Tranent Snatch Point In Dramatic Finish

When Tranent's Todd received a red card for his for his second yellow card offence in the 88th minute, it looked like they would leave Arniston with nothing. However, the sending off sparked off disgraceful scenes as a fracas broke out in front of the dugouts. Referee Calum Doyle decided to take the teams from the pitch for a few minutes to allow tempers to be calmed and when the game resumed, the 9 men visitors snatched an incredible,  but deserved equaliser through substitute MItchell.


Arniston Rangers welcomed Tranent Juniors to Newbyres Park in the McBookie.com East Premier League for their last game of 2016. The teams met earlier this season at Forrester's Park when Rangers won 1-0, so this promised to be an extremely tight affair. The visitors - who are still managerless - are starting to find their feet in the Premier League after promotion and their away form  has been strong recently. The home side are riding high in the table and have a real chance of making it to the Super League at the end of the season on current form.

The home side started brightly and after 9 minutes Somerville was in on goal but delayed his shot. Seconds later Lister fired in a tame shot. With 14 minutes played Porteous had a good header from a Deland free kick. Arniston kept on the offensive and a good Leslie cross was met by Somerville - but Adams tipped his effort over.

There was 19 minutes on the clock, when  K Paterson had a TRANENT's first real effort - a shot on the turn.

Arniston took the lead after 23 minutes. Lucas did well on the right and when he put in a fine cross,  PORTEOUS crashed a header past Adams.

With 27 minutes gone, Tranent were reduced to ten men. K Patterson lashed the ball against a prone opponent after he had been penalised, the referee judged it to be violent conduct and awarded a straight red card.

The red card seemed to spur Tranent on and they drew level after 32 minutes. Wojtowycz fired in a corner from the right. The ball wasn't cleared and when it was turned back across goal it was touched on to TODD,  who slipped it past Cornet.

The sides were equal now and two minutes later, both teams were reduced to ten men as well. Lister clashed with an opponent in midfield and the referee decided his tackle was worthy of a straight red card. It looked a little harsh
Tranent were encouraged by their equaliser and ended the half on the front foot with both Wojtowycz and J Patterson shooting wide.

An eventful first 45 minutes and probably the scoreline reflected the play .

Half Time Arniston Rangers 1;  Tranent Juniors 1

No changes at the break and the second half started very slowly and there was nothing to report until 61 minutes. J Patterson tried a shot from about 20 yards out on the left and Cornet tipped his splendid strike over just as it looked sure to put the visitors ahead.

Within two minutes Rangers had two great chances. Firstly, Leslie latched onto a through ball and with Adams miles off his line he failed with his effort to chip the keeper. Then the same player latched onto a misplaced Christie back pass - but put his effort wide.

Tranent were still dangerous and a Miller free kick  forced Cornet into another fine stop after 64 minutes.

With 73 minutes played, Rangers scored their second. Substitute Tobin was involved on the right and SOMERVILLE forced the ball home on the turn.

Tranent kept pressing for an equaliser and substitute Mitchell had two efforts in as many minutes but couldn't test Cornet.

Just when it looked like Arniston would hang on, the  drama unfolded and Todd's dismissal sparked incredible scenes before the game was restarted and Tranent equalised.

The draw was probably a fair result in a game which will be remembered for the problems at the end. It was never a particularly dirty game but there were three red cards and numerous yellows. Best for Arniston were Cornet and Porteous with Miller and Smith best for Tranent.

Full Time Arniston Rangers 2; Tranent Juniors 2

Teams
Arniston Rangers
Cornet, Langdale, Deland, Callaghan, Brady, McTernan, Leslie, Lister, Somerville, Lucas and Porteous Subs Fauldhouse, McFadden, Watson, Tobin and Jeffrey

Tranent Juniors
Adams, Christie, J Patterson, Todd, Kerr, Smith, Miller, Hawkins, K Patterson, Fisher and Wojtowycz
Subs Mitchell, Conlon and Smeaton


Referee Calum Doyle


Gordon Baird Neutral  Reporter