Linlithgow’s woes go on but suffering is now self-inflicted

Feb 5 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Linlithgow......0 Glenrothes......1

LINLITHGOW Rose’s form slump has gone from bad to worse with their Super League dreams now hanging by a thread.

Rose, who have led the way at the top of the pile throughout the campaign, have now lost four in a row and have been knocked into second spot by Kelty Hearts.

Bo’ness United are just two points behind Rose but have played a game less than their rivals, meaning the county club are now reliant on Bo’ness slipping up elsewhere to keep their title bid on track.

Linlithgow enjoyed the lions’ share of first half possession but they couldn’t find a way past Glenrothes keeper Roberts who was in inspired form.

And just 10 minutes after the restart Glenrothes made the breakthrough when a mixup between Linlithgow’s new signing Craig McEwan and their trialist keeper ended with McEwan hitting the ball into his own net for the only goal of the game.

Rose tried in vain to get back into the game with the best effort a shot from Tommy Coyne, which cannoned back off the woodwork.

Linlithgow: Trialist, McEwan, McDermott, King, Donnelly, Bradley, Robertson, Fraser, Coyne, Herd, Livingstone. Subs: Geddes, McDowell, Grady, Wilson, James.

Whitburn...........0 Tayport.........1

TAYPORT made Super League history by winning at Whitburn for the first time ever to leave their hosts propping up the division.

It was another poor performance from Whitburn, who have the dark shadow of relegation hanging over them. They must make big changes if they are to save themselves from the drop.

Stefan Elvin scored early in the second half to give Tayport the points.

Whitburn: Walker, S Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly, McNelis, Doig, Lurinski, Strickland, Hannah. Subs: MacKay, Dolan, D Murphy, J Murphy.

Hill Of Beath......0 Bathgate.....0

BATHGATE were finally back on Super League action after a long period of inactivity.

The Jags had been left in cold storage since late November and although they showed signs of rustiness they battled to a creditable draw at Hill of Beath.

Bathgate had good performances from keeper Jordan Longmuir and Paul McGrillen, but after such a long layoff a share of the points was about right.

Bathgate: Longmuir, Wilson, Neill, Hunter, Easton, F Love, Nicolson, McColligan, Lister, McGrillen, McLaren. Subs: Reilly, P Harvey, Elliot, McPhee, Fallon.