Rose boss Baikie hopes win over title rivals can spur his side to glory

Mar 31 2011 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW manager Dave Baikie reckons his side’s win over one of their title rivals can act as a catalyst for Super League glory.

Rose edged third-placed Forfar West End at Prestonfield on Saturday to open up a five-point gap at the top of the pile.

Both goals came in the second-half of a match during which Baikie reveals he urged his side to be patient and keep playing their own game and they would get their reward.

He said: “We felt this was a really crucial game for us. It was vital we maintained our position as league leaders but we knew that they would be tough opponents and so it proved.

“It was a frustrating first half for us but all credit to Forfar because they were organised and got behind the ball when we had it.

“We told the players at half time to be patient and not get frustrated but continue to move the ball around. Once we got the breakthrough, I felt we could go on to score a few more.

“I felt we were always the better side and to beat one of our rivals at the top will give us confidence.”

After two league defeats in a row Rose needed to pick up maximum points but it took them until the 73rd minute to make the breakthrough.

It came when Kevin Donnelly helped Stephen Manson’s corner back across goal and Colin Strickland prodded home.

They doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Stuart McArthur sent Tommy Coyne galloping clear on goal and the frontman made no mistake.

West End’s Graeme Gibb pulled a goal back just before the end but Linlithgow weren’t to be denied a return to winning ways.

West End boss Jim Finlayson said: “We worked really hard and I thought we might have nicked a point at the end but this is no easy place to get a result.

“We applied ourselves well today against one of the top sides in the league so we will take confidence from that.”