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Linlithgow Rose v Newtongrange Star

It was League leaders Star who were the visitors to fifth placed Rose in the match of the day in the East at windswept Prestonfield today. Both teams needed a win badly if they were to keep hopes of the Championship alive and fielded strong teams.

Rose got off to the perfect start when, playing with the wind, Smith crossed to striker Strickland who gave goalkeeper Renton no chance from close range -  barely 60 seconds were on the clock. Almost from the restart Coyne nearly made it two before the same player went close with an overhead kick. It was all Rose as Star struggled to win the ball in midfield and Roddy Maclennan should have added to the lead when put in by Strickland.  The resultant corner produced a header from McKillan which went just over. In the next few minutes only a great tackle by Kerr and some good goalkeeping from Renton kept the visitors in it.

There was fully 16 minutes on the clock before Nitten created anything when Cropley played in Jamieson but it came to nothing.

Linlithgow continued to dominate and created chances but Stars's defence had warmed to their task and there was some solid defending by Dunn and Kerr. Finally,  Star came more into the came and after the half hour there was a flurry of activity around the home goal culminating in a fine move sawJamieson bring out a super save by Christie.

As the half time whistle went it seemed that the visitors had weathered the storm and might well get into the game with the elements in their favour in the second half.

Half Time:  Linlithgow Rose 1; Newtongrange Star 0

Star started brightly on the resumption winning a free kick in a good position. King fired over from the free kick but Rose were coping well with the visitors attacks and struck again just before the hour. Star failed to clear a corner properly and the ball fell to Strickland who scored his, and his sides second, with a well struck finish across Renton.

Star made a change up front bringing on O'Reilly for King who couldn't really get into the game in his usual way. The change nearly worked straight away but the sub could not find the net with his header from a corner. Cropley struck a fierce long range shot but Star could not breach an organised home defence.

Linlithgow looked comfortable and completed the league double over their championship rivals.  There was a late scare when Tolmie headed against a post and saw a penalty claim turned down in the resultant goalmouth scramble but it was Linlithgow who held on for a deserved three points.

As expected in the windy conditions most of the best players on the day were at the back although goalscorer Strickland and his strike partner Coyne were always dangerous.

This result probably sees Star's championship hopes ended but it has been a great challenge in their first season after promotion. Rose still have championship aspirations but it's very much in others hands with Bo'ness still favourites.

Referee Colin Steven and his team handled the game well and dealt sensibly with everything.

Credit too to the ground staff at Prestonfield which was in immaculate condition given the number of matches it has staged over the season.

Full time Linlithgow Rose 2; Newtongrange Star 0
 

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter