Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Musselburgh Athletic beat Preston Athletic 3-2 in their opening pre-season friendly at The Olivebank Arena, with Liam Buchanan scoring twice and Gabri Auriemma also on target.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
After a 45-day break since the end of last season, football returned to Olivebank Arena on a Tuesday evening as Musselburgh faced their near-neighbours from Prestonpans in the first of their pre-season friendlies. The match, originally scheduled against Spartans, was rearranged at short notice with Preston Athletic stepping in after Spartans pulled out — a gesture acknowledged by the Musselburgh Athletic social media account ahead of kick-off.
Musselburgh raced into a first-half lead through Gabri Auriemma before Buchanan added a second to put the hosts firmly in control. The exact minute details are not available from the match data, but the two-goal cushion proved decisive. Preston Athletic fought back to reduce the deficit before Buchanan struck again to restore Musselburgh's two-goal advantage, completing his brace. Preston pulled one more goal back late on, but Musselburgh held on for a 3-2 win.
The turning point
Buchanan's second goal proved the decisive moment in a game that swung in momentum. After Preston had fought back to make it a one-goal contest, the experienced striker's finish restored breathing room and allowed Musselburgh to see out the closing stages despite a late Preston consolation.
Key performers
Liam Buchanan — The Musselburgh striker's brace was the difference between the sides. His movement and finishing in the box demonstrated why he remains a key figure in the Musselburgh attack heading into the new Lowland League East season.
Gabri Auriemma — Opened the scoring for Musselburgh with a well-taken goal that set the tone for the home side's positive start to their pre-season programme.
Both clubs rotated freely in a friendly setting, with fitness and minutes in legs the primary objective rather than the final scoreline.
By the numbers — interpreted
No detailed match statistics (possession, shots, xG) were recorded for this friendly, as is typical for pre-season fixtures at this level. The 3-2 scoreline points to an open, competitive game — notable for a first pre-season outing where match sharpness is usually still building. Five goals across 90 minutes suggests both defences were not yet at full mid-season sharpness, while Musselburgh's ability to score three suggests their attacking combinations are further along in their preparation.
What it means
For Musselburgh Athletic, this was the first step in their 2026/27 pre-season schedule as they prepare for the Lowland League East campaign, which kicks off in late July or early August. They will aim to build on the positive start with further friendlies in the weeks ahead.
Preston Athletic, competing in the East of Scotland League, also gained valuable match minutes against higher-level opposition. The narrow defeat will have given their coaching staff useful insights ahead of their own league campaign.
Verdict
A typical first pre-season friendly: patchy sharpness, plenty of goals, and the result secondary to the fitness work. Buchanan's double was the standout takeaway for Musselburgh, who will be encouraged by their attacking output against local opposition. Neither side will read too much into the scoreline, but a winning start beats the alternative.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 9 Jul 2026