Honest Toun amateurs are edged out by Fife outfit

United came away narrow victors by 3-2 despite a valiant display by a strong Honest Toun side.

Visiting coach David Calder admitted his team faced a stiff challenge from the Lothians outfit, saying, "Musselburgh are a good side, so I'm delighted with the result. You're away in the Scottish Cup and into the unknown. With a few players missing we would have been happy with a draw."

Musselburgh last year gained silverware in their Challenge Cup triumph, but couldn't replicate a similar cup run in this season's national tourney.

Early on, Strathmiglo dominated and, after close attempts, they scored the opener on 22 minutes. Stuart Nicoll showed good control from a throw in and his ball across the six-yard box was met by Kevin Mcreadie, who headed past Ross Taylor in the Musselburgh goal.

Only minutes later, Strathmiglo had doubled their lead. Aaron Anderson held the ball up well and found Mcreadie on the run. He couldn't finish first time, but a lucky bounce supplied him with a second bite of the cherry and he finished off clinically. Strathmiglo were taking advantage of a slow starting Musselburgh side in dramatic style.

After the goal the game began to level out, but it was Strathmiglo who continued to look more dangerous and Mcreadie could have had his hat-trick on half an hour if not for the bravery of Taylor. Mcreadie then almost turned provider a minute later when his cross from the left found Nicoll, whose diving header was wide of the left post.

Strathmiglo were made to rue missed opportunities as Musselburgh clawed a goal back on 35 minutes. It looked as if Steven Milne had lost his chance as he was blocked by a Strathmiglo defender. Yet the block only found Milne looming and he coolly finished off second time round.

Five minutes later and Musselburgh had equalised. In similar fashion to their opener Scott Barclay's first shot was blocked, but he claimed the ball back and found himself one on one with the goalkeeper. It was a nice finish and an equaliser Musselburgh had deserved since going two down.

The second half was a very even affair with chances few and far between, meaning the winning team was going to have to be clinical. It looked as if Mcreadie was going to prove the difference between the sides and on 50 minutes he acrobatically bicycle kicked the ball goal wards, only for Taylor to tip it over the bar.

Musselburgh came close themselves when Jamie Kay cut in at pace from the left hand side. His shot was fierce and Michael Sampson did well to get a strong glove behind it. It looked to be clear when the defender picked up the loose ball, yet his clearance was poor and Kay found himself with the ball and the keeper still on the ground. His second shot, though, was fairly tame and was humped off the line comfortably by the last man.

Strathmiglo eventually got the final, killer goal from a set piece. The free kick was launched deep from the left side and Steven Patrick managed to head the ball back into the box. His header was matched only by Craig Hall who put his effort on target and found the net despite a deflection.

With 15 minutes left, Musselburgh could not find a second equaliser, but this was not through want of trying. Arguably there was a handball inside the Strathmiglo box three minutes from time, but with the referee's disinterest came elimination for the Lothians side.

Musselburgh Amateur: Ross Taylor, David Glynn, Andrew Macdonald, Steven Milne, James Berry, Allan Bain, Mark Finlayson, Scott Barclay, Craig Darcy, Paul Marshall, Jamie Kay, Stuart Cosgrove, David Gare, Daryl Pitt, David McCleod, James Waugh.

Strathmiglo United: Michael Sampson, Steven Patrick, Barry Smith, Barry Ritchie, Craig Mcintosh, Stuart Nicoll, Aaron Anderson, Craig Hall, Kevin Mcreadie, Derek Page, Martin Dickson, David Blackwood, David Calder.