20th May 2018. BSC Glasgow v Civil Service Strollers. 1-2 aet

Was not sure about going to this but after finishing lunch around 12.45 decided I would go and get there in time for 14.30 kick-off at Olive Bank Musselburgh.  Walked down to Haymarket and caught a 26 bus to Musselburgh. Google maps said get off at the Ship Inn and walk up past Lidl and Aldi towards the ground which showed as being opposite the Musselburgh Rugby ground. It was but there was a little problem as entrance to the ground was at the opposite end of the ground. Had to walk through back streets before finally reaching entrance which is off Musselburgh High Street. If you ever go to Olive Bank park get off bus in High Street at Ship Inn cross road and then walk to Lochend Street where you will approach ground from right end for the entrance. I met Jim as I was looking to find way into ground. He had parked in Aldi carpark thinking he could get in near there but was caught in the same trap as me. £6 admission and £2 for a well produced programme.

BSC claimed for an early penalty after Kyle Fee’s challenge prevented Tom Bentham from shooting from close range, but the defender played the ball. There was little in the way of good chances after that as the game moved to half-time, despite Civil had the bulk of possession Civil had a chance when a near post corner was flicked on by Jack Downie but has header did not trouble the keeper. 

Civil Service scored after an hour with a good goal on the break. Andy Mair broke down the left and set a good cross to the back post where Stephen Froude headed Strollers into the lead. BSC equalised when a shot on the volley by former Scotlland U21 cap Stevie Murray appeared to be going well away from goal until it struck Josh McArthur's chest and deflected into the net. Craig Newall had a good chance for Strollers after he broke from fullback but his shot hit the side netting. BSC then almost went ahead in stoppage time as captain Ross McMillan glanced a header wide from a corner.

Paulo Buzzi had the only real opportunity during the first period of extra-time, but his volley from close range was straight at Marshall. Martin Grehan’s fine strike was deflected narrowly wide and his header from the resulting corner was kicked off the line as BSC pushed for a late winner. Civil Service went ahead with three minutes remaining when Buzzi hit a glorious Messi-like overhead kick into the top corner after bringing the ball down with his chest. This brought wild scenes involving just about the entire Strollers squad as the substitutes and management joined in the celebrations.. Buzzi was booked for removing his shirt as he celebrated but Strollers played out the remaining minutes to win the trophy.

I have attached a couple of photo's of Olive Bank. Apologies for the thumb showing on the  first  one. Last time I was here was about twenty plus years ago when my son Craig played in a cup final at U-11 age. The ground was a bit of a tip then but is vastly improved with a new clubhouse and toilet block and concrete terracing at both sides of the ground albeit it does not extend the full length of the pitch.

After the game I walked the short distance to Musselburgh High Street and caught a 26 bus home. I had a good read of the very interesting match programme on the journey.

Teams

BSC Glasgow: Marshall, Tennent, Mills, McArthur, McStay, McMillan, Redpath, Duncan, Bentham, Grehan, Murray.

Subs: McNab, Smith.

Civil Service Strollers;Burnside, Newall, Mair, Turnbull, Laird, Fee, McConnell, Clapperton, Froude, Downie, Ballantyne.

Subs: Churchill, Buzzi, Hainey