MUSSELBURGH boss Stevie McLeish hailed his team after they pulled off a brilliant win at Linlithgow Rose on Saturday to put one foot in the Scottish Junior Cup final.

Jordyn Sheerin’s first-half double, as well as a super Michael Hunter strike, gives the Olive Bank men a 3-2 advantage heading into tomorrow’s home (Saturday) second leg of the semi-final.

McLeish was delighted with his team’s efforts and spoke to Courier Sport at full time: “You come to Linlithgow and expect them to put you under pressure, which they did in the second half.

“I thought we were good in the first half, really good. The second goal is a joy to behold, just a great goal. There were three fantastic passes and then Steven Thomson to Sheerin and Sheerin’s finish.

“Linlithgow gave us a bit of a doing in the second half but I thought the boys stood up to the task. We got the third goal, a good goal again, with 10 men and it was not our only chance.” Linlithgow had plenty of possession in the first half but failed to really test Ally Adams. In contrast, Burgh looked dangerous coming forward and were well worth their two-goal advantage at the break.

McLeish felt his side’s approach had taken their hosts by “surprise”.

He added: “We were not going to come here, sit back and say ‘come ahead and beat us’. We were going to come forward and try to win.” One of the main talking points of the game came just on the hour mark.

Goalkeeper Adams brought down Ruari MacLennan, with the referee then pointing to the spot and showing the Musselburgh shotstopper a straight red card.

It was unclear at full time whether Adams, who was part of the Musselburgh side which reached the Scottish Junior Cup final in 2011, would be available for tomorrow’s 2.30pm kick-off second leg.

But speaking on Monday night, McLeish said: “He is free to play on Saturday. To be fair, [substitute keeper] Murray [Jackson] did great and made three top class saves. If we had to go with Murray, then so be it, but we are happy to have Ally back. He was quite upset when he was sent off and I think it was quite harsh.” The manager agreed it was a penalty but felt a yellow card would have sufficed.

McLeish will also welcome back Lewis Turner, who missed the first leg through suspension.

At full time, McLeish added: “Murray was caught cold for Linlithgow’s second but his two saves at the end of the game are fantastic.

“You’ve got to hand it to the kid – it is only his second game for us. He played last week against Broxburn Athletic and has played really well for us today.

“To be honest, Ally has had a great game until he got sent off. He is adamant he got a touch on the ball, maybe it is a penalty but is it a sending off? I don’t know.

“I’ll have to see the video but [the second leg] is going to be some game, that’s for sure.” It proved a memorable day for substitute goalie Jackson, who helped ensure the visitors had the upper hand at the halfway stage of the two-legged semi-final. The keeper, on loan from Spartans, was forced into action after the red card.

But Jackson revealed he almost missed his big opportunity, as he told Courier Sport: “Today was unbelievable, probably a dream come true, to be honest.

“Today was probably the biggest game of my career so far, playing in front of a big crowd as well.

“I was away to the toilet when [Adams was sent off] as well and that was me coming on, I just could not believe it.

“I’m delighted for the boys: they put in a great effort, worked their socks off and we thoroughly deserved it.” The goalkeeper acknowledged his blunder, which allowed Ovenstone to pull one back for Linlithgow.

But Jackson quickly redeemed himself with two late saves, including one deep into stoppage time, to ensure McLeish’s men hold a slender advantage.

He added: “As a goalkeeper, as soon as you make a mistake, you’ve just got to let it go. There was a big atmosphere and a buzz behind the goal as well but you have just got to keep your head down and keep going.” The 22-year-old felt the upper hand was now with the East Lothian side, as they look to book a date in the final with either Auchinleck Talbot or Hurlford United.

He said: “I thought in the first half we were outstanding, we worked our socks off.

“Jordyn has come out with two great goals in the first half and he has been unbelievable all season.

“Then, Michael Hunter has scored another cracking goal as well.

“We’ve got the calibre of players to come through and get through to the final. We are all working hard each day and all week at training and we’ve got a great team spirit as well.” For a full match report from the game, see page 54.