Rose still dreaming of title glory

May 20 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW ROSE could yet pip long-time Superleague leaders and fierce rivals Bo’ness to title glory — if they win their remaining seven league fixtures.

Bo’ness dropped two points at home on Saturday while Rose were cruising to a 2-0 win over Newtongrange Star.

The results mean that although Linlithgow are trailing the leaders by a whopping 17-points, they do have five games in hand and the two sides are scheduled to meet next weekend in what could be a title decider.

But Rose boss Dave Baikie has played down his side’s chances of a dramatic late charge to glory insisting Bo’ness are firm favourites.

He said: “The results last weekend have made it interesting for Bo’ness but it is a tall, tall order for us. We’d have to win all of our matches which isn’t easy in this league.

“I’m still pretty sure Bo’ness will get over the finishing line but our match against them next weekend could well now become a league decider.

“Even if we manage to beat them we’ll still have six matches to play which we’d need to win to keep our chances alive.

“To be honest I’m not looking that far ahead. What has hindered our league bid this season was too many draws at the start but the fact it could come down to a match between us now for the league has added a bit of extra spice.

“I would say though that up to now Bo’ness have deserved to win the league but we’ll do our best.”

Last weekend, Linlithgow dumped Newtongrange to capitalise on Bo’ness’ slip. Gary Livingstone bagged the opener for Rose but the goal sparked furious protests from the Star camp who insisted the ball hadn't crossed the line.

Paul Forbes was sent off for his protests and the goal stood then Tommy Coyne sealed the points just before the end.

Bathgate Thistle also picked up a crucial win which lifted them up to second spot.

Brian McPhee and Jim Lister were both on target for the Jags in a 2-1 win over Bonnyrigg with Sean Paliczka replying.

Whitburn crashed to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Camelon which left them still scrapping to beat the drop.

Fauldhouse lost their Premier League status this weekend when they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Penicuik. John Harvey scored the goal which sends the Hoose to the South Division.

The battle for the South Division title and the right to replace Fauldhouse rages on after both Tranent and Broxburn Athletic won.

Tranent dumped West Calder 2-0 while a Chic Pearson strike helped West Lothian title hopefuls Broxburn to a 1-0 win over rivals Livingston United.

Spartans unleashed hell on Harthill by slamming seven without reply past their hosts.

Blackburn Utd fired four past Stoneyburn with two-goals inside the opening five minutes.

Ricky Miller headed home the opener before Grant Plenderleith clipped home a second.

Martin Stewart waltzed through the Stoneyburn defence for the third goal before Plenderleith netted the fourth.

Pumpherston were left feeling sick as the Dunbar Seasiders scored twice late on.

Pumphy were leading 2-1 with just over quarter of an hour to play when Stuart Brown levelled.

Then just before the end Geoff Jones found the net to leave Pumpherston gutted.

On Monday night Bathgate were on cup duty and they earned an excellent away win on Lochee’s patch to advance into the East of Scotland Cup fourth round at the expense of the holders.

Graeme McLaren netted the only goal of the game just after the interval to keep the Jags on the trophy trail.

Bathgate now go on to play Musselburgh Athletic in the quarter-final with the winners facing Oakley United in the semi-final.