Kings help see Athletic to semi-final

The first East Lothian side to get this far since Ormiston Primrose in 1989, Athletic produce a hugely-impressive performance that if repeated could see them go all the way to the final at the end of May.

Manager David McGlynn is remaining cautious, though, saying today: "There's still a long way to go but I was delighted with the way we fought hard to get the result. We have goal scorers in the side and always felt we would score. But the defence was superb. They soaked up any pressure that came their way. I only felt comfortable though in the last twenty minutes."

Musselburgh started the game well and stepped up the pace from the kick-off, putting the Kilbirnie defence under pressure immediately. They used the long ball over the defence to great effect and both Chris Renton and Chris King had chances in the opening 15 minutes. Renton, however, had to go off injured making way for King's usual partner Mattu King.

The hosts took the lead just before the interval with a stunning free-kick. Paul Tansey's shot was blocked by a stray hand allowing Chris King a chance to burst the net. His free-kick from 20 yards looped over the keeper and in off the underside of the bar; a superb effort and one worthy of winning any game itself.

Into the second half and again it was Musselburgh forcing the pace. With an hour on the clock, they struck again with another superb goal.

Chris King played a high ball into the box for Mattu King. He controlled it on his chest before turning his marker and volleying the ball home all in one movement. It was a great strike and one which brought the huge crowd to life.

North Ayrshire side Kilbirnie tried hard to get a toe hold on the game but any time they found space the chance was wasted.

In the end it was a great win for Musselburgh with Mattu King delighted with his goal.

"We were different class," he beamed. "Everyone played their part and we're just delighted to be in the semi final. We were solid at the back and that gave us the confidence to have a go up front. I'm really pleased to have scored but we deserved the win."

Musselburgh Athletic: K Renton, Gordon, Noble, Gibson, Kerr, Morgan, Beveridge, Shand, C Renton, C King, Tansey. Subs: M King, Porteous, Draper, Ramage, Russell, Adams.

Kilbirnie Ladeside: McCann, McKeever, McMahon, Colquhon, Bell, McGregor, Elliss, McGuiness, Kenney, Marks, Frew. Subs: McGuire, Collins, Jordan, Boyd, Montgomery, McRoberts.

Musselburgh Athletic 2

Kilbirnie Ladeside 0