Match Reports
Season 2005-06

 

1-6-06

League

Bathgate 0 Whitburn 2, Scorers - Ramage, Flanagan

 

Half time: Bathgate 0 Whitburn 2

 

Bathgate needed a draw to win the league, and were nearly gifted an early goal when Rixon, playing at centre half, took too long on the ball and lost possession 25 yards out from goal. Whitburn managed to defenders back as the Bathgate forward broke through, but it still needed an excellent save by Walker to keep the scores blank.

Bathgate's tactic in the first half appeared to be long, wind assisted through balls, and from one of these they almost scored when the ball was headed goalwards, but again Walker came to the rescue, making a fingertip save to put the ball over for a corner. Bathgate should have taken the lead in the 28th minute when a driven cross from the left was completely miskicked by Annand from only a couple of yards out in front of goal. Two minutes later they were to regret these misses when Whitburn took the lead. A long free kick was headed down for Iain Ramage to volley home his 100th goal for Whitburn from 6 yards out.

A minute later and it was 2-0. The keeper made a poor kick out, the ball going to Strickland who passed for Alan Flanagan to take the ball round the keeper and score.

Valentine came close for Whitburn with a free kick that was bent round the wall, but it went just past with the keeper beaten.

A couple of minutes into the second half Whitburn had another great chance to score when Hannah broke from his own half, leaving Bathgate players in his wake. As he approached the 18 yard box and with Bathgate defenders backing off, he elected to pass to Flanagan, and although the Whitburn number 9 brought out a good save from the keeper, Hannah may have been better having a shot himself given his shooting ability from that range.

The game developed into a bit of a stalemate after that with Whitburn content with the scoreline, and Bathgate unable to make any serious impression on the Whitburn defence, where Mbu was commanding as usual.

The game came to life again with 15 minutes remaining when a long ball beat the Whitburn defence, but again Walker was alert and brought off another great save, turning the ball round the post for a corner. A minute later at the other end, Ramage saw his header from a corner kick cleared off the line.

In the 80th minute, Stewart Walker brought off yet another great save as Bathgate tried to salvage the league title that a few weeks ago seemed to be theirs for the taking. The Whitburn keeper bringing off a spectacular diving save from a header.

With a minute remaining, Ramage cleared the ball off the line, and as the game moved into injury time, Bathgate lost the place as the frustration of losing out on a succession of trophies in the space of a couple of weeks got the better of them. First, Strickland was on the receiving end of a wild tackle in the centre circle, and when the resulting melee settled down, the referee, who made a lot of very curious decisions during the game, booked Peter Lynch. Amazingly, the Bathgate player who made the tackle wasn't even spoken to.

The referee then played more than 5 minutes injury time, during which Strickland was again on the receiving end of some shocking treatment, this time when he had possession of the ball near the corner. The Bathgate number 2, Wilson, had a full blooded punch at him, catching him in the chest, and as the Whitburn player fell to the ground another Bathgate player had a kick at him. The referee obviously saw the incident as he booked Wilson, but how he could fail to administer a red card given the nature of the assault was a mystery to everyone else who saw it.

This brings the season to a close, with Whitburn finishing a creditable fourth in the league in their first season in the Superleague, only 4 points behind winners Tayport. Given the bad run of form Whitburn had when they collected only 4 league points from a possible 27, it leaves Whitburn supporters thinking of what might have been.

Tonight's Man of the Match goes to Stewart Walker who had numerous excellent saves that helped Whitburn gain some revenge for the two defeats by Bathgate earlier in the season.

 

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Valentine, Carswell, Rixon, Mbu, Ramage, Carson(Lynch), Hannah, Flanagan(Sinclair), Strickland, Taylor. Subs not used -  Beveridge, Trialist

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Walker

 

27-5-06

League

Whitburn 3 Arniston 2, Scorers - Strickland(2), Hannah

 

Half time: Whitburn 2 Arniston 2

 

In their final home game of the season, Whitburn secured their first league win since the defeat of Carnoustie in October, but were pushed all the way by Arniston in what was an entertaining match, despite there being nothing at stake.

It was Arniston who opened the scoring after 10 minutes when a long throw in from the right found it's way to the back post where the number 7 had time to control the ball before lobbing it home.

Whitburn responded, and were level 7 minutes later. Kenny Hannah, playing on the right of midfield, played a long pass from just inside the Arniston half. The centre was unable to intercept, allowing Colin Strickland to chip the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net from the edge of the box.

A couple of minutes later, Taylor made a good run up the left and sent in an excellent ball for Rixon, but he couldn't direct his header on target.

Whitburn were playing with a strong wind at their backs and it almost brought about a freak goal when a long kick out by Walker caried right through to his opposite number Baillie, who had to back scramble back to tip the ball over for a corner.

Five minutes from half time,Whitburn almost went ahead when a mis-kick by Hannah fell perfectly for Strickland who's well hit shot was again turned over by Baillie for a corner.

From the corner kick, the ball was passed to Taylor and he in turned layed it off for Colin Strickland to steer the ball into the net from 8 yards out.

There was no let up in the play as half time approached, with keeper Baillie again denying Whitburn with another fine save, this time deflecting a Hannah shot out for a corner after he had been set up by Ramage.

Arniston equalised in injury time with a similar goal to their first, again the number 7 finding himself in space at the back post after a cross from the right, and putting the ball in the net.

Whitburn regained the lead just a couple of minutes into the second half with a sweeping move from defence. Iain Ramage drove forward and released the ball for Kenny Hannah to run in from the right and fire a low shot into the net at the far post from just inside the box.

In the 55th minute, Ramage had a chance, but headed past from a corner kick by Taylor.

Whitburn were playing their best football in quite some time, and in the 60th minute another good move saw the ball played out to Hannah who sent in a great low cross for Ramage who's shot was again well saved by Baillie. The Arniston keeper was having an excellent game.

In the 65th minute, Arniston scored what everyone except the referee thought was an excellent equaliser, only to see it disallowed for offside. The ball was chipped over a crowd of players in the box from the right edge of the area, and left Walker rooted as it rattled the back stanchion. With Arniston players running back upfield celebrating, it was some time before anyone noticed that the referee was indicating a free kick to Whitburn. To be fair to the referee, he was in a good position to make the decision, but it didn't appear as though the offending player was interfering with play. The changes to the offside rule have caused a lot of confusion, with some officials trying to apply the new rule, and others still flagging offside immediatley the ball is played, as was the previous method. As a result, officials are receiving a lot of criticism, much of it unjustified, due the confusion on the terracings. Hopefully it will be clarified for next season.

Back to the game though, and in the 70th minute Kirk saw his shot saved again by that man Baillie.

Further saves followed, in the 75th minute when Ramage played a great ball in behind the defence for Strickland, and in the 86th minute when another good break saw Kirk play the ball in for Hannah who was once again denied by the keeper.

This win lifts Whitburn back into the top half of the table, and with one game remaining they are on course to achieve a respectable position in their first Superleague campaign.

This week's Man of the Match goes to Kenny Hannah. Playing his 400th game for the club, he was deployed on the right of midfield rather than his usual central position. He scored one and could have had more but for some excellent goalkeeping, and caused the Arniston defence problems in that area throughout the game.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Trialist(Valentine), Mbu, Ramage, Carson, Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, Flanagan(Kirk). Subs not used - Beveridge, Sinclair.

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

20-5-06

League

Whitburn 1 Glenrothes 1, Scorer - Macdonald

 

Half time: Whitburn 0 Glenrothes 1

 

The kick off was delayed for 30 minutes, but unfortunately it wasn't to let the large crowd in, but because the match officials were late, having been sent to the wrong game by mistake.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with neither team getting on top. The first real chance came on the half hour mark when McNelis hit a good shot from 12 yards that the keeper managed to push away for a corner.

An even better chance came in the 40th minute when a neat lay off from Ramage allowed Flanagan a clear run in on goal. The Whitburn man ran into the box, but put his shot well wide of the advancing keeper and the goal. Whitburn were enjoying a good spell of pressure and a couple of minutes later, Hannah saw his effort from 18 yards blocked.

As half time approached, Glenrothes responded and Walker had to be alert to save an angled drive at his right post.

On the stroke of half time, Whitburn conceded a free kick, 20 yards directly in front of goal. A Whitburn defender had been unlucky to stop a fiercely hit shot with his arm, although there must be a question regarding the intent as the defender was no more than a couple of yards away when the shot was hit, and had no chance of getting out of the way.  The free kick was well hit and found the net to send Glenrothes in at half time 1-0 ahead.

Whitburn made two half time substitutions, Macdonald and Kirk replacing Valentine and McNelis.

Glenrothes came close to extending their lead after 53 minutes, but were denied by Walker saving low to his left.

With half an hour remaining, Glenrothes were reduced to 10 men when number 7 was sent off for persistent fouling, having been booked earlier.

The ordering off seemed to give Whitburn a lift as they chased an equaliser. For the remainder of the half, Whitburn started to play some good football and put the Glenrothes defence under more persistent pressure. They forced several corners and free kicks, and Kirk put in some good crosses from the right, but Glenrothes managed to hold out until the 75th minute. Then Strickland put in a good free kick from the left, and Scott Macdonald rose majestically to head home the equaliser, his first goal for the club, and one that guarantees Super League football for Whitburn next season. It also means that Scott no longer holds the dubious honour for an outfield player of having had more shut outs than goals for the club.

Glenrothes tried to respond, but were unable to regain their lead and the game ended with a share of the points.

With nobody really commanding the game in the first half, the half time substitutions turned the game in Whitburn's favour. The Man of the Match goes to one of those substitutes, Scott Macdonald, who didn't put a foot wrong when he came on, and scored the vital equalising goal for Whitburn.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Valentine(Macdonald), Carswell, Trialist(Sinclair), Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, McNelis(Kirk). Subs not used - Taylor, Carson. 

 

Man of the Match - Scott Macdonald

 

 

18-5-06

Dechmont Forklift Brown cup semi final

Whitburn 1 Bonnyrigg 4, Scorer - Flanagan

 

Half time:  Whitburn 1 Bonnyrigg 3

 

Whitburn got off to the best possible start when Alan Flanagan turned the ball into the net from 6 yards after just 4 minutes, following a shot from McNelis. However, the lead didn't last long, Bonnyrigg equalising 3 minutes later when a slip by Carson allowed their forward to run clear before hitting a low shot that skidded off the wet surface and past the diving Walker, although the Whitburn keeper looked as though he might have stopped the effort.

Worst was to follow as Bonnyrigg went 3-1 ahead with goals in the 10th and 15th minutes. The second goal looked as though it may have been offside, but there was no doubt about the third goal - it was definitely offside.

Whitburn had a spell of pressure around the half hour marked, forcing several corners, and saw a powerful 25 yard effort by Hannah tipped over for a corner.

 

The second half was only a minute old when Bonnyrigg extended their lead. Carson lost possession on the goal line and pulled down his opponent. The resulting penalty was converted comfortably.

The remainder of the second half brought no further goals, although Walker had to be alert on a couple of occasions, bringing off good saves to prevent any further goals. At the other end, substitute Jamie Valentine had an excellent effort from 25 yards turned over for a corner in the 75th minute.

Whitburn worked away, but were unable to make any impression on the Bonnyrigg defence.

The Man of the Match goes to Stewart Walker. He may have done better at the first goal, but was blameless for the other three, and had it not been for him, Bonnyrigg could have ended up scoring six or seven. 

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Carson(Valentine), Rixon, McNelis, Kirk, Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, Kenny(Sinclair). Subs not used - Beveridge, 

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Walker

 

 

 

16-5-06

East of Scotland cup 4th round

Whitburn 1 Oakley 4, Scorer - Rixon

 

Half time: Whitburn 1 Oakley 2

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu(Carson), Ramage, Flanagan(Kirk), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Beveridge, Kenny, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

 

13-5-06

League

Whitburn 0 Carnoustie 0

 

Half time: Whitburn 0 Carnoustie 0

 

Carson replaced the injured Mbu in the centre of defence.

Carnoustie were the first to threaten when, in the 5th minute, a dangerous cross from the right was put out for a corner by McNelis.

Whitburn had several goal attempts during the first half, but were mostly easily dealt with by the keeper, although Hannah forced him into a diving save with a shot from the edge of the box

The second half was much the same with Whitburn pressing, and they can consider themselves unlucky not to take all 3 points after hitting woodwork on a couple of occasions with efforts from Ramage and a powerful drive from Hannah.

The Man of the Match is Richie Carson

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Carson, Ramage, Flanagan(Kenny), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, McNelis(Kirk). Subs not used - Beveridge, Lynch, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Richie Carson

 

9-5-06

East of Scotland Cup 3rd round

Camelon 1 Whitburn 2, Scorers - o.g., Ramage

 

Half time: Camelon 1 Whitburn 2

 

Whitburn gained revenge for the defeat by Camelon the previous week, with the game itself following much the same pattern, with Whitburn taking the lead and Camelon coming back at them. The opening goal came for Whitburn after 16 minutes when keeper MacPherson could only push a high ball into his own net. The second goal, in the 23rd minutes, was a back post header by Iain Ramage following a corner kick.

Camelon pulled a goal back just before half time with another headed effort.

Man of the Match Joe Mbu.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan(Kenny), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Stalker, Carson, Lynch, Kirk

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

 

6-5-06

League

Whitburn 1 Lochee United 3, Scorer - Hannah

 

Half time: Whitburn 1 Lochee United 1

 

Whitburn were the first to threaten, Hannah supplying a pass for McNelis, but he miskicked and the ball sliced well wide of goal.

Lochee took the lead after 10 minutes when Mbu was caught out of position as he made a forward run. He lost possession at the halfway line allowing McConachie to make a run towards goal. Whitburn managed to get players back but the Lochee man did well to find the net with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Whitburn didn't take long to equalise, scoring in the 17th minute. A Strickland corner kick was headed out to the edge of the box where Kenny Hannah pounced to send a low shot into the net with the aid of a deflection. A few minutes later Strickland tried his luck with a first time shot, but it was saved. In the closing stages of the first half, both teams had chances, Stewart Walker being called on to make a couple of saves, while at the other end Ramage saw his headed effort saved.

 

Five minutes into the second half a long clearance nearly deceived Walker when the ball took a high bounce that was taking it goalwards. The Whitburn keeper managed to back peddle and fingertip the ball over for a corner.

A couple of minutes later, Walker was again called into action to save a shot from 18 yards.

Whitburn came back into the game and Hannah tried his luck again with a shot from a layoff by Strickland, but this time failed to hit the target. In the 60th minute, Whitburn had a strong penalty claim turned down when Ramage was bundled over by a defender who failed to make contact with the ball, but the referee wasn't interested.

Whitburn came close to taking the lead a couple of minutes later following a goalmouth scramble, the ball being hooked off the line and away to safety.

Lochee regained the lead in the 78th minute when number 9 broke up the right and sent a great ball into the middle for Ward to slot home.

Ramage had a chance to equalise with a free header at the back post, but the ball was just too high and he couldn't direct it on target.

Scott Macdonald then had a good shot on target that was well saved by keeper Ross.

With a couple of minutes remaining, Lochee had another break up the right that ended with number 7 shooting wide.

Lochee scored the third goal in the final minute with yet another move up the right that ended with the cross being headed home by Ward for his second goal of the game.

After a fairly even first half, Whitburn were at times run ragged by an energetic Lochee team, but also had chances of their own that could have made it a different outcome.

The Man of the Match this week goes to Stewart Walker who was blameless for the goals and made some fine saves in both halves to keep Lochee at bay.

 

Whitburn team : Walker,  Valentine(Kirk), Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan(Lynch), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, McNelis(Kenny)  Subs not used - Stalker, Carswell 

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Walker

 

3-5-06

East of Scotland cup 2nd round

Whitburn 5 Glenrothes 0, Scorers - Strickland(3), Rixon, Lynch

 

Half time:  Whitburn 3 Glenrothes 0

 

A Colin Strickland hat-trick, and goals from Stevie Rixon and Peter Lynch saw Whitburn comfortably through to the next round where they will meet Camelon. Half time score was 3-0.

The Man of the Match is Colin Strickland.

 

Whitburn team : Walker,  Valentine, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage(Lynch), Flanagan(Kirk), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland(Kenny), McNelis. Subs not used - Stalker

 

Man of the Match - Colin Strickland

 

29-4-06

Fife & Lothian's Cup semi final

Camelon 1 Whitburn 1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Camelon won 7-6 on penalties, Scorer - Strickland

 

Half time: Camelon 0 Whitburn 1

 

Whitburn's poor run of form continued with this semi-final defeat by Camelon.

Whitburn had the best of the first half and deservedly went in at half time with a 1-0 lead thanks to a Colin Strickland strike, although the Burnie did not play particularly well. 

In the second half it looked as though they had settled for 1-0 from an early stage, as it was Camelon who enjoyed the bulk of the attacking play, although Whitburn keeper Stewart Walker didn't have too much to do. 

Camelon got a deserved equaliser with seven minutes remaining when Whitburn failed to clear, and the loose ball was slotted home to take the game to extra time.

Extra time passed with no further goals and the game went to a penalty decider, Whitburn taking the first kick. Both teams took some excellent penalties, all being slotted home to make the tally 6-6. Unfortunately for Whitburn, Alan Flanagan scooped his over the bar, giving Camelon the chance to win the match, which they did, by converting their penalty.

Man of the Match Joe Mbu.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson(Taylor), Carswell, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, Hannah, Rixon(Kenny), Strickland, McNelis(Valentine). Subs not used - Lynch, Kirk

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

 

22-4-06

League

Bo'ness 2 Whitburn 1, Scorer - Flanagan

 

Half time: Bo'ness 1 Whitburn 0

 

 

Whitburn slumped to another league defeat that puts another dent in their already fading hopes of winning the league. Playing against a strong wind in the first half, they have Stewart Walker to thank for keeping the score blank in the opening stages, as he made saves to deny Ward, Roberts and Morrison. It wasn't entirely Bo'ness attacking though, and at the other end Kenny and Rixon saw shots saved by the Bo'ness keeper. As half time approached, Bo'ness were looking for a penalty when Carson dived low to block a shot, but the referee decided he had stopped the ball with his chest. A few minutes later the same player wasn't so lucky when he jumped to block a cross and the ball struck his arm. This time the referee immediately pointed to the spot and Andy Roberts found the net with the penalty kick.

 

Whitburn started the second half in determined mood, and soon came close to equalising when Alan Flanagan rattled the crossbar with a fierce drive. The same player had another good chance shortly afterwards but shot straight at the keeper with the goal gaping at either side of him. Eventually the pressure paid off when Alan Flanagan headed home in the 55th minute, following a corner kick from the right.

In the 68th minute, Bo'ness regained the lead when an inswinging corner wasn't dealt with at the near post allowing Andy Roberts to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

Paul Taylor came close for Whitburn near the end when a free kick bounced through the crowded box, but went just past.

This week's Man of the Match is Stewart Walker who made several important saves to deny Bo'ness, particularly in the first half when Bo'ness had the advantage of the strong wind.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson, Carswell(Taylor), Macdonald(Richie), Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, McNelis(Hannah), Rixon, Strickland, Kenny. Subs not used - Stalker, Kirk

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Walker

 

 

19-4-06

Dechmont Forklift Brown cup 3rd round

Whitburn 4 Linlithgow 0, Scorers - Ramage, Strickland(2), Carswell

 

Half time:  Whitburn 1 Linlithgow 0

 

Linlithgow Rose were tonight's visitors to Central Park for this Dechmont Forklift cup 3rd round match.

Whitburn were looking to get back to winning ways, and had the first real chance on 20 minutes, Joe Mbu getting up well to head a Colin Strickland corner towards goal, but his effort was cleared off the line by a defender .

Linlithgow went straight up the park and a good drive by White went just wide of Walkers left hand post.

Whitburn almost opened the scoring on 25 minutes, Eamon McNelis picking up a loose ball 25 yards from goal took a few touches before lashing a cracking long range effort just inches past the post.

Scott Murphy almost gave the visitors the lead on 30 minutes, seeing a good free kick well saved by Walker diving low to turn the ball away for a corner.

Whitburn took the lead on 39 minutes from a corner kick by Colin Strickland. It was met by the head of Iain  Ramage who headed into the roof of the net. A good finish by the Whitburn captain.

Whitburn went in at the break deservedly in front.

 

Linlithgow had a chance to level proceedings on 50 minutes, a good effort from 20 yards by Scott Murphy was well saved again by Walker in the Whitburn goal.

Whitburn extended their lead on 60 minutes following good strong play in midfield by Iain Ramage who rode no fewer than 3 challenges before releasing a great pass to Stewart Kenny on the left. Kenny took a few touches before cutting the ball inside to Colin Strickland who controlled the ball well before placing a good shot low into the corner of the net. A good move by Whitburn and a good finish from Strickland.

Whitburn were well in control of the game and looked to push forward at every opportunity.

The game was sealed on 78 minutes when a long ball into the box by Alan Carswell went through the defence straight past the keeper and into the net .

Whitburn were hungry for more goals and were pinning Linlithgow back.

It was 4-0 after 83 minutes when a good cross from Stevie Rixon picked out Colin Strickland at the far post and his first time volley flew past the keeper and into the top corner of the net to round off another excellent move by Whitburn.

Victory over Linlithgow at the fourth attempt this season, but this was a victory in style to send The Burnie into the semi-finals of the competition.

The Man of the Match goes to Joe Mbu. Another solid performance from the rock of Whitburn's defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson, Carswell, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, McNelis, Rixon, Strickland, Kenny(Kirk). Subs not used - Stalker, Valentine, Lynch, Taylor

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

15-4-06

League

Whitburn 0 Bonnyrigg 2, Scorer - 

 

Half time: Whitburn 0 Bonnyrigg 1

 

Bonnyrigg Rose were today's visitors to central park looking to get revenge on the 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Whitburn earlier in the season.

Bonnyrigg had the first real chance on 2 minutes, Grady finding space on the edge of the box  and hammering a shot that was well saved by Walker in the Whitburn goal.

Whitburn had a half chance on 5 minutes following good midfield play, with the ball breaking to Kenny Hannah who fired a shot just over the bar from long range.

It was a hard fought midfield battle on a good playing surface, both teams pushing hard to open the scoring.

Bonnyrigg's keeper had to dive low to his left on 10 minutes, full back Alan Carswell trying his luck from 20 yards, but the keeper saved the good strike from the Burnie full back.

Whitburn had another chance on 16 minutes, Bonnyrigg's defence failing to clear the ball allowing Willie Kirk to take a few touches before hitting a good effort just over the bar.

Bonnyrigg took the lead on 26 minutes with a long throw into the box which defender Joe Mbu headed onto the cross bar. Stewart Walker managed to palm the ball away only to the feet of no11 who tapped the ball into the net .

Whitburn were again below par as form has taken a dip, and struggled to get to grips with play.

Whitburn almost leveled on 44 minutes, a long ball from keeper Walker finding Alan Flanagan who was clear on goal, but he headed just inches past the post, passing up a good chance to level before the break.

 

Whitburn started slowly in the second period, and it was Bonnyrigg who had a good opportunity to increase their lead on 51 minutes, no 9 finding himself free one-on-one with Walker. He cut inside the keeper but shot onto the post and it rolled over onto the other post before Joe Mbu cleared the danger in what was a real let off for Whitburn.

Whitburn looked a beaten side at this point creating very little scoring chances.

Willie Kirk had a good effort on 60 minutes of the game trying his luck from long range with the keeper holding the ball well to keep his team ahead.

Neither team were creating much in the way of goal scoring chances and it turned into a battle in midfield.

Bonnyrigg finished Whitburn off in the 81st minute, a good corner was met by the head of the unmarked Grady whose bullet header left Walker with no chance. A good finish to seal the points for Bonnyrigg.

Another disappointing display by Whitburn who need to get back on track quickly if their fading title hopes are not to disappear completely.

The Man of the Match goes to Kenny Hannah who worked hard and was full of running.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson, Carswell(Rixon), Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Kirk, Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Stalker, Sinclair, Valentine, Lynch

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

 

8-4-06

League

Linlithgow 1 Whitburn 1, Scorer - Strickland(pen)

 

Half time: Linlithgow 0 Whitburn 0

 

 

Whitburn made the short journey to Linlithgow on Superleague duty on a sunny afternoon, and were first to threaten when McNelis put in a good cross that was converted by Hannah after 15 minutes, but he was ruled offside. 

Linlithgow had a chance to open the scoring on 18 minutes, Stewart Walker making an excellent stop, diving low to his right to deny Donaldson the opening goal. 

It was a hard fought midfield battle in the first half, with both teams determined to give nothing away although Linlithgow also had the ball in the net, but like Whitburn earlier, were ruled offside.

Five minutes from half time Kirk sent a dangerous cross into the box from the right, but there was no Whitburn player on hand to take advantage. 

Linlithgow almost scored on the stroke of half time when a header by White was cleared off the line by Scott McDonald. 

Both defences were pretty solid in the first half leading to a goalless 45 minutes.

 

Two minutes into the second half, Kirk sent in a deep cross from the right that had the keeper worried, but it sailed over the bar and behind. 

Whitburn created the first chance of the second half on 50 minutes. Alan Flanagan found himself free one-on-one with the keeper but his effort was saved. The ball fell for midfielder Kenny Hannah who controlled well but failed to find the target with his effort from 20 yards. 

Whitburn started to push forward and had another chance on 54 minutes. A good ball over from Willie Kirk was headed back across goal by McNelis to Alan Flanagan, but he headed into the keeper's arms. 

Linlithgow had a good chance on 65 minutes an overhead effort by White just going over the bar. 

Whitburn opened the scoring on 70 minutes courtesy of a spot kick. Eamon McNelis made a great run up the left from his own half, driving into the box only to be pulled down by Gallagher. The referee instantly pointed to the spot and striker Colin Strickland slotted well away from the keeper into the bottom corner of the net.

Linlithgow pushed hard to get on level terms but found Whitburn's defence solid. Joe Mbu was back to his best and comfortably dealt with most of the aerial threats.  

The home team did get on level terms on 83 minutes with a bit of good fortune. Scott Murphy, on as sub, fired in a long range free kick which somehow managed to get through all the players at the edge of the box and beat keeper Walker low at his right hand post. The Whitburn keeper seemed to have been unsighted as the ball came through the crowd in front of him.  

Both teams were pushing forward at every opportunity in the closing stages, but neither team was able to find a winner and so the points were shared.

Man of the Match this week goes to Joe Mbu who had a commanding game in defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson(Valentine), Carswell, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Kirk(Lynch), Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Sinclair, Stalker

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

1-4-06

League

Tayport 0 Whitburn 0, Scorers -

 

Half time: Tayport 0 Whitburn 0

 

Right from the start Whitburn showed an improvement on the disappointing display of the previous week, and had an early chance when Colin Strickland turned in the box and hit a low shot that was blocked by defenders.

Tayport's Scott Peters made a strong challenge on Scott Macdonald that left the Whitburn defender requiring treatment. Later, in the 35th minute, the same player made another wild challenge, this time on Eamon McNelis. On this occasion the referee wasn't so lenient and the player was cautioned, and perhaps fortunate not to receive a straight red card..

Whitburn's physio had a very busy day because of Tayport's physical approach to the game, and credit must go to Kenny Hannah for not attempting to hide, despite requiring treatment on three occasions for over-robust challenges.

Stewart Walker made an early save that would give him confidence, showing a good pair of hands in cutting out a dangerous cross from the left.

The first half was mainly a midfield battle, with both defences coping with their opponents attacking efforts, and clear chances were rare.

Allan Carswell came close with a long range effort after 20 minutes, having received the ball from McNelis after a free kick.

In the 38th minute Walker made a good save to cut out another dangerous ball into the box.

 

Tayport, with games running out and knowing they needed a win if they were to have any chance of winning the league title, pushed Whitburn back for long periods of the second half, and created several chances to score.

Two minutes into the second half Tayport had good chance when Grant collected a cross ball, but Walker gathered the ball before the number 9 could put a shot on target.

In the 70th minute the ball was only half cleared by Whitburn after a goalmouth scramble, and the loose ball was driven towards the top corner. Walker reacted well to palm the ball away for a corner.

Whitburn had a chance from a breakaway, Strickland getting clear on the right, but he was closed down and unable to put a telling ball into the box.

With a couple of minutes remaining, Flanagan came close with a header.

Although dropping another two points, this result keeps Tayport within sight because of Whitburn's games in hand. It was a much improved performance from the previous week, and if it can be maintained, should make a good end to the season, with some big games coming up.

Whitburn's best players today were mostly in defence. The Man of the Match goes to Stewart Walker in goal. Although he didn't have many spectacular saves to make, his handling was excellent, taking pressure off the players in front of him.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson(Trialist), Carswell, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Kirk, Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, McNelis(Lynch). Subs not used - Valentine, Sinclair

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Walker

 

25-3-06

League

Whitburn 0 Hill o' Beath 1, Scorers -

 

Half time: Whitburn 0 Hill o' Beath 1

 

Today's visitors to Central Park were Hill O’ Beath in the super league.

Haws started the better creating a good chance on 2 minutes, number 10 finding space inside the Whitburn box, but he shot just wide of keeper Walker’s post.

Whitburn looked well below par today and were struggling to get into the game in the early stages.

Another good chance for the visitors came on 15 minutes, a first time shot by number 8 which Joe Mbu closed down well. A good saving tackle by the Burnie centre half.

Haws were creating chances and almost scored on 20 minutes when a low free kick into the box was hit first time by the striker. Walker just managed to save, with the ball almost going through the keeper’s legs.

Whitburn were handed the initiative on 35 minutes with the referee showing Haws Gary Lamont a red card for his second bookable offence.

Whitburn had their first chance on 37 minutes, a good ball over from Stewart Kenny finding Willie Kirk who shot first time. The keeper got down well to turn the ball away for a corner.

There was another good move on 40 minutes by Whitburn, when good link up play between Colin Strickland and Kenny Hannah resulted in Hannah shooting low from 20 yards into the keeper’s arms.

Haws took the lead on the stroke of half time when a soft free kick was awarded at the edge of the box and number 7 hammered the ball low past the wall into keeper Walkers left hand corner.

 

Whitburn started better in the second period, looking to get back on level terms, and had their first chance on 60 minutes, a good ball into the box falling to Stevie Rixon who shot into the side netting from close range. A good chance missed.

Haws almost increased their lead on 65 minutes, number 8 getting free inside the box with only Walker to beat, but a great save by the keeper kept the score 1-0 at this point.

A chance for Whitburn on 70 minutes, a goalmouth scramble ended with a header being cleared off the line on this occasion.

Whitburn were reduced to 9 men on 75 minutes. Stewart Kenny and Paul Taylor squaring up to each other, with the referee having no option but to show both players a red card. Frustration at the poor display by Whitburn resulting in some serious indiscipline.

Haws should have gone two up on 80 minutes, number 10 shooting past the post from 6 yards. A good chance missed by the visitors.

Haws were well on top, pushing forward looking to kill of Whitburn and almost did on 84 minutes, the ball falling to number 10 inside the box but he shot wide of the target.

It was a poor game for Whitburn who didn't look like scoring today, and a surprisingly subdued performance given that 3 vital league points were at stake.

In a game where nobody in the Whitburn side played anywhere near what they are capable of, it was difficult to pick a Man of the Match. It goes to Joe Mbu who was one of the few to get pass marks.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, McNelis(Rixon), Taylor, Macdonald(Trialist), Mbu, Ramage, Kirk, Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland(Lynch), Kenny. Subs not used - Stalker, Carson

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

18-3-06

Fife & Lothian's cup 4th round

Sauchie 0 Whitburn 2, Scorers - Carswell, Kenny

 

Half time:  Sauchie 0 Whitburn 1

 

Whitburn travelled to take on Sauchie in the last eight of the Fife & Lothian's cup, having only played one game in the last five weeks due to poor weather.

Whitburn were missing centre half Joe Mbu for today's game due to flu, Stevie Rixon taking his place at centre back.

It took Whitburn just 4 minutes to take the lead with a cracker of a goal. Stevie Rixon's through ball found Allan Carswell who worked a good one-two with Colin Strickland before firing a 25 yard drive high into the keeper's top right corner. A great strike by the Burnie full back.

The game was 10 minutes old when Paul Taylor's excellent cross was heading for the top corner, but the keeper managed to finger tip the ball away.

Whitburn were controlling this cup tie, playing good football in midfield and looking to push forward at every opportunity. They almost increased their lead on 14 minutes. A good long ball into the box over the keeper's head by Kenny Hannah picked out Colin Strickland who found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but the young Whitburn striker put the ball just past the keeper's right hand post.

Kenny Hannah, having another excellent game, tried his luck on 25 minutes, hammering a good 25 yard strike on goal, the keeper getting down well to hold the ball at his right hand post.

Whitburn were looking to increase their slender one goal advantage before the break, and almost did on 35 minutes. A good ball from Alan Flanagan found Colin Strickland who’s shot was saved by the keeper.

Sauchie had their first real scoring chance just before the break, the number 7 firing in a shot from the edge of the box that Scott McDonald blocked well to clear the danger, the Whitburn defender having another afternoon when he was determined to let nothing past him.

 

Whitburn had a chance to increase the lead 3 minutes after the restart. Paul Taylor played a good ball in from the left and Alan Flanagan flicked the ball onto the head of Willie Kirk who's header went over the bar. A good move once again by the visitors.

Another good chance for Whitburn came on 52 minutes. Paul Taylor, another player having a good afternoon, crossed to Alan Flanagan, but he headed into the keepers arms.

Stewart Walker was alert and brave on 55 minutes racing from goal to dive at the feet of the Sauchie striker. Good goalkeeping by Walker.

Sauchie had a good chance to level the game around the 70 minute mark, a good pass from midfield picking out number 11 who shot on the turn just past Walker's left hand post.

Sauchie were dominating at this point in the, with Whitburn looking rusty due to lack of games.

The home team almost scored on 74 minutes with a free kick into the Whitburn box. Whitburn failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to the substitute who chipped keeper Walker only to see his effort go over, off the top of the bar.

Whitburn went 2-0 up on 88 minutes. Substitute Stewart Kenny collected the ball wide on the left and ran at the Sauchie defence, beating no less than 3 players, before chipping the ball into the far corner of the net. An excellent finish by the Burnie winger.

The Man of the Match this week is Scott Macdonald who was once again solid in defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Rixon, Ramage, Kirk(Kenny), Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, McNelis Subs not used - Stalker, Lynch, Carson, Sinclair

 

Man of the Match - Allan Carswell

 

25-2-06

Dechmont Forklift Brown cup 2nd round

Whitburn 5 Armadale 1, Scorers - Flanagan(2), McNelis, Hannah, Strickland

 

Half time:  Whitburn 2 Armadale 1

 

Armadale were today's visitors to Central Park in the Dechmont Forklift cup 2nd round.

Whitburn started well and had a chance within 3 minutes, a loose ball falling to the feet of winger Willie Kirk who tried his luck from 18 yards, but the keeper saved well.

Another great chance on 12 minutes for Whitburn, Colin Strickland finding himself free on the edge of the Armadale box, cut neatly inside his marker before firing a low drive on target. Dale keeper Sheridan again saved well low to his left.

Armadale opened the scoring against the run of play on 21 minutes. An attempted clearance by goalkeeper Walker struck Scott McDonalds back, the ball falling to Jamie McAllister who slotted home to give the visitors the lead.

Alan Flanagan had a good effort on 25 minutes. Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, he cut inside the defender and hit a shot on target that Sheridan saved well.

Whitburn found themselves on level terms on 42 minutes a good free kick by Willie Kirk was headed onto the crossbar by Iain Ramage, the rebound finding the head of Alan Flanagan who headed into the net making the score 1-1.

The home side took a deserved lead right on the stroke of half time. Willie Kirk’s cross ball found Eamon McNelis who’s first time shot was mis-hit, but he was alert enough to pounce on the rebound and fire low into the net.

 

Whitburn had a good move on 53 minutes, Colin Strickland's chip over the Armadale defence  picking out Alan Flanagan whose header flew wide of the post.

Whitburn went 2 goals up on 58 minutes. A long kick out from keeper Walker, helped by a strong wind, found Alan Flanagan who had made a run behind the defence, and he headed neatly over the keeper into the visitors net.

The home team were well on top at this stage pushing hard looking for more goals.

Whitburn went 3 goals in front on 62 minutes. Colin Strickland took a quick free kick, passing to Kenny Hannah who took one touch before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the net from all of 30 yards. A great goal from the player who is having a good run of form during his testimonial season.

Armadale were a well beaten side on 65 minutes. A long ball from midfield wasn’t cleared by the defence and fell to Alan Flanagan, who's first time shot was beaten away by the keeper. The ball fell to striker Colin Strickland who took a touch before slotting the ball home, making the score 5-1.

With 10 minutes remaining, Mark Sinclair was brought on for his first appearance of the season, having been sidelined through injury.

Armadale keeper Sheridan had a great save on the final whistle to deny Alan Flanagan a hat-trick, getting down well to save a low drive.

Whitburn now face Linlithgow Rose in the next round at home.

The Man of the Match this week is Alan Flanagan who scored 2 goals, played a part in a third and gave Armadale's defence a difficult afternoon.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor(Valentine), Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Kirk, Hannah(Sinclair), Strickland(Rixon), Flanagan, McNelis Subs not used - Stalker, Lynch

 

Man of the Match - Alan Flanagan

 

4-2-06

Fife & Lothian's cup 3rd round

Whitburn 3 Musselburgh 1, Scorers - Flanagan, Strickland, Rixon

 

Half time:  Whitburn  0 Musselburgh 0

 

Today’s visitors to central park were Mussleburgh on a cold but sunny afternoon.

The opening stages of the game were pretty poor. Whitburn looked well below par on a sticky pitch and created very few chances in the opening 20 minutes of this Fife and Lothian’s cup tie.

Mussleburgh had the first chance to open the scoring. On 26 minutes a corner kick was swung into the Whitburn box and number 10 got up well, unmarked, to head the ball over the bar from close range.

Whitburn's first real goalscoring chance came on the 30 minute mark. Willie Kirk, finding himself free on the wing, cut inside his marker before blasting the ball over the bar.

There were very few goalscoring opportunities in the first half, with both teams finding the surface very tricky.

 

Whitburn started a bit better in the second period and looked the team most likely to open the scoring.

The first chance came on 50 minutes, Colin Strickland teeing up Joe Mbu whose first time shot was well saved by the keeper.

Another good move by Whitburn came on 54 minutes. A long ball was played from midfield by Kenny Hannah to the feet of Colin Strickland who found himself clear, one on one with the keeper who did well in turning the goal-bound shot wide for a corner.

Whitburn opened the scoring on 65 minutes. A good corner kick by Colin Strickland was met by Alan Flanagan, who got up well to bullet a header past the helpless keeper.

The second goal for Whitburn came on 68 minutes. Another good long ball from midfield found Colin Strickland who collected the ball before beating two men and placing the ball well out the keeper's reach into the corner of the net. Good finish from the young Burnie striker.

Great effort on 70 minutes, Stevie Rixon trying his luck from the corner of the box on the left, spotting the keeper off his line and chipping the ball inches over the bar.

Mussleburgh pulled a goal back on 73 minutes when Whitburn failed to clear the ball outside the box. Stewart Walker raced from his goal to clear the danger but the centre chipped the ball over the keepers head and it trickled into the net.

Whitburn restored their two goal lead on 77 minutes. A good free kick by Colin Strickland found Stevie Rixon who chested the ball down then put it into the net from close range

Another good move by Whitburn followed on 83 minutes. Strickland made a good lay-off to Kenny Hannah who hammered it first time from 20 yards just past the post. A good strike by Hannah. The same player had another good effort with a couple of minutes remaining, this time bringing out a good save from the keeper.

This week's Man of the Match is Scott Macdonald who gave a solid display for the full 90 minutes, while some of his teammates were taking time to get into the game.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Valentine, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Carson(Rixon), Kirk, Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland(McCarrol), Kenny.

Subs not used - Sinclair, Stalker

 

Man of the Match - Scott Macdonald

 

 

28-1-06

East of Scotland cup 1st round

Whitburn 3 Dundee North End 0, Scorers - Kenny, Flanagan, Rixon

 

Half time:  Whitburn  1 Dundee North End 0

 

Whitburn were looking for revenge following the league defeat to Dundee North End two weeks ago. They started the game brightly creating their first chance on 3 minutes, a good ball from Kenny Hannah finding the feet of Colin Strickland who controlled the ball well, beating a few players, but just as he was about to pull the trigger on goal, Dundee’s Beatie nipped the ball from Strickland’s feet.

Fifteen minutes into the game Whitburn came close to opening the scoring. A good ball from Kenny Hannah picked out Willie Kirk who put in a good first time ball. Alan Flanagan headed it down to Strickland and received the return pass before placing his shot just past keeper Ferry’s right hand post.

Whitburn had started the game well, playing good passing football in midfield.

The deserved opening goal came on 27 minutes thanks to a great ball over the defence by Willie Kirk. Wilkie failed to clear the danger allowing Stewart Kenny to steal the ball from the defender before chipping the ball over the Ferry into the back of the net to give Burnie the lead.

Three minutes from half time Whitburn had another good effort on goal, Stewart Kenny hitting a first time shot inches over the bar from 18 yards, a good strike by the winger.

North End had a great chance to level the scoring from a corner kick just before half-time. Whitburn’s defence seemed static as Kevin Dow got a free header on goal just putting it inches past the post, a let off for Whitburn just before the break.

 

Into the second half and it was North End who had the first chance. A good ball into the box by Smith almost found Dow, but just as he was about to pull the trigger on goal, Stewart Walker dived well, showing a good pair of hands in collecting the ball.

Whitburn almost increased their lead on 58 minutes, a great pass from Kirk picking out Kenny Hannah whose first time shot was well saved by Ferry. The rebound fell to Alan Flanagan who shot inches past the post. Another excellent move by Whitburn who were well on top at this stage.

Goal for Whitburn on 60 minutes, good passing play in midfield starting the move, the ball finding winger Kirk who crossed well to Alan Flanagan, whose first time bullet header flew past the stranded keeper into the bottom corner.

There was then a good move involving a 1-2 by Strickland and Flanagan on the edge of the box. Flanagan took a touch before shooting into the advancing keeper's arms.

Colin Strickland almost made it 3-0 on 70 minutes controlling the ball well on the chest and cutting inside his marker before firing a low shot that was well saved by the keeper.

Whitburn pushed hard on a heavy pitch for more goals and were playing nice football.

Whitburn had another good move on 80 minutes. Strickland passed to Stevie Rixon who headed the ball onto Alan Flanagan, but his first time shot was saved by the keeper.

Goal for Whitburn on 87 minutes, a good through ball by Kenny Hannah finding Stevie Rixon who raced away from his marker and fired an unstoppable shot low into the bottom corner of the net.

There were several contenders for Man of the Match but this week it goes to Joe Mbu for another impressive defensive display.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor(Valentine), Macdonald, Mbu, Carson(Rixon), Kirk, Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, Kenny(McNelis).

Subs not used - Sinclair

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

21-1-06

Fife & Lothian's cup 2nd round

Whitburn 1 Hill o' Beath 0, Scorers - Flanagan

 

Half time:  Whitburn  0 Hill o' Beath 0

 

Whitburn had the best of the opening period and created several scoring chances. In the 6th minute, Iain Ramage got on the end of a cross from Taylor but his header failed to find the target. A couple of minutes later, Stewart Kenny fired a volley just over the bar. Colin Strickland then played a 1-2 with Flanagan before hitting a low drive that was well saved by the keeper.

Whitburn almost went ahead courtesy of an own goal, the Haws defender heading a cross from the right just past the post. 

Hill o' Beath came into the game and enjoyed a spell of pressure, winning a series of corners. From one of these, former Whitburn player Gary Lamont headed narrowly past.

Hill o' Beath had another good chance when number 6 broke into the box on the right with Whitburn's defence out of position. However Paul Taylor blocked the path to goal and the player sliced his shot wide.

Whitburn pushed forward again and Strickland had a powerful shot from 25 yards saved by the keeper. At the other end, Stewart Walker saved bravely at the feet of an opponent.

As half time approached, Whitburn were still looking for the breakthrough. Kenny Hannah, operating at right midfield, sent in a dangerous cross that was headed behind for a corner.

A couple of minutes from the interval, Scott Macdonald had a shot on the turn cleared off the line.

 

Five minutes after the restart, Stewart Kenny went on a run up the left before cutting the ball back to the edge of the area. Iain Ramage had a right foot effort from the edge of the box, but it was easily saved by the goalkeeper.

Hill o' Beath were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute when their centre back was ordered off after clashing with Macdonald. Both players were booked, but the Haws man had been booked earlier and had to walk.

A few minutes later, Whitburn won a free kick at the corner of the box. It was well struck by Strickland, but the keeper got down well to make the save.

Whitburn finally opened the scoring after 74 minutes. An excellent through ball from Taylor picked out Alan Flanagan as he made his run into the box, and the Whitburn forward coolly placed the ball past the keeper into the net.

In the next five minutes, Whitburn twice came close to extending their lead. First Stewart Kenny saw his 18 yard shot turned past for a corner, then Ramage was unlucky to see his goal bound effort deflected past for another corner.

In the 87th minute, Joe Mbu was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the day. From the resultant free kick Stewart Walker made a good save to keep Whitburn ahead. The last incident of the game was in injury time when the Hill o' Beath substitute was ordered off.

The Man of the Match this week goes to Kenny Hannah. Operating wide right instead of his usual central midfield role, he was always available to receive passes, and involved in many of Whitburn's attacking moves.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Carson(Lynch), Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland(Rixon), Kenny(Kirk).

Subs not used - McNelis, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

 

14-1-06

League

Dundee North End 2 Whitburn 1, Scorers - Kenny

 

Half time:  Dundee North End 0 Whitburn 1

 

Whitburn passed up an excellent opportunity to go back to the top of the league when, as has happened on previous occasions, they dropped points to a team at the bottom of the table.

It started well for Whitburn, Stewart Kenny finding the net in the second minute with a fiercely hit shot from the left touchline that dipped over the keeper and in off the underside of the bar.

North End responded and Mbu was in position to head an effort off the line.

After this, Whitburn settled into their game and dominated the first half, playing some good football but spurning several chances to add to the 1 goal lead.

Colin Strickland headed past the post from a corner kick, having taken up good position at the back post.

Midway through the half, Kenny Hannah put through an excellent diagonal pass to Eamon McNelis, but the Whitburn number 7 seemed to lack conviction and fired his shot into the side netting.

A few minutes later, Alan Flanagan sent a header goalwards after a scramble in the box, but saw his effort saved.

Whitburn did have the ball in the net after 35 minutes following a good move up the left. Iain Ramage got the final touch but the goal was disallowed, the referee indicating hand ball by the Whitburn captain.

As half time approached, North End gave Whitburn a reminder that they weren’t out of the game. First the number 7 latched on to a mistake by Carswell, but hit his shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Then number 11 sent in a low drive that Walker did well to save.

 

The second half started with North End on the offensive, and within 5 minutes they had found the equaliser. The number 7 drove in a low shot from the left to Walker’s near post. The Whitburn keeper was in good position to collect the ball, but somehow it squirmed from his hands and trundled over the line.

North End continued to press, and number 7 had another effort over the bar from 25 yards out.

Although not playing well in the second half, Whitburn still managed to create some good scoring opportunities, but squandered all of them.

In the 53rd minute Flanagan did well on the left before sending over a cross to the far post, but McNelis was unable to convert the chance.

A couple of minutes later Whitburn were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box.

Strickland struck the ball well, but the keeper managed to block the ball at his post and was lucky enough to see the ball go out for a corner with Whitburn players closing in.

In the 78th minute Paul Taylor set up Stewart Kenny at the edge of the box. Kenny made space for himself, but blasted the ball over the bar under no real pressure, although it was with his weaker right foot.

Whitburn were to regret these misses as in the 80th minute North End scored the winner for what was to be their first league win of the season. Unfortunately from Whitburn’s point of view it was another soft goal conceded. A hopeful ball was played into the Whitburn box, but wasn’t defended with any conviction. Walker came off his line as Mbu made a tackle around the penalty spot. The tackle wasn’t clean and somehow the ball bounced goalwards with Walker wrong-footed and no other Whitburn player in position to intervene. As the ball trundled slowly goalwards, the North End players seemed to have enough time to complete their lap of honour before the ball crossed the line.

After a good first half by Whitburn, it is difficult to understand how the team could fall so far in the second half, but credit to North End for seizing the opportunity to record their first league win of the season.

The Man of the Match this week goes to Joe Mbu. The winning goal apart, he had another good game in the centre of defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor(Rixon), Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, McNelis(Lynch), Hannah, Flanagan, Strickland, Kenny(Kirk).

Subs not used - Carson, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

10-12-05

St Michaels Cup 2nd round

Whitburn 1 Linlithgow 2, Scorer - Rixon

 

Half time:  Whitburn 0 Linlithgow 1

 

Linlithgow were first to threaten when Stewart Walker had to dive full length in the first minute to save a shot from the edge of the box.

Whitburn came close to opening the scoring midway through the half when McNelis sent in a low cross from the right that found it's way through to Stewart Kenny at the back post. Stewart had a good shot on goal but it was blocked by the keeper for a corner. From the corner kick, Stevie Rixon headed just past the post.

Linlithgow took the lead 10 minutes from the break when keeper Walker attempted to punch a high ball clear following a free kick. However, he collided with defender Scott Macdonald and failed to connect properly, and the ball looped up over him and ended up in the net. Both players needed treatment before the game could continue.

Just before half time Iain Ramage got his head to a cross ball but couldn't find the net.

 

Linlithgow had a great chance to score a second goal 5 minutes after the restart, but Herd failed to connect with the cross ball.

Later, they had an even better chance when they beat the offside and ran through on goal, but Stewart Walker was up to the challenge and brought off a good save.

There was a melee during the second half in front of the changing rooms after one of the Linlithgow players was fouled, with every player except the Linlithgow goalkeeper involved. Amazingly, after he had regained control, the referee only booked one player, despite several players on both sides guilty of pushing their opponents.

Both teams created chances during the second half, but Whitburn seemed hesitant in front of goal and were quickly closed down.

With 10 minutes left, Ramage had a header from a cross by Carswell that went over the bar, the kind of chance he would normally put in the net.

Late in the game, Strickland had a chance to have a snap shot from the edge of the box after controlling the ball, but tried to make more space and lost the opportunity.

Linlithgow scored their second goal with a couple of minutes remaining. With no apparent danger, Whitburn gave the ball away at the edge of the box and Linlithgow's number 10 wasted no time in firing a low shot into the net out of the reach of Walker.

Whitburn won a corner in the final minute from which Stevie Rixon scrambled the ball into the net, but it was too late for Whitburn to have any chance of grabbing an equaliser.

In a disappointing display by Whitburn, the Man of the Match award goes to Joe Mbu who was as steady as ever in defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald(McCarrol), Mbu, Ramage, McNelis, Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, Kenny(Lynch).

Subs not used - Beveridge, Valentine, Kirk

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

 

3-12-05

Scottish Cup 3rd round

Bathgate 1 Whitburn 0, Scorers - 

 

Half time:  Bathgate 0 Whitburn 0

 

Whitburn made the short journey to local rivals Bathgate on a wet and cold day for this OVD Scottish Cup third round tie.

Bathgate had the first real chance to open the scoring on 5 minutes, good link up play resulting in no 9 firing a shot just over the bar from 12 yards.

The pace of the game was fast at this point with water spraying as the ball hit the surface.

Good chance for Bathgate on 20 minutes, number 6 had a long range shot well saved by Stewart Walker in the Whitburn goal.

Bathgate had another chance on 25 minutes a good free kick by no 11 again well saved by Walker in the Whitburn goal.

Whitburn were well below par and struggled to get any passes going in midfield.

Whitburn created their first real chance on 30 minutes Alan Flanagan reaching the bye-line and getting a good cross over but good defending by Bathgate cleared the danger as Iain Ramage was about to head.

Whitburn had another chance on 35 minutes, a good pass from Paul Taylor finding Stevie Rixon who crossed over for Colin Strickland, but he just failed to reach the ball and the danger was cleared by Bathgate defence for a corner.

Whitburn were creating a few chances at this point despite not being at their best.

Good chance on 40 minutes for Whitburn Stevie Rixon taking the ball 1st time on the volley from a Kenny Hannah pass just past the post.

Whitburn received a setback when Alan Flanagan was injured by a nasty challenge and had to be stretchered off.  Eamon McNelis replaced him.

 

Bathgate had a chance to open the scoring on 50 minutes, a good ball low across the face of goal well saved by Walker diving low to cut out the cross.

Whitburn had a good chance 10 minutes later,  good play in midfield by  Ramage finding the feet of Colin Strickland who teed the ball well for Kenny Hannah whose powerful shot went just past keeper Balfour’s left hand post.

Bathgate took the lead on 64 minutes. The goal was very similar to the one that saw Bathgate defeat Whitburn by the same scoreline in the league earlier in the season. Walker's misplaced clearance found Bathgate winger Grant, who lobbed the ball over the stranded Walker and into the net.

Whitburn worked tirelessly on a good playing surface despite the heavy rain earlier in the day,

and took the game to Bathgate in the closing stages but found the home defence hard to break down .

Bathgate's keeper Balfour was in good form despite being injured and stood up well to all Whitburn threw at him.

A last gasp header by Jamie McCarrol almost earned Whitburn a replay, but his header from Colin Strickland's corner just went past the post, and so Bathgate go into the fourth round draw of this years OVD Scottish cup.

The Man of the Match this week goes to Scott Macdonald who had a solid game in the centre of defence.  

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor(McCarrol), Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan(McNelis), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, Kenny.

Subs not used - Valentine, Lynch, Carson

 

Man of the Match - Scott Macdonald

 

5-11-05

Scottish Cup 2nd round

Whitburn 3 Lochee Harp 1, Scorers - Strickland(2), Rixon

 

Half time:  Whitburn 1 Lochee Harp 0

 

Whitburn started well on a heavy pitch and almost took the lead on 2 minutes. A great ball through the Harp defence saw Colin Strickland controlling well before crossing to Stevie Rixon who headed into keeper Colgan’s  arms.

 Whitburn had another great chance on 4 minutes when Iain Ramage crossed brilliantly to Stevie Rixon who headed wide of the target on this occasion.

 Harp had their first real chance on 10 minutes, a good ball into the Burn box by K. Kelly brought about a great saving header by Ritchie Carson, preventing Harps Allan getting the chance to head the ball on target.

 Whitburn were pushing hard on a heavy pitch and in the 15th minute a great first time shot from Eamon McNelis from 6 yards saw Colgan getting down well to save the low drive from the winger. 

Another great chance for the opening goal came on 20 minutes. A good ball from Colin Strickland found Stewart Kenny who cut inside his man before firing in a shot that was parried by the keeper. The ball fell to Iain Ramage who shot first time but Harps Cairney was on the line to clear.

 Whitburn had another good move on 23 minutes with Colin Strickland’s excellent cross to Stevie Rixon who got up well to make a good header which flew just past the post.

 Whitburn pressure eventually paid off when they took the lead on 35 minutes. A super ball from winger Stewart Kenny found Kenny Hannah who teed the ball well for Colin Strickland to fire a great strike into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards and finish off a good move by Whitburn.

 Whitburn had another chance on 40 minutes, a good ball into the Harp box by Ritchie Carson picking out Iain Ramage who took a touch before firing a left foot drive that was well saved again by the Harp keeper.

 Harp had a good chance to level on 42 minutes, Allan finding space inside the Burn box before hitting a good shot on target that was well saved by keeper Beveridge.

Beveridge had been forced to look out his gloves following last week’s injury to Stewart Walker and although he didn’t have too much to do, when he was called into action, “the boy done good”.

 On the stroke of half time a good corner from Colin Strickland found Paul Taylor at the edge of the box. Taylor shot first time forcing Colgan to turn the ball out for a corner.

 Whitburn will feel they should have been a few goals the good but some excellent goalkeeping by Colgan kept the score to 1-0 at the break.

 

Within 5 minutes of the restart Whitburn were 2-0 in front. A good ball through the midfield by Paul Taylor found Colin Strickland who turned well before passing to Stevie Rixon. The Whitburn striker composed himself before firing a great left foot shot high into the net from 16 yards. An excellent strike by Rixon to put Whitburn well in control.

 Whitburn made it 3-0 on 55 minutes, Colin Strickland latching onto a slack back pass by Lannon. The linesman put his flag up for offside but was correctly overruled by the referee.  Strickland cut into the box and coolly hammered the ball into the corner of the advancing keeper’s net. Good finishing from the young Whitburn striker.

 Whitburn were well in control of the game and had a good chance to increase their lead on 60 minutes. The ball was fired into the Harp box by Paul Taylor and struck on target by Stevie Rixon. The shot was saved by the keeper and a goalmouth scramble resulted with the ball eventually being put out for a corner.

 Kenny Hannah had a good effort on 65 minutes when he cut inside his marker before hitting a good low strike that was well saved by Colgan once again. 

Harp pulled a goal back on 70 minutes when a good ball over from number 15 found K. Kelly at the back post and he slammed the ball past helpless Beveridge in the Whitburn goal.

 Whitburn almost made it 4-1 on 75 minutes, Alan Flanagan controlling the ball well before crossing to Stewart Kenny who saw a good header on target well saved by Colgan.

 Great build up play by Whitburn on 80 minutes resulted in an excellent turn and shot by Colin Strickland being saved by the keeper. The ball rebounded to Kenny Hannah who shot over the bar.

 Substitute Peter Lynch had a good run on 85 minutes passing the ball well to Hannah whose first time shot was parried by the keeper. The ball fell to Jamie McCarrol who put it over the bar.

 This was good all round performance by Whitburn on a heavy pitch that made football difficult, seeing them into the 3rd round draw which will be held in Whitburn’s Social Club next Sunday.

The Man of the Match this week goes to Colin Strickland. He scored two goals, set up the third, and caused problems for Harp's defence throughout the game.

 

Whitburn team : Beveridge, Carson, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, McNelis, Hannah, Rixon(Flanagan), Strickland(McCarrol), Kenny(Lynch).

Subs not used - Kirk, Carswell

 

Man of the Match - Colin Strickland

 

29-10-05

League

Carnoustie Panmure 0 Whitburn 2, Scorers - Ramage, Hannah

 

Half time:  Carnoustie Panmure 0 Whitburn 2

 

Whitburn started brightly and almost scored on 2 minutes, when Stewart Kenny had a goal bound shot well saved by the keeper.

Carnoustie went straight up the park and a mistake by Mbu let in the striker who lobbed Walker but saw his effort go just past.

Whitburn opened the scoring on 10 minutes, Colin Strickland controlling the ball well before passing to Iain Ramage who took one touch and hit a cracking left foot drive from 20 yards that took a deflection off a defenders boot on it’s way into the back of the net .

Carnoustie had a great chance on 20 minutes when a cross from the right was saved at full stretch by Walker. The ball fell to Carnoustie’s number 10 who headed onto the left  post when he looked certain to score.

Whitburn responded with another good move, Stewart Kenny driving at the Carnoustie defence and passing to Colin Strickland who shot over the bar from long range.

Whitburn were dealt a huge blow midway through the half when goalkeeper Stewart Walker was badly injured in a collision with a Carnoustie striker as he made a brave save to prevent a goal. The Whitburn keeper had a bad cut to his leg and was taken to hospital. Defender Scott Macdonald took over for Whitburn in goal with Stevie Rixon going to centre half and Jamie McCarrol coming on to replace Rixon up front.

Macdonald performed well in goal, and by the end of the game, he had earned the dubious distinction of having had more shutouts for Whitburn than he has scored goals.

Macdonald was soon called into action and held the ball confidently in making a good save from a low free kick. Later in the first half he made another good save, punching away a dangerous cross from the right.

Carnoustie nearly levelled on 30 minutes when no 10 hit a cracking drive that struck the bar in another let off for Whitburn.

The hard working Kenny Hannah made a great run before laying the ball off for Eamon McNelis who shot just past the keepers left post.

Whitburn went 2-0 ahead on 35 minutes following another great run by Stewart Kenny who fired a great ball into the box. Colin Strickland dummied for Kenny Hannah who controlled well before hammering an unstoppable drive low into the corner of the net.

Iain Ramage went on a driving run through the middle on 40 minutes before releasing the ball to Jamie McCarrol who cut inside his marker but shot just past the post.

Whitburn were on top at this stage and were passing the ball well in midfield, not allowing Carnoustie to build up any momentum.

 

 

Into the second half and Whitburn almost extended their lead on 50 minutes, a good ball over from Paul Taylor finding Jamie McCarrol who took two good touches before shooting wide of the keepers post.

Carnoustie were reduced to ten men on 65 minutes when Montgomery was sent off, a bad tackle on Eamon McNelis followed by comments to the referee resulting in two yellow cards for the Carnoustie player.

Carnoustie had a free kick well saved by stand-in keeper Macdonald on 70 minutes.

Whitburn had a good chance to go further ahead on 75 minutes Colin Strickland turning well before shooting well over the bar from long range.

Strickland had another good effort on 80 minutes well saved by the keeper who pushed the ball away for a corner.

With 5 minutes remaining Whitburn had another good chance a good overhead kick by Jamie McCarrol finding Captain Iain Ramage who shot 1st time just over the bar.

A mistake by Paul Taylor on the left touch line allowed the Carnoustie winger to send in a good cross that his team mate put over the bar with a first-time shot.

Whitburn almost made it 3-0 right on the full time whistle. Colin Strickland held the ball well before passing to Alan Flanagan who drove a good shot that was well saved by the keeper for a corner.

This was another good result away from home that keeps Whitburn at the top of the league.

In the end this was a comfortable victory, and another impressive display by Whitburn against a team that the bookies have amongst the favourites to win this season's Scottish Cup.

This week the Man of the Match award goes to Kenny Hannah who worked tirelessly in the midfield and was always willing to receive the ball and make passes.

 

Whitburn team : Walker(McCarrol), Carson(Valentine), Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, McNelis(Flanagan), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, Kenny.

Subs not used - Kirk, Lynch

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

 

22-10-05

Brown Cup first round

Whitburn 4 Broxburn 2, Scorers - Ramage, Kenny, Rixon, Flanagan

 

Half time:  Whitburn 2 Broxburn 2

 

Whitburn made a few changes for this Brown cup first round tie against Broxburn, and started well, enjoying good early pressure.

The opening goal came after 10 minutes and was a good solo effort from captain Iain Ramage. He collected the ball just inside the Broxburn half, beating several challenges before firing a left foot drive low into the corner of the net, giving Whitburn a deserved lead at this point.

Whitburn had a good passing move on 15 minutes, Strickland playing the ball to Jamie McCarrol who laid the ball off to Willie Kirk, but his first time shot was well over the bar.

Colin Strickland came close to making it 2-0 on the 20 minute mark firing low to the keepers left hand post but the keeper saved well.

A good ball over from McCarrol was met by Ramage who headed into the advancing keeper’s arms.

Broxburn almost levelled the match on the 30 minute mark, a good strike from Docherty looked goal-bound but a great save by Stewart Walker in the Whitburn goal kept Whitburn ahead. The rebound fell to a Broxburn striker  who shot low on target but Walker blocked once again for a good double save.

Whitburn had a chance to increase their lead on 35 minutes when a good pass from Valentine found McCarrol. His low shot was well saved once again by the Broxburn keeper.

A good free kick from 30 yards by Jamie McCarrol was on target with a good solid strike but failed to beat the keeper.

Broxburn levelled the game on the 40th minute of the match. A rare mistake by captain Iain Ramage saw a misjudged pass allow Docherty to nip onto the ball and slide it past the helpless Walker.

Whitburn were stunned a minute later as Broxburn took the lead with a deflected shot from the left wing by Wilson flying past Walker and into the corner of the net.

Broxburn’s lead lasted only 1 minute. Walker raced 30 yards from goal and launched the ball up the park. Stewart Kenny latched onto it and showed good footwork before firing a well placed shot into the bottom corner of the net to level the scores at the half time break.

 

Broxburn had the first chance of the 2nd half when a good effort was saved by Walker.

A cross from Paul Taylor skimmed off a Broxburn defender and almost went into his own net but only resulted in a corner. From the corner kick Stevie Rixon headed onto Iain Ramage who hit the top of the bar.

Willie Kirk had a cracking drive from 20 yards effort well saved on 55 minutes.

Whitburn almost took the lead on 60 minutes when a Stevie Rixon header was cleared off the line by a Broxburn defender.

Whitburn were pushing hard at this point enjoying all the play.

Jamie Valentine came close to putting the home team in front shooting over the bar on this occasion.

Whitburn have goalkeeper Walker to thank for keeping the score level on 63 minutes. A good long ball from Broxburn’s keeper finding a striker who was sent clear and fired a low shot which Walker saved well.

Some great play brought a goal for Whitburn on 70 minutes. Jamie McCarrol turned well before passing the ball to Stevie Rixon who in turn played a neat one-two with Colin Strickland before coolly hammering the ball past the keeper into the net.

Broxburn almost drew level straight away with a good strike taken first time on the volley just going over the bar.

Whitburn almost made it 4 on the 80th minute mark when a good cross ball from Peter Lynch was taken on the volley by Iain Ramage at the back post, but the effort was just wide of the target.

The game was sealed on 85 minutes when Strickland put a good ball into the box to Peter Lynch who cut the ball back for Alan Flanagan to score from close range making the score 4-2.

This week’s Man of the Match award goes to Ritchie Carson who had a solid game at full back.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson, Taylor, Macdonald, Rixon, Ramage, Kirk(Lynch), Valentine(Hannah), McCarrol(Flanagan), Strickland, Kenny.

Subs not used - Carswell, McNelis

 

Man of the Match - Ritchie Carson

 

 

15-10-05

Fife & Lothians cup first round

Thornton Hibs 0 Whitburn 2, Scorers - Kenny, Strickland

 

Half time:  Thornton Hibs 0 Whitburn 0

 

Whitburn started brightly and were awarded a penalty after 2 minutes, Colin Strickland being pulled down by Thornton keeper, Craig Danks. Strickland took the spot kick with the keeper diving low and saving well. The keeper went on to have an outstanding game.

 A good run by Iain Ramage saw him beating no less than 5 players, and 20 yards from goal he hit a cracking left foot drive that hit the left hand post with the keeper beaten.

 Whitburn were dominating the game at this point creating good chances.

 Colin Strickland had a strike on goal from a 25 yards out well saved by Danks on 20 minutes.

 After some nice build up play, Whitburn almost opened the scoring on the half hour mark. A good ball through the defence by Kenny Hannah found Eamon McNelis who hit a cracking low drive which looked goal bound, but once again the home keeper pulled of a fine save.

 Whitburn pushed hard looking for the opener but found the Thornton keeper in good form.

 On 40 minutes a good cross from Eamon McNelis from the right found Iain Ramage who took it first time but shot over the bar.

 Another great strike from McNelis was well saved by Danks with the rebound falling to Iain Ramage, but with the keeper grounded he hit the bar from close range.

 Thornton had a good chance just before the break to open the scoring following a break through the middle by Neil Sellars, but a brilliant last gasp tackle by Alan Carswell was timed to perfection as the striker was about to pull the trigger.

 Thornton have their goalkeeper to thank, and some poor finishing on Whitburn’s part for the score being blank at the interval.

 

 After the restart Whitburn started well and on 50 minutes a good cross from Kenny Hannah found the head of Colin Strickland, but his header went past the keepers left hand post.

 Whitburn thought they had taken the lead on 55 minutes when a good strike from Stewart Kenny, after being sent clear by Colin Strickland, hit the woodwork once again.

 Whitburn again had Alan Carswell to thank, winning a brilliant last gasp tackle on 60 minutes to prevent Garry Paterson having a shot on goal.

 Perseverance eventually paid off for Whitburn on 65 minutes when they opened the scoring. Stewart Kenny made a good run from his own half, passing to Colin Strickland who returned the ball back to Kenny to fire the ball low into the net from close range for a well deserved goal.

 Thornton went straight up the pitch at the restart and almost drew level with a good strike from Kevin Masson that was well saved by Stewart Walker in the Whitburn goal. The rebound fell to Adam Drummond who was about to shoot when Joe Mbu made an excellent saving tackle.

 It was all one way traffic in the later stages of the game with Whitburn working hard and creating good chances to increase their lead.

 Colin Strickland tried his luck from 25 yards with a clean strike just over the bar.

 Whitburn then put the tie out of Thornton's reach with goal number two on 75 minutes. Stevie Rixon’s excellent cross to Iain Ramage was headed down to Colin Strickland, and he put the ball out of the keeper’s reach from close range. This was no more than Whitburn deserved on a day when they created numerous chances.

 Whitburn almost scored again just before the final whistle when a Stevie Rixon header from a Paul Taylor cross went inches past the post.

 Whitburn will feel they should have won this game by a few more goals, but scored enough to progress to the next round.

 This week’s Man of the Match award goes to Stewart Kenny who opened the scoring and caused problems for Thornton on the left throughout the game.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell(Valentine), Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, McNelis(Kirk), Hannah(Carson), Rixon, Strickland, Kenny.

Subs not used - Daly, Lynch

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Kenny

 

8-10-05

League

Arniston 1 Whitburn 6, Scorers - Strickland(4(2 pens)), Hannah, McCarrol

 

Half time:  Arniston 1 Whitburn 3

 

Arniston stunned Whitburn with the opening goal after just three minutes. A quick break up the right saw a perfect cross being delivered into the box by Malone for Nicol to head home from eight yards.

At this point nobody could have guessed what was to follow, as Whitburn went on to win in emphatic fashion.

Whitburn's first effort on goal came after seven minutes when Ramage headed a free kick from Hannah narrowly past. Rixon fired a shot over the bar after an effort by Strickland had been blocked.

Arniston came close to extending their lead after 19 minutes. Another cross was delivered from the right, but this time Carswell managed to get his head to the ball to prevent what would have been an easy header for Arniston's forward.

Whitburn should have equalised after 22 minutes when Rixon ran onto a through ball from Strickland. However, he took the ball too far and the keeper came out to block.

The equaliser was only delayed a few minutes. As Ramage ran onto a pass from Hannah, he was brought down inside the box for a penalty that Colin Strickland converted.

On the half hour mark, Hannah played a neat 1-2, but put his shot over the bar.

Whitburn wend ahead after 32 minutes. Hannah sent a low shot across goal that was somehow missed by Strickland at the back post with the goal at his mercy. The ball wasn't properly cleared, and when it was lobbed back into the box, Colin Strickland made amends for his miss by beating the keeper to the ball and heading past him into the net.

Two minutes from half time, Colin Strickland completed his hat trick when he ran onto a through ball and placed it past the keeper into the net.

Just after that, Arniston had a penalty claim for hand ball turned down.

Right on half time, Whitburn should have extended their lead. Strickland ran into the box and rounded the keeper. With a defender on the goal line he chose to square the ball to Rixon instead of shooting, but he was flagged offside.

 

Whitburn pushed forward straight from kick off, and came close twice in the first five minutes. McNelis sent in a cross from the right to the back post where Stewart Kenny had a good effort blocked. Then Rixon had another great chance when the keeper dropped a harmless cross from the left. The ball fell to the Whitburn forward, but he somehow put the ball over the bar from 5 yards out. It just wasn't his day in front of goal, but he was making a good contribution apart from that.

In the 53rd minute, Strickland saw his shot saved following a good pass from Rixon. Then Rixon won a penalty for Whitburn when he was tripped inside the box. Colin Strickland again scored with the spot kick.

Arniston can count themselves fortunate that none of their player's had found their way into the referee's book at this point. Both Whitburn penalties were fouls that denied goal scoring opportunities, and there were several other challenges that on another day would probably not have gone unpunished.

By now, Whitburn were going forward almost at will and creating chances to extend their lead.

The best goal of the game came in the 75th minute when good build up play from Whitburn ended with a neat lay-off from McCarrol into the path of Kenny Hannah, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net from 25 yards out.

A minute later Whitburn played the ball around the edge of the Arniston area, with a couple of player's not taking the opportunity to shoot. The ball eventually came to Jamie McCarrol who wasted no time in placing it past the keeper into the net to finish the scoring.

Arniston did have some attacking moves during the second half, and won several corners that were comfortably dealt with by Whitburn's defence.

In the final 8 minutes, Strickland twice came close to adding to his four goals. First he had a shot cleared off the goal line, then he headed the ball into the net, but was clearly offside.

This was a great display from Whitburn, and the result could easily have been in double figures given the number of chances that were created. 

The Man of the Match this week goes to Colin Strickland who scored four goals, and with a bit of luck could have had even more.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell(Carson), Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, McNelis, Hannah, Rixon(McCarrol), Strickland, Kenny(Valentine).

Subs not used - Daly, Kirk

 

Man of the Match - Colin Strickland

 

1-10-05

Scottish Cup 1st round

Whitburn 7 Blairgowrie 0, Scorers - Strickland(3), Rixon(2), Ramage, Valentine

 

Half time:  Whitburn 3 Blairgowrie 0

 

 

Whitburn progressed comfortably to the second round of this season's Scottish Junior cup.

 However, the first chance fell to Blairgowrie when Phil Donaldson was put through on goal after 10 minutes, but he blasted over the bar from the edge of the box.

Whitburn responded by going to the other end and opening the scoring. Scott Macdonald played a long ball out of defence that was met by Stevie Rixon. He controlled the ball and ran forward a few yards before slotting the ball past the keeper into the net.

Three minutes later, the determination of Alan Carswell set up Whitburn's second goal. He won two tackles in midfield before laying the ball off for Colin Strickland to beat the keeper from the edge of the box.

The third goal came in the 20th minute when a great cross by Stewart Kenny was headed down by McNelis into the path of Colin Strickland who made no mistake with a low shot.

Five minutes later, Rixon almost extended Whitburn's lead when he got through on goal but was denied by a good save from the Blairgowrie keeper.

A couple of minutes from half time and Blairgowrie almost pulled a goal back when a good break up the left ended when Hannah headed behind for a corner kick that came to nothing.

 

Whitburn went into attack immediately after the restart, and Rixon had the ball in the net, but was ruled offside after another good pass from Stewart Kenny.

Stevie Rixon came close again in the 51st minute he when turned his marker inside the box but shot over after a pass from Hannah.

In the 55th minute, Whitburn extended their lead. A good diagonal pass from Hannah sent McNelis free. His shot was blocked, but he ball fell kindly for Colin Strickland who put the ball in the net for his hat-trick.

The fifth goal came in the 61st minute when another good pass from Stewart Kenny set up Stevie Rixon who made space before firing the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box.

One minute later, Whitburn made it 6-0 when Iain Ramage chested down a cross from Carswell and volleyed the ball on the turn, past the keeper into the net from the edge of the box.

In the 75th minute, Stewart Kenny went on a great run from just inside the Blairgowrie half, beating several defenders as he pushed into the box, but he was unable to finish.

Colin Strickland then tried his luck with a powerful shot from the left of the box, but was too high.

Stevie Rixon crossed from the left for Willie Kirk, but the Whitburn substitute's shot was too high.

Stevie Rixon came close yet again to completing his hat-trick when he was put through from a long ball, but his effort was saved by the keeper.

With five minutes remaining, Jamie Valentine scored Whitburn's final goal with a good header from a right wing cross.

Blairgowrie never gave up, and almost grabbed a consolation goal with a couple of minutes left when a powerful shot from Barry McLean was tipped over for a corner by Walker.

The last effort of the game was a good drive by Valentine that was turned round the post by the Blairgowrie keeper.

The Man of the Match this week goes to Stewart Kenny, who although not getting on the scoresheet himself, was involved in the build up to many of the Whitburn goals, and caused problems for Blairgowrie throughout the game.

 

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carson, Carswell(Valentine), Macdonald(Daly), Mbu, Ramage, McNelis(Kirk), Hannah, Rixon, Strickland, Kenny.

Subs not used - Flanagan, McCarrol

 

Man of the Match - Stewart Kenny

 

24-9-05

League

Hill o' Beath 2 Whitburn 1, Scorer - Strickland

 

Half time:  Hill o' Beath 1 Whitburn 0

 

Whitburn will be disappointed at losing a game in which they had enough chances to win. However, it was Whitburn keeper Stewart Walker who saw the first real action after 10 minutes when he brought off an excellent save from a goal bound shot.

Whitburn then had the best of the forward play, and came close on several occasions. Iain Ramage made two great runs from half-way, but was unable to test the keeper with his shots on goal. In between these runs, Kirk blasted a shot over the bar after a Taylor cross had been headed on by Ramage. Then McCarroll came close with a shot from a knock down by Strickland.

Against the run of play, Hill o' Beath took the lead in the 28th minute. They won a corner on the left and former Whitburn player Andy Roberts was first to the ball to head home from a few yards out. 

Five minutes later, Stewart Walker was again called into action to make another excellent save, diving to stop an effort from the home centre.

As half time approached, there were chances at both ends. First Rixon came close for Whitburn with a header from a Kirk free kick that went back across goal and just past the far post. Then Hill o' Beath's Barry Smith came even closer when he headed against the woodwork from an excellent left wing cross to the far post.

 

Whitburn applied some early pressure in the second half, but it was 15 minutes in before they came close to scoring, a Ramage effort being headed off the line following a corner.

In the 70th minute, Hill o' Beath went 2-0 ahead when Hill o' Beath broke after Whitburn had lost the ball going forward. With Mbu out of position, the ball was played down the middle for Andy Roberts to run through on Walker from a clear offside position, and score his second goal of the game.

Hill o' Beath came close again 5 minutes later when Stevie Rixon blocked a powerful goal bound shot.

Whitburn went forward, and Strickland came close with a shot on the turn.

With four minutes remaining, Whitburn pulled a goal back when Colin Strickland was tripped in the box for a penalty kick. Strickland took the kick himself, and although the keeper saved his penalty, the ball broke back to the Whitburn man and he slotted it home.

The Man of the Match this week is Alan Carswell. He defended well and was always willing to get forward to assist in Whitburn attacks.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Rixon, Mbu, Ramage, Kirk, Hannah, McCarrol(Carson), Strickland, McNelis(Macdonald)

Subs not used - Kenny, Valentine, Daly

 

Man of the Match - Alan Carswell

 

 

17-9-05

League

Whitburn 2 Linlithgow Rose 2, Scorers - Kirk, Strickland

 

Half time:  Whitburn 0 Linlithgow Rose 2

 

Linlithgow were today's visitors to Central Park on a wet cold day needing all 3 points to get back in touch with the current league leaders.

 It was the home team that started well, creating an early chance. Jamie McCaroll showed some good footwork, but his shot was turned away by the keeper for a corner.

 Whitburn had most of the ball in the early stages, but weren’t getting many shots on goal.

Whitburn should have taken the lead after 15 minutes when a corner from the left was headed on at the front post, but Rixon, coming in unmarked at the far post, headed over with the goal at his mercy.

 Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead on 25 minutes, with good play down the left side. An excellent cross was met by the head of Byle who was unmarked at the back post and he headed home from 6 yards.

 This seemed to settle Linlithgow who started to push forward in search of another goal.

 The Rose came close to increasing the lead, a good long range effort whizzing past keeper Walker’s left post.

 A defensive error by Rixon on 35 minutes let in Herd who made no mistake with his shot, firing into the net from close range, putting the visitors two goals ahead at this point in the game.

 Paul Taylor found his name in the referees book for what looked a good tackle in the centre of the park, the referee obviously seeing it differently.

 On the stroke of half time Whitburn almost pulled a goal back when a Taylor cross was met on the volley by Ramage, once again the visiting keeper saving. From the resultant corner, Flanagan flashed a header just the wrong side of the post.

 Whitburn had good chances in the first half to score, but it was Linlithgow that went in at the break 2-0 up.

 

 

Whitburn started the second half well and had a good chance on 50 minutes, a good free kick from Taylor met by Rixon’s head, the keeper once again saving well.

 Whitburn seemed to be shot shy in the game with the visitors looking sharp on the break.

 Whitburn pushed hard to get back in the game but the visitors were defending well.

 It could have been 3-0 on 60 minutes when the visitors hit the bar with a chip from the edge of the box that would have killed the game had it gone in.

 The Burnie kept plugging away but found the visitors hard to break down, and on several occasions saw goal bound shots blocked by a massed Linlithgow defence.

 Jamie McCaroll had a good long range effort tipped over the bar on 75 minutes for a corner, great awareness from the striker spotting the keeper off his line.

 Whitburn looked well below par and didn’t look as though they would find the breakthrough.

 Perseverance eventually paid off for the home team with only 5 minutes of the 90 left when substitute Willie Kirk fired over a ball from the right and the ball flew past the keeper into the roof of the net.

 This gave Whitburn a lift and they piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

Ramage had a snap shot from the edge of the box that brought out a good save from the keeper.

 With a last push from Whitburn they were on level terms three minutes into injury time when a goalmouth scramble fell to Colin Strickland who slammed the ball into the net for a well deserved equaliser.

 Whitburn, despite not playing as well as they can, were well worth a share of the points.

Linlithgow fans weren’t happy with the referee for allowing three minutes over the 90 in the second half, but Linlithgow have only themselves to blame as they wasted time at every opportunity. Every team does it when they are in the lead, but they shouldn’t complain when it backfires.

This week the Man of the Match goes to Kenny Hannah who worked tirelessly in the midfield.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Rixon, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan(Kirk), Hannah, McCarrol, Strickland, McNelis

Subs not used - Kenny, Carson,  Lamont, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

 

10-9-05

League

Lochee United 0 Whitburn 2, Scorers - Hannah, McCarrol

 

Half time:  Lochee United 0 Whitburn 2

 

Whitburn started well, away from home against the reigning League Champions, but it was Lochee who had an early chance to take the lead with a good ball across the face of goal, but no striker was on hand to finish the move.

Whitburn's stand in captain for the day Kenny Hannah was shown an early yellow card after 5 minutes for dissent.

Lochee were awarded a dangerous free kick on 18 yards, which came off the Whitburn wall and away for a corner kick.

Whitburn pushed for the opening goal and it came in the 9th minute following good work on the left. The ball was played inside where Kenny Hannah blasted in a good shot from 20 yards, into the bottom right corner of the net.

The goal at this point was well deserved as Whitburn were pushing forward at every opportunity.

A good corner kick from Taylor was taken on the volley by Strickland, but went over the bar.

Whitburn were hungry for more goals and pushed forward. A good cross from Flanagan saw a header by Strickland going wide of the post..

More excellent build up play from Whitburn, who were passing the ball well, ended with an effort from Jamie McCarrol on 20 minutes, his shot just going over.

On 25 minutes Whitburn extended their lead. Eamon McNelis flicked on a long clearance to Jamie McCarrol whose first shot was well saved by the Lochee keeper. The ball rebounded back to McCarrol and he slotted home from 6 yards, giving the league leaders a two goal lead at this point in the match.

Alan Flanagan, who was causing Lochee problems on the right, tried his luck from long range with the keeper tipping over the bar. Lochee looked rattled at this point with Whitburn pushing forward at every chance.

Just on the half time whistle Ritchie Carson, playing in place of injured captain Iain Ramage, received some rough treatment from the Lochee no 4 resulting in a yellow card for the Lochee defender.

The teams went in at half time with Whitburn deservedly in front at this stage.

 

Whitburn started the second half as they finished the first, on the offensive, a good early effort from Paul Taylor from all of 35 yards sailing over the bar.

Whitburn were playing good passing football not allowing Lochee into the game .

Ritchie Carson had a good chance to shoot on goal from the edge of the box but delayed and lost the chance.

Lochee were coming more into the game and had a good effort well saved by Stewart Walker on 55 minutes.

Colin Strickland picked up a needless booking on 60 minutes for kicking the ball away.

Lochee should have pulled a goal back when a slack pass from Paul Taylor let the home striker in, only a brilliant saving tackle from Joe Mbu keeping Lochee out.

Lochee nearly scored on 70 minutes when a shot from a corner kick was heading towards goal when Kenny Hannah cleared off the line.

A great left foot shot from Kenny Hannah on 75 minutes was well saved by the Lochee keeper, the rebound falling to Stewart Kenny who shot well over the bar.

Lochee pushed hard for a break-through but found the Burnie defence were giving nothing away.

There was some poor sportsmanship from Lochee after Walker deliberately put the ball out following a head knock. Lochee put the ball out for a throw in near the corner flag instead of returning it to the Whitburn keeper. It backfired on them though, as from the resulting throw-in, a wild tackle from Lochee's no 7 on Mbu resulted in the Lochee player injuring himself and being red carded as he was helped off the field. Whitburn's Joe Mbu was shown the yellow card for retaliation.

Whitburn worked hard for a good result which extends their lead at the top of the League, and have yet to concede a goal away from home this season.

It's difficult to pick a Man of the Match when so many players are on top of their game, but this week it goes to centre half Joe Mbu who was again solid in the heart of the Burnie defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Rixon, Mbu, Carson, Flanagan, Hannah, McCarrol(Kenny), Strickland, McNelis

Subs not used - Cunningham, Daly,  Lamont, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

3-9-05

League

Whitburn 3 Bo'ness 1, Scorers - Ramage, Mbu, McNelis

 

Half time:  Whitburn 1 Bo'ness 0

 

Whitburn extended their lead at the top of the league with this well deserved victory over second place Bo'ness.

The only change in the Whitburn line up from last week was Stevie Rixon in place of the injured Scott Macdonald at the centre of defence. 

Whitburn controlled the game for much of the first half, with Bo'ness possession being confined to the midfield area, where Whitburn worked hard to give them little time on the ball.

An early ball into the Bo'ness box caused confusion when the keeper dropped the ball as he collided with a defender. The loose ball was hit towards goal by Strickland, but cleared comfortably by a covering defender.

Whitburn came close again when a shot by McCarrol was turned over the bar by the keeper.

The opening goal came after 22 minutes when a corner kick from the left by Strickland was headed on by Flanagan for Iain Ramage to tap home at the back post. Just before that Whitburn had seen two goal bound efforts headed off the line, the second providing the corner from which they scored.

Stewart Walker was called into action shortly after this as he dived low to save a shot from Ward.

 

Bo'ness started brightly in the second half and were unlucky not to equalise after just two minutes when Ward beat Walker to a ball at the edge of the box, only to see his shot came back off the bar.

Whitburn responded by extending their lead when Joe Mbu scored his first goal for the club with a header following a Strickland corner kick. 

Stewart Walker pulled off a great save a few minutes later, diving low to his left to turn a well hit shot from Winning round the post.

He made another similar save shortly afterwards as Bo'ness tried to pull themselves back into the game.

At the other end, Whitburn were also creating chances, one of which came when McCarrol back-heeled the ball for Strickland at the edge of the box, but he pulled his shot well wide.

Whitburn put themselves 3-0 ahead in the 80th minutes when they broke from defence. The ball was played wide to Strickland on the right and he delivered a great first time cross for Eamon McNelis to convert with a header from a couple of yards out.

Bo'ness pulled a goal back a couple of minutes later with a similar goal. They broke up the left and Dale sent in a good cross that Ward got to before the Whitburn defence to turn the ball into the net.

This was another impressive team performance from Whitburn, with several players again in contention for Man of the Match. This week it goes to captain Iain Ramage who put Whitburn on their way with the opening goal, and drove the team on from the middle of the park.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Rixon, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, Hannah(Daly), McCarrol, Strickland, McNelis

Subs not used - Kirk, Carson, Lamont, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Iain Ramage

 

27-8-05

League

Glenrothes 0 Whitburn 1, Scorer - Strickland

 

Half time:  Glenrothes 0 Whitburn 0

 

Whitburn started brightly on a good playing surface and had the ball in the net after 5 minutes but Jamie McCarroll was flagged offside.

Whitburn came close to opening the scoring  minutes later when McCarroll, after good build up play, hit the bar from 12 yards. The ball fell to Ramage who shot narrowly wide of the keepers left hand post.

Burnie were in control at this point of the game, creating another good scoring opportunity, a header from Ramage that was well saved by the keeper on 25 minutes.

Assisted with the wind at there backs Whitburn pushed forward in search of the opener but couldn’t make the breakthrough.

On 35 minutes, Strickland had a good shot brilliantly tipped over the bar by the keeper.

Whitburn had good chances in the first 45 mins to take the lead but the half ended all square.

   

Into the second half and Whitburn came out in search of the away win and took the lead on 50 minutes. Excellent play down the left hand side saw Paul Taylor delivering a good cross onto the head of Alan Flanagan which cracked the bar, the ball falling nicely for Colin Strickland to score from close range.

Whitburn fully deserved to be in front at this point of the match.

Glenrothes came into the game and had a good chance to level minutes later with a good strike just going over the bar.

The game was turning into a good battle in midfield. Glenrothes tried to push forward but the Whitburn defence were in good shape.

Another good chance for Whitburn when Flanagan wriggled past  a couple of defenders and crossed across the face of goal. With Strickland about to pull the trigger the defender cleared.

A corner on 65 minutes from Strickland saw good header from Ramage coming back of the post.

Glenrothes had a great chance to score on 70 minutes when they were awarded a free kick outside the box, Walker going to his left and saving well.

Whitburn have goalkeeper Walker to thank for keeping their lead when he saved brilliantly on 80 minutes from a good shot from the left.

Strickland had a great chance to wrap the points up on 85 minutes after being set up by a good pass from McNelis but from 12 yards miskicked the ball into the keepers arms.

Once again Whitburn have keeper Walker to thank. A great shot from a Glenrothes striker looked a goal all the way but Walker dived to his left to turn the ball away for a corner.

Glenrothes pushed hard for an equaliser in the last 20 minutes, Whitburn causing problems for themselves at times by giving the ball away too easily. Whitburn managed to withstand the late pressure, with Joe Mbu in particular solid in the heart of the defence, and he is this week's Man of the Match.

A good away victory to put Whitburn back on top of the table, although they rode their luck at times in the closing stages.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, Hannah(Daly), McCarrol(Rixon), Strickland, McNelis

Subs not used - Kirk, Lamont, Valentine

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

24-8-05

League

Whitburn 0 Bathgate 1, Scorers - 

 

Half time:  Whitburn 0 Bathgate 1

 

Bathgate took all three points with a tenth minute goal that came after a needless passback to Stuart Walker. A Bathagte forward forced Walker to hurry his clearance, and he slipped, causing him to miskick the ball . It fell to a Bathgate plyer 30 yards out and he lobbed it back over the keeper into the unguarded net.

Thereafter, Whitburn found it difficult to make any headway against a hard working and well organised Bathgate team. Alan Flanagan made several good runs up the right, but found it difficult to put a telling ball into the opposing box.

Bathgate were quick on the break, but Whitburn's defence were able to cope, although they were stretched at times.

Whitburn found there build up play being halted at the edge of the box, and failed to seriously test the Bathgate keeper. Colin Strickland tried his luck with a shot from 20 yards but was off target.

 

In the second half, Whitburn managed to push forward more, but too often persisted with high balls that were easily dealt with by Bathgate's central defenders.

Iain Ramage came close with a header following a cross from the left.

At the other end, Whitburn keeper Walker was called into action to cut out a dangerous ball across goal with a forward ready to pounce.

Paul Taylor had a powerful drive from 30 yards that was heading goalwards, but was blocked at the edge of the box. Mbu made several runs forward and had an effort from 25 yards that went past the post.

Whitburn stepped up the pressure in the final 15 minutes but were unable to find a way past a solid Bathgate defence.

A disappointing result for Whitburn, but Bathgate deserved their victory.

In contrast to Saturday, canditates for Man of the Match were thin on the ground. This time it goes to Joe Mbu who defended well and managed to push forward as Whitburn tried to find an equaliser.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor(Kirk), Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, Hannah, McCarrol(Rixon), Strickland, McNelis(Lamont). 

Subs not used - Carson, Daly

 

Man of the Match - Joe Mbu

 

20-8-05

League

Whitburn 3 Tayport 2, Scorers - Flanagan, Ramage, Strickland

 

Half time:  Whitburn 2 Tayport 0

 

This was another impressive display by Whitburn as they defeated Scottish Cup holders Tayport to maintain their winning start to the league campaign. The scoreline suggests it was a tight game, but it was only late lapses by Whitburn that allowed Tayport to score two goals in the final eight minutes, and Whitburn could have easily doubled their goal tally.

Whitburn controlled the game from the start, and took just 11 minutes to open the scoring, Alan Flanagan heading home a corner kick from the left by Paul Taylor. Whitburn continued to push Tayport back, and extended their lead after 30 minutes. A ball into the box wasn't cleared properly and Iain Ramage pounced to volley home from just inside the box. When Tayport did venture forward, Whitburn's defence were able to cope fairly comfortably, and goalkeeper Walker wasn't seriously tested during the first half.

 

The second half continued in much the same pattern as the first, with Whitburn carving the Tayport defence open on numerous occasions, but only managing to add one goal to their two first half strikes. That came in the 62nd minute and it was the best of the three, Colin Strickland collecting a long clearance from Walker on the left of the box and hitting a stunning shot that looped over the advancing keeper and into the far corner of the net. Before that, Tayport had one of their few chances when they broke up the right and saw a well hit shot go just past. 

At the other end, Whitburn fans were left wondering how the ball didn't end up in the net after a fierce drive by Hannah was spilled by the keeper and fell for the alert Flanagan. With the keeper still grounded, Alan seemed to have the goal at his mercy and hit his shot well, but somehow the keeper managed to deflect the ball over for a corner. In the 70th minute, Whitburn missed another great chance. McNelis, again having a good day on the left, cut along the byeline and delivered a perfect cross to McCarrol at the back post. The big striker unfortunately headed over with the goal at his mercy. Strickland twice, and Hannah had other efforts on goal without success. Whitburn made a series of substitutions as players started to tire, and that may have upset the pattern of their play as Tayport scored two late goals. The first came in the 82nd minute when Macdonald was beaten by a quick break on the left and when the ball was crossed into the box it was easily converted by Bryan Duell. This gave Tayport some hope, and a minute later they came close again, but this time the danger was cleared. 

Into injury time, Michael Daly beat the offside trap and ran through on the Tayport goalkeeper, only to see his effort from the edge of the box beat the keeper, but also go past the post. 

Tayport scored their second when Christie converted  from inside the area, but it was right on the final whistle and Whitburn took all three points. It may seem strange, given the calibre of the opposition, but I left the game feeling slightly disappointed at not having won by the commanding scoreline that the performance by Whitburn deserved.

In a game where there were some outstanding performances, the Man of the Match award this time goes to Kenny Hannah who seemed to be involved in everything that was happening on the park.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan(Daly), Hannah(Carson), McCarrol(Rixon), Strickland, McNelis. 

Subs not used - Lamont, Kirk

 

Man of the Match - Kenny Hannah

 

17-8-05

League

Bonnyrigg Rose 0 Whitburn 2, Scorers - McNelis, Ramage

 

Half time:  Bonnyrigg 0 Whitburn 1

 

Whitburn picked up a well deserved three points from a team that beat them twice towards the end of last season. The difference this time was that Whitburn's finishing was better, although it was also a good team performance that delighted the supporters.

Bonnyrigg were the first to threaten, and almost scored when a cross from the left bounced over Paul Taylor to allow a Bonnyrigg forward to return it towards the top corner. It looked a certain goal, but Stewart Walker got back across goal to make an international class save and fingertip the ball over for a corner.

Whitburn opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a cracking goal. Colin Strickland received the ball on the left of the box and laid it off for Eamon McNelis who neatly stepped inside the full back and sent a right foot shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box that gave the keeper no chance.

Bonnyrigg came back at Whitburn and caused problems  around the area. During this period, the Whitburn defence had to work hard to keep Bonnyrigg out. On one of the occasions when they did get a shot on goal, Walker again brought off a good stop, diving low to save a shot that was heading in at the far post. Later, Grady managed to get clear as Macdonald stumbled, but Walker was quickly out, forcing the player to hurry his effort wide of the goal.

 

At the start of the second half, Bonnyrigg pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the Whitburn defence withstood the pressure, with Macdonald and Mbu in the centre of defence striking up a good partnership in their first game together.

Bonnyrigg resorted to long range efforts that for the most part were well off target, and failed to trouble Walker.

Whitburn had some excellent chances during the second half. Twice in quick succession McCarrol had efforts on goal. The first after he cut in from the left and hit a fierce shot from a tight angle that was well blocked by Ellis. A couple of minutes later he got through on goal but this time tried to place the ball past the keeper and it was easily saved. Paul Taylor found time to get forward and had a spectacular effort from wide on the left that was only a couple of yards wide of the far post, although Ellis looked as though he had it covered. 

Alan Flanagan came on for Peter Lynch, and twice was only inches away from getting on the end of crosses from the left.

Bonnyrigg had their right back sent off with 15 minutes remaining. The player had earlier been booked for persistent fouling, and gave the referee no option when he continued to commit a series of offences in the second half.

With 5 minutes remaining, Whitburn made sure of the points with another excellent goal. Eamon McNelis mis-kicked 25 yards from goal, but was alert enough to recover and lay the ball into the path of Iain Ramage. Everyone was expecting a left foot drive as the ball sat up perfectly for him, but he sidestepped the first challenge, jinked past another couple of defenders and calmly placed the ball out of reach of the keeper and into the net.

This was an excellent display by Whitburn, with several players worthy of Man of the Match. This time it goes to Scott Macdonald who was as solid as ever in the centre of defence.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Mbu, Ramage, Lynch(Flanagan), Hannah, McCarrol(Rixon), Strickland, McNelis. 

Subs not used - Lamont, Carson, Daly

 

Man of the Match - Scott Macdonald

 

13-8-05

League

Whitburn 2 Dundee North End 1, Scorer - Strickland (2 pens)

 

Half time:  Whitburn 0 Dundee North End 1

 

Before the match, Whitburn were presented with the East Region Division One championship flag, following last season's successful campaign.

Whitburn had made several new signings during the close-season, but only one made the starting line-up, forward Jamie McCarrol.

Trailing 1-0 at half time, Whitburn had to adapt quickly to life in the Superleague, against a team with previous experience of the competition from it's first two seasons. 

The first half was cagey, but entertaining, as could be expected in the first competitive game of the season, and there were few clear chances in front of goal. Whitburn's best chance of the half came midway through it when Stevie Rixon got a clear header on goal following a corner kick, but his header was straight at the keeper who saved comfortably. Strickland tried his luck from 25 yards from a short free kick, but failed to hit the target.

Eamon McNelis and Paul Taylor were combining well on the left, with much of Whitburn's build up play coming from this area.

North end had the ball in the net after 30 minutes, but it was chalked off for offside.

With the wind at their backs, North End enjoyed plenty of possession, but Whitburn keeper Walker was well protected by the men in front of him, and didn't see much serious action until the closing minutes of the half. A few minutes from the break he made an excellent save, diving low to his left to block a fierce angled shot, his defence helping out by scrambling the loose ball clear.

North End had caused some problems in the Whitburn box from corner kicks, and it was from a corner they opened the scoring on the stroke of half time, when their forward was allowed a free header to score.

 

Whitburn enjoyed more of the possession in the second half as they went looking for an equaliser, with Hannah and Ramage in the centre of midfield urging their team mates on. Hannah had a run through the middle that ended with his shot going well wide from his weaker left foot. Eamon McNelis was also causing problems down the left, but was unable to supply the telling ball into the box.

In an effort to change the pattern of the game Whitburn brought on Flanagan and Kirk for McCarrol and Lynch. 

With 15 minutes remaining, Whitburn were awarded a penalty when McNelis was impeded inside the box as he was about to shoot for goal. Colin Strickland took the kick and scored, although he was perhaps a bit fortunate as his effort didn't appear to be cleanly hit.

The equaliser gave Whitburn a lift, and they pushed forward in search of a winner. This came with 5 minutes remaining when substitute Flanagan was brought down as he broke into the box. The result was another penalty, and again Colin Strickland scored from the spot.

North End will probably feel, with some justification, that they deserved to take something out of the game. Whitburn will be happy at having taken full points from their opening game, knowing they are capable of playing much better.

The first Man of the Match award of the new season goes to Eamon McNelis who caused North End problems throughout the game with his runs up the left, and who set up Whitburn's equaliser when he was fouled in the box for a penalty. Eamon missed much of last season through injury, but looks as though he could make up for lost time this season.

 

Whitburn team : Walker, Carswell, Taylor, Macdonald, Rixon, Ramage, Lynch(Kirk), Hannah, McCarrol(Flanagan), Strickland(Daly), McNelis. 

Subs not used - Lamont, Carson.

 

Man of the Match - Eamon McNelis