Match Report
Tranent entertained third placed Broxburn Athletic in this South League fixture. Foresters Park survived the frosty weather conditions and was perfectly playable. The breaking news was that Tranent completed a deal with Haddington for the transfer of striker Joe Murray, otherwise the Tranent team was on usual lines.
Tranent had a dream start with the opening goal timed at 4 minutes. Paul Parkin's free kick troubled the exceptionally tall Broxburn keeper Gary Maley. He wasn't too convincing fingering away the high ball to concede a corner. James McPartlin took the set-piece and played the ball to the near post. The alert Steven Tait promptly fired a low shot into the net. Paul Harvey won a second corner on the left. This time McPartlin went long with the kick and Keith Salton up in attack was baulked as he tried to generate more power on the header.
Broxburn settled and proceeded to put the Tranent defence under severe pressure, particularly down the right. Craig Young
was prominent with a series of corners which fully tested keeper Sinclair Inglis in goal, Alan Horne and Salton in central defence. Broxburn were playing the more impressive football but Tranent were dangerous on the break. Mel Graham ghosted into an unmarked position and his header from Parkin's cross went just outside the post.
Paul Harvey and Tait combined well along the left goal line. Maley made a good save at the feet of Tait. Harvey then had a shot which struck the side net. McPartlin cutting in from the right struck a powerful shot which Maley parried for a Tranent corner.
Maley again rescued Broxburn with another save when Graham went one-on-one with the imposing keeper. Tranent got no benefit from the corner conceded. Alan Dickov received a booking for a pull on Gary Small's jersey.
With the first half near ending Inglis denied Barry Craig when he touched wide a strong shot to prevent Broxburn equalising.
Tranent stretched their lead on 50 minutes. McPartlin created the opening with a superb pass to Graham unmarked, positioned in the inside right channel. Mel picked his spot with a tremendous shot across Maley. Tranent, now with a two goal cushion continued to look uncomfortable under pressure.
Broxburn bought on Christopher Geddes for defender Michael Gibson. Tranent resisted the challenge to introduce a substitute at this point. On 66 minutes Broxburn were back in the game. John Jeffrey got a free header which rebounded from the goal frame and Jeffrey again without challenge had the simple task of tapping home. Danny Munro came off the Tranent bench to replace Small on 70 minutes. Shortly after Dean Woods was introduced for Kenny Munro and McPartlin took up the right back position. Danny Munro was then booked for an imprudent challenge on the half-way line. Alan Dickov made way for John Wilson and Martin Cameron came on for the unusually quiet Paul Harvey.
On 81 minutes Tranent escaped when a Geddes shot zipped past the post. Then Craig in excellent position headed over a cross from the left.
Manager Brian Johnston's comment at the end of a very good game for spectators was: "We were a bit fortunate to get the win. We got the breaks especially under pressure and rode our luck. Broxburn's goal was a bad one to lose."
Teams: Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro. Parkin. Horne. Salton. Tait. McPartlin. Small. Harvey. Anderson. Graham. Subs. Brett. D.Munro. Woods. Lally. Lawrie. Cameron. Draper.
Broxburn. Maley. Bishop. Gibson. Cairns. Ritchie. Dickov. Martin. Millar. Craig. Jeffrey. Young. Subs. Geddes. Pearson. Wilson. Martindale. Shanks. Armit. Bruce.Gk.
Referee: Mr William McKenzie.
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V BLACKBURN UTD
Tranent entertained Blackburn United in the 2nd round of the Fife and Lothians Cup, both teams having received a bye in the first.
Foresters Park was in splendid condition after the three week lay-off. A hard cup-tie was in prospect considering Blackburn were in second place to Tranent in the South League.
The Tranent team was on familiar lines, the exception was Martin Cameron absent at centre forward. Otherwise a four-four-two set up prevailed with Paul Harvey and Mel Graham the strike threat.
Play was fairly even for the opening fifteen minutes and then Tranent drew first blood. Kenny Munro directed a long cross from right-midfield to Paul Harvey lurking in the area of the back post. Paul had plenty to do as he was marked by a couple of defenders but he evaded their attention and swept a delightful shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net.
Mid-way through the half keeper Sinclair Inglis dived low to gather Grant Plenderleith's strong shot which prevented a Blackburn equaliser. Tranent fans were surprised when Munro left the field and was replaced by Dean Brett. Apparently Kenny's bid to throw-off illness during the week was unsuccessful.
Tranent were rewarded with a second goal cushion which Blackburn brought upon themselves on 26 minutes. Richard Miller received a yellow card for an unsavoury challenge on James McPartlin in mid-field. Paul Parkin struck a fierce free kick on target. The enigmatic Harvey caused confusion with a dummy run across the keeper neither he nor Hunter got a touch and the ball nestled in the net.
Blackburn went close to a goal when Inglis came off his line for a high ball but was beaten in the challenge. Patrick Donnelly's header just drifted wide of the upright. Near to half time captain Craig Spence left the field injured, replaced by Fraser Gillespie. So both teams had to opt for new leaders after the interval.
Within 30 seconds of the restart Plenderleith and Alan Keir squandered good chances for the visitors. Joe Murray was introduced for the tiring Gary Small. Harvey almost pulled another Tranent goal out of the bag. A quick turn and shot from Parkin's low cross just rose over the bar. On 53 minutes Blackburn were back in the game. Alan Fleming was the play maker with a pass inside to Plenderleith. He managed to shrug off the attentions of Tranent's central defence. From almost the goal line his shot entered the net via the back post.
Hunter made an excellent save when a downward header by Harvey from McPartlin's long corner almost produced a third goal.
Steven Tait and McPartlin set up another good opportunity for Mel Graham cutting in from the left. His shot across Hunter was just outside the goal frame.
As the game entered its final phase Harvey and Brown were booked for argy-bargy. With three minutes remaining David Sneddon was also booked.
At the end of the game Manager Brian Johnston was happy to progress to the third round. He said "We had a good 1st half, were very positive and dominated play. Second half we sat back and let them into it. Some of the team's decision making was suspect. We have a big squad of players with differing qualities which gives us a variety of options in setting up team selection."
Tranent: Inglis. Munro. Parkin. Horne. Salton. McPartlin. Anderson. Small. Harvey. Graham. Tait. subs. Murray. Woods. Lawrie. Brett. Draper.
Blackburn: Hunter. Miller. Sneddon. Spence. Crookes.Fleming. McQuillan. Brown. P.Donnelly. Plenderleith. Keir. subs. R.Donnelly. Gillespie. Stewart. Campbell.
Referee: Mr Michael Taylor.
TRANENT JUNIORS V SAUCHIE JUNIORS
Tranents Butka South League game against Sauchie as planned at Foresters park. The pitch unplayed for six weeks was in remarkably good condition considering the severe weather. Hopes were high that the juniors could revenge the 2-0 defeat which they suffered at earlier in the season. There was little change in the Sauchie team personnel which won with a goal in each half. However Tranents starting line up looked stronger with the addition of Paul Parkin in defence and Martin Cameron at centre. Neither did Jules Anderson feature in the defeat. Tranent were in no doubt that if top spot was to be retained in the league then a win was essential. In the early stages of the game Tranent were definitely on the back foot. Sinclair Inglis was\by far the busier keeper. Steven Vinterr forced a couple of good saves from Inglis. Tranent were playing a 4-3-3 formation and Cameron, Harvey and Graham were suffering from the lack of service as Sauchie were set up more defensively. They were flooding the mid-field and cutting off supply.
A free kick from Paul Parkin on 21 minutes produced a good chance. Paul Harvey dinked his header over the bar from close range. Sauchie's Graeme King went very close to the opening goalwhen Tranent failed to clear a corner effectively. His shot from close range struck the side net. On 34 minutes Mel Graham cutting in from the left almost broke the deadlock. Keeper Gillespie dived low toforce the strong left foot shot the post. This was Tranent's best chance of the first half. near to half-time Kenny Munro put his body on the line he made a terrific block on a fierce close range shot from Fraser Arnot to prevent a Sauchie goal.
After the interval Tranent started with greater momentum and desire. Martin Cameron in good position headed wide from a corner. Steven Tait was booked for clattering Steven Vinter. James McPartin was on target with a shot well saved by Gillespie. Two bookings followed for Sauchie players Vinter for retaliation and King for dissent.
On 63 minutes Inglis excelled with a super save from a shot on the turn from Baird. Then on 67 minutes the unpredictable Paul Harvey put Tranent ahead. The ball was launched forward from defence, Mel Graham flicked on and Harvey slotted a left foot shot inside the near post. A couple of minutes later Martin Cameron made way for Danny Munro to add strength to the mid field. Seconds later he received a booking for displaying too much brawn in a wild tackle.
With ten minutes remaining Steven Tait completed his hard shift and was relieved by Sean Lally. Sauchie also made a couple of changes in their quest for an equaliser but it was Tranent who countered with the final goal Joe Murray replaced Mel Graham and with 3 minutes to go Sauchie were caught short at the back. Murray took full advantage of his freedom on the right and finished exquisitely with a shot into the far corner of the net.
Asluggish first half could have cost Tranent dearly. Perhaps this was not surprising considering the long lay off. There was no doubting the transformation after the interval and Tranent deserved to take the points.
Final Score
Tranent Jun 2 Sauchie Jun 0
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V STONEYBURN JUNIORS
Foresters Park was in good condition considering the pre-match rain fall and Tranent were aiming to consolidate their lead at the top of the South Division League on the back of the away win against Edinburgh United. The Tranent line-up featured Paul Parkin a new signing from Linlithgow Rose, playing at left-back. Martin Cameron, Trialist Centre, for the past few weeks, ex Bonnyrigg Rose, has now agreed terms and led the line to good effect.
Tranent played vintage football in the first half and Stoneyburn were lucky not to be dead and buried by the interval but goals win football matches and whilst the game remained goalless Stoneyburn where in with a chance.
A downward header from Cameron in the six-yard box almost produced the opener for Tranent on 11 minutes. Kenny Munro's cross created the opening. A couple of minutes later a delightful through ball from Joe Murray to Mel Graham sent him on his way. The touch round Keeper Mark Brown was just too heavy and Mel's finishing shot to the empty net struck the side net from an acute angle. Indecision between Brown and his central defenders produced another chance for Cameron to shoot past the unprotected goal.
Mid-way through the half Danny Munro received a booking for a late tackle committed on the centre line. The slippery surface contributed to the collision. Nevertheless Stoneyburn were forced to make a change on the half hour mark when the injured Lee Macaulay was replaced by John Paul Greig. A crunching tackle by Sean Callaghan on Graham halted another penetrating run. This produced an altercation and both received a yellow card. Paul Parkin's free kick was deflected by the Stoneyburn wall. Cameron was onto the loose ball but was wide with the finishing shot.
On 36 minutes Declan Robertson evaded the tackle of Brian White, he beat Sinclair Inglis with the shot but was fractionally wide. This was probably Stoneyburn's best effort of the half. Near to half time Cameron struck the side net with a powerful long range effort. Graham failed to hit the target when another Kenny Munro cross was controlled by Alan Horne and set-up for Graham.
Jules Anderson was on for White after the interval. He seemed to be suffering from a groin strain coming up to half-time. Horne teamed up with Keith Salton in central defence. Referee Thomson determined to keep control on the dangerous surface was forced to book Parkin for sliding through on Greig. Then on 55 minutes a red card was shown to Sean Callaghan for his second rash tackle of the day. Murray was unlucky to see his superbly struck volley skim the Stoneyburn crossbar. A series of personnel changes then ensued as tactical changes were made to push for victory. Gary Small replaced Danny Munro in Tranent's mid-field. Stoneyburn sacrificed Declan Robertson for Gary Bonnes and Greig for Darrin Fleming. As both sets of players settled down to new roles the feeling was that if Tranent scored first more goals would be added and this is how the game panned out.
With just over the hour played another whizz-banger by Murray flashed by the post. Tranent were gaining innumerable corners on left and right. Cameron headed one of Munro's against the bar with Brown beaten. Jules Anderson with a fine shot forced Brown to parry round the post and Salton headed over Parkin's corner. Tranent's strike force increased with the entry of Paul Harvey for Parkin.
Munro's corner to the near post broke the deadlock on 75 minutes. Cameron, facing his own goal, from close range, back headed the ball inside the post. On 81 minutes Cameron got his second goal. Munro was involved with another corner which was cleared to Jules Anderson on the left. Brown could only parry Anderson's effort and Cameron promptly despatched the loose ball into the net. Three minutes later Stoneyburn were completely stunned with a third quality goal. Paul Harvey passed to Joe Murray who moved the ball on to Mel Graham wide on the right. Graham struck a sensational shot into the far corner of the net to end the scoring.
This hard earned victory keeps Tranent riding high. Manager Brian Johnstone and Coach Tom Shields shuffled the player-pack effectively to get the desired response.
Teams: Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro. Parkin. White. Salton. Horne. D.Munro. Graham. Cameron. Murray. Tait. Subs. Small. Lally. Blackley. Purves. Harvey. Trialist. Anderson.
Stoneyburn. Brown. Macaulay. Nimmo. Hughes. Macmillan. Gilles. P.Callaghan. S.Callaghan. Doonan. Robertson. Matonti. Subs.Greig. Bonnes. Butler. Bryce. Gillon. Fleming.
Referee. Mr Robert Thomson.
JAMES LOGAN
EDINBURGH UTD V TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent regained top-spot in the South Division League, the result of a hard-fought win over Edinburgh United at Paties Road. United were a strong uncompromising side but on a very sodden surface Tranent more than matched their rivals in terms of power, fitness and skill.
Manager Brian Johnstone used his substitutes judiciously. The introduction of Mel Graham on 72 minutes for the tiring Danny Munro created additional threat and more space for Joe Murray and Jules Anderson to lose their markers. Alan Horne's shift ended on 74 minutes as he made way for Gary Small. A couple of minutes later Murray scored the only goal of the game with a splendid shot. He was replaced for the remaining 10 minutes by Robert Berry to ensure there were no slip-ups.
There was little to draw between the teams in the frst half. Brian White and Keith Salton were solid in central defence and when trouble brewed Sinclair Inglis was assured in mopping-up duties. On 17 minutes Alan Horne set up a good chance from the right wing. Jules Anderson's shot was blocked and Danny Munro following up had his effort blocked.
Mid-way through the half, Lee Zavaroni, looking suspiciously offside was allowed to cut in from the right but Inglis read the danger and saved at Zavaroni's feet.
On 28 minutes United failed to intercept a cross from the left and Horne was left with a clear chance to put Tranent ahead. He went for placement rather than power and keeper Burnside made an easy save from the shot. Joe Murray then tested Burnside with a shot which the keeper touched round the post. This was Tranent's best chance of the half.
In the second half Tranent weathered United's early burst. Sinclair Inglis clutched safely a dangerous cross from Alexander Nairn. Then Steven Finlayson lofted over from good position at the far post when Tranent's defence failed to cut out a left wing cross. With just over an hour played Edinburgh's Finlayson was replaced by Jamie Butler. Inglis did well to hold a strong shot from Ross Elliot. At this stage of the game the feeling was that the team to score first would go on and win. As soon as Mel Graham was introduced he was in action. Joe Murray sent him through on the right and Burnside was forced to parry his shot at the near post. Graham got a second bite from the rebound but this time the shot struck the upright. Kenny Munro then provided another good pass for Graham to side-foot the shot narrowly past.
Tranent scored the winner on 76 minutes. Gary Small and Kenny Munro combined well on the right to create the opening for Joe Murray to go through the channel and crack a superb shot past Burnside's left hand.
The jubilant Murray made way for Berry to add backbone in mid-field and United introduced two substitutes in an effort to score a late equaliser. In fact it was Tranent who almost snatched another goal on 87 minutes. Tranent's experienced, Trialist centre forward, set up the chance for Jules Anderson to rattle the United crossbar with a terrific shot.
In stamina sapping conditions this was a good team performance to gather three points away from home.
Teams: Edinburgh United. Burnside. Kelly. Nairn. Potter. Pullen. K.Murray. Finlayson. McDonagh. Zavaroni. Elliot. Thomson. Subs. McDairmid. Butler. Dalgleish. Montgomery. Livey.Gk.
Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro. McPartlin. White. Salton. Horne. D.Munro. Tait. Trialist. J.Murray. Anderson. Subs. Lally. Graham. Berry. Blackley. Purves. Trialist. Small.
Referee: Mr Paul Simmons.
James Logan
DALKEITH THISTLE V TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent's game with Dalkeith Thistle survived the weather and though conditions were difficult both sides served-up an entertaining game. Tranent were under-strength due to the absence of key players.
Dalkeith kicking with the elements in their favour were two up within 17 minutes. A third goal before the interval may have put them out -of-sight.
Tranent's second half fight-back always looked as if they would go on and win the game, especially after Kenny Munro's long range effort rattled the crossbar and rebounded with no takers. This was with 10 minutes remaining. However, in the gloaming, Sinclair Inglis touched over a powerfully struck shot from outside the 18 yard box to deny Dalkeith the winner. So on reflection a draw was about right considering the atrocious conditions.
Good play down the right produced the opening for Thistle to go ahead on 4 minutes. Steven McDonald whipped in a near post cross and Stuart Robertson was free to lash home the shot from close range.
Joe Murray's sure-footedness posed a threat for Dalkeith's defence all afternoon. Ex Tranent keeper Andy Jack parried Murray's strong shot from an acute angle. Tranent were unable to take advantage of the corner. Robert Ure put Dalkeith on a high with a second goal. He ghosted into space and from the inside-right channel and blasted a superb shot into the far corner of the net. Tranent heads didn't go down. Kenny Munro had a good shot from distance and Steven Tait was just past the post with another good effort. Dalkeith's Steven Pudleski had a severe warning for an over-robust tackle on Sean Lally in mid-field. Near to half time Tranent breathed a sigh of relief when a very powerfully struck free kick, from within the "D" was blocked by the Tranent wall.
Three minutes after the interval Tranent were back in the game. Quick thinking James McPartlin caught the Dalkeith defence on the back foot. Tranent were awarded a free kick on the left. Without hesitation McPartlin slipped the ball through to the unmarked Joe Murray. He drew Jack off the line and bent the shot into the net. Dalkeith were clearly rattled at the award. David Liddle was booked for protesting.
Then Steven Tait wriggled his way through the Dalkeith defence on the right. His pass inside to Sean Lally put him in the clear but he delayed and failed to beat Jack from close range. Another loss of Dalkeith composure resulted in a booking for Robertson as he wildly drove the ball straight at McPartlin who was waiting to take a throw in.
Tranent substitute Danny Munro and Ure were both booked for squaring up to each other in mid-field.
Tranent's equaliser was set up by Alan Horne's individual creativity. He won a strong tackle on the half way line and then burst forward on the right. Jules Anderson was first to the slide-rule pass inside, ahead of Sean Lally and keeper Jack, to prod the ball home.
The crossbar saved a third strike from Kenny Munro and Dalkeith's Lloyd Richardson was booked for a challenge from behind on Horne.
King's Park is always a difficult venue at which to gain a result. Considering the first half deficit Tranent will be well-pleased with the point.
Teams: Dalkeith. Jack. Liddle. Watters. Wilson. McManus. Ure. Pudleski. Richardson. McDonald. Robertson. Maxwell. Subs: Kelly. Lynes. Finlayson. Bogie. McIntosh. Fell.
Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro. McPartlin. White. Salton. Tait. Horne. Blackley. Murray. Anderson. Lally. Subs: Small. D.Munro. Berry. Purves. Trialist.
Referee: Mr William MacKenzie.
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V PUMPHERSTON JUNIORS
It was a pleasure to watch Tranent get their Bukta South League campaign back on the rails with this convincing win over Pumpherston who had previously beaten them with the only goal of the game earlier in the Season.
The Tranent team sheet showed two Trialists, one at centre forward and one on the bench. Steven Tait, Brian White and Robert Berry were in the starting line-up. Joe Murray, James McPartlin and Michael Lawrie made up a strong looking substitute pool. As the game developed Lawrie replaced the injured Trialist Centre on 34 minutes. Trialist Two made his debut for the remaining 20 minutes at the expense of Sean Lally. Jerry Draper was injured on 79 minutes and McPartlin was his replacement.
The game was evenly balanced for the first 20 minutes. Sean Lally missed a good chance on 12 minutes. Leaning back he shot over from excellent position. On 18 minutes Brian White and Keith Salton were unable to prevent a through ball reaching Barry Wales. Keeper Sinclair Inglis was quickly off his line to grab the ball at the feet of Wales.
Brian White was unlucky to see his long range shot clatter the Pumpherston bar and rebound into play. Quicker reaction from the Tranent attack could easily have produced a goal.
Paul Harvey's hat trick day commenced on 24 minutes with the opening goal. He provided the pass to Kenny Munro wide on the right. He returned an inch perfect return for Harvey to shoot home. Delirious with delight Paul got himself booked for over-celebrating behind the goal.
Pumpherston were now looking croggy, especially Keeper David Mathie who was distinctly buttery-fingered. He took three attempts to hold a shot from the experienced Trialist Centre. Paul Harvey won a corner on the right which was taken by Munro and from this Harvey's second goal developed on 30 minutes. Paul Leckie brought Harvey down in the penalty box. Harvey made no mistake from the spot-kick award.
Tranent were now rampant. Harvey had a shot which Mathie failed to hold. From Draper's corner he did block a close range shot from Tranent's trialist centre, the result of luck rather than judgement. Keith Salton following up struck a fierce shot which came back off the bar with no takers. At this point Michael Lawrie came on for the injured Trialist. Near to half time Sean Lally missed another good opportunity to put Tranent three up.
The pundits on the terracing at half time predicted that Pumpherston would come back and that's how it turned out.
Within a minute of the restart Salton made a crunching tackle on Nicky Miller going through the centre. Any mis-timing of this effort could have resulted in a penalty. A corner was conceded. On 51 minutes another corner taken by Wales on the left resulted in a penalty. Tranent made several ineffective attempts to clear, eventually Salton brought down Miller on the point of shooting. Craig O'Mara drove the spot kick home.
Tranent weathered the storm and regained composure. Harvey had a chance to complete his hat trick on 55 minutes. His left wing shot across the face of goal beat Mathie but was just wide. Lally's bad day at the races was nearly ended. He burst through the middle and one-on-one with the keeper failed to finish. His blocked shot just eluded Harvey coming in for the kill. Paul Leckie was booked for his second rash tackle on Harvey. The dejected Lally was off target from another good position and he made way for Tranent's second Trialist to make his mark on 70 minutes.
With 10 minutes remaining Tranent were forced into a further change due to a Jerry Draper injury. James McPartlin was his reliable replacement.
Tranent's day ended on a high with the completion of Paul Harvey's hat trick on 84 minutes. With nothing really on he unleashed a powerful shot from the right wing which beat Mathie inside the near post.
The tireless Steven Tait and Barry Wales were both booked late for sqaring up to each other.
This was a good, spirited, all round team performance by Tranent to overcome resilient Pumpherston. On the day they were unable to cope with Paul Harvey who was in top form.
Teams: Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro. Draper. Horne. Salton. Tait. White. Berry. Trialist. Harvey. Lally. Subs. Murray. McPartlin. Lawrie. D.Munro. Purves. Blackley. Trialist.
Pumpherston. Mathie. Meekison. C.O'Mara. Deans. Leckie. Heeps. Morris. Adam. Sommerville. Miller. Wales. Subs.
Westwater. McQue. Dunlop. Lemar. D.O'Mara. Simpson. Ross. Gk.
Referee. Mr James Ramage.
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V BLACKBURN UNITED
After the trauma of a difficult week for Tranent Juniors Football Club, Brian Johnstone's selection was on usual lines. The absence of Melville Graham in attack was the exception.
The spectator consensus at the interval was that the game was evenly poised although Blackburn went ahead from a penalty. Eventually League leaders Blackburn took the points but Tranent matched them all the way and didn't deserve to lose.
Tranent made a bright start and Paul Harvey went close with a low shot from the left bye-line. Keeper Connelly did well to smother the ball at the near post under pressure from Sean Lally. With 15 minutes played Alan Horne pulling the strings in mid-field set up a chance for Harvey, his shot was blocked for a corner. Joe Murray's corner spelt danger but there was no contact from defence or attack. Tranent controlled the game but on 21 minutes Blackburn's Grant Plenderleith broke through Tranent's central cover. Michael Lawrie made a rash challenge and was booked. Referee McComish had no hesitation awarding the penalty. Alan Brown from the spot finished with aplomb sending Sinclair Inglis the wrong way. Shortly after Blackburn's Martin Stewart was booked. Tranent continued to apply pressure Lally, Murray and Jules Anderson all went close but a combination of weak heading and shooting failed to produce the equaliser. Kenny Munro was booked for some argy-bargy with Stewart on the right touch line. With half time approaching Paul Harvey took one touch too many and his shot was blocked for a corner. He then headed over Murray's set-piece. Plenderleith's pace again caused a scare as he breached the Tranent cover. This time Lawrie resisted making contact and left Inglis to deal with the danger.
Within a minute of the restart keeper Connelly was well positioned at the near post to parry a vicious volley from Kenny Munro. There was no product from the corner. A piece of Paul Harvey magic produced the equaliser on 52 minutes. He demonstrated good close control, facing his own goal, he quickly turned and lashed a low daisy-cutter past the helpless Connelly. The long goal drought had ended and perhaps one can understand the over-the-top roars of jubilation.
On 58 minutes Harvey again received some harsh defensive treatment. Sean Lally in good position headed over Jerry Draper's free kick. Then Keith Salton headed over another Murray corner.
Blackburn took maximum profit from the wrong choice of options by James McPartlin on 63 minutes. Instead of going outside he chose to come inside and was dispossessed by Greig Crooks. He quickly switched play forward to John Rintoul, to beat Inglis with a shot.
Tranent used all their substitutes in an effort to get back on level terms. McPartlin, Draper and Lally were replaced at various stages of the remaining time and Dougie Blackley, Graham Purves and Steven Tait all contributed in Tranent's push for the equaliser. During this time Crooks was booked for a foul on Harvey. Draper's free kick was headed wide by Salton.
On 83 minutes Tait went very close with a header which struck the bar and went over without Connelly getting a touch. This was from Munro's cross. Probably the best chance of all was missed on 91 minutes. Murray put Anderson through but his shot just went wide with Connelly beaten.
Teams: Tranent. Inglis. Munro. Draper. Lawrie. Salton. McPartlin. Horne. Anderson. Harvey. Murray. Lally. Subs. Tait. White. Berry. Blackley. Purves.
Blackburn: Connelly. Sneddon. Miller. Spence. Crooks. M.Stewart. Gillespie. Brown. Donnelly. Plenderleith. Rintoul. Subs. Keenan. McQuillan. Fleming. B.Stewart.
Referee. Mr Scott McComish.
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V BROUGHTY ATH
Tranent were well aware that Broughty Athletic had made a very impressive start to the Season with a high goals for account and tight at the back in terms of goals conceded so the Juniors would have to be at their very best if progress was to be made in this 2nd Round, Emirates, Scottish Junior Cup Tie.
Foresters Park and the weather were perfect for a game of this importance. The Tranent team selected was probably the strongest side at Manager Pat Glynn's disposal. The only nagging doubt was the goal famine which has dogged the team's performance over recent weeks but it was hoped that an early goal for the Belters would engender confidence and put the goal drought bogey to bed.
Tranent were on the front-foot from the kick-off. Within a minute Mel Graham was booked for retaliation after the referee had awarded a free kick to Tranent. Jules Anderson's header forced keeper Cormack to save low down. On 9 minutes Graham was again fouled and Gavin Burns was booked for the offence. Jerry Draper's free kick was blocked by the defensive wall. Athletic showed the uncompromising nature of their game when John Farquharson received a booking for a mid-field foul on Anderson. On 15 minutes Tranent were on the offensive once more when Keith Salton sent Graham clear on the right. Cormack was forced to come off the goal line and block Graham's shot with his chest. This was a lucky escape for the visitors. Alan Horne then went very close to breaking the deadlock with a jinking run and blistering left foot shot just outside the angle of post and bar. A long ball from Keeper Inglis to Paul Harvey set up another chance for Draper to fire over from a decent angle. On 34 minutes Kenny Munro's cross from the right was met by Harvey whose shot had goal stamped on it but blocked by a defender. The follow-up shot was equally good but it too was blocked and Athletic survived. Another Draper corner to the near post was headed over by the unmarked Anderson.
Almost on half-time Broughty's Farquharson was red-carded and he had only himself to blame. He committed a foul on Anderson near to the halfway line. The referee awarded the free kick and was taking no further action until he heard a distasteful remark and dismissed the player.
The second half was a replica of the first. Tranent were in command territorially but lacked the guile and composure to open up Broughty's well organised defence. Defender John Cameron replaced Brian Craik after the interval making Tranent's task of getting the opening goal more difficult. Graham's free kick from 20 yards was on target but keeper Cormack just managed to touch the ball over the bar. Two shots by Joe Murray and a header by Anderson were all successfully blocked. On 58 minutes James Russell broke from defence and beat Michael Lawrie and Keith Salton. His finishing shot was just too high to trouble Inglis. Two minutes later Inglis was lucky to escape from being red-carded. He brought down Robert Smith on a clear run for goal just outside the 18 yard box. A yellow card was brandished to the relieved Inglis. With 15 minutes remaining Paul Harvey set Mel Graham up. He went round the keeper but the shot lacked the impetus to beat the retreating defence. This was easily Tranent's best chance of the half. Jerry Draper made way for Robert Berry in their quest to get a vital opening goal.
On 80 minutes Gavin Burns almost made Tranent pay. Inglis made a superb save blocking the shot from close range. At the other end Berry had a snap shot just wide. A cross from Murray was desperately headed clear by Graham Allan. Harvey's powerful shot was deflected for a corner and Berry forced a good save from Cormack with a well directed header.
The winning goal came from a corner on the left. James Russell, who had an outstanding game, measured the pace and distance of the set-piece and Barry Myles bulleted the header home. He was booked for the over-exuberance of his celebration. There was no time left for Tranent to retaliate.
Tranent Team: Inglis. Munro. McPartlin. Lawrie. Salton. Horne. Murray. Anderson. Harvey. Graham. Draper. Subs. Berry. Lally. White. Blackley. Tait. Purves.
Referee. Mr Michael Banks.
Report by James Logan
SAUCHIE JUNIORS V TRANENT JUNIORS
Sauchie's programme notes revealed that they were unbeaten in the South League and well aware of Tranent's top spot as one to challenge. On a perfect Autumn day Beechwood Park was in splendid condition to host two sides intent on playing entertaining football.
Tranent made two changes in the team which drew against Haddington. Brian White was on from the start for the injured Jules Anderson and Sean Lally commenced with Robert Berry making up a very strong pool on the bench.
In an evenly contested first half Sauchie opened the scoring near to half time. Tranent's travelling support recognised that the Juniors would have to raise their game after the interval in order to penetrate a resolute Sauchie defence marshalled by Captain John Tully.
In fact, the second half, from a Tranent perspective was disappointing. Once Sauchie scored their second goal on just over the hour, the vital spark required to turn the game around deserted Tranent. The game was reminiscent of Tranent's other journey across the Forth. Defeat at Hill o' Beath.
Tranent had the chances early in the match. James McPartlin set-up Mel Graham on 6 minutes but the shot was wayward. Paul Harvey and Sean Lally produced another opening for Graham at full stretch to lob over. On 12 minutes Harvey won a corner which Gerry Draper took from the left. Graham received treatment for injury as he tried to force the ball home inside the six yard box. The ball rebounded from the post and keeper Hardie was relieved to flop on the loose ball. A goal at this point would have unsettled Sauchie.
On 35 minutes Graham had the audacity to beat a couple of defenders and cut inside. His shot inside the near post looked a winner but Hardie fingered the ball round the post. A couple of minutes later Sauchie opened the scoring with a well created goal. Kris Myles broke to the left bye line and fired low across the face of goal. Steven Vinter at the back post shot into the opposite corner of the net. Tranent failed to take advantage of two free kicks prior to half time. Graham headed wide from good position and James McPartlin blasted over from the second set-piece move.
Tranent made an early tactical change after the restart. Keith Salton was brought on for Sean Lally and Alan Horne moved forward. Mel Graham occupied a more central role. Tranent were unlucky not to gain the equaliser on 58 minutes. Paul Harvey's shot struck the top of the crossbar with Hardie beaten.
As fortune would have it, 5 minutes later Sauchie went two up. Tranent failed to apply pressure on the ball or player and Fraser Arnot, all of 25 yards from goal, struck a spectacular shot over the despairing hands of Sinclair Inglis.
Two minutes after his terrific strike Arnot almost got another goal with a shot which cannoned off the post.
Sauchie were now oozing confidence and despite Tranent making changes it was Sauchie who were bossing the game. Brian White made way for Robert Berry and Gerry Draper was replaced by Graeme Purves but Tranent failed to mount a late surge. Tranent paid dearly for missed chances in the early stages of the game.
Teams: Sauchie. Hardie. Traub. Currie. King. Tully. Lejman. S. Vinter. Comrie. Myles. Arnot. Tinning. Subs. Burns. Griffin. Crawford. R. Vinter. Drew. Learmonth. Marshall. GK.
Tranent. Inglis. Munro. Draper. Lawrie. White. Horne. Lally. McPartlin. Harvey. Murray. Graham. Subs. Berry. Purves. Cowan. Salton. Tait. Blackley.
Referee. Mr J. Weir.
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V HADDINGTON ATH
Foresters Park was looking immaculate as Tranent hosted Haddington in this South League, top versus bottom derby match. Let's hope the work carried out on the pitch will stand up to the vagaries of Winter weather because the attendance for Saturday's game was better than most other South League venues.
Tranent kicked-off with the same eleven as started in the high scoring game at West Calder. Keith Salton returned to the substitute bench after injury.
Within 30 seconds Tranent went ahead and thereafter dominated the game for the opening 20 minutes. The Juniors should have been out of sight had their finishing been on par with leading up play. The opening goal was engineered by Jules Anderson. He won possession with a strong challenge in mid-field. His pass to Mel Graham on the right was inch perfect and keeper Andrew Stobie was forced to come off his line. Graham beat the keeper comprehensively with a skilful lob into the unprotected net. On 5 minutes Graham almost made it two. Joe Murray was fouled on the left and from Gerry Draper's free kick Graham's header was just outside the back post. Three minutes later Paul Harvey broke Haddington's defensive cover. His shot beat Stobie but went tantalisingly wide.
Another good chance was lost when Harvey won a corner and Draper's set piece was goal bound from Anderson's header but somehow Joe Murray got in the way and the ball deflected off him to safety.
The catalogue of missed chances grew as Murray struck the post with Stobie beaten on 17 minutes. Then Harvey stooped low to header a Draper free-kick from the left narrowly over the bar. Robert Berry, Kenny Munro and Paul Harvey combined to set up Mel Graham and another golden opportunity was lost as his shot was fractionally wide.
Mid-way through the half Haddington's Murray Aitken tested Sinclair Inglis with a shot after smart play down the left created the opening.
A couple of minutes later Haddington equalised. The tall Brian Martin collected a long ball over the Tranent defence and was allowed to proceed and shoot home. Martin was probably as surprised as the spectators that there was no offside whistle. The goal stood and was completely against the run of play.
On the half hour James McPartlin was another Tranent sinner blasting a good chance over the bar after he'd been set up by Joe Murray. Gerry Draper received a booking for a late lunge on Brian Martin and Lukasz Rusin was lucky to escape a booking for a late tackle from behind on Jules Anderson. Berry was brought down on 41 minutes and Draper curled the free kick over the Haddington wall but Stobie anticipated well to gather safely. Then on 44 minutes Haddington almost snatched an interval lead with their best attack of the half. Messrs Rusin and Kroczak combined to open up a shooting chance for Martin. Inglis dived low to palm the goal-bound shot wide.
After half-time Marc Robertson replaced Ross Clark. The same pattern of play emerged as the first. Tranent generally on top and Haddington dangerous on the break. Haddington's Fraser Paterson was booked for a body check on Joe Murray just outside the "D". Harvey's free kick was deflected for a corner, McPartlins corner was headed off the line by Mitchell Faichney. Kroczak was then booked and substituted by Derek Slight. Stobie at full stretch flipped a Graham header over the bar. Berry provided the cross. Tranent made a defensive change on the hour as Michael Lawrie was replaced by Brian White. Stobie again excelled with a terrific save from Draper's long range shot which was entering the net at junction of post and bar.
Haddington mounted sustained pressure starting with a fierce shot from Faichney which Inglis saved at the expense of a corner. Rusin's corner was deflected onto the top of the crossbar. Then Ryan Grant tried his luck from long range. The shot was just wide. A free kick from Rusin was blocked for Haddington's third corner in quick succession. Still the deadlock prevailed.
Tranent were in the ascendancy for the final twenty minutes but were unable to score the elusive winning goal. McPartlin and Harvey had good shots blocked. A Draper corner was cleared off the line by Grant. Substitute Slight was booked. From Berry's free kick the most bizarre moment of all occurred. The ball struck the crossbar, bounced upwards, and then struck the bar in another area for the second time. This a real let off for Haddington and typified Tranent's day. Sean Lally replaced Graham for the remaining 5 minutes. Berry headed over the last of Draper's innumerable corners and Lally had a good shot on the turn, held by the resolute Stobie.
This was a rollicking good derby, full of incident. Tranent will be disappointed they didn't take maximum points. On the other hand it was a gritty performance by Haddington who stuck to the task manfully.
Teams: Tranent. Inglis. Munro. Draper. Lawrie. Horne. Anderson. Berry. McPartlin. Harvey. Murray. Graham. Subs. Small. Purves. Lally. Cowan. White. Salton.
Haddington. Stobie. Clark. Grant. Paterson. Davidson. Kroczak. Rusin. Aitken. Motion. Faichney. Martin. Subs. Ambrozy. Gilmour. Robertson. Riding. Rollo. McLean. Slight.
Referee: Mr Ralph Gordon.
James Logan
WEST CALDER V TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent completed a thorough demolition job on West Calder United on the Juniors return to South League business. Gale force winds across the Central Belt made conditions very difficult for fluent football but Tranent coped admirably and finished comfortable winners. The goals for account could have been even greater.
Manager Pat Glynn continued with the central defence partnership of Michael Lawrie and Alan Horne. Kenny Munro returned at Right Back. There was greater potency in attack with the return of Mel Graham and Paul Harvey to the starting line-up and those players on the bench were all very capable if required to be used.
Tranent were caught cold within 2 minutes as the homesters struck. Brett Agnew's goal was reminiscent of the quick score inflicted on Tranent at Harthill early in the Season. Confidence was restored a couple of minutes later via an own goal. Daniel Wolfe was the culprit. Tranent took the lead on 12 minutes. Kenny Munro up in attack, produced the goods, with a headed goal from a corner kick. A two goal cushion eased the chances of any Tranent slip-up on 37 minutes. Good link up play between James McPartlin and Paul Harvey provided the opportunity for Harvey to finish with a shot.
West Calder came back with a bang near to half time. Keeper Sinclair Inglis demonstrated his reliability with two superb saves . The first from a free kick, the second from a powerful shot by Mitchell. Any chance of a West Calder comeback were finally extinguished in the remaining 20 minutes of the match. Paul Harvey tenaciously chased a long ball to the bye-line, when others may have given up. He produced the pass for Mel Graham to score from an acute angle, time 70 minutes. On a day when strikers were in form Joe Murray completed the scoring with a shot on 78 minutes. There were four bookings to West Calder players. Tranent discipline was exemplary.
This comprehensive victory ensures Tranent continue as the front runners in the League and with Foresters Park coming back on stream the future looks rosy.
Teams: West Calder. Greig. Bodel. Paton. Russell. Corbett. Wolfe. Bann. Mitchell. Johnston. Agnew. McLeod. Subs. Reid. Lorek. Sey. McCann. A. Lawrie. Seaton. Watson.GK.
Tranent. Inglis. K. Munro. Draper. M. Lawrie. Horne. Anderson. Berry. McPartlin. Harvey. Murray. Graham. Subs. Lally. D. Munro. Small. Purves. Cowan. White.
Referee: Mr Paul Simmons.
James Logan
SORRY NO PHOTO'S THIS WEEK
HILL O BEATH HAWTHORN V TRANENT JUNIORS
Keirs Park was the venue for Tranent's, John Walker, 1st Round, East of Scotland, Cup-tie. Opponents Hill o' Beath from the Super League were strong favourites and Tranent had to be at their very best to cause an upset. The neat and tidy surroundings, excellent playing surface and the fine Autumn weather made this an idyllic setting for cup-tie football.
Alan Horne, recovered from injury, was paired with Michael Lawrie in central defence. Utility man, Julian Anderson was given the role of leading the attack abetted by Joe Murray and Sean Lally on the left flank and Robert Berry and Danny Munro on the right.
Tranent started confidently and showed no inferiority complex. On 5 minutes Sean Lally controlled Gerry Draper's pass, beat his marker and found Joe Murray going through the left channel. Joe rushed the shot and failed to hit the target from good position. Hill o' Beath responded quickly. Michael Stuart, from the right crossed and Sinclair Inglis was relieved as the ball rebounded from the back post. The keeper may have got a touch to divert the ball in flight. In Tranent's next attack Joe Murray was barged in the back. Draper's free-kick from just outside the 18 yard box curled wide.
By mid-way through the half Hill o' Beath were exerting greater influence on the pattern of play. Sean Lally lost possession in a critical area for Stephen Bathgate to squander a good chance. Then Bathgate and Andrew Roberts combined to create an opening for Barry Smith. Inglis made a good save to prevent a goal. On 27 minutes Tranent had a lucky escape. Stuart's corner was played out of defence to Darrin Wright and his rocket shot rebounded from the crossbar with Inglis beaten.
Tranent were hoping to get to the interval with the scores level but this objective was lost on 39 minutes. Wright latched onto a cross from Stewart Haddow and skilfully side-footed the shot home. He was booked for taking off his jersey in celebrating the strike. Shortly after John McCulloch was another Beath booking as he obstructed Jules Anderson going along the bye-line.
Within seconds of the half-time kick off Robert Berry went on a run up the right and Lally trying to get his head on the cross landed in the back of the net as keeper Stuart Hall made a daring clutch. Lally was soon back on his feet after treatment. Tranent were still striving for an equaliser and probably the best chance of the half fell to Lally on 65 minutes. His awareness enabled him to cut out a clearance from keeper Hall. In the clear with only the keeper to beat, he took on the shot too early and failed to work the keeper as his shot was wide of target. A couple of minutes later Anderson received another hefty challenge and Kevin Byle was booked. Earlier Douglas Blacklie was booked for a foul on Beath's, Barry Smith.
A well taken goal on 69 minutes sealed the Tie for Hill o' Beath. Andrew Roberts supplied the through pass for Michael Stuart to clinically finish with a shot.
Tranent introduced three substitutes in an effort to turn the game around but were unsuccessful. With 6 minutes to go Ross Cowan was booked for bringing down Wright.
On the day Tranent were defeated but not disgraced. They will undoubtedly pick themselves up and get back to winning ways in the League.
Teams: Hill o' Beath. Hall. Haddow. Smith. McCulloch. Byle. R. Dair. Wright. Stuart. Roberts. Bathgate. Westwater. Subs. Martin. Beveridge. Morrison. Gemmel. L. Dair. Glackin.
Tranent. Inglis. McPartlin. Draper. Lawrie. Horne. Blacklie. Berry. D.Munro. Anderson. Murray. Lally. Subs. K.Munro.
Cowan. Small. Purves. White.
Referee: Mr Douglas Potter.
James Logan
DUNBAR UTD V TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent gained revenge for their early season League Cup Section defeat at the hands of local rivals Dunbar. All the goals came in the final 30 minutes of a hard fought encounter. Tranent, with Foresters Park out of commission, have taken nine points out of a possible twelve, these results augur well for a strong challenge in the South League.
Manager Pat Glynn made several changes in the starting line-up. Michael Lawrie and Julian Anderson were paired in central defence because Brian White and Keith Salton were unavailable. Gerry Draper, Gary Small, Robert Berry and Joe Murray were all fielded from the kick-off. The trialist who featured in Tranent's previous two games retained a place in attack.
Tranent took the initiative from the whistle. Within 3 minutes James McPartlin missed a glorious opportunity to put the visitors ahead. Credit to keeper John Johnstone who got a touch to McPartlin's header. The ball dropped kindly for McPartlin and he volleyed over with the goal gaping. Joe Murray then struck a strong left foot shot from distance well held by Johnstone. Again, Johnstone had to fist away Gerry Draper's free kick after Murray was brought down on the right. From McPartlin's corner Johnstone parried and the Dunbar defence scrambled the loose ball clear.
On 31 minutes Murray was unlucky with a header off the post. Draper created the opening with a neatly judged diagonal pass over the Dunbar cover.
On 36 minutes Dunbar struck woodwork with easily their best move of the half. Ritchie Weir took off on a mazy run up the right. A gap opened up through the middle and Chris Grant unleashed a powerful shot which beat keeper Inglis and rattled the crossbar. Shortly after Tranent's Kenny Munro was booked for dissent.
With half-time approaching Tranent's Trialist Centre passed up a good chance to put the visitors ahead. Murray was brought down by Ross Hastie, from Munro's free kick the Trialist from close range was foiled by a daring save from Johnstone when quicker reaction from the Trialist would certainly have produced a goal. For all Tranent's dominance the game remained goalless at half-time.
After the interval the game continued to flow towards the Dunbar goal. Keeper Johnstone by far the busier, surviving three corners in quick succession. Dunbar's Weir was booked for dissent.
Then cracks appeared in the Tranent defence. Grant was allowed to go free in the penalty area and Draper made a goal-line clearance from the shot. Grant again, in the clear, shot over when Michael Lawrie mis-timed a simple header.
On the hour Dunbar went ahead. Grant completely unmarked, yards off-side, was allowed to progress and shoot past the unprotected Inglis. After this upset it was no surprise when Kenny Munro lost his composure and was booked for bringing down Steven Girdwood.
Gary Small made way for Douglas Blacklie in the Tranent mid-field and on 70 minutes an own goal levelled the scores. the Tranent Trialist played a dangerous right wing cross to the back post. Weir endeavouring to clear for a corner headed into his own net. Dunbar then made a double substitution. Weir and Jones were replaced by Stuart Robertson and Josh Hebdon. A booking followed for Murray for kicking the ball away after a Dunbar free-kick was awarded.
Robert Berry's strong running produced a dividend for Tranent. He was brought down on the right. Munro's free-kick was headed back across goal by Sean Lally and up popped the Tranent Trialist on the goal-line to apply the finish.
With 5 minutes to go Dunbar introduced Dez Chisolm for Hastie, and Tranent, Graeme Purves for Joe Murray.
Robert Berry completed an impressive afternoon's work with a well taken goal. Sean Lally got to the left bye-line and crossed long for the awaiting Berry to head a third Tranent goal. Missed chances almost cost Tranent the result but in the end they were worthy winners.
Teams: Dunbar. Johnstone. Thomson. Hastie. Lothian. Rooney . McEwen. Weir. Twaddle. Jones. Grant. Girdwood. Subs. Chisolm. Robertson. Hebdon. Brown. Morgan.
Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro.Draper. Lawrie. Anderson. Small. Berry. McPartlin. Trialist. Murray. Lally. Subs. D.Blacklie. Purves. D.Munro. Trialist. Horne. Graham.
Referee: Mr Paul Hanlon.
James Logan
PUMPHERSTON JUN V TRANENT JUN
For the third week in succession hopes were high that Tranent would come away from West Lothian with maximum points. Regrettably it was not to be. Although the game was goalless going into injury time it had never been dull. conditions were ideal and neither side were prepared to settle for a draw.
The tranent line-up was on usual lines. Paul Harvey was absent due to a three game suspension incurred when he was at Bathgate. Mel graham returned after his suspension. The Trialist ( Ross McKenzie ) who made his debut at Livingston retained a position in attack making up the left side with Sean Lally.
Tranent escaped within 30 seconds of kick-off. A free kick from the half way line by Craig O'Mara caused indecision in defence. Stephen Morris with back to goal got a touch and diverted the ball onto Tranent's post. Keeper Inglis was beaten and the ball rebounded to safety.
Tranent went close with a move which produced a goal at Livingston the previous week. James McPartlin played in a corner from the left, to the near post and Jules Anderson's header looked net bound. Keeper Mathie with the help of his defence managed to scramble the ball clear before it crossed the line. A Pumpherston corner produced an opening for Darren O'Mara. His shot was only dealt with at the second attempt by Sinclair Inglis to avert a Pumpherston score.
A break by Mel Graham through the left channel looked promising for Tranent but his finishing shot across the face of the goal went tantalisingly wide. Kenny Munro fired over a good cross from the right and Sean Lally's header forced a good save from keeper Mathie. On 25 minutes Ross McKenzie's pace took him ahead of the defender , he was just nicked in the process. His appeals for a Penalty were waved aside by the referee. McKenzie again went clear on the left, this time his final touch was just too heavy and Mathie saved bravely at his feet. Near to half time Andy Heeps made a hefty challenge on Graham. Kenny Munro's free kick was safely clutched by Mathie.
Robert Berry started the second half in place of Jules Anderson. Pumpherston also made a change with Lee Simpson replacing Billy Dunlop. On the hour Mathie rescued Pumpherston just cutting out the ball off the head of Graham. Tranent at this stage were playing with more assurance than early in the game. Pumpherston countered when the O'Mara brothers combined. Craig wriggled along the bye line and crossed to the back post where Darren from excellent position headed wide.
Tranent reshuffled their defence as Kenny Munro made way for Gary Small. Mel Graham was booked for dissent. Then with 10 minutes to go he almost snatched the winner. Berry's pass created the opening but Graham under pressure struck his shot against the side net. Darren O'Mara went very close to breaking the deadlock with a shot which rebounded from the post into the arms of Inglis. Craig O'Mara and McKenzie were both booked for squaring up to each other over another penalty claim by the pacey McKenzie. With a couple of minutes to go Mckenzie was clean through from a pass by Graham. This time he went round the keeper but dragged the ball a shade wide and the chance was lost. On 91 minutes Darren O'Mara had the last word. He blasted a 25 yard terrific shot inside the left hand post of Inglis. There was no way back for Tranent.
Tranent were a bit unlucky to lose this one. Nevertheless it was a cracking game of football.
Teams: Pumpherston. Mathie. Meekison. C. O'Mara. Deans. Heeps . Adam. Dunlop. D.Omara. Morris . Wales. Pirrie. Subs. Le Mar. McLeod. Ross. Whitelaw. Simpson. Pacitti.Gk.
Tranent. Inglis. K.Munro. Purves. White. Salton. Blacklie. McPartlin. Anderson. Graham. McKenzie. Lally. Subs. D.Munro. Small. Berry. Lawrie. Draper. Cowan. Jack.Gk.
Referee: Mr Robert Thomson.
FINAL SCORE
PUMPHERSTON 1 TRANENT 0
James Logan
LIVINGSTON UTD V TRANENT JUN
This was Junior football at its best with incident all the way. On a sodden difficult pitch Referee Michael Scott allowed the game to flow without over-much interference.
Tranent's Trialist number 11 made an impressive contribution with two goals. He showed pace and craft troubling the Livingston defence throughout.
The introduction of substitutes Gary Small and Sean Lally plus Tranent's second Trialist at critical stages after the interval, helped gain the points from a very hard, competitive, game.
Tranent made better chances in the opening quarter. Kenny Munro's free kick on 10 minutes caused a problem when Keeper McGovern failed to hold the greasy ball. James McPartlin's follow-up shot was blocked short of the goal line.
Livingston escaped again when a rasping shot from the right wing by Michael Lawrie rattled the bar and rebounded to safety.
Tranent went ahead on 24 minutes. Jules Anderson was first to react to a near post corner from McPartlin, skillful use of the head beat the keeper. Tranent went two up on 34 minutes. Paul Harvey created the opening by going round the keeper but he was fractionally late with the finish and his effort went loose. Alert, Trialist number 11 blasted the shot home.
The Belters were unable to hold their two goal cushion until the interval. The combined play of Bryan Jaconelli and Carlo Santi was stretching Keith Salton and Brian White in central defence. It came as no surprise when Santi had the freedom to powerfully shoot high into the net on 42 minutes. Jaconelli with his second shot in as many minutes almost got the equaliser. On both occasions Sinclair Inglis made good saves. On the stroke of half-time Inglis with another fine save prevented Santi getting the equaliser.
Tranent weathered Livingston's early burst after the interval. Gary Small replaced Michael Lawrie on 52 minutes and Livingston introduced Craig Marshall for Darren MacIntosh. On the hour Inglis made a superb save from Gary Frater, diving, and touching wide a terrific shot. Then, Graeme Purves at the back post cleared Scott Marshall's corner off the line.
With 15 minutes remaining John Neill was booked for diving in the penalty box. Inglis made no contact in his challenge for the ball. Paul Harvey made way for Sean Lally in the hope that pace down both flanks would be the key to victory. This was a crtical decision. With 10 minutes to go Lally supplied the pass for Trialist 11. to strike a shot brilliantly parried over by McGovern. At the other end Santi's shot rebounded from Tranent's post with Inglis beaten.
Scott Marshall was booked for deliberate hand ball. Craig Marshall received a booking following a incident whereby Graeme Purves had to retire due to an injury sustained in a defensive tackle.
In injury time Lally broke down the left and dinked a delightful pass over McGovern for Tranent star Trialist 11 to stroke home his second and goal number three for another very good team perfotmance away win.
Teams: Livingston. McGovern. S.Marshall. Kay.Clifford. MacAloney. MacIntosh. Frater. Cornwell. Jaconelli. Santi. Neill. Subs. C.Marshall. Watson. Whiteford. Millar. Caldwell. Wilson.Gk.
Tranent. Inglis. Munro. Purves. White. Salton. Blackley. Lawrie. McPartlin. Harvey. Anderson. Trialist. Subs. Small. Lally. Trialist. Trialist. Jack.Gk.
Referee. Mr Michael Scott.
James Logan
HARTHILL ROYAL V TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent were comfortable winners in this first South League Game of the Season. Gibbshill Park is always a difficult venue to achieve a result and Sarurday's game was no exception. Tranent, faced a strong wind and the shock of losing the first goal inside a minute meant they took a long time to settle. The timing of the goals, the frequency of bookings, all showed that Tranent had to work hard for the win.
Particularly pleasing was the hat-trick by Paul Harvey. He demonstrated centre forward guile in abundance. His first goal on 39 minutes put Tranent ahead. The defender was expecting him to pass but he made a quick turn and blasted a left foot shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net. In the second half, with the wind, he gave the Harthill defence a torrid time. On 70 minutes he outstripped the cover defence and was upended by advancing keeper Neally. There was no doubt about the penalty award. He calmly stroked the spot kick home. Paul's hat trick goal was another of the same. This time he went round the keeper who resisted the temptation to pull him down. He put enough weight on the shot for the ball to cross the line despite the despairing attempts of defenders to clear. Two superb saves in the late stages of the game denied Harvey making his tally five.
Substitute Robert Berry on for Sean Lally should have had a penalty as his run on goal was halted with a blatant tackle from behind. In the remaining 10 minutes Referee Campbell booked Berry, Joe Murray and Douglas Blackley. Graham Harvey was also despatched from the dug-out. Harthill bookings amounted to Clark Campbell for a foul on Paul Harvey and substitute James Luke. In what was never a dirty game a Tranent fan was heard to shout "Referee yer brandishing yellow cards willy-nilly". He was applauded for the observation.
It took Tranent until midway through the first half to recover from the shock of losing the opening goal inside the first minute. Gary Shanks from the left wing harnessed the wind and his shot cum cross looped over keeper Inglis who was off his line. When Joe Murray equalised on 34 minutes Tranent were going through their best patch of the half. Sean Lally was the provider and Murray finished with a header at the back post. Shanks got his second goal on 42 minutes. Paul Wells crossed from the right to his wing partner on the right and Shanks, unmarked, shot home.
This four, two, win away from home will be a confidence booster to improve on the runners-up position of last season.
Teams: Harthill. Neally. Smith. Carmichael. Ross. Rodger. Wilson. Shanks. C.
Campbell. Walker. Connelly. Wells. Subs.Williamson. Luke.. Beattie. Killen. D.Campbell.
Tranent: Inglis. K.Munro. Purves. Lawrie. Salton. Blackley. Anderson. McPartlin. P.Harvey. Murray. Lally. Subs.
D.Munro. Small. White. Berry. G.Harvey. Clarke.Gk.
Referee: Mr James Campb
James Logan
HADDINGTON ATH v TRANENT JUNIORS
Haddington's Polish contingent arrived later than expected and were all on the bench rather than in the starting line-up. Tranent, after a praiseworthy draw at Bonnyrigg, were hoping to get their first victory in this Section 4, Dechmont, League Cup-Tie.
From the start Tranent took the initiative and apart from the final 10 minutes never looked like conceding a goal in this derby clash. On 7 minutes Joe Murray was brought down on the right. This could easily have been a booking but the referee chose to keep the yellow card in his pocket. Keeper Ferrier was unable to hold James McPartlin's high, free kick to the back post and the Haddington defence scrambled clear. A couple of minutes later Tranent went ahead. Again, the thrust came down the right. Dougie Blackley made the killer pass to Michael Lawrie, unmarked, in the 18 yard box, he cooly shot home .. Mel Graham then had a header on target which Ferrier touched over. Another Tranent goal looked on the cards as McPartlin's pass split the Haddington rearguard. Joe Murray was denied by Ferrier. He dived low to divert the ball outside the post. Haddington's Frazer Paterson escaped a booking when he brought down Graham in full-flight. From the free kick Tranent won a corner and this produced the second goal on 22 minutes. Graeme Purves took the corner and Paul Harvey headed home from close range.
Two corners in quick succession brought some cheer to the home support. The first by Michael Motion was confidently dealt with but it took an off-the-line clearance by Blackley to prevent Ross Clark's corner entering the Tranent net.
On the half hour Paul Harvey cut in from the left and found his strike partner Mel Graham, in the clear. Keeper Ferrier read the situation brilliantly and parried Graham's shot wide. He then flipped the ball away from the incoming Joe Murray who was about to pull the trigger. At this point Haddington made their first change. Lukasz Rusin was introduced for Murray Aitken. Haddington were finding it extremely difficult to deal with the pacey Tranent front three, Graham, Harvey and Murray. Danger was always apparent and Harvey down the left flank picked out Joe Murray who missed a sitter with only Ferrier to beat. The shot just over the bar.
Shortly after the interval Tranent's Jules Anderson made way for the introduction of Danny Munro. For once the hard working Ross Rollo threw off the shackles of Keith Salton. Lawrie did very well to get accross and nip the ball away from Rollo on the point of shooting a Haddington goal.
Tranent went three ahead on 52 minutes. Mel Graham sped through the inside-left channel and unleashed a powerful shot across the advancing Ferrier. Graham effectively finished the game as a contest with his second goal and Tranent's fourth just short of the hour. He latched onto a weak Haddington goal kick and galloped through the centre to rattle another unstoppable shot beyond Ferrier. Paul Harvey almost got his second goal with a shot into the side net from a tight angle. Steven Tait taking the place of Kenny Munro had a short stay on the park. He sustained an injury in a fifty-fifty challenge and Robert Berry was the replacement as Tait hobbled to the touchline.
Haddington introduced Derek Slight for Ryan Grant and after this they had their best spell in the match. Slight tested keeper Inglis with a couple of good shots. Rollo had a strong shot well held by Inglis and Scott Gilmour came close to a consolation goal when his shot rebounded from the junction of bar and post.
This was a comprehensive win for the Belters and on this form they will pose a serious threat in their forthcoming South League campaign.
Teams: Haddington. Ferrier. Cowan. Gilmour. Paterson. Blair. Aitken. Clark. Motion. Rollo. Martin. Grant. Subs.Slight. Rusin. Kroczak. Ambrozy. Wojcik. Laing.Gk.
Tranent. Inglis. K. Munro. Purves. Anderson. Salton. Blackley. Murray. McPartlin. Harvey. Graham. Lawrie. Subs. D. Munro. Berry. Tait. Lally. Small. Jack.Gk.
Referee: Mr William MacKenzie.
James Logan
ARNISTON RANGERS V TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent's major omissions from the team which earned a creditable draw at Penicuik in mid-week were Keith Salton in central defence and Mel Graham in attack, otherwise the team selected had the quality to give Arniston a good game in this Section 4 Dechmont League Cup encounter. For the second successive Saturday the Juniors held a one goal interval lead but were unable to secure the victory. Arniston were comfortable winners in the end.
Arniston's equalising penalty on 50 minutes was awarded after there was a long delay for on-field treatment to Brian Foster for a head injury. Treatment was continuing off-field when Referee Wedlock decided Dougie Blackley was too strong with a tackle on Kyle Howitt a booking for simulation may have been a fairer response as the danger was cleared well before the Referee's whistle. Tadg Moriarty scored from the spot-kick. Michael Lawrie replaced Brian Foster and Jules Anderson played deeper to combat the increasing Arniston pressure.
In the first half it took Arniston a long time to respond to the shock of losing an early goal. On 7 minutes Robert Berry played a delight pass inside, from the right, and Sean Lally bursting through the middle cracked an unstoppable shot past the helpless keeper. Midway through the half Tranent escaped when Scott Borthwick fired in a shot which keeper Inglis diverted with his feet. The ball was heading for the net until Brian Foster made a last ditch clearance.
On 33 minutes Paul Harvey received the congratulations of his team-mates as he prodded home a shot to put Tranent two ahead. The referee's decision to rule out the goal was inexplicable.
The latter stages of the half belonged to Arniston. Michal Opilka up in attack went close with a couple of headers which just cleared the Tranent crossbar.
The unfortunate circumstances surrounding Foster's injury and the nature of Arniston's penalty equaliser early in the second half upset Tranent's rhythm. However, they came very close to regaining the lead on 73 minutes. Robert Berry had a good shot parried wide by keeper Rachowski. Then Michael Lawrie struck an even better shot across the face of goal, the keeper was beaten, the ball rebounded off the far post.
A minute later Arniston attacked down the left and Alistair Forster swept the cross home under the diving Inglis. Prior to the goal Arniston committed two substitutes. Barry Nicholson and Scott Lucas were replaced by Mark Ellis and Pat Bonthrone. Paul Harvey was earlier booked for a late cynical foul on Nicholson who had posed problems for Tranent throughout.
Tranent introduced Glen Hartley and Danny Munro for Berry and Hartley in their push for an equaliser. A genuine chance fell to Brian White from a Kenny Munro free kick. White's shot from close range went over the bar.
On 81 minutes Kyle Howitt cut in from the right beating Inglis with a well angled shot. The victory ensures Arniston move up the Section but they had to work extremely hard to overcome lower League Tranent.
Teams: Arniston. Rachowski. Cennerazzo. Moriarty. Howitt. Opilka. Nicholson. Norris. Lucas. Forster. Borthwick.
Martin. Subs. Ellis. Bonthrone. Donlevy. McNaughton. Godfrey.Gk.
Tranent: Inglis. K. Munro. Purves. Foster. White. Blackley. Berry. Anderson. P. Harvey. Murray. Lally. Subs. McPartlin. Hartley. Lawrie. D. Munro. G. Harvey.
Referee: Mr Paul Wedlock.
James Logan
PENICUIK ATH v TRANENT JUNIORS
Tranent more than matched Premier League opponents Penicuik in this Section 4 Dechmont League Cup-Tie. With more clinical finishing from several genuine chances the Juniors could have won the contest comfortably. Never-the-less there were positive signs that Tranent will be a force to reckon with in the forthcoming League campaign. Manager Glynn has the player pool strength to make adjustments when required. Brian Foster, signed from Penicuik, made his debut. He was paired with Keith Salton in central defence and both are powerful no-nonsense, experienced footballers. Players who were on the subs. bench at Dunbar got their chance to show from the kick-off. Goalkeeper Sinclair Inglis, Sean Lally, Danny Munro, Graeme Purves and Michael Lawrie all put in a hard shift and showed that there will be plenty competition for places in the squad.
Penicuik's opening came from a shot by Craig Meikle but it was no surprise when Tranent equalised within the opening half-hour. A quick throw-in from James McPartlin produced a chance for the mercurial Mel Graham to shoot home. Foster was booked on 38 minutes for a late lunge after the referee allowed advantage to Penicuik.
Tranent were kicking down the slope in the second half. Mel Graham gathered a slick inside pass and was heading for goal until halted by a late off-side whistle. Keeper Inglis was caught off his line and could have been punished with a Penicuik lob which just cleared the bar. Mel Graham then set up Paul Harvey and the keeper made a smart save from his shot. Graham in overdrive despatched a diagonal shot across the keeper. Sean Lally coming from the left was only a whisker away from making contact and the ball just shaved the post. Michael Lawrie was unable to break the deadlock with another shot. Danny Munro was booked for a rash challenge. On 65 minutes Brian White replaced the tiring Foster. Immediately the best move of the game almost produced the winner for Tranent.
The hard working Jules Anderson burst down the right and on the run provided a delightful cross for Mel Graham in full flight. Even the Penicuik fans applauded as the half-volleyed shot shuddered the crossbar.
Tranent continued to dominate. Dougie Blackley replaced Danny Munro and with 15 minutes remaining Joe Murray was introduced for Sean Lally. A decidedly rattled Penicuik had their right back booked for dissent. Mel Graham failed to get the winner, first, from a sizzling shot which rebounded from the back stanchion of the net and secondly with a low header from Keith Salton's free kick. The header just lacked the pace to beat the keeper.
Penicuik 1 Tranent 1
James Logan
TRANENT JUNIORS V DUNBAR UTD
Foresters Park was re-seeded so it was necessary to play Tranent's opening Dechmont League Cup-tie at Dunbar. Tranent nominated the full complement of 18 players on their team sheet. Three new signings were in the starting line-up. Bob Berry recruited from Tranent under nineteens, Paul Harvey from Bathgate Thistle and Dougie Blackley signed from Lothian Thistle. He had youth experience with Chelsea.
Tranent started confidently and their one goal in the first half was poor reward for some slick outfield play. On 9 minutes Jules Anderson had a genuine chance. Dunbar keeper Daryl Johnston was stranded out of goal Anderson's shot was bound for the empty net but Brendan Rooney got back and cleared over his own crossbar. A minute later Anderson making good progress down the left was brought down and from Joe Murray's free kick Paul Harvey deliberately hand -balled in his leap for the header. Referee Marini issued the first booking of the match. Mid-way through the half Harvey and Murray combined well on the left and Anderson was just too high with the finishing header from Murray's cross. Shortly after Tranent keeper Andy Jack made his first real save, confidently clutching a left wing cross. Then Stuart Laing gathered Stuart Robertson's crossfield pass and zipped a long range effort past the Tranent post.
Jules Anderson scored for Tranent on 37 minutes. He burst through the Dunbar cover from an inside-right position and shot home. Dunbar supporters were aggrieved there was no offside whistle. Near to half time Paul Harvey went close for a Tranent second. His lob just cleared the crossbar.
The spectator banter during the interval indicated that Dunbar would have to put in a much better performance in order to turn the game around. From the restart whistle the Dunbar surge began. Brian White conceded a free kick thirty yards out and Jack did well to save Robertson's free kick. Then Steven Girdwood won a corner off James McPartlin. From Dez Chisholm's set piece a header rattled the Tranent bar and rebounded into play, a second effort was scrambled off the line. Tranent were unable to recover their composure and on 50 minutes Dunbar equalized. Chisholm got himself into a similar area from where Tranent had scored and banged a fierce shot behind Jack. Joe Murray was booked for expressing his displeasure to Referee Marini. A throw-in from the right produced the opening for Dunbar's second counter on the hour. The unmarked Steven Girdwood at the back post thumped the ball into the net from a tight angle.
A booking followed for Girdwood as he unceremoniously halted a penetrating run by McPartlin as Tranent tried to regain control. Credit to Dunbar, at thiis stage of the game they were controlling the mid-field. Both teams made changes in personnel. Girdwood failed to get a second goal award for a shot into the net on 75 minutes as the referee adjudged he was offside. The nearest Tranent got to an equalizer was from a clearance by keeper Johnston which ricocheted off his own player and dropped short of the empty net. A ligament injury, sustained in a tackle, to Tranent's player of the year Alan Horne may put him on the side-lines for a few weeks.
Result. Tranent Juniors 1 Dunbar United 2
Teams: Tranent. Jack. McPartlin. Tait. Horne. White. Salton. Anderson. Berry. Harvey. Murray. Blackley. Subs. Lally. Munro. Purves. Lawrie. Harley. Cowens. Inglis. Gk.
Dunbar. Johnston. Thomson. Laing. Twaddle. Rooney. McEwan. Weir. Chisholm. Jones. Robertson. Girdwood. Subs. Devine. Hebdon. Grant. Lothian.
Referee; Mr Ganluca Marini.
James Logan