MUSSELBURGH Athletic’s sixth Superleague campaign began with a short trip into Midlothian last Wednesday to face a Bonnyrigg Rose side whose pre-season preparations appeared to indicate all was not especially well at New Dundas Park, but who nonetheless fielded a strong enough XI.

The visitors’ pre-season had encouraged manager Davie McGlynn, nearing his 10th anniversary in charge, and they were confident they could take something from the game.

They played reasonably well in the first half but it was Bonnyrigg who took the lead with half an hour played when Grady scored, and 10 minutes later Burgh were left facing an uphill task when ex-Tranent man Alan Horne, Bonnyrigg’s player of the year, set up Carse to make it 2-0.

Refusing to feel deflated at 2-0 down at the interval, Musselburgh stuck to their footballing principles and many in the crowd sensed their performance would earn them just reward in due course.

As soon as Jordyn Sheerin scored his first competitive goal for the club on 67 minutes, continuing his excellent pre-season scoring form, there was a feeling Burgh could turn things around, and just seven minutes later they drew level following the best move of the game – Brian Martin sent in the cross which was met by sub Steven Thomson, who slammed it past Rose keeper Hay.

With their tails up now, Musselburgh pressed for the winner and it duly arrived 10 minutes from time when Euan Ralton’s flick found strike partner Sheerin, who powered into the box and kept his composure to drill the ball beyond Hay.

Bonnyrigg were down and out now and Burgh deservedly collected all three points after a memorable comeback, more than 18 years since their last victory at New Dundas Park. On Saturday Olive Bank hosted its first competitive game of the new season, with Hill of Beath Hawthorn the visitors. Naturally Burgh boss McGlynn was eager to build on their midweek victory, while Haws, also winners in midweek, had other ideas.

Both teams looked decent in the early stages as they fought for superiority, with Burgh again playing some fine football. Sheerin was again prominent in attack and ought to have scored when he was set up by the unselfish Thomson, but Byle cleared off the line.

The striker, signed in the summer from city amateurs Heriot Vale, kept up his great start in junior football when he opened the scoring in the 21st minute, heading home Kevin McDonald’s cross from six yards out. The visitors quickly fought back, though, and were back on level terms within a few minutes when Adamson squeezed the ball past Ally Adams from a few yards out.

Shortly afterwards, Haws could have found themselves in front when Martin’s attempted clearance rebounded off Adamson, but Adams was alert to the danger.

The game was an open and entertaining one, with both sides giving it their all, and with seven minutes left in the first half Burgh regained the lead with a stunning goal from that man Sheerin, who hit an unstoppable shot past visiting keeper Hall from almost 25 yards out. After the break the visitors put a lot of effort into their quest for an equaliser, though ultimately in vain. Bathgate and Hay had chances but Adams in the home goal put in a solid performance and wasn’t to be beaten.

Burgh weren’t as fluid as they’d been in the first half, although still carrying a threat, and the second half was punctuated by stoppages for treatment to injuries, lasting no less than 57 minutes! Chances came and went at both ends but a goalless 45 minutes meant another three very satisfactory points for Musselburgh.

On Saturday Burgh cross the Forth for the first time this season, to face a Sauchie Juniors side searching for their first point, and looking to bounce back after a 7-0 drubbing at Bo’ness.