Entertaining Draw Dents Title Challengers Hopes

Those who rolled up to sun kissed Prestonfield today were treated to a fine, open game of football but the final result helped neither team in their pursuit of the Super League Championship. 

Newtongrange Star made the journey to Prestonfield knowing a win was needed to keep them in with a realistic chance of catching league leaders Kelty Hearts. However, they arrived on the back of a poor performance, and mid week defeat to Junior Cup finalists, Musselburgh Athletic, in the East of Scotland Cup.  The home team got over their Scottish Cup semi final defeat by Musselburgh by defeating Bonnyrigg Rose in the same East of Scotland Cup on Wednesday night.

Star clearly meant business and Kris Renton nearly scored in their opening attack but he squandered the opportunity. After six minutes, Linlithgow had their first shot on goal - good interplay between Batchelor and Strickland on the right ended with the former firing over. Next Roddy MacLennan had a good shot parried by Keiron Renton in the Star goal.

It was an open game with both sides trying to pass the ball. After 10 minutes, Star took the lead. A dangerous Chris King corner on the left nearly sneaked in at the far post and from the resultant corner kick on the right, Rose failed to clear the ball giving Cropley time and space to fire home.

Minutes later an O'Byrne miskick almost presented Kris Renton with an opportunity but it was cleared. At this point Renton was showing some fine touches.

Linlithgow were settling and creating their own opportunities. Roddy MacLennan produced a good run before setting up Batchelor, but Renton in goal provided a good stop.

Chris King was influential in the visitors midfield and a fine pass gave Cropley another chance - but this time his effort was poor.

With five minutes remaining in the half a corner from Roddy MacLennan found O'Byrne's head but his header came off the top of the bar. Next Rose's King fired over. Just before the break, good play between Wilson and Batchelor gave Roddy MacLennan a chance which was saved low down at his right hand post by Renton.

It was an entertaining first forty five minutes and perhaps the visitors were lucky to be ahead,
although they did create the clearer chances.

Half Time: Linlithgow Rose 0; Newtongrange Star 1

No changes for either side at the break.

Star were straight on the attack when Jamieson robbed O'Byrne but his square pass found no one.

The game continued to flow from end to end as in the first half and Roddy MacLennan forced Renton into a good stop from a long range free kick.

Star were clearly shooting on sight and both Renton and Cropley had long range efforts - the latters effort going just over. Next Cherrie played a fine ball to Jamieson and the front man should have made it two nil.

In Rose's next raid,  Wilson's effort was deflected for a corner from which O'Byrne headed narrowly wide.

Both sides made substitutions around the hour mark, with Batchelor and Kelbie replaced by Smith and Kelly for  the home team and Chris King making way for Matty King for the visitors.

Jamieson had another half chance for Star after a fine fun by Thomson but he couldn't find the target.

After 67 minutes Rose drew level. Roddy MacLennan fired in a shot and when Renton could only parry it, King was on hand to to fire home the equaliser!

Both teams now looked for a winner and openings appeared at both ends, but neither side could find a goal.

This was an entertaining game with lots of goalmouth action with both teams going for the win. A draw was just about right as neither side deserved to lose. Star recovered well from their mid week defeat and Rose who had key players missing can't be too unhappy with their point. However, It's two lost points for both sides in their pursuit of Kelty.

Best for the home side were Roddy MacLennan and Tyrell with Tolmie solid for Star.

Linlithgow have to play catch up in the league and cup now and face two matches this week - Monday sees them visit Bathgate Thistle in the Fife and Lothians Cup and then they visit Fauldhouse United in the league on Wednesday. Stars next fixture is at home to Broxburn Athletic next Saturday .

Scott Millar and his team handled the match well.

Full Time: Linlithgow Rose 1; Newtongrange Star 1

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter