Dale lose out on chance to win

Nov 17 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

JOE DUNBAR snatched a late equaliser for Newtongrange Star as Armadale had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The first half was evenly contested both sides best chances coming from free-kicks and corners.

A number of yellow cards were collected by home and away which had a major influence later in the game.

Robbie Feeney broke the deadlock for Armadale on 62 minutes when he latched onto a rebound and lashed the ball into the net.

Bonnar spurned a great chance to double the lead 10 minutes later when he miss-kicked in front of goal.

Local hero Feeney was ordered off with 10 minutes to go, having been given a second yellow for an alleged dive in the box.

And Star man Joe Dunbar shrugged off two defenders to equalise with only three minutes remaining.

Newtongrange were then down to 10-men with Forster also being handed a second yellow card.

In the dying moments, both sides thought they had won the game.

First Dale’s Mauchline found the Star net after a rebound from the crossbar only to be ruled offside.

And in injury time a Star effort hit the post and was collected by Meaney whose shot from two yards out was smothered by Walker on his goal line.

Grange players surrounded the ref claiming the ball had crossed the line which resulted in a red card for Meaney for his over the top protest.

Tempers flared and handbags were out a few times but fortunately the red count stayed at three.

Both sides deserved a well-earned point for providing great entertainment for one of the Volunteers biggest crowds of the season.