Around the grounds in junior round-up

Sep 2 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ARMADALE Thistle led twice but couldn’t hold on for the three Premier League points against Ballingry Rovers this week.

Ryan Johnstone netted in each half to edge the Dale ahead but a controversial penalty 10 minutes from time denied them a precious win.

In a stormy match a staggering SEVEN Armadale players were booked while two-goal hero Johnstone was sent off in injury time at the end.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Whitburn bounced back from losing 5-4 a week earlier to thrash title favourites Glenrothes 4-1.

Goals from Alan Mooney, David Murphy and a Gary Millar brace stunned the hosts.

The result vindicated Burnie boss Matt Coulter’s decision to shift the side’s most experienced players to the back line.

Andy Thompson lined up at the heart of defence with Mooney and Scott Murphy at full-back.

There was also a PL win for Broxburn Athletic as they edged out St Andrews 3-2.

Geddes, Millar and Martin had Broxburn 3-0 up and coasting.

But after racing into the lead they took their foot off the pedal and shipped two goals which set up a nervy finish.

In the South Division this week Fauldhouse continued their 100 per cent start to the new season with a single goal victory over Dalkeith Thistle.

Mark Wilkins was the Hoose hero as he fired home the game’s only goal to keep them clear at the top.

Basement boys Pumpherston found the net twice but still went down 4-2 away to Edinburgh United.

Pumphy remain rooted to the bottom with no points.

Blackburn United also slipped to defeat as they lost 2-0 at Haddington while Harthill Royal were thumped 5-0 at Dunbar.

There was a better result for Livingston United though who beat Spartans 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

Livi romped three goals to the good following goals from Bryan Jaconelli, Lee Docherty and Ian Griffin and with a minute to go the county club were cruising to victory.

But the visitors threw caution to the wind and sent almost every player forward in injury time.

And they were rewarded with two dramatic late goals although Livi held on for their first league win of the campaign.

The points were shared at Hermand Park where West Calder and Stoneyburn drew 2-2.

West Calder will, however, be kicking themselves at not having taken all three points as they led 2-0 at the break.

Brett Agnew and Steven Johnstone grabbed the goals for the hosts before they were pegged back in the second 45 by Craig Gilhooley and Michael McCormack.