Capital Stalemate At Paties Road

The Burgh extended their unbeaten run to 3 games with an even goalless draw at Edinburgh United at Paties Road Stadium.

Newburgh gave a debut to striker Cai MacDonald, in on loan, and there a return to Jamie Gay to the starting line-up since he was injured in the Lochgelly game back at the start of August, otherwise it was another fairly settled line up.

Edinburgh started brightly and had a chance in the opening moments after a defensive mistake let in the hosts, but keeper David Chalmers made a good save from close range and the rebound was put wide of goal.

The home side temporarily went down to 10 men in the 15th minute after Henderson appeared to land awkwardly and dislocated his finger. After a spell of treatment, the Edinburgh defender continued bravely.

MacDonald was having a lively debut and had a dangerous looking shot across goal knocked behind for a corner in the 18th minute, whilst at the other end Masson went close for United with an excellent effort which clipped the upright. Play quickly switched to the opposite goal and Rory Marshall had a header saved after a good cross from the left by MacDonald.

It was a fairly even opening 45 minutes and this continued into the second half. United went close with a deflected shot into the side netting, whilst Burgh had penalty appeals turned away after Kellar Harris appeared to have been fouled in the box with Marshall unable to finish the loose ball. Marshall was again in the thick of the across with great play and a cross but unfortunately Harris couldn’t quite connect to open the scoring.

Chalmers again to the rescue in the 63rd minute when we was quickly off his line to block an effort from Lamont before repeating the outcome five minutes later from the same player.

The final chance of the game came Burgh’s way in the final minute when a Ryan Lawson free kick into the United area fell to Marshall, but his effort flashed across goal with nobody able to get a final touch to net.

Ultimately it was another building block on the progress this season. There was some disappointment on the sidelines at full time, but this is a sign of the progress that the side has been making this season. A couple of months ago a draw would have been satisfactory, but the progress has got to be remembered and acknowledged. On the plus side, it will be pleasing for David Chalmers and his defence, again admirably marshalled by skipper Andrew Cameron with Harris Mitchell and Struan Grieve, to register their first clean sheet of the season.