Gary Shanks double hands the Hoose a win over Pumphy

Nov 17 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

A GARY SHANKS brace helped hand Fauldhouse a well-earned 3-0 win against nine-man Pumphy.

The Hoose were lifted to fourth following a dominant display from the visitors.

Shanks opened the scoring with a finish that had Pumphy player’s claiming offside.

But the man in black wasn’t interested and the goal stood.

Former Pumphy player Kenny Martin grabbed the second as the Hoose started to pull away.

That meant a 2-0 lead at half time, which could have been more had it not been for some heroic goalkeeping from trialist Andrew Pennycook.

Pumphy battled to get back into the match with a spirited attempt at a second half fightback.

The best Pumpherston chances fell to Ross Williamson but his effort was well held by Ian Stewart who also saved well from a Jamie Adamson effort.

Mark Wilsons hit a great strike which was sent crashing against the post before Kenny Martin saw his effort fly over the bar.

Pennycook denied Wilkins when he tipped an effort over the bar and out for a corner.

Fauldhouse increased their lead in the second half through another Shanks goal from 12 yards.

The finish gave him two braces in as many games.

It killed any hope of Pumphy getting the win, and it was United who looked likely to add to the scoreline late on.

Fauldhouse had several chances to increase their lead but the trialist keeper pulled of several great saves to stop the visitors.

Pumphy’s day went from bad to worse when Martin McCann and sub Barry Wales were both sent off late on.

The result lifts Fauldhouse to fourth, five points behind Tranent who slipped up against Stoneyburn.

Pumphy drop to 10th, six points clear of Edinburgh United who currently side bottom of the South Division.