squirms from his grasp and over the line to give the visitors an unlikely leveller with their first shot on target.

Binnie replaced Downie in 68 minutes.

The sub nearly makes a quick impact forcing in a shot from the right which Saunders beats away for a corner. The Blackburn defence clear the corner.

In 75 minutes Heath was replaced by Meikle.

Henderson and Jeffries were once again prominent for Broxburn the winger beating Mildren but his cross was disappointing and collected by Saunders.

In 80 minutes Jeffries is booked for dissent. R. Nimmo then replaces Jeffries, Howe replaces Kane for the visitors and Gould for Hutton.

In 84 minutes the Brox should be back in front Binnie does great down the left and cuts the ball back to R.Nimmo who doesn’t catch his left foot shot correctly making it easier for Saunders to save.

In 87 minutes from a very poor Henderson pass Gillen is forced into a challenge gets it wrong earning a second yellow card followed by red.

Blackburn then had a great chance to win the game Meikle spun away from his marker but shot wide left of goal.

In injury time R.Nimmo played a great ball through to Douglas but Wilson saved the day for Blackburn with a great tackle.

Blackburn then spurned another opportunity from a 4 on 2 break they play it very poorly Meikle having a shot blocked and cleared to safety.

A poor game in truth which will hopefully be improved on at the end of the month in the preliminary round Scottish Cup tie. Broxburn face Kirkcaldy & Dysart in the East of Scotland Cup on Tuesday at the Albyn.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 1 Blackburn United

REFEREE MR A. SHEPHERD     ASSISTANT  MR k. BOYD   , MR R. SWINDELLS

Attendance 185

East Of Scotland Premier League: Broxburn Athletic v Musselburgh Athletic – 2 August 2022

Broxburn’s first home game of the new league season, after a solid start to the new campaign down at Vale of Leithen on Saturday, saw Musselburgh travel over from East Lothian to the Albyn.

Broxburn made 4 changes from Saturday’s starting line up, Donoghue replacing the trialist in goal, a trialist No 4, Greenhill and Douglas in for Donaldson, Churchill and Brass.

Musselburgh also made 4 changes from the side who lost 4-2 at home to Crossgates, Laing, Smith, Jones and Murrell replacing McRae, Knox, Barker and Jordan Smith.

The visitors made a lively start in 3 minutes, they could have gone ahead when L. Smith made good ground down the left and cut the ball back to Jones who fired a shot across the goal and just wide.

The Brox responded in 6 minutes Orru, Downie and Henderson combining well but the wee wingers cross was behind those in red.

Musselburgh’s bright start continued Morrell being given too much time to come forward sliding a great ball through to Cairns who scuffed his shot completely.

In 15 minutes Jeffries played a neat pass to Greenhill who lashed a 30 yarder towards goal but it tailed off just to the right of Laing’s right post.

From a Broxburn attack in the following minute where Downie’s shot was blocked, Musselburgh went down the other end, O’Kane played the ball wide left to Jones whose cross found the head of MURRELL who headed the ball into the net to give Musselburgh the lead. Time 17 minutes.

A real let off for the home side in the following minute L.Smith again playing a ball in from the left, Murrell showing great close control with his shot hitting the right hand post.

Broxburn’s best move of the game so far came in 23 minutes Gillen swinging in a great ball which Douglas got his head to strongly, Laing pulling off a great save in the visitors goal to prevent a leveller.

Laing was at it again in 25 minutes denying the Brox an equaliser Greenhill sending in a fine ball down the left to Douglas his cross deflecting to Gillen whose shot from 10 yards was kept out brilliantly.

Musselburgh’s quick breaks were dangerous down the left Jones beating Sayers and his cross was just out of reach of Thomson.

Sayers was booked on the half hour.

Broxburn were knocking the ball about well with no end product until the trialist No 4 played in a great ball which Douglas met full on with his head but his effort just cleared the bar.

In 39 minutes an enterprising run from Sayers saw him beat Black and create a chance he seemed caught in 2 minds whether to shoot or cross and his effort goes wide to the left.

In 42 minutes after Downie is brought down 25 yards out, Henderson takes the free kick and his effort is punched over by Laing.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 0 – 1 Musselburgh Athletic

In 46 minutes Jones gathered the ball in midfield and strides forward but his shot is tame and is wide left of target.

Orru played a nice ball out to Henderson on the right but he crosses poorly and straight to Laing.

In 51 minutes Broxburn’s trialist No 4 was booked.

A minute later a deep Sayers cross has Laing scrambling to tip away with Downie on the premises if any error was made.

In 55 minutes with the Brox having their best spell they find an equaliser Gillen played a great ball wide to Henderson whose cross at first seems poor Douglas forces an error which DOWNIE capitlises on and fires the ball into the net.

Broxburn continued to come forward Henderson moving the ball from right to left and sending Gillen running down the left , the cross is a good one and well defended by Black.

In 59 minutes the visitors almost catch Broxburn sleeping Jones’s shot deflecting just over the bar off the Trialist No 4.

In 64 minutes sheer persistence from Broxburn pays off Greenhill playing a great ball to Henderson on the right, this time the wingers cross is on the money with DOUGLAS slamming the ball into the net.

In a real end to end game now Musselburgh were almost level in 68 minutes Cairns pass eluding D. Nimmo, Murrell created a shooting opportunity which he puts just over.

In 71 minutes Jeffries and Downie were replaced by Brass and Churchill.

Churchill got a shot off in 73 minutes having received a pass from Brass but his shot was too high.

In 74 minutes the game is tied once again O’Kane playing a defence splitting pass to Stevenson who prodded the ball past Donoghue with CAIRNS having the simple task of applying the final touch.

In 75 minutes J. Smith replaced Murrell.

A brilliant ball from Brass played Henderson away down the right who slips a great pass to Douglas who from the angle he takes on the shot which Laing saved at his near post.

In 80 minutes R.Nimmo replaced Henderson.

In 88 minutes J.Smith comes within a whisker of sealing an away win but his shot hits the left post.

Broxburn got themselves into decent positions to set up winning chances but R.Nimmo couldn’t provide a telling cross or finish.

Brass was booked for Broxburn in the last minute.

Both sides served up an entertaining game with honours even probably just about right. Derby day on Saturday when Blackburn visit the Albyn.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 2 – 2 Musselburgh Athletic

REFEREE MR A.GRIEVE     ASSISTANTS MR D. ROBERTSON , MR S. MAINDS