Belters Edge Towards Championship Glory

Tranent Juniors took a huge step towards securing the McBookie.com South Division title when the weathered a second half assault by nearest rivals Whitburn Juniors, regrouped and secured all three points with a late winner. 

Whitburn Juniors were the visitors to newly promoted Tranent Juniors today on the back of an amazing league run in the McBookie.com South Division. The West Lothian side had managed twelve league wins on the trot before drawing with promotion rivals Blackburn United last Saturday. This match was key in deciding where the league championship would be destined with Tranent still favourites beng ten points clear of their rivals. However, Whitburn have four games in hand. There were a lot of outcomes still possible with so many games to play but one thing was the same for both sides - win all of their remaining matches and they will be champions. The sides have met twice this season -  Whitburn won the league fixture at home in September (Tranent's only league reverse this season). However, the "Belters" did taste victory at Whitburn in October in the Fife and Lothians Cup. Both matches produced plenty of goals so the bumper crowd anticipated another entertaining encounter.

Tranent were straight onto the attack and after only two minutes nearly took the lead. Goalkeeper Inglis found Paterson on the left with a long clearance and it took a great block by Horne in the away goal to deny him, after a great run. A minute later, Tranent's Manson was nearly in but Horne again did well to block his effort.

It was fully eleven minutes into the game before Whitburn had a shot on goal, but Bain's long range effort was wide.

Tranent were having the better of things and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 13 minutes. Good interplay between Manson and McMillan produced a corner. Beaton swung the ball over and Whitburn couldn't clear it properly. Eventually, the ball found its way back into the area and MANSON fired a fine shot across the goal into the far corner. It was no more than the home team deserved as they were playing some good attacking football.

After seventeen minutes, Whitburn nearly got a surprise equaliser. Inglis in the home goal tried to dribble the ball and was robbed by Taylor. However, Taylor's effort from an acute angle struck the outside of the post.

With half an hour played, Tranent might well have doubled their lead. A long cross was headed back by McMillan to Millar, but he put his effort wide when he looked sure to score.

With thirty six minutes played Whitburn's Taylor looked to be in on goal before Inglis rushed from his goal to deny him. The visitors were having more success now and Hamilton nearly scored direct from a corner - his effort flyng straight across the front of the goal.

Tranent had the last last chance of the half when Hawkins tried a header from range -  but it was easily held by Horne.

The home side deserved their half time lead with Whitburn struggling to get anything going up front. The best chances fell to Tranent and they might have had the game won by the break.

Half Time  Tranent Juniors 1; Whitburn Juniors 1

Neither side made any changes at the break and Tranent were first to have an effort on goal but it was easily saved.

With 59 minutes played, Whitburn equalised. MARTIN showed some quick feet in the box before shooting past Inglis from close range.

The visitors were boosted by this but Tranent were still pushing forward  and Beaton's effort was just wide of the far post.

Just after the hour, Whitburn were thought they had won a penalty when Inglis collided with Russell,  but the referee gave nothing. Minutes later Inglis made a great save from Russell and the visitors were starting to  dominate and looking a different team from the first half.

After sixty nine minutes, Tranent nearly took the lead for the second time. Substitute Fisher turned and shot brilliantly in the box, but Horne pulled off a fine save.

Tranent were going all out to win the game and a Manson corner fell to Paterson, but his effort was blocked. A minute later, a McMillan cross came off the top off the bar.

With 81 minutes played, Tranent scored their crucial second goal. The ball was not properly cleared from a corner and when it broke back to Beaton on the right, his terrific, swerving cross was met by HAWKINS at the far post and he headed home - a great goal!

Whitburn threw on two substitutes in an effort to rescue the game but it was Tranent who nearly scored again. A great sweeping movement created a chance for McMillan but his finish hit the visiting keeper.

Tranent saw out the closing few minutes comfortably.

Best for Tranent were Smith, Manson and Beaton although it was a strong team performance. Martin was best for Whitburn and Porteous a rock in defence.

This was a huge win for Tranent and well deserved. A win in their final match against Rosyth will ensure the league title -  whatever Whitburn do in their last five fixtures.  Whitburn still have a great chance of promotion.

It's been a huge turnaround from Tranent this season and winning the championship will be a great achievement and there is a buzz about the club nowadays.

Full time Tranent Juniors 2; Whitburn Juniors 1

Teams

Tranent Juniors
Inglis, Smeaton, Beaton, Gordon, McKenzie, Hawkins, Manson, Millar, McMillan, Smith and Paterson  Subs Fisher, Flynn, Wojtonczy, Murray and Trialist
Whitburn Juniors
Horne, Hamilton, Hogarth, Skinner, Porteous, M Russell, Taylor, Martin, K Russell ,Brass and Bain. Subs Wilson, Brown, Walton, McQueenie and Chambers

Referee Kevin  Lindsay

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter