Whitburn struggle against Edinburgh United

Oct 20 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

WHITBURN dropped two points as they stumbled to a 1-1 draw against nine-man Edinburgh United.

A win would have put pressure on their fellow title chasers as most of them faced cup duty.

But second-bottom Edinburgh had other ideas as they took an early lead over the South Division leaders.

Craig Cockburn found Lumbert Katelza free in the box and his 10-yard drive found the net.

Whitburn battled back, but missed chances from Bryan King kept the visitors ahead.

Whitburn’s keeper Franny Carlin kept his side in the game when he foiled chances which fell to Neil Martin and Graeme Newall midway through the first half.

King missed another chance to get Whitburn back on level terms when his header from a corner sailed over the bar.

Then United were reduced to 10 men when Sorley was sent off after bringing down Blair Young after he had been sent clean through.

Stewart Fenwick hit the sticks and sensationally saved Young’s well taken spot-kick, diving to his left. Just before the break a long Carlin clearance found King who passed to Rodger who put Young in, but he was crowded out by two defenders.

Edinburgh started the second half on the attack, and could have ended the game as a contest with some great play.

But Whitburn began to make the extra man pay, and took control of the game.

Gregor McDonald was first to try his luck as a nice move saw him get in the box but a bad touch gave Fenwick a chance to dive on the ball.

On the hour a drive from Young from the edge of the box struck the bar.

Then Darren Wilson was put through but his first time shot flew wide.

Time was running out for Whitburn who were looking desperate.

Sub Scott Meldrum nearly grabbed the equaliser when his 25-yard shot hit the bar.

Meanwhile a stretched Edinburgh were reduced to nine men when their half-time sub Stewart Frozier was sent off on a double booking.

Gordon saved Whitburn’s blushes deep in injury time when he fired an Alan Mooney cross in at the back post as Whitburn stole a point.