Broxburn versus Sauchie match report

Jan 3 2013 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

Stevie Pittman praised his men after Broxburn battled to victory at home to Sauchie.

A 25-yard left-footed striker from Paul Miller handed Athletic their fifth league win of the season.

The victory keeps Broxburn third going into the new year, much to the delight of their manager.

And Broxburn boss Pittman told Courier Sport: “It was a great strike that won the match for us.

“He hit it really sweetly and it was a goal worthy of winning any game.

“I felt we deserved the three points and were never in danger of losing the match.

“There were a few hairy moments towards the end, when they threw everything at us, but the boys did really well and it was great to end the year with a victory.”

There hadn’t been much between the two sides in the first half with chances few and far between.

But Broxburn broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half when a fine move by the home side led to the ball breaking to Miller on the edge of the Sauchie box.

And it was the perfect invitation for the Broxburn hitman who smashed the ball low and hard past the Sauchie shot-stopper and into the back of the net.

Both sides had chances in a more open second half, but failed to find the net.

And as the game drew to a close, it was Sauchie who looked more likely to score.

They put four up front and put Broxburn under pressure, but the Albyn Park outfit held firm and emerged with the victory and three points.

They stay third and three points clear of Carnoustie Panmure who beat Lochee 3-2 at home.

The Superleague new-comers have impressed in their first ever year in the top flight.

And Pittman praised them for their form.

He said: “We certainly don’t look out of our depth at this level and the lads are really doing well since taking the step up.

“It’s a steep learning curve coming up to the Superleague, but they’ve done very well.

“We’ve still got a lot of tough games to come, but it’s been a good first half of the season for us.

“Hopefully we can continue this form and kick on in the new year.”

Broxburn host Mussleburgh on Saturday before travelling to Bonnyrigg Rose the following weekend.