Whitburn send Bonnyrigg Rose crashing out of cup

Apr 23 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Burnie signal their intent at early stage as they race into two goal lead to send Rose crashing out

WHITBURN and Bonnyrigg Rose met for the second time in a fortnight and for the second time in a row Whitburn raced into a 2-0 lead in the third round clash of the Fife and Lothians Cup.

On league duty earlier this month the Burnie had led the game into the final 10 minutes when the title favourites had stunned their hosts by pulling back a couple with a late smash and grab which has seen them score twice and steal a share of the points.

That day had also seen Whitburn play the final stages with 10 men after Paul Parkin had been sent packing.

But this weekend Whitburn had their revenge as they dumped Rose out of the Fife and Lothian's Cup 2-0.

Whitburn signalled their intent from the off as they took the game to their visitors from the opening whistle.

Colin Leiper crashed a header off the bar after 18 minutes but then five minutes before the break they did take the lead.

Again it was a cross into the box and a header which proved to be a thorn in Roses’ side as Andy Doig rose highest to nod home.

A minute later Colin Strickland had a shot saved by Craig Coyle as Whitburn ended the half on a high.

After the break John Murphy and sub David Burrell both had chances to double the hosts lead but both chances were saved.

But Whitburn weren’t to be denied as the West Lothain side booked their place in the third round 10 minutes from time.

David Murphy galloped up the flank and jinked past three despairing Rose players before picking out Strickland who rifled the ball it into the bottom corner from 15 yards.

It could have been worse for Bonnyrigg as Dolan rattled the crossbar with a 22 yard freekick just before the end and the same player also stuck the post in the final minute on what proved to be a comfortable day at the office for Whitburn.

Whitburn: Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J Murphy, D Murphy, Doig, McNelis, Strickland, Dolan. Subs: McSween, Donnelly, MacKay.