Stubborn Rose battle for draw and stay put

Dec 4 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW Rose maintained their grip on top spot in the Super League with a battling performance against Kelty on Saturday.

Rose fans received a massive boost when the returning Brian Carrigan took his place in the starting line-up and he is a welcome addition to the junior ranks.

He got a hero’s welcome on the Prestonfield pitch after a return to Hamilton Accies didn’t work out.

His partnership with Gordon Herd was the foundation stone for much of Roses’ recent success.

Kelty settled first and took the lead after just six minutes. Indecision at the heart of the Rose defence led to the opener and former Gow favourite Conrad Courts prodded the ball through to Tam McGeorge to draw first blood.

Kelty had further chances to increase their lead but gritty defending from Linlithgow kept them out.

The hosts took heart from their resolute defensive display and began to come back into the game with Carrigan at the heart of much of their good work.

But it wasn’t until 20 minutes from the end that they drew level.

Mark Bradley won the ball in midfield and released Carrigan down the right wing and his low cross was slammed into the net from six yards by Stuart McArthur.

There were fleeting glimpses of goal at each end in the closing stages but neither could conjure up a winner and they settled for a share of the points.

Linlithgow: Pinkowski, Robertson, James, Donnelly, Gallagher, Bradley, Tyrrell, McDowell, Carrigan, Herd, McArthur. Subs: Livingstone, King, Hogg, McDermott, Grady.

In the only other game which survived in wintry West Lothian, Pumpherston lost 4–1 away at Sauchie in the South Division.

Ewan McCraw netted the consolation goal for Pumphy.