Brian Martin caps 100th appearance for Musselburgh Athletic with winner over Dunbar Utd

Captain Brian Martin netted the winner on his 100th appearance for Musselburgh Athletic

Musselburgh Athletic leapfrogged rivals Dunbar United in the East of Scotland Premier Division table after a battling 2-1 derby victory.

Burgh boss Kevin McDonald felt they fully deserved all three points in a match which wasn’t pleasing on the eye, with a strong wind making it difficult for both teams.

“It’s a huge result for us. With them beating us earlier on in the season and being a local derby, it was a massive game,” said McDonald.

“It’s a huge three points and the boys were made aware of that before the game. These next ten games are really important for us.

“I think we deserved the points. Just after half-time when we had gone 2-1 up, we had clear cut chances to go three and four up, but we didn’t quite put them away. It wasn’t a crowd-pleaser. I wouldn’t pay to watch that again.”

Home striker Mathu King netted the opener midway through the first half when he took control of winger Nathan Evans’ cross before blasting past goalkeeper Daniel Laing.

The equaliser came just before half-time through Dunbar captain Steven Tait, but the Seasiders weren’t level for long as Musselburgh skipper Brian Martin, on his 100th appearance for the club, headed in to put the hosts back in front.

Dunbar had the opportunity to level from the penalty spot, but after Dean Ballantyne saw his attempt come back off the post, Tait rattled the crossbar with the rebound.

McDonald believes his side can continue to make their way up the table should they cut out defensive slackness.

He added: “Our form has been quite good over the month of December. I definitely think our form has turned around, we now just need to try and keep our momentum going. I think the position we are in is a bit false in terms of performances – we just need to stop being sloppy and conceding so many goals.”

Wins for Tranent and Rose but Nitten fall to home defeat

Elsewhere, Tranent edged past Camelon 2-1 thanks to goals from Callum Donaldson and Sean Murphy, while Linlithgow Rose were 4-1 winners at home to Blackburn United with Roddy MacLennan returning from an injury lay-off to net the final goal. Newtongrange Star were beaten 1-0 at home by Jeanfield Swifts.