NEWBATTLE HS WIN U15 SHIELD

PINKIE Playing Fields in Musselburgh was the venue for the final local event of the season when the East & Midlothian Schools FA under-15 Shield reached its conclusion with the decisive encounter between Newbattle and Lasswade, writes JOHN FRAME. Newbattle went into the final match needing only a point to clinch the trophy against the pre-tournament favourites.  The first-half was evenly balanced with defences on top.  As the second-half progressed Lasswade threw players forward in search of the vital opener but failed to create any clear-cut chances against a hard-working Newbattle defence.  Newbattle,  who had beaten St David’s  Ross and Musselburgh for the loss of only one goal were not content to settle for the point and  with four minutes remaining made sure of  securing the trophy  in spectacular fashion. East & Mid county player James Watson collected a loose ball  on the half-way line, outpaced three defenders  before unleashing a fierce shot from 20 yards which went in to the net off the crossbar