Harthill hit for six by Whitburn

Aug 28 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

WHITBURN’S goal-den spell in front of goal continued as they hit Harthill for six to take their goalscoring tally to 19 in just four games.

Strickland opened the scoring for Burnie inside a minute when he fooled the home team by squaring a free-kick on the left to Scott Murphy, who blasted a powerful shot into the net from just outside the box.

But Harthill levelled to go in at the break on even terms, forcing the Burnie to step it up a notch in the second period.

Andy Roberts broke the deadlock before Harthill’s John Connolly equalised with a wonder strike from the left touchline.

But Whitburn replied by slamming home five without reply after the break - with goals from Roberts, Colin Strickland, Alex Lurinsky (2) and Scott Murphy ensuring a comfortable win.

Harthill’s cause was not helped as they were forced to play most of the second half with just 10 men, following Scott Gillies’ ordering off.

In the game’s final action, with a minute to go, Hannah hit the bar.

The win booked a semi-final date for Whitburn against Newtongrange, which was scheduled to take place last night.

Harthill: Neally, Williamson, Gillies, Hendry, Morton, G Beattie, Croczak, Carmichael, Norris, Easton, Connolly.

Subs: Redmond, Martin, Cierpal, Whitelaw, A Beattie.

Whitburn: Walker, Hannah, Mooney (Mackay 72), Leiper, McGurk, J Murphy(S Murphy 72), D Murphy (Lurinsky 56), Doig, Strickland, Roberts, Dolan.

Subs not used: Donnelly.