match reports 2008-09

Musselburgh went ahead after just 5 minutes when Paul Currie converted a penalty kick.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, McGurk, Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy(Donnelly), Doig(Mackay), McSween, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used -

The game was abandoned after 17 minutes due to an injury to a Musselburgh player.

Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, McGurk,Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig, McSween, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Donnelly, Parkin

Whitburn produced another excellent display to progress comfortably to the semi final.

The opening goal came in the 28th minute, Ian McSween heading home an Alan Mooney corner kick.

Four minutes later Scott Murphy split the Bonnyrigg defence wide open with a perfect pass through to Ian McSween who ran forward before sliding it past the keeper from the edge of the box.

Whitburn went 3-0 ahead in the 38th minute when Strickland laid the ball to Scott Murphy outside the box and his well struck shot took a slight deflection before finding the bottom corner.

Bonnyrigg pulled a goal back right on half time when a cut back from the left was slotted home at the back post.

Bonnyrigg raised the tempo at the start of the second half but were unable to find a way through the Whitburn defence, although there were some good chances.

The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper who had an excellent game, and just edged out his central defensive partner David McGurk.

Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, McGurk,Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig,(Donnelly), McSween, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Dolan, Hannah

With both sides ensuring safety from relegation in midweek this game was a typical end of season affair, although nobody in attendance seemed too upset by the lack of excitement.

Hannah had a great chance to open the scoring in the 15th minute when he was set up by a neat head-on by Strickland, but his shot was off target,

On the half hour mark a shot by Strickland on the turn was pushed round the post by keeper Guppy for a corner.

Five minutes later Glenrothes came close when number 8 blasted a shot off the top of the bar and over from just eight yards out, then a couple of minutes from half time number 9 saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Mackay.

Whitburn lost goalkeeper Stewart Walker to injury early in the second half, McGurk taking over in goal, and within minutes number 14 tried to test the replacement keeper but put his shot over the bar from a good position.

In the 62nd minute Dolan crossed the ball for Donnelly who's shot was saved at the post at the expense of a corner. From the corner kick the ball came to the edge of the box, and S.Murphy hit a shot that was well held by Guppy.

In the 80th minute McNelis set up Strickland, but he waited too long and lost the chance. The ball broke to Hannah who sent his effort over the bar.

With just three minutes remaining Whitburn took the lead when Colin Strickland slotted home from 8 yards after good setting up work by McSween, then in injury time Colin Strickland again scored with a simple tap in after good work by Hannah set him up.

So Whitburn, from fighting relegation four days previously, finish up 4th in the league to maintain their record of never having finished lower than that position in the Superleague.

The Man of the Match was difficult to pick put in such a subdued game, but it goes to Alan Mooney who was steady in defence.

Whitburn team : Walker(McGurk), Mackay, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy(McSween), S.Murphy(McNelis), Hannah, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Doig

Whitburn produced an excellent performance to get the three points necessary to ensure they will still be playing in the Superleague next season. Credit is due to all concerned for not letting the loss of an early goal affect them, and they finished up comfortable winners in the end, ending Camelon's hopes of winning the league in the process.

The opening goal game in the 15th minute when Cringean found himself in space on the left, allowing him time to run forward and send in a cross that was headed home by Jordyn Sheerin.

Whitburn equalised in the 27th minute when Colin Leiper rose inside the six yard box to head home a corner kick by Parkin.

Two minutes later Whitburn took the lead when a throw in from Mooney was missed by the Camelon defence and came through to Colin Strickland who chested the ball down and slammed it past keeper Hutchison on the turn.

Whitburn had been causing problems for the Camelon defence all game from corner kicks, and it was from another that the third goal came after McNelis had a shot saved by Hutchison. It was taken by S.Murphy and sent to the back post where it was bundled over the line by Kevin Donnelly, on as a substitute for Andy Doig.

Whitburn controlled much of the second half, and came close when a curling shot from McNelis beat the keeper but came back of the bar. Parkin also brought out a good save from Hutchison with a 25 yard free kick.

At the other end Walker was called into action a couple of times to punch clear, but for the most part was well protected by his defence.

The game ended with two Camelon players being sent off when their frustration boiled over as they saw the league slipping away. D.Murphy tried to run down time by taking the ball to the corner flag, causing a confrontation with Kiczinski who received his second yellow card of the game. Cringean followed him, presumably for something he said to the referee, and Whitburn's D.Murphy, Parkin and Hannah were all cautioned for their parts in the incident.

The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper. He scored the equaliser that got Whitburn back into the game and was solid in the centre of defence.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig(Donnelly), McSween(Hannah), Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Mackay,

Whitburn deserved to take something from this game, but failure to convert chances, and results elsewhere, saw them drop to the bottom of the table. They now have two games left in which to prevent an already bad season becoming the worse one for 28 years, 1981 being the last occasion the club were relegated.

Lochee took the lead after just 7 minutes, Hagen sending a powerful drive crashing of the bar and Paul Blackwood was the first to react and side footed the ball home.

In the 25th minute D.Murphy sent over a great cross from the right for McNelis at the back post who was inches away from converting with a header but couldn't get enough on the ball and could only glance it past for a goal kick.

On the half hour mark a free kick from Lochee was sent into the box and dropped for Blackwood to have a shot that was brilliantly saved by Walker.

Whitburn equalised in the 38th minute when John Murphy sent a good cross-field pass to David Murphy, who chested the ball down before running into the box and driving the ball past keeper Ross into the net.

Parkin was then presented with a good chance when a cross from the right found him with time and space at the left of the box, but instead of taking a touch he elected to volley the ball first time and sent it wildly over the bar.

In the 52nd minute Strickland did well to steal the ball from the home centre half and run into the box, however he chose to shoot and sent the ball into the side net when a pass inside may have been the better option with two team mates running in to support.

In the 60th minute a long ball caused confusion in the Whitburn defence allowing a Lochee forward through on goal. Walker was quickly off his line and dived bravely at the player's feet to make a double block. He took a kick in the face in the process and needed lengthy treatment before he was able to continue. Lochee's Middleton also required treatment in the incident, but surprisingly wasn't asked to leave the field by the referee.

In the 66th minute Lochee broke forward and it took a great last ditch tackle inside the six yard box by Leiper to prevent Blackwood scoring his second goal of the game.

In the 73rd minute J.Murphy had a good effort from a knock down at the edge of the box, his first time volley bringing out a good save from Ross diving low to his left.

Two minutes later S.Murphy picked up the ball outside the box and made space before hitting a shot that brought out another good save from Ross.

At the other end Walker was called into action again, diving low to cut out a dangerous cross from the left.

Despite their dominance in the second half, Whitburn were still on level terms, and paid the penalty with 2 minutes remaining. Parkin looked to injured, and was unable to close down Hagen on the right, and as he had done for the first goal, he blasted the ball against the woodwork and this time it was Craig Robertson who followed up to turn the ball into the net and ensure Lochee will be playing in the Superleague next season.

The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy. Playing his first game since coming back from injury he was the driving force in midfield.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, S.Murphy, McNelis, Strickland, J.Murphy. Subs not used - Mackay, McSween

Whitburn opened the scoring when Alan Mooney sent a long free kick into the Bathgate box and John Murphy directed a header past keeper Longmuir from 16 yards out.

Bathgate equalised in the 30th minute when Walker came out to a cross from the left, misjudged the flight of the ball and left Jim Lister with a header into the open goal.

Bathgate went ahead in the 55th minute when Paul McGrillen ran in at the back post to tap home a cross from the left.

The final goal came in the 75th minute, Jim Lister tapping home after Walker had made a good save.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Mooney, McGurk(S.Murphy), Leiper, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Donnelly, McNelis, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Mackay, McSween

Whitburn got off to the best possible start with a goal after just 5 minutes. Eamon McNelis cut in from the left and hit a shot from outside the box that bounced just in front of keeper Vanderdeyl and into the far corner.

Five minutes later Stewart broke clear but put the ball past the post from the edge of the box.

Mooney came close with a powerful free kick from 25 yards that Vanderdeyl managed to stop. The ball fell to Donnelly but he blasted wide. In the 28th minute McNelis had another free kick that Vanderdeyl touched over for a corner kick.

Strickland was booked for dissent after complaining to the referee who warned him twice before running out of patience.

Five minutes from half time Walker made a good save to deny Gibb who had a header from a corner kick.

Strickland then did well to beat a couple of defenders then play the ball through for McNelis who beat Vanderdeyl but hit the post.

Mooney hit another free kick that was on target, but this time Vanderdeyl was able to save.

In the 44th minute Whitburn went 2-0 ahead. Hannah played a long ball to McNelis who was just beaten by the keeper at the edge of the box. The ball broke to John Murphy who did well to lob keeper Vanderdeyl and a couple of defenders into the empty net.

Two minutes into the second McNelis was just beaten to a ball from Hannah. The ball broke to Strickland who put the ball wide.

Mooney then did well to make a great covering tackle as Johnston broke into the box.

Forfar pulled a goal back in the 78th minute when the defence allowed a bouncing ball into the box where it was slotted home by Bryan Duell.

As the game approached full time Strickland paid the penalty for his earlier booking when he was ordered off for receiving a second yellow card for grabbing the leg of Henderson in retaliation for a tackle.

This was an important victory for Whitburn that saw them move out of the relegation position, although they had to hang on for the final 10 minutes.

The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis who turned out one of his best performances of the season.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Mooney, McGurk, Leiper, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig, McNelis, Strickland, Donnelly. Subs not used - Mackay, S.Murphy, McSween

Whitburn went ahead in the 14th minute when David Murphy broke into the right of the box and fired the ball low across goal. It was off target until Scott Ritchie stuck out a foot and diverted the ball into his own net.

Bonnyrigg should have been reduced to 10 men in the 25th minute when McNelis was brought down just outside the box by the right back as he broke clear on goal, but the referee only produced a yellow card despite it being a clear goal scoring opportunity with no covering defenders in the vicinity.

Just before half time a powerful drive by Hannah was on target but deflected wide for a corner.

Bonnyrigg put Whitburn under pressure from the star of the second half and forced a series of corner kicks, and it was no surprise when the equalised after a cross into the six yard box was headed home by Ross Hamilton in the 51st minute.

Whitburn regained the lead 4 minutes later with one of the goals of the season. The ball was sent into the box by Hannah and headed out to the edge of the box. Eamon McNelis met it on the run and sent a spectacular volley into the top right corner giving the keeper no chance.

Bonnyrigg equalised again in the 67th minute when Ross Hamilton scored his second goal of the game, this time from close range after Walker had spilled a low ball across goal.

Ross Hamilton completed his hat trick in the 76th minute when a ball from the right found him in space at the left of the box and he had time to calmly side foot the ball home.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J.Murphy(McSween), D.Murphy, Doig, McNelis, Strickland, Donnelly. Subs not used - Mackay, S.Murphy

For the third time this season Whitburn were defeated in a cup tie by lower league opposition.

The first half was very poor from both teams, but St Andrews would be happy going in at half time with a 1-0 lead.

In the 12th minute Suttie sent a glancing header from a corner kick just past the post.

Doig came close when he got on the end of a free kick from Mackay, but his shot was deflected over for a corner.

In the 26th minute Whitburn put together a good move involving McSween and Doig that set up Hannah for a shot that went just over from the right of the box.

A couple of minutes later Evans had a good chance when he picked up a loose clearance and drove into the box, but he was forced wide and his shot hit the side netting.

In the 39th minute David Evans had better luck when a free kick from the left was sent into the six yard box and wasn't dealt with by the Whitburn defence, allowing him to bundle the ball over the line for the opening goal.

A couple of minutes later Doig had a great chance to equalise when a free kick from Dolan found him unmarked at the back post, but with no defender challenging he put his header over the bar.

Whitburn started the second half in more determined mood and equalised within two minutes. Strickland was brought down inside the six yard box just as he was about to shoot, and a penalty was awarder. Kenny Hannah took the responsibility of the penalty and scored comfortably.

Dolan then sent in an excellent cross from the left that was met by Hannah whose goal-bound shot was blocked by Dorward.

In the 61st minute a good effort from the edge of the box by McSween was saved by Davidson's leg. Doig then had a chance after a Hannah effort was blocked, but keeper Davidson came quickly off his line to make the save.

At the other end a mistake by Doig allowed Maxwell a shooting opportunity that he fired over the bar.

Whitburn took the lead in the 67th minute when another excellent dross by Dolan was headed home by Colin Strickland.

Having hauled themselves back into the game, Whitburn then lowered the tempo, and the game reverted back to the poor affair that had been seen in the first half.

With 4 minutes remaining Whitburn were punished for their lacklustre display when Kris Maxwell equalised for St Andrews, slotting home unmarked at the back post after a clearance from a corner kick was returned to the Whitburn box.

The game went to penalty kicks, and Whitburn produced their customary penalty shoot out form to lose by 3 goals to 2.

The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper who was as steady as ever in the centre of defence.

Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, Donnelly, Hannah, Doig, McSween(S.Murphy), Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used -

Whitburn gained revenge for their defeat by Newtongrange in the League Cup earlier in the season, reversing the 4-0 scoreline to progress easily to the next round.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute, Andy Doig finding the net with an unstoppable 30 yard shot. Colin Strickland made it 0-2 in the 30th minute after playing a 1-2 with Doig. Five minutes from the break Chris Dolan scored the third goal direct from a free kick.

It was Chris Dolan again who completed the scoring, netting the fourth with a back post header in the 80th minute.

The Man of the Match was John Murphy who is hitting a good run of form at just the right time for Whitburn.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig, McNelis(Hannah), Strickland, Dolan(Donnelly). Subs not used - McSween

Whitburn kept their unbeaten run intact in a scrappy game that put another dent in Linlithgow's title hopes. Both teams had chances to snatch the win but were unable to find the net.

Linlithgow's Murray McDowell was sent off for violent conduct in the 70th minute after punching McNelis.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk(Hannah), Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig, McNelis, Strickland, Dolan(Donnelly). Subs not used - Mackay, McSween

Whitburn progressed comfortably to the quarter finals, and with a bit of luck could have scored a few more goals.

However it was Bonnyrigg who should have opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a neat flick at the edge of the box set up McCaul for a free shot at goal, but he sent his effort wide of the post.

Five minutes later Whitburn won a corner that was sent to the far post by Parkin, and J.Murphy was unlucky to see his header come back off the bar before being cleared.

Whitburn went ahead in the 40th minute. Strickland laid the ball off to Dolan at the left corner flag and he sent over an excellent cross for Andy Doig to out jump a defender and head home.

A couple of minutes later came the best move of the game. McGurk flicked the ball up the right touchline for D.Murphy who ran on before sending it low across the box. J.Murphy wrong-footed the defence with a dummy that set up Strickland for a first time shot from 14 yards that brought out a brilliant save from Coyle who tipped the ball over for a corner.

Early in the second half Whitburn had a chance from a corner kick when McGurk headed the ball goalwards and it was headed on, but just over, by Leiper.

A high clearance caused problems for Whitburn when the bounce was misjudged by Mooney, allowing the ball to run through, but Walker was quickly off his line to rescue his defence.

In the 75th minute Mooney sent a long free kick to the edge of the visitors box where it was knocked down to J.Murphy who put his shot narrowly past the post.

Whitburn went 2-0 ahead in the 79th minute. D.Murphy made a great run up the right, beating a couple of defenders before cutting the ball inside where Colin Strickland took a touch before finding the bottom corner from 16 yards.

Five minutes later McNelis won the ball and played it to Dolan who hit a cracking 25 yard shot that came back off the underside of the bar with Coyle rooted to his line.

A couple of minutes later Dolan hit the woodwork again when his shot from the left of the box hit the right hand post and went wide.

The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis who showed why the centre of midfield is his preferred position with an excellent display.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J.Murphy(McSween), D.Murphy, Doig(Donnelly), McNelis, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Mackay

Whitburn should have had this game won by half time, but paid the penalty for squandering chances when the conceded a late equaliser.

In the first half, Strickland and Dolan both had a couple of decent chances and one also came J.Murphy's way, while at the other end McGrillen should have scored when he was left with an open goal after Lister had beaten the offside with a break on the right, but the final shot lacked power allowing Leiper to clear as the ball trundled goalwards.

Whitburn finally made the breakthrough in the 56th minute with an excellent strike from Eamon McNelis. An attempted clearance hit a Bathgate player and broke kindly for McNelis 22 yards from goal, and he took a touch before drilling the ball low into the corner of the net.

Just before that Bathgate had come close when an attempt following a corner kick was headed off the line, and immediately after the goal Lister broke through but was denied by a brave tackle from Walker at the edge of the box.

In the 67th minute D.Murphy made a great covering tackle just as Lister was about to shoot for an open goal.

In the 70th minute a break by Whitburn ended with Strickland's well placed shot from the edge of the box being touched round for a corner by the home keeper.

With three minutes left McNelis put the ball through to Dolan on the left of the box but he drove his shot wide of the far post.

Bathgate snatched a draw from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after the referee spotted a push inside the area, Paul Harvey converting the effort.

The Man of the Math was Colin Leiper who was once again solid in the centre of the defence.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig, McNelis, Strickland(McSween), Dolan. Subs not used - Mackay, Donnelly

For both teams the important thing was taking three points to get away from the wrong end of the table, and it was the home team who achieved the hard fought victory.

Whitburn got off to the best possible start with a goal after just 5 minutes. McNelis crossed from the left and Colin Strickland, just back from injury, controlled the ball and hit a low shot on the turn that left keeper Logan helpless as it found the net.

In the 25th minute Leiper received a yellow card after appearing to win the ball cleanly, but the referee must have spotted something nobody else did. The ball was played into the Whitburn box from the resulting free kick, forcing Walker into a good save.

A minute later however, Bo'ness equalised from another free kick, this time from the left. The ball was floated into the box by Scott, missed by everybody, and came through to Chris McFadyen who headed home at the back post.

Whitburn went ahead again in the 31st minute. A high ball was played into the Bo'ness box and there were a couple of attempts at goal before McNelis charged down an attempted clearance. The ball broke to Colin Strickland and he wasted no time in firing the ball into the net.

S.Brown had a chance for Bo'ness in the 36th minute following a corner kick, when he got a shot away at the back post. However it was blocked by a defender before being cleared.

A long clearance by Walker was collected by McSween on the left and he cut inside before firing in a shot that Logan did well to push away.

Walker then did well to cut out a high ball from the left from Fullarton with Mullen waiting to pounce at the back post.

In the 55th minute D.Murphy was unlucky to see his shot from the edge of the box deflected wide for a corner.

Whitburn went 3-1 ahead in the 59th minute. The Logan and Gaffney hesitated in dealing with a through ball, allowing Strickland to get a touch on the ball. It broke to Andy Doig at the edge of the box and with the keeper out of position he drove the ball into the net.

A couple of minutes later McNelis picked up a clearance about 30 yards from goal and hit a shot that dipped just over the bar.

A through ball for Muir caught Whitburn pushing forward, but Mooney did well to get across and put the ball out for a throw.

Then a mistake by Doig in the middle of the park allowed Bo'ness to break, resulting in Muir getting away a shot that was blocked by Leiper before being collected by Walker.

In the 73rd minute Dolan sent the ball in from the left and it nearly resulted in an own goal as it was sliced behind for a corner by a defender.

In the 80th minute D.Murphy was unlucky when he collected a misplaced clearance and beat two men as he worked his way into the box, but was tackled before he could get a shot away. Bo'ness broke straight to the other end and Leiper did well to hold up Scott before the ball was put out for a corner. However, from the corner kick, taken by Mullen, David Morrison got in front of the Whitburn defence to direct a near post header into the net to give Bo'ness a lifeline with nine minutes remaining.

Fortunately there was to be no repeat of last week when Whitburn conceded two goals in the final ten minutes, and they held out to go within two points of Bo'ness with six games in hand.

This wasn't Whitburn's best performance of the season, but they worked away and were rewarded with a vital three points.

The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper who made a couple of important tackles as Bo'ness attempted to salvage a point, and was solid throughout.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig, McSween(Dolan), Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Mackay, Donnelly

Whitburn let two points slip in a game they should have won, but were unable to hold onto their two goal lead in the closing minutes after Parkin had been harshly sent off.

Whitburn got off to a good start when they took the lead after just 10 minutes. With the assistance of the wind at his back, Parkin floated a long free kick to the edge of the Bonnyrigg box where Andrew Doig got the slightest of headers to direct the ball on and into the corner of the net past the diving Coyle.

Bonnyrigg had a good spell of pressure following a corner kick that saw first Doig then McGurk make crucial blocks before Walker was forced to touch the ball over the bar for another corner.

Howitt then made a good break into the box but was denied by an excellent tackle from Leiper 10 yards from goal.

On the half hour mark another long free kick from Parkin found Leiper at the back post and his goal bound header was put out for a corner by the foot of keeper Coyle.

Two minutes later Whitburn had the ball in the net but had the goal disallowed. Mooney drove in a long free kick the was spilled by Coyle and McSween converted the loose ball, but the referee had spotted an infringement by another Whitburn player.

Whitburn had another chance when a corner kick from Parkin was cleared only as far as J.Murphy at the penalty spot, but he blazed his shot over the bar.

Whitburn had a lucky escape in the 38th minute when Leiper was short with a headed pass back allowing McCaul to run in on Walker who came to the rescue with a brave save.

Bonnyrigg had the advantage of the wind at their backs in the second half, and in the 55th minute Walker did well to cut out a cross from McKenna with Morrice waiting to convert at the back post.

Two minutes later Whitburn went 2-0 ahead. They were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal after D.Murphy was brought down as he ran clear of a defender. Hannah took the kick quickly, playing the ball through to John Murphy at the edge of the box and catching out the defence. Murphy took a touch before placing the ball past Coyle into the net.

Whitburn came close again in the 65th minute when a corner kick from Hannah was deflected goalwards by Leiper, forcing Coyle to touch the ball over for another corner.

Five minutes later McGurk drove forward from defence before playing the ball to D.Murphy on the right. He ran on before sending the ball inside to McSween who's shot on the turn was saved by Coyle.

Grady took a free kick for Bonnyrigg from wide on the left, sending it low into the goalmouth where Walker did well to hold the ball as it skidded off the wet surface.

Play went back to the other end and J.Murphy sent a great ball through to McSween who cut inside from the right before hitting a low shot that Coyle just managed to get a foot to and put the ball out for a corner.

The game turned in the 78th minute when Parkin was ordered off. He failed to control a pass and, in trying to regain possession, made a lunging tackle that resulted in a straight red card. This seemed a bit of an over reaction from the referee who had been having a good game, although the tackle certainly merited a yellow card.

Whitburn should have been out of sight by now, but were to pay the penalty for not killing off the challenge of Bonnyrigg. As Whitburn attempted to regroup, Bonnyrigg took a corner that was punched clear by Walker, but came to Liam McKenna on the right. He touch a couple of touches before hitting a well placed shot into the corner to throw Bonnyrigg a lifeline they didn't really deserve.

With two minutes remaining Bonnyrigg snatched an equaliser. The ball was crossed from the right and Sean Grady ran in at the back post to score with a diving header.

A couple of minutes later Rose scorer Sean Grady put himself in the running for the Bad Sportsman of the Year award. He barged into Walker who had the ball in his hands, injuring the Whitburn keeper in the process. Walker attempted to put the ball out of play to get treatment, but Grady ran after it, kept it in play and started another Bonnyrigg attack while Walker was injured, that fortunately came to nothing. The player should look back with embarrassment at this incident.

The Man of the Match was David Murphy who caused numerous problems for Bonnyrigg on the right, as well as getting back to defend when required.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, Doig, McSween, J.Murphy(Mackay), Hannah. Subs not used - Strickland, Donnelly

Whitburn secured a vital three points with this narrow but deserved victory in which three players were sent off late in the game.

McGurk came close early on when he cut in from the right and hit a low shot that went just past the post.

The opening goal came in the 14th minute when a high ball caused problems for the home defence. Doig did well to set up Ian McSween with a neat back-heel at the edge of the box and the Whitburn forward sent a low drive out of the reach of keeper Banks into the bottom corner of the net.

Hill o' Beath pushed Whitburn back at the start of the second half and after the award of several soft free kicks, were rewarded with an equaliser in the 55th minute when Alan Mooney attempted to cut out a shot from Stuart that was going wide, but only managed to diverted the ball into his own net.

D.Murphy had a good chance to restore Whitburn's lead when the ball fell to him six yards from goal following a long throw from Mooney, but his left foot shot went past the post.

Whitburn regained the lead in the 70th minute when Scott Murphy hit a powerful drive from 25 yards that took a deflection off the leg of a defender and looped over Banks into the net.

Whitburn created several more chances, with McNelis, J.Murphy and Doig all coming close, but were unable to find the net.

With 10 minutes remaining Haw's Andy Roberts and Whitburn's Scott Murphy were both sent off for an off the ball incident.

The referee, who it has to be said didn't have a good game, awarded another couple of soft free kicks to the home side near the end that were dealt with by the Whitburn defence.

In injury time Hill o' Beath had a second player ordered off when Stewart Haddow made a frustrated lunge down the back of J.Murphy's leg and received his second yellow card of the game.

The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney. He had a good game in the centre of the defence despite his misfortune at scoring an own goal.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, Donnelly(Dolan), McSween(J.Murphy), Doig, McNelis. Subs not used - Mackay, Strickland

Whitburn made several changes from last week in a game they were expected to win, although as the Broughty result a couple of weeks ago showed, nothing can be taken for granted.

Two early long-range efforts, from Doig and S.Murphy failed to cause any problems for Dalkeith, but in the 15th minute an inswinging corner by S.Murphy had to be pushed away by keeper Kesson as it almost found it's way into the net.

A minute later another corner kick was headed home by Donnelly, but was disallowed for pushing inside the box by a Whitburn team-mate.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute when a high ball into the box came back out to Kevin Donnelly, and he took a touch before driving the ball into the top corner from 25 yards, giving Kesson no chance.

Whitburn continued to create chances, and a move involving Donnelly and Dolan resulted in Parkin being setup for an attempt at goal but he was denied by a good save from Kesson who put the ball out for a corner.

Dalkeith hadn't been seen much as an attacking force, but had a chance 5 minutes from the break when McAllion ran onto a good through ball and had a shot from the right of the box that was saved by Walker.

Whitburn went forward straight from the restart when Dolan did well to control a high ball before sending it inside for McSween who's shot from the edge of the box went past the post.

The second goal came in the 49th minute when another well placed corner kick by Scott Murphy found David Murphy at the back post and he did well to head home off the underside of the bar.

A couple of minutes later Dolan sent a great pass up the left to Doig who played it inside for Donnelly, but his first time effort wasn't cleanly struck and failed to cause any problems.

Dolan came close to scoring when he was sent clear by a good through ball from Doig but Kesson was quickly off his line to block, and although the ball broke clear, Dolan had fallen under the challenge and was unable to direct it towards the empty net.

Whitburn went 3-0 ahead in the 57th minute. Mackay played a great cross-field pass to Dolan on the left who sent it across goal. Kevin Donnelly had a shot from inside the six yard box that was stopped on the goal line, but the resulting attempted clearance hit Donnelly in the chest and bounced back into the net.

Dalkeith won a free kick on the left that was crossed into a dangerous area by Ali. Walker was forced to punch clear and Parkin completed the clearance.

Goal number four came in the 70th minute, and again it was a Murphy double act. This time it was John Murphy who was involved when his mis-hit shot spun up in the air, but he will no doubt claim he was only setting it up for brother David Murphy to head home from close range.

Two minutes later Dolan had a good low shot from the edge of the box that Kesson did well to push away for a corner.

At the other end Boggie had a good attempt from 20 yards, but Walker was able to make the save.

The final goal came in the 77th minute. J.Murphy was again the provider sending the ball through the middle to allow Eamon McNelis to run onto from his own half before driving it past Kesson into the net for his first goal since returning to the club.

D.Murphy was causing problems for Dalkeith on the right and set up a good chance with an excellent ball into the six yard box that was turned over the bar by Dolan under pressure.

A few minutes later D.Murphy sent in an almost identical cross, this time for Doig who just failed to make contact from a good position.

McNelis almost doubled his goal tally with a spectacular 25 yard volley after a ball into the box was headed out, but Kesson was able to palm the ball away.

The Man of the Match was David Murphy. He was one of several contenders, but gets the vote because of his two goals.

Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper(McGurk), S.Murphy(McNelis), D.Murphy, Donnelly, McSween(J.Murphy), Doig, Dolan. Subs not used -

With the assistance of a strong wind, Lochee got off to a dream start with two goals in the opening five minutes. The first came in the first minute when mis-placed clearance up the line was intercepted by Gary Middleton and he took a couple of steps before curling an excellent shot from 30 yards into the far corner of the net.

Whitburn had a great chance to equalise almost immediately when Donnelly did well at the centre line and sent through a pass that set up Doig with a one-on-one chance with keeper Ross. However he blasted the ball against the goalie and the chance was lost.

Lochee went 2-0 ahead in the 5th minute when a poor free kick by S.Murphy went straight to Ross. He immediately launched the ball upfield, catching Whitburn's defence out of position and allowing Gary Middleton to lob Walker from the edge of the box, although from a suspiciously offside position.

Middleton came close to completing his hat-trick with a powerful 25 yard drive that was palmed away by Walker, with the follow-up effort by a team mate being blasted over the bar.

In the 25th minute Whitburn had another good chance, but a reluctance to shoot saw it squandered. McSween broke into the right of the box and cut the ball back for McNelis. He elected to pass to Donnelly who was closed down before he could get a shot away.

In the 45th minute McSween almost got on the end of a loose ball as it dropped to him inside the box, but he mis-timed his attempted volley and again the chance was lost.

Straight from the kick off S.Murphy tried to catch out the keeper with a shot from half-way, but it was touched over for a corner.

Whitburn pulled a goal back in the 50th minute when Watson made a mess of dealing with a long through ball at the right of the box. Andy Doig took the ball off him and placed it past the keeper into the net.

Lochee were very unlucky not to restore their two goal lead in the 55th minute. A corner kick from the right was headed against the bar by Watson and was only half cleared. The ball was played back into the box where another shot came crashing back off the bar before being cleared. This was to be Lochee's last serious attempt on goal as Whitburn took advantage of the strong wind to push the visitors back.

S.Murphy received a pass from McNelis and took a touch before firing a 30 yard shot that dipped just over the bar.

In the 65th minute Doig well to turn his opponent to set up a shot that came off the legs of Ross and out for a corner.

Whitburn equalised in the 77th minute. Dolan, just on as a sub a minute earlier, sent over a corner kick that was met by Kevin Donnelly at the back post and he fired a first time volley into the net.

With a couple of minutes left a long throw from Mooney caused a scramble in the Lochee goalmouth before the ball was eventually cleared.

Whitburn showed good determination in salvaging a draw after being two goals behind in a game in which the strong wind was a major factor, and with a bit of better luck/finishing could have won.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin(Dolan), Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, Donnelly, McSween, Doig, McNelis. Subs not used - Mackay.

Whitburn produced a determined performance to record their first home league win of the season and secure a vital three points.

There were several changes in the line-up following the poor result last week including recent signing Paul Parkin, and in the 5th minute one of them, D.Murphy made a good run up the right before cutting the ball back for McSween whose attempted shot lacked power and was dealt with by the Kelty defence.

Whitburn created a good chance in the 17th minute with a move that started deep in their own half. Doig won the ball on the edge of the Whitburn box and exchanged passes with Strickland before sending the ball up the left for McSween. He got clear of the defence and drove into the box before attempting to find the far corner, but keeper Alan Fleming did well, diving to his left to get a hand to the shot and the ball was cleared.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute after Whitburn were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal after S.Murphy was fouled. The kick was taken by Strickland who hit a powerful low shot that Fleming couldn't hold. Colin Leiper was first to react and slammed the ball home from the edge of the six yard box.

Whitburn's lead didn't last long as they conceded a soft equaliser just three minutes later following a long clearance out of the Kelty defence. It was collected by Mauchlen who laid it off for Tam McGeorge, and he made space for himself before curling a well placed shot out of Walker's reach into the far side of the net.

A minute later Strickland had a chance to restore Whitburn's lead when he intercepted a clearance by Fleming and cut inside a defender. However, instead of running in on goal he elected to shoot from 25 yards and failed to find the target.

In the 25th minute Whitburn went ahead again when Ian McSween made a good run to get behind the Kelty defence and tap home a free kick from the right by S.Murphy.

Kelty came close in the 38th minute when McGeorge and Lawrie exchanged passes on the right before Lawrie drove the ball across goal where it was just missed by three Kelty players and went out at the far side for a goal kick.

Kelty equalised again in the 41st minute with another soft goal. They were awarded a free kick wide on the right about 10 yards from the centre line. It was floated high to the back post where it was misjudged by Walker who palmed the ball against the post as he attempted to push it away, allowing Graeme Findlay to head home from close range.

There was then a scramble in the Whitburn goalmouth from a dubious free kick when one of the Kelty player's went down with no contact being made, one of several such awards given before the referee eventually realised he was being conned and booked one of the visitors later in the game. Whitburn struggled to clear their lines before the ball was eventually headed out for a corner.

In the 60th minute a free kick was played long into the Whitburn box but was dropped under pressure by Walker, but he did well to recover and save the follow up shot.

A minute later Strickland was unlucky not to score when he beat his man brilliantly on the left touchline and drove towards goal before hitting a low shot that struck the base of the post with Fleming beaten.

Then a deep free kick from S.Murphy almost caused problems for Kelty, but was headed behind just as McSween was about to get on the end of it. In the 68th minute McSween was presented with a chance out of nothing when a long ball was allowed to bounce through by the Kelty defence. McSween ran onto the ball inside the right of the area and took the ball past the advancing Fleming, but was off balance and could only manage to send the ball high and wide with the goal empty.

Whitburn restored their lead in the 74th minute following some great work on the left by McSween. He held the ball up before beating his opponent and sending a low cross into the box where it was spilled by Fleming. It bounced back off David McGurk who followed up and slotted the ball home from close range.

Then S.Murphy took an excellent in-swinging corner that was punched away from under the bar by Fleming.

Whitburn went 4-2 ahead when Mooney sent a great through ball to McNelis in space on the left. He had time to collect the ball before sending a perfect cross into the box where it was tapped home by Colin Strickland. This was a well deserved goal for Strickland who has been unlucky not to score in recent games.

With a couple of minutes left S.Murphy had a good volley from the edge of the box following a Strickland corner that brought out an equally good save from Fleming.

The Man of the Match was David McGurk. He scored the third goal and had a solid game at right back which is not his usual position.

Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Parkin, Mooney, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig(J.Murphy), McSween, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Hannah, Donnelly, Dolan.

That another chance to pick up some long awaited silverware has gone is bad enough, but to exit the competition at the hands of a team two divisions lower, and missing several of their regular players, is very disappointing. Yet if Whitburn had converted half of the chances they created they would have won comfortably.

The first of those chances came in the 11th minute when McNelis ran onto a pass from Strickland inside the box, but just as he was about to shoot he was brought down by a defender. However, the referee decided it was a fair tackle and waved play on.

Five minutes later a long free kick into the Whitburn box could have caused problems, but Mooney was in position to clear the danger.

Whitburn produced the best move of the half in the 35th minute following good work on the right involving S.Murphy, Strickland and McNelis. The ball was laid off to Doig at the edge of the box and his first time shot was palmed away by keeper A.Cormack at full stretch for a corner.

Then Strickland played a good through ball for Doig that was just cut out by a defender to deny the Whitburn player a clear run in on goal.

As half time approached, Whitburn had a couple of efforts just off target. The first was a McGurk header just over the bar following a cross from Dolan, then Strickland had a shot on the turn following a corner from S.Murphy that was also too high.

In the 50th minute Whitburn produced another good move that should have brought the opening goal. S.Murphy played the ball forward to Donnelly at the edge of the box and his neat flick took out the defence, allowing Strickland a clear sight of goal from 12 yards. However, the keeper reacted well to the shot, sticking out a foot to keep his team level. A minute later Strickland had another chance when S.Murphy took a free kick quickly and caught out the defence. Strickland collected the ball inside the box and turned to get away a shot that went just past the post.

Broughty weren't showing much in attack, but were dangerous on the break, and almost took the lead when a break up the left resulted in a dangerous cross that almost found Allan unmarked at the back post, but the ball was just too high and he couldn't make contact.

Then a high ball into the Whitburn area caused further problems when it was punched clear by Walker. It was lobbed back in under the bar by Myles but Mooney was on the line and headed clear.

Whitburn had another chance to open the scoring when McNelis sent the ball across goal from the left. It came to D.Murphy on the right who played it to Strickland in front of goal, but under pressure the Whitburn forward put the ball past the post.

Whitburn finally made the breakthrough in the 75th minute. A.Cormack spilled a low ball and it fell to Strickland. His shot was blocked but fell to Ian McSween 8 yards from goal and he turned the ball into the empty net.

McSween had a shot on the turn following a corner kick that lacked power and was saved easily before Whitburn had a lucky escape. A long through ball caught out the Whitburn defence. McGurk was unable to cut it out, presenting a clear run on goal for O'Leary. But as he tried to take the ball on the run he stood on it, lost control, and Whitburn were able to clear the danger.

Whitburn paid the penalty for failing to make the result safe when they conceded an equaliser in the 85th minute. Broughty were awarded a soft free kick wide on the right after McNelis was adjudged to have pulled back his opponent. The ball was sent into the box and Lee Bertie was presented with a free header 8 yards from goal that he directed inside Walker's left post.

Into injury time and Whitburn were again caught out by a long ball. This time McGurk fell as he tried to turn, allowing O'Leary another clear run on goal, but Mackay came across to make a great covering tackle inside the box.

The last chance fell to Whitburn when D.Murphy crossed form the right for Strickland who was just beaten to the ball by a defender who headed clear.

The game went to penalty kicks. Both teams converted their first five kicks, taking it to sudden death. Doig took Whitburn's sixth, but it was saved by A.Cormack. MacLeod converted Broughty's sixth kick to go through to the next round. Broughty showed commendable fighting spirit throughout and we wish them good luck in the next round.

The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy who was solid in defence and was involved in the build up to several of Whitburn's scoring chances.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly(J.Murphy), McNelis, Doig, McSween(Mackay), Strickland, Dolan(D.Murphy). Subs not used -

Whitburn got back to winning ways with this deserved victory. Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Whitburn showed the determination that had been missing in recent games and were rewarded with two first half goals.

The first goal came in the 14th minute after a good period of pressure by Whitburn. Following some good work on the left, the ball was eventually laid off by McNelis to Andrew Doig at the edge of the box, and his controlled low drive found the back of the net.

Midway through the half Bo'ness won a couple of corners that caused some problems for the visiting defence. The first was taken by Mortimer and sent into the six yard box where it was punched away by Walker for another corner that came to nothing. A few minutes later another corner was met at the back post by Tully, but his header went past the post.

On the half hour mark Strickland played the ball to McSween on the left of the box and he cut inside before hitting a drive that went into the side net.

Bo'ness were awarded a free kick about 30 yards out that was taken by Morrison. With the strong wind behind him he chose to have a shot at goal, but his effort was comfortably held by Walker.

Whitburn then enjoyed another period of pressure that brought another goal in the 42nd minute. McSween cut in from the right and hit a low shot that keeper Logan did well to save. The ball was half cleared, and eventually came to Strickland on the left of the area. He drove it across the face of goal for Andrew Doig at the back post, and he found the net from close range for his second goal of the game.

Whitburn almost scored a third in injury time. S.Murphy sent a great ball through for Strickland who got clear of the defence to run in on goal. However Logan did well to get his foot to the low shot to keep the half time score at 0-2.

Whitburn started the second half well, and came close when Leiper made a run up the left before crossing for McSween who was just beaten to the ball by Logan.

A minute later Donnelly lost possession in midfield, allowing Morrison to break up the left, but Walker did well to smother his cross into the box. The Whitburn keeper had to make a similar save a few minutes later to collect another cross, this time from the right, as Bo'ness tried to get back into the game.

Whitburn responded and a long through ball beat the defence and presented Dolan with a half chance from inside the box, but although he managed to get a foot to the ball, he was stretching and didn't causes any problems for Logan who pushed the ball away.

Strickland then set up McSween with a one-two inside the box, but McSween's shot lacked power allowing the keeper to get a foot to the ball and the danger was cleared.

The same two players combined to create another chance in the 52nd minute, Strickland getting free on the right before crossing to McSween who was just beaten to the ball by Logan who put the ball behind for a corner.

S.Murphy then tried his luck with a long range effort that just dipped past the post, although Logan had the shot covered.

The wind had dropped, making it easier for Bo'ness to push forward, and after a spell of pressure they pulled a goal back in the 65th minute. Whitburn failed to clear their lines and when the ball was sent back in from the left, Ross Muir who had come on as a substitute just minutes earlier, directed the ball into the net from six yards out.

In the 74th minute McGurk charged the ball down before sending it through to McSween who in turn crossed for McNelis, but a defender got his head to the ball to put it behind for a corner.

A few minutes later McNelis was beaten to a through ball by Logan. The ball broke to Doig about 30 yards from goal and with the keeper out of position he tried a shot, but Logan managed to get back to make the save.

At the other end a cross by Mullen was punched clear by Walker under pressure. Bo'ness kept pushing for the equaliser, but it was Whitburn who came close when they broke forward and Strickland sent in a curling shot from the left of the box that Logan did well to get a hand to and put the ball out for a corner.

Scott Brown then got clear of Mooney and drove in on goal, but was denied by Walker who was quickly off his line. Into injury time and Scott Brown was ordered off, receiving his second yellow card of the game.

This was a good win for Whitburn against difficult opponents and should give the team confidence to continue their push up the league.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk(Mackay), McNelis, Doig(Hannah), Donnelly, McSween(J.Murphy), Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - D.Murphy, Parkin

Whitburn recorded their third successive defeat since their best performance of the season, against Bellshill. High expectations amongst supporters that were raised by the Bellshill result have now gone, and have been replaced by the hope that relegation can be avoided. This defeat was the worst display of the season and resulted in Whitburn going to the foot of the table. It was also the end of Whitburn's unbeaten record against Tayport.

Tayport came close after just two minutes when a goal-bound header by Kelly was cleared by Donnelly on the goal line.

McNelis then did well on the right to beat Paterson before sending over a dangerous cross that was headed clear from inside the six yard box. Then in the 20th minute Leiper made a good run from midfield before feeding Strickland just inside the box, and his shot on the turn went narrowly past the post.

McNelis came close with a shot from outside the box that had keeper Fitzpatrick going the wrong way, but he managed to recover to make the save.

Whitburn had a narrow escape following a 28th minute corner kick when another goalbound effort was deflected against the underside of the crossbar by S.Murphy before being scrambled clear.

In the 40th minute Doig made a good run from midfield before passing to Lurinsky whose cross into the box was well held by the keeper under pressure from Doig.

Just before half time Lurinsky chased a through ball to the edge of the box but was just beaten to it by Fitzpatrick who came out of his area to block. The loose ball fell to Hannah but he was unable to get a shot away.

Tayport went ahead in the 51st minute with a goal from nothing. Ronnie Kenneth won the ball on the right of the field and fired in a powerful shot that was going just past the post. Walker dived to his left to make the save, but unfortunately he only succeeded in sending the ball in front of his open goal and gave Stefan Elvin an easy tap in.

Kenneth sent in a deep cross that was cut out by S.Murphy with a 'Port player waiting at the back post.

In the 57th minute Kenneth had a shot on the turn from the edge of the box that was well held by Walker diving to his left.

Whitburn made a double substitution in an effort to get into the game with Mackay and D.Murphy replacing Donnelly and Hannah.

Walker was called into action again, diving to his right to make a save from a free kick.

Despite only being a goal down, looked a beaten team long before the end and in the 78th minute another cross from the right was headed clear by Mackay.

Whitburn made a late attempt to salvage a point and came close when a cross from Leiper was headed down to Strickland by McNelis, and his shot on the turn from 8 yards was blocked on the goal line.

The Man of the Match was almost impossible to pick, with nobody getting pass marks, but the consensus among supporters was that David McGurk was the least poor.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly(Mackay), McNelis, Doig(Dolan), Lurinsky, Strickland, Hannah(D.Murphy). Subs not used - J.Murphy

A heavy pitch made it difficult for both teams, but for the second successive week Whitburn failed to produce anything near the form they are capable of, and will need to start picking up points soon if relegation is not to become a real possibility.

Things started badly for Whitburn when they fell behind after just 6 minutes. A poor headed clearance fell to a home player and the ball was played back into the box where Blair Batchelor got to it just before Walker to prod it home.

Leiper went on a good run for Whitburn and got past a defender and goalkeeper Hutchison on the left of the box. He tried to direct the ball goalwards, but the angle was too tight and the ball went out for a goal kick.

In the 12th minute McKenna did well to make space in midfield before playing the ball through to Batchelor, but his shot from the edge of the box spun high and wide.

A couple of minutes later S.Murphy had a long range left foot shot that the Hutchison took two attempts to collect. Play got bogged down in midfield for while before S.Murphy again tried his luck from distance, this time his effort going narrowly past the post.

In the 40th minute Doig beat three men as he drove forward, but his resulting shot was blocked.

Donnelly the played a great through ball over the defence for Lurinsky to run on to, but just as he thought he was clean through on goal, Mitchell got across to make an excellent covering tackle.

Whitburn then enjoyed their best period of the game. It ended when a corner kick was punched out by the Hutchison only as far as McNelis. He played it back in and it fell to Leiper who should have done better than hit the top of the bar with a free shot from 12 yards.

Just 4 minutes into the second half McNelis put the ball up the right for Lurinsky who sent over a good early cross, but it was cut out by a defender for a corner with Strickland waiting behind him. From the corner, Whitburn equalised when the ball was cleared only as far as Scott Murphy 25 yards from goal and he hit a tremendous shot that the Hutchison couldn't stop despite getting a hand to the ball.

Unfortunately slack defending by Whitburn allowed Camelon to retake the lead just two minutes later. The ball was crossed from the left and Chris Jeffrey was unmarked and had time to pick his spot with a well directed header low into the corner. Whitburn were down to 10 men at the time as Donnelly was off getting treatment to a cut, but as Arthurlie demonstrated last week, that needn't be a disadvantage.

Donnelly returned to the game and played a good ball through for Doig on the right of the box, but he wasn't strong enough and was robbed by a defender. Strickland then had a shot on the turn from the edge of the box that the Hutchison palmed down then collected.

Whitburn won a free kick on the left in the 65th minute that was taken by Strickland. It came to McGurk at the far post but he didn't connect cleanly and his shot, although heading for the top corner, didn't cause the Hutchison any problems.

Having enjoyed a spell of pressure without asking any serious problems for the Camelon defence, Whitburn paid the penalty. Leiper came forward to make a challenge in the centre circle, landed awkwardly and was unable to get back into position. The ball was played up the Camelon right where Batchelor played it across goal for it to be turned home by Chris Jeffrey.

Camelon almost scored a fourth when the beat the offside when S.Murphy was slow to move out. The ball was cut back to Jack who only had Walker to beat, but the Whitburn keeper did well to stick out a foot to block the shot.

Batchelor then went on a good run from halfway that took him past three Whitburn players, but his resulting shot was well off target.

The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy. He scored Whitburn's goal and had a good game at full back.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper(Mackay), Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly, McNelis, Doig, McSween(Lurinsky), Strickland, Dolan(D.Murphy). Subs not used -

Whitburn produced a surprisingly lacklustre performance as they were eliminated from this season's competition.

Unlike the last round against Bellshill, Whitburn were slow to get going and it was Arthurlie who made the early chances. In the 14th minute a break up the right ended with the cross into the box being turned behind by Mooney for a corner. Two minutes later another break, this time on the left, saw Wallace cut the ball inside to Winter in the clear, and his shot from the edge of the box was turned over the bar by Walker for another corner.

Johnston then had an attempted shot from the left of the area that took a deflection off a defender and went across goal and out for a corner with Winter just inches away from getting his head to the ball at the back post.

Whitburn's first serious attempt on goal came midway through the half when the ball was sent into the box from a free kick and laid off by Strickland for J.Murphy. His first shot was well saved by keeper Shaw but came back to him, and his second effort was deflected for a corner.

Dolan then sent in a good cross from the left that Shaw managed to get a hand to and push away with McNelis waiting to connect at the back post.

In the 28th minute Whitburn won a free kick on the right of the box that was taken by Dolan. He delivery found Leiper unmarked 10 yards from goal, but he put his header narrowly past the post.

Arthurlie took the lead in the 32nd minute following a corner kick from the left. It was played into the goalmouth and found it's way through to the back post where Craig Malcolm slammed the ball into the net from close range.

In the 35th minute McNelis had a good effort from 25 yards after the ball was headed down to him by a defender. Shaw did well to make the save and collect the loose ball before anyone could react.

In the 42nd minute Winter cut in from the right and hit a low shot and Walker did well to get down quickly to make the save. Play went straight to the other end and Strickland broke through on goal, but just as he was about to shoot, he was brought down from behind at the edge of the box by Craig Higgins who was sent off for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. The free kick was taken by Strickland but deflected by the wall and over for a corner.

The sending off gave Whitburn a lift and they enjoyed their first sustained pressure of the half as half-time approached.

Strickland won the ball in midfield and sent it forward to McSween at the edge of the box, and he turned his opponent before hitting a powerful shot that was turned away for a corner by a fine save from Shaw diving low to his right.

Whitburn started the second half better, and had a chance after 5 minutes. The ball was crossed from the right and headed down to Doig at the edge of the box. He hit a powerful shot, but it was straight at Shaw who was able to make the save.

Whitburn then created another good chance after a one-two between Strickland and Dolan saw the latter break into the box, but his attempted cutback lacked conviction and was cut out by a defender.

McSween then showed good control on the right of the box to collect the ball and turn before hitting a shot that went just over.

Despite this early pressure by Whitburn, it was Arthurlie who came closest to scoring again when, in the 55th minute, a corner kick was headed against the bar by Winter before being cleared.

Whitburn went forward again an Leiper laid the ball off for Strickland who's low shot from the edge of the box was deflected for a corner.

Against the second half run of play, Arthurlie scored a second goal in the 60th minute when Whitburn gave away possession in midfield. The ball was intercepted by Winter and played through to John Johnston on the left, catching the defence out of position, and he calmly stroked the ball past the advancing Walker into the bottom corner.

Whitburn immediately made a double substitution in an attempt to salvage the game, Hannah and Donnelly replacing J.Murphy and Dolan.

McNelis move to the left and it didn't take him long to set up a chance as he drove up the touchline and beat a defender before cutting the ball back to Strickland who's first time shot was touched over the bar by Shaw.

Play was held up for several minutes when the Arthurlie keeper and a defender collided as they both attempted to cut out a cross by Hannah. Both were able to continue after treatment.

McGurk did well in the middle of the park before sending the ball through to Doig who drove past a couple of defenders before hitting a shot from 20 yards that went over the bar.

Whitburn pulled a goal back in the 85th minute. Strickland and McNelis combined on the left before McNelis sent the ball over for Ian McSween, who turned and found the net with a shot from 12 yards.

Whitburn won a corner that resulted in a shot by McSween being blocked. Arthurlie broke forward and Anderson had a great chance to finish the game, but as he tried to round Walker the Whitburn keeper made a great save as he dived at his feet to gather the ball.

Whitburn's last effort was a good shot from distance by McGurk that was saved by Shaw.

So ended another Scottish Cup campaign that, on evidence of previous rounds, many connected with the club believed could have gone all the way to the final. Unfortunately, too many key players didn't produce the level of performance that is needed on these occasions, and Arthurlie deservedly progressed to the next round.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Lurinsky), Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, J.Murphy(Donnelly), McNelis, Doig, McSween, Strickland, Dolan(Hannah). Subs not used - D.Murphy, Mackay.

Despite not having a game for the past three weeks, Whitburn showed no sign of rustiness as they got off to the best possible start, scoring in the first minute of the game with their first attack. Doig challenged for a cross ball with McVittie who got his head to the ball first but who almost scored an own goal, the ball crashing down off the underside of the bar. Andrew Doig was first to react and headed the loose ball into the net to open the scoring.

Doig had another chance shortly afterwards when the ball came to him inside the box, but his shot was well saved by keeper McNab

Whitburn went 2-0 ahead in the 18th minute following good work on the right by Strickland. He cut into the box and had a shot that was saved by McNab, but the ball bounced up nicely for Ian McSween to head home for his first goal for Whitburn in his first game since signing from Linlithgow.

A couple of minutes later Boyd, an early Bellshill substitute, broke forward with Whitburn's defence out of position, but McGurk did well to hold the player up and dispossess him before he could cause any problems.

At the other end McNelis sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal that was missed by everyone and eventually cleared.

Bellshill had a great chance to pull a goal back in the 29th minute when Boyle was put through with only Walker to beat, but the Whitburn keeper brought off a good save, coming quickly off his line and diving to his right to prevent a certain goal.

Having come to Whitburn's rescue, Walker then gifted the home team a goal when he took too long in clearing a pass back and was closed down by Stuart Boyd, the ball striking the forward's outstretched foot and bouncing back into the goal. The play was stopped for a few minutes after that as repairs were made to the goal nets on the advice of the linesman.

Whitburn started the second half positively and a good ball across by Dolan came to McNelis at the back post, but he mis-kicked his attempted shot.

The third goal came in the 51st minute, Andrew Doig getting in front of the defence to head home a cross by Dolan.

Bellshill were then reduced to 10 men when Barry Nicholls was shown his second yellow card of the game, this time for a wild sliding challenge on McNelis on the right touchline.

From the resulting free kick, S.Murphy sent a great cross to the back post where Andrew Doig headed home to complete his hat trick and make the score 4-1, all the goals coming from headers.

Bellshill won a free kick in a good position, 22 yards out in front of goal, but although on target it was a comfortable save for Walker.

Whitburn then played a neat one-two to set up D.Murphy for a shot on goal that went narrowly past the far post.

Doig almost scored with another header following a cross to the back post by Leiper, but on this occasion it didn't cause any problems for McNab who saved easily.

In the 83rd minute Walker was called into action to fingertip the ball over for a corner following a good effort from outside the box.

Bellshill then had a good chance when Boyd drove the ball across goal. Walker couldn't get to it, but fortunately neither could the forward who was in a good position at the back post.

D.Murphy then did well on the right for Whitburn before passing the ball inside to McSween who went past a couple of defenders before driving the ball low across goal and just past the far post.

McSween then showed what a good signing he could be for Whitburn when he headed the ball down for Strickland to hit a low shot on the turn from the edge of the box that struck the outside of the post.

That was the last of the action as Whitburn played out the rest of the game to go comfortably through to the next round where they will face Arthurlie.

This was an impressive display by Whitburn as they progressed to the 4th round for the first time since 2005, and on the evidence of performances so far in this season's Scottish Cup, they are a good bet to go all the way.

The Man of the Match was Andrew Doig whose hat-trick just gave him the edge over several other contenders for the award.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Mackay), Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, J.Murphy(Donnelly), McNelis, Doig, McSween, Strickland, Dolan(D.Murphy). Subs not used - Hannah.

The game was played on a very bumpy pitch, making it difficult for the teams, and Whitburn will be happy to have made it through to the next round without suffering any injuries before next week's Scottish Cup game at Bellshill.

The opening to the game was scrappy, and it was 14 minutes before the first real chance, McNelis running in from the right to meet a low cross from Dolan. His first effort was blocked by a defender and his follow up was collected by keeper Sheridan, although neither effort had enough power to cause serious problems. Then Strickland sent in a cross that was just cut out by former Whitburn player Michael Gibson with home players waiting to pounce.

Whitburn took the lead in the 16th minute following a corner kick from the right. It was taken by Dolan but was headed straight back to him by a defender. The second cross into the box was perfect for David McGurk to head home from 5 yards out for his first competitive goal for Whitburn.

A through ball almost set up a chance for Craig in the 25th minute, but Mooney did well to take the ball away before the player could shoot.

Leiper came close for Whitburn when he had a shot from 10 yards following a cut back, but the effort went just wide.

At the other end, Whitburn almost conceded an equaliser with an own goal as Wilson chased a through ball and put the defence under pressure. Mooney was tracking the run and headed the ball back as Walker came off his line. The ball went past Walker and only a couple of yards past the open goal, although I'm sure it was Mooney's intention to put the ball out for a corner.

Play was going from end to end, and a through ball from Doig put Lurinsky through with just Sheridan to beat, but the keeper came out to narrow the angle and pushed the shot away.

Craig played the ball through to Chilton but McGurk did well to provide cover and was fouled as he beat the Broxburn player to the ball.

A couple of minutes from half time Whitburn had a great chance to extend their lead. Doig was fouled as he played the ball through to Lurinsky, but the referee played a good advantage to let play continue. Lurinsky ran into the left of the box with just the keeper to beat, and managed to get his shot past the keeper, but also wide of the far post.

Just two minutes after the restart Chilton set up Payne who hit an excellent shot from 25 yards that was finger-tipped over the bar by Walker at full stretch.

Mooney sent a good ball up the right to McNelis, but Gibson got back to clear the danger.

There then followed a good move from Whitburn in the 55th minute as Strickland collected the ball in the middle of the park and played it wide to McNelis. He drove up the right before sending it into the box where it was met first time by Lurinsky, but unfortunately was hit straight into Sheridan's arms.

In the 60th minute Broxburn came close when a 30 yard shot by Craig rattled the top of the post and went wide with Walker beaten. Thirty seconds later Lurinsky had yet another one-on-one chance and managed to get his shot past the keeper but again just past the post.

S.Murphy then sent in an excellent cross from wide on the right that was met at the far side of the six yard box by Dolan, and his first time volley was spectacular, but unfortunately just too high. That was to be his last involvement in the game as immediately after that he was replaced by David Murphy.

Broxburn were awarded a free kick near the left corner flag as D.Murphy was adjudged to have brought down his opponent as he tried to turn, although to everyone else it appeared as though the player had just slipped. It could have been more contoversial if Wilson's resulting header had found the target, but it went just over the bar.

Broxburn were enjoying a good spell as they looked for an equaliser, and it almost came in the 22nd minute when Dickov got to the bye-line on the left and tried to cross. The ball took a deflection off a defender which made it spin up and over Walker who did well to get a fingertip to the ball as it dropped over him into goal, and a defender completed the clearance.

Then a loose ball fell to Wilson at the edge of the box and his shot was just wide of the post.

Having weathered this spell of pressure, Whitburn secured the victory with a second goal in the 70th minute. Strickland took a free kick from wide on the left that he fired on target, forcing Sheridan to push the ball away. It fell straight to John Murphy and he converted from six yards out.

Whitburn then put together another good move. It was started by a neat flick by Lurinsky to Strickland on the left who returned the ball to Lurinsky but his shot was saved by the keeper.

In the 76th minute Strickland took a corner kick on the right and played the ball to J.Murphy at the left edge of the box, and he controlled the ball before hitting a shot that came back off the upright.

The game was held up for several minutes when Broxburn's Young went down injured. A stretcher was required as the injury appeared quite serious, but fortunately nothing was broken, although the player may still be out for some time.

In the 89th minute Leiper sent a good cross-field pass to D.Murphy on the right and he ran in on goal before hitting an effort just over the bar.

A couple of minutes later another good move brought another chance for Whitburn. J.Murphy played the ball to Strickland who played it wide to D.Murphy before running in on goal to receive the return pass which he got his head to, but saw his effort saved by Sheridan.

Broxburn had a late chance to pull a goal back when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box, but it was driven over the bar to make the final score 2-0.

The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland. He was involved in many of Whitburn's attacking moves and was always available to receive the ball.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Mackay), Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, J.Murphy, McNelis, Doig(Donnelly), Lurinsky, Strickland, Dolan(D.Murphy). Subs not used - Hannah, Roberts

Whitburn will be disappointed at not taking all three points, missing several good chances to

Walker was called into early action, diving to his right to turn a powerful 25 yard drive by C.Courts round for a corner.

The first of Whitburn's chances fell to McNelis in the 13th minute, when he drove into the right of the box but elected to cut the ball back when he had a sight of goal, and the chance was lost.

Mooney then tried his luck with a 30 yard free kick that was heading for the top corner, but Fleming got across to make the save.

Kelty's R.Smart was then presented with a chance when S.Murphy slipped, allowing the ball to run through, but McNelis got back to make the block and then clear the danger.

In the 19th minute a cross from Strickland was just out of reach of Doig in front of goal and the keeper was grateful to be able to collect the ball.

Five minutes later Whitburn had another scoring opportunity when Doig sent the ball through to Roberts who did well to cut back inside and wrong-foot his opponent. However, his shot didn't have enough power and Fleming was able to parry it. The ball broke to S.Murphy but he shot wide.

Roberts had another chance in the 32nd minute following a cross by Dolan. A defender slipped and the ball came through to Strickland whose first shot was blocked. The ball came back to Strickland and he passed it inside to Roberts whose shot was cleared off the line by Ross.

Kelty then had a couple of chances. Martin came close but put the ball past the post under pressure from McGurk. Then S.Murphy found himself alone at the edge of the box against two Kelty forwards, but the Whitburn full back did well to take the ball off his opponent and clear the danger.

It took just six minutes of the second half for Whitburn to create another good scoring chance. Leiper cut the Kelty defence open with a long diagonal pass to Strickland on the right. The Whitburn forward ran in on goal and hit a powerful shot, but Fleming was quickly off his line to close him down and make the save.

Dolan then caused problems for the home defence with several crosses from the left. The first was cut out by a defender, and the second, after he did well to get clear of an attempted foul by Droudge, was headed narrowly past by a covering defender who was fortunate not to conceded an own goal. Another ball in from Dolan was chested down by a defender but fell to Roberts who sent his effort over the bar from 25 yards.

Having failed to convert a couple of decent chances earlier, it was appropriate that it was Andy Roberts who gave Whitburn the lead in the 63rd minute. Following good work on the right by McNelis, J.Murphy had a shot that was blocked but fell to Roberts, and he wasted no time in turning on the spot and blasting the ball home from 12 yards out.

Then, in the 67th minute, came the miss of the game. S.Murphy played the ball to McNelis on the right and he drove to the bye-line before sending the ball to the near post where Strickland had made a good run to get clear of the defence. However, from inside the six yard box he somehow scooped the ball over the bar with keeper Fleming out of position.

This seemed to give Kelty hope and they put Whitburn under sustained pressure for the first time in the game. A corner kick from the left was played to the near post but blasted into the side netting. Then a shot from 22 yards went passed the post, although Walker had it covered.

Leiper had a chance when the ball came to him inside the six yard box from a corner kick. However he was falling backwards and couldn't get any power in his shot allowing the home keeper to collect.

In the 83rd minute Whitburn paid the penalty for missed chances when Kelty equalised. A cross into the box was headed clear, but only to the edge of the box where it fell kindly for Adam Moffat to sent an unstoppable low drive into the bottom corner.

This result means that Whitburn have now won only one of their six opening league fixtures, a marked contrast from last season's nine out of nine, and they must now start picking up points to pull away from the relegation zone.

The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney who had another impressive game in the centre of defence.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, J.Murphy, McNelis, Doig, Roberts, Strickland, Dolan(D.Murphy). Subs not used - Kenny, Mackay, Lurinsky.

Today's mascots were Simon Sautler, aged 10 and Murray Stewart, aged 9. Both play for Whitburn FCA 1998

Forfar had an early chance when Garrick had a shot from the edge of the box that was on target but deflected by McGurk for a corner kick.

Whitburn responded and an excellent long pass out of defence from Mooney was just too long for Donnelly, and the ball ran out for a goal kick.

Garrick had another effort from the edge of the box blocked by McGurk, this time the ball breaking back to the Forfar forward, but he sent his second effort off target.

In the 6th minute McConnachie got past McGurk on the goal line and drove the ball across goal. It was stopped by Walker and cleared by a defender for a throw-in.

Whitburn had a good chance to open the scoring from a free kick on the right. It was taken by Dolan and sent to the back post where Leiper had a free header, but he sent his attempt back across goal and out for a goal kick.

S. Murphy then did well to create an opening when he worked a one-two with J.Murphy, then another with Strickland to set up a clear shot on goal that was pushed over the bar by keeper Vanderdeyl.

Whitburn continued to look for openings but were let down by a poor final ball or lack of support in front of goal. Strickland played Dolan in on the left and he ran on before trying to put the ball across to McNelis, but it was intercepted by Gibb. Then Donnelly tried his luck from 30 yards with a shot that dipped just over the bar.

In the 34th minute McNelis did well on the right to take the ball past a defender before sending over a good cross to the far post, but there was no Whitburn player in position to take advantage.

Forfar were unlucky not to go ahead when Pirie got to the bye-line before sending the ball into the box where it was headed goalwards by Lawson. Walker, going the wrong way, stuck out a foot to stop the ball crossing the line and the clearance was completed by a defender.

Three minutes into the second half a great cross field pass by Leiper picked out McNelis on the right. McNelis sent the ball into the box where it was headed clear, but only as far as Dolan coming in from the left, but he sent his drive past the post. Whitburn then had strong claims for a penalty when Strickland appeared to be pushed in the back by Ogilvie and went to ground, but the referee wasn't interested.

Forfar had the ball in the net in the 56th minute but the goal was disallowed. Walker came to the edge of the box and stooped to gather a long through ball, but had the ball taken out of his hands by the challenge of McConnachie who then rolled the ball into the empty net. The referee awarded a free kick to Whitburn for the illegal challenge on Walker.

The only goal of the game came in the 59th minute. The ball was crossed from the left and Scott Johnston was given too much space at the edge of the box, allowing him to control the ball with his back to goal and hit a shot on the turn that gave Walker no chance, bouncing down off the underside of the bar and into the net to give Forfar a deserved lead.

Whitburn went straight to the other end and had a chance to equalise when J.Murphy received the ball from Strickland and had a shot that the keeper saved but couldn't hold. The ball bounced up for Dolan but he sent his header off target.

Strickland was then denied another penalty when he drove into the box and went down after a defender put a hand on his shoulder as he went past, although it would have been a soft award had it been given.

Lawson then went on a good run from his own half, going past three Whitburn players before finally being stopped by Mooney inside the box, the ball being cleared for a throw-in.

Dolan tried his luck with a curling shot in the from the edge of the box that went just past. Whitburn seemed to run out of ideas after that and Forfar comfortably held out to take all three points.

The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis who was one of the few players who looked capable of troubling the visitors.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Mackay), Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly, McNelis, Doig(D.Murphy), J.Murphy, Strickland, Dolan(Roberts). Subs not used -

Whitburn completed a league and cup double in consecutive games against their local rivals with this narrow but deserved victory. Whitburn fielded a team with only one change from the previous game, Eamon McNelis replacing injured captain Kenny Hannah.

There were chances at both ends in the first half, but neither team was able to make the breakthrough. McArthur sent a low ball across the face of goal that required a good interception by Mooney to deny Herd a tap in, the ball going out for a corner.

McNelis did well to take the ball from James inside the box as the home player drove in on goal. Linlithgow then had their best chance of the game when McArthur played Herd in on goal on the left of the box, but Walker did well to close him down quickly and save his shot with his feet.

Whitburn started to settle and gradually started to get the upper hand. Strickland took a free kick for Whitburn that was saved by Pinkowski diving low to his right. Then Whitburn broke quickly out of defence and McNelis won a corner from which McGurk saw his shot saved.

Whitburn's best chance of the first half was the result of some quick passes that ripped open the Rose defence, Strickland making the final pass to set up Lurinsky on the right of the box, but the Burnie's leading goalscorer shot over the bar.

At the other end a free kick was cleared only as far as Gallagher at the edge of the box, and his powerful drive was on target but headed clear by McGurk on the goalline. Play went to the other end and Dolan got to the goal line before hitting a low shot that Pinkowski couldn't hold, but no Whitburn man was in position to take advantage.

The last effort of the half was a long range effort by Scott Murphy that just went past the post.

Linlithgow had the edge in the first half, but it was Whitburn who dominated the second. However, a slack back pass by McGurk, under pressure from Herd, almost gifted the home team a chance in the 59th minute. His pass put Walker in trouble as he was closed down by McArthur who charged down his clearance, but fortunately the ball rebounded wide for a goal kick.

A few minutes later Strickland was unlucky when he controlled the ball at the edge of the box on his chest and hit a shot on the turn that hit the outside of the post with the keeper beaten.

Whitburn were denied what looked like a certain goal by a tremendous point blank save by Pinkowski. Strickland received the ball on the right from McNelis and sent over a perfect cross to the head of Lurinsky, five yards out in the centre of goal. Lurinsky powered a header goalwards, but Pinkowski spread himself to block the ball at point blank range with his hand.

The ball rebounded to the edge of the box where Donnelly was waiting, but his drive flashed over the bar.

Whitburn had the upper hand, but Linlithgow had a chance when Grady fired over in the 75th minute following a corner kick.

Just as it looked as though the game was heading for a replay, Whitburn went ahead with just 3 minutes left. They won a corner kick on the right that was played into the centre of goal and pushed away by Pinkowski. However it fell perfectly for Chris Dolan coming in from the left and he fired an unstoppable shot through a crowd of players into the far corner of the net.

Linlithgow pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Whitburn held firm to run out deserved winners.

The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy who had another outstanding game at full back, and pushed forward on occasion to have a couple of attempts on goal.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly(J.Murphy), McNelis(D.Murphy), Doig, Lurinsky, Strickland(Roberts), Dolan. Subs not used - Mackay

Whitburn got their first league win of the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time with the two teams due to meet again in the next round of the Scottish Cup.

Whitburn got off to a dream start with a goal after just three minutes. Dolan ran on to a pass up the left wing before sending the first of many excellent crosses into the Linlithgow box. Alex Lurinsky got to the ball in front of a Rose defender to stab the ball goalwards and it crept over the line off the inside of the post, with keeper Pinkowski trying in vain to claw it back into play.

Linlithgow responded immediately and came close twice in quick succession, the second attempt, by Grady, going narrowly past for a goal kick.

Whitburn took control after that and proceeded to create a series of half chances. S.Murphy sent over a cross from the right that drifted just past the far post with Donnelly not far away from making contact.

Then Dolan tried to pick out Lurinsky at the back post with a low cross from the left, but a defender managed to get a toe to the ball and turn it behind for a corner.

Midway through the half Herd ran on to a through ball up the right as Linlithgow made a rare break forward, but he was well tracked by McGurk who blocked the attempted cross and cleared the ball for a throw-in.

Whitburn went 2-0 ahead in the 25th minute with a spectacular goal. Dolan had been causing Linlithgow problems with his corner kicks, and this time Whitburn made it count. The cross was only partly cleared and came to Doig at the edge of the box. He laid it into the path of Kevin Donnelly and he sent an unstoppable shot from 20 yards into the top right corner.

Five minutes later Whitburn came close again. Dolan broke up the left and sent the ball across to Hannah whose shot was blocked for a corner.

Linlithgow were presented with an opportunity after a poor clearance by Walker. The ball went straight to Grady who drove in on goal but was halted at the edge of the box by a good tackle from Mooney.

Lurinsky then crossed from the right to Dolan in good position at the far post, but his attempt at chesting the ball down allowed a defender time to clear the ball for a throw-in.

Linlithgow claimed for a penalty in the 35th minute when Herd went down in the box after running into Mooney who did nothing other than stand his ground. The referee waved away the appeals.

A minute later Linlithgow had their closest attempt of the first half when the dangerous Herd controlled the ball with his back to goal and hit a shot on the turn that clipped the top of the bar.

Then Dolan had a chance for Whitburn when he got on the end of another deep cross, but on this occasion was denied by a good save from the Pinkowski.

Whitburn had been enjoying a good spell of pressure, but the last chance of the first half fell to Linlithgow when a corner kick was headed only as far as the edge of the box by Mooney, but Bradley lacked composure and blasted the ball well over.

Whitburn started the second half brightly, and Doig came close with a header from a corner kick , but a defender managed to get his head to the ball to put it over for another corner.

In the 60th minute full back Robertson drove forward and hit a powerful shot from 25 yards that was well held by Walker diving to his left.

S.Murphy took a free kick for Whitburn from half way and floated it into the home box. It was headed out by a defender, but only as far as Doig at the edge of the box and he hit a low shot on the turn that had Pinkowski scrambling to make the save.

In the 55th minute McArthur picked up the ball on the left and cut inside before curling the ball towards the top corner, but his effort went just over.

At the other end a shot on the turn by Strickland almost caught out Pinkowski who did well to get a hand to the ball. As the loose ball trundled goalwards, and with a Whitburn player waiting to pounce, Bradley showed great composure to turn towards goal and make space for himself before making the clearance.

As the game neared the end, Whitburn seemed to be settling for their two goal lead and Linlithgow started to come into the game more. Substitute James sent in a cross for McArthur whose glancing header went just past the far post.

Then McArthur laid the ball off for Grady to have a shot from 25 yards that took a deflection, but Walker still managed to make the save. A one-two at the edge of the box saw a Rose player through on goal, but Walker was alert and came off his line to smother the ball at the player's feet.

Leiper then made an excellent tackle in the centre of the park in the 72nd minute and played the ball through to Lurinsky at the edge of the box. The Whitburn forward had a good sight of goal but blasted his shot over from good position.

Linlithgow pulled a goal back in the 81st minute. Stuart McArthur, as he had done earlier, picked up the ball on the left before cutting inside and hitting a right foot shot that took a deflection of a defender and found the far corner of the net.

Five minutes later a corner kick by Linlithgow was headed goalwards by Gallagher but McGurk was in good position to get his head to the ball and put it over for another corner.

In injury time, Leiper collected the ball 30 yards from goal and drove past a couple of defenders before stabbing the ball past Pinkowski, but unfortunately also past the post.

That was the last of the action and Whitburn took a well deserved 3 points, and in doing so ended Linlithgow's five game winning start to the league.

The Man of the Match was David McGurk who had another outstanding game in defence.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mooney, McGurk, Donnelly(J.Murphy), Hannah(D.Murphy), Doig(McNelis), Lurinsky, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Mackay

With East Kilbride's ground being unavailable, this game was played at Blantyre Vics park, on a heavy surface that made it difficult for both teams.

Walker was called into action early in the game, doing well to hold a high ball under pressure after a cross from the right took a deflection off Leiper.

Then a cross by Hannah set up Lurinsky for an overhead kick that was scrambled clear. The ball came back to Hannah on the right and his low shot went just past the far post.

Whitburn had a good chance midway through the half when Lurinsky intercepted a clearance and laid the ball off to Strickland at the edge of the box, but his shot was weak and was cleared by a defender.

On the half hour mark an inswinging corner kick by East Kilbride went across the face of goal and out at the far side with a home player not far away from making contact.

In the 32nd minute a long range shot by S.Murphy was deflected away for a corner. From Dolan's corner kick, Leiper had a header from eight yards out that went just past. A minute later, following another corner, the ball fell to Doig ten yards from goal and his powerful drive was on target but blocked by a defender.

In the 37th minute Donnelly collected the ball inside the box and hit a shot on the turn that hit the top of the bar and went over for a goal kick.

Whitburn took the lead 5 minutes from half time. A high ball was headed on by Doig for Alex Lurinsky to collect inside the box before turning and slotting the ball low into the corner of the net.

East Kilbride equalised 2 minutes later after Whitburn failed to clear the ball. It was picked up by Gareth Davies at the left of the box and he sent an excellent curling shot out of the reach of Walker into the far corner.

Whitburn regained the lead in the final minute of the half when a cross from the left was collected by Kenny Hannah on the right of the six yard box and he made up for his role in conceding the equaliser by firing an unstoppable shot into the net.

Whitburn had a good chance just three minutes into the second half when Doig sent over a ball that had keeper McDonald struggling, but no Whitburn player was in position to take the chance.

In the 57th minute Strickland picked up the ball and made space at the edge of the box before hitting a shot that crashed down off the underside of the bar. The ball came to Hannah at the right of the six yard box and his effort was blocked by the McDonald.

A couple of minutes later a long ball upfield was picked up by Lurinsky at the edge of the box and he turned his man before hitting a shot just past the post.

Midway through the half a ball in from the left by Doig was just intercepted by Cunning with Strickland and Hannah both in the clear if the ball had made it's way through.

Eamon McNelis had replaced Kevin Donnelly for his first appearance since returning from abroad, and attempted an overhead kick that was blocked. The ball came to S.Murphy who also tried an overhead kick, but this too was blocked and cleared.

East Kilbride then put Whitburn under pressure for a spell as they looked for an equaliser. McGurk made an excellent challenge at the edge of the box as Davies threatened to break through. Then S.Murphy made an even better challenge just eight yards from goal to put the ball away for a corner and prevent an almost certain equalser.

Whitburn made sure of victory with a goal in the final minute. J.Murphy crossed from the left and presented Alex Lurinsky with a simple tap-in at the far post for his second goal of the game.

The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy who just edged out Alex Lurinsky to get the supporters vote.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mackay, McGurk, Donnelly(McNelis), Hannah, Doig(J.Murphy), Lurinsky, Strickland(D.Murphy), Dolan. Subs not used - Mooney

Whitburn got back to winning ways with a determined second half display, the first half producing few highlights.

Whitburn had a good chance in the first minute when Strickland laid the ball off to Doig in space at the edge of the box. The Whitburn midfielder had a clear sight of goal but his effort was off target.

Midway through the half Oakley caught Whitburn with a breakaway, Celentano outpacing the defence to run in on goal, but he sent his attempt over the bar from the left of the area.

A couple of minutes later a cross from Dolan found it's way to Hannah just inside the right of the box and his curling left foot attempt went narrowly past the far post.

Whitburn took the lead in the 36th minute. A cross from the left was laid off by Strickland to Christopher Dolan at the edge of the box, and his low shot found the corner of the net.

A couple of minutes from half time a corner kick for Whitburn was headed just over by McGurk at the far post.

Oakley could consider themselves unlucky to be behind as they had matched Whitburn for most of the game, and they almost got a deserved equaliser just before half time.

Celentano made another break up the left and drove into the box before hitting a low shot that would have been a goal had the advancing Walker not reacted brilliantly to dive to his left and get a hand to the ball.

The first half had been fairly even, but Whitburn stepped up a gear in the second half and started playing some better football.

In the 55th minute D.Murphy played the ball wide to Hannah on the right and he crossed to the back post where Christopher Dolan was unmarked and had time to steady himself before placing the ball past Parkyn into the far corner of the net.

Goal number three came in the 60th minute. Whitburn broke up the left and Dolan picked out Andrew Doig at the back post, giving him the easy task of side-footing the ball into the net.

Hannah had a good chance to score his first goal of the season when a through ball from Mooney left him with just the keeper to beat, but his attempted lob lacked height and was caught by Parkyn.

Oakley had a half chance when Celentano got to the bye-line and cut the ball back for Conners, but he was crowded out and unable to get a shot on goal allowing Walker to collect.

In the 74th minute Kenny Hannah made it 4-0 when he ran through on goal before placing the ball past Parkyn from 16 yards.

Three minutes later D.Murphy crossed from the right to Doig who headed the ball back across goal where it was met on the run by Kenny Hannah who headed it into the net from eight yards out.

In the 80th minute D.Murphy sent in another cross from the right that produced a scramble in the goalmouth that ended with Kevin Donnelly turning the ball into the net from close range from a sitting position, obviously in need of a rest after becoming a father earlier in the week.

With two minutes remaining Fotheringham almost scored a consolation goal for Oakley with a 25 yard shot that was just past.

The Man of the Match for the second game in a row was David McGurk. He was again solid in defence and made several vital tackles during the game.

Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, Mooney, Leiper, McGurk, S.Murphy, Hannah, Doig, D.Murphy, Strickland(Donnelly), Dolan. Subs not used -

Whitburn's poor start to the league continued, but they weren't helped by Andy Roberts being sent off after just 20 minutes for an off the ball incident. This is the third game in row that Whitburn have had a man ordered off for poor discipline, something that will have to be addressed quickly.

The game itself didn't provide much to get excited about, the slippery conditions making it difficult for both teams.

It was Hill o' Beath who created the first chance, Baird curling a shot just past the post from 25 yards with Walker struggling to get across to cover.

Whitburn responded and Doig came close with a header that went just past following a free kick by Hannah.

Then came the ordering off of Roberts, shown a straight red card for striking an opponent in an off the ball clash.

In the 25th minute McGurk came close following a free kick when he chested the ball down at the back post, but fired his shot wide.

Steven Bathgate had a great chance when he was put through by Lawson on the half hour mark, leaving him with only Walker to beat, but he put his effort past the post.

Hill o' Beath opened the scoring just five minutes after the break. Callum Bissett was given too much space outside the box and his well hit shot from 25 yards found the net off the underside of the bar.

Whitburn almost equalised just three minutes later. A free kick from the left was headed back out the the edge of the box where Dolan met it on the run to drive a great effort through a crowd of players, only to see the ball strike the post and bounce clear.

In the 67th minute Hill o' Beath were reduced to ten men when Bisset was sent off for a wild challenge on McGurk.

Hill o' Beath would also appear to have a discipline problem as this was their seventh red card in eight games against Whitburn.

In the final minute, with Whitburn pushing forward, Hill o' Beath almost added a second goal with a long range lob over Walker that went just past the post.

The Man of the Match goes to David McGurk who was one of the few home players to perform anywhere near the standard they are capable of.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Strickland), Mooney, Leiper, McGurk, Donnelly, Hannah, Doig, Roberts, Lurinsky, Dolan. Subs not used - Mackay

After going through the entire league campaign last season without drawing a game, Whitburn have now drawn their opening two league fixtures of the new season.

This was a game that Whitburn could have won, and probably would have won comfortably had they not been reduced to 10 men after half an hour, Kenny Hannah being sent off for dissent. He received a yellow card for disputing a throw-in, but continued his protest and received a second caution.

Before that, Whitburn had been the better team, despite playing against a strong wind. Lurinski had the first chance, after five minutes, after Morris had misjudged a long ball. The ball fell for Lurinsky who chipped it over another defender's head before shooting from the edge of the box, but keeper Fitzpatrick made the save

With the wind at their backs, Tayport had a couple of shots from distance. The first from Wemyss went over the bar, then Fallon had a shot from 30 yards after 21 minutes that was pushed round the post by Walker.

Whitburn took the lead three minutes later. Hannah had a shot from the edge of the box that Fitzpatrick couldn't hold, and Alex Lurinsky pounced to slot home the rebound.

Then in the 30th minute came Hannah's sending off and Whitburn were forced onto the back foot.

Three minutes into the second half Mooney cleared a shot from the right of the box by number 8 off the line.

In the 63rd minute a cross into the box was punched away by Walker at full stretch with a home forward waiting to head home at the back post. Then McNaughton burst into the box but was denied by a good challenge from J.Murphy, the ball going for a corner. From another corner kick Walker made a great point blank save. The ball fell to Morris and he blasted it against the post from inside the six yard box and Whitburn scrambled the ball clear.

Whitburn were rarely seen in attack in the second half. One chance came from a free kick 25 yards out. It was taken by S.Murphy but hit the wall and went for a corner. Then a high ball from wide on the right by the same player dipped over the goalkeeper and almost crept in at the back post, but went just past.

Despite having the wind behind them, Whitburn were sitting back, trying to defend their lead. Tayport kept up the pressure and McCrindle saw his goalbound shot strike Leiper in the chest inside the six yard box.

Just as it looked as though Whitburn were going to hold out, Tayport equalise in injury time. They won a corner kick, and when it arrived in the box, Barry McNaughton found the net with a powerful header from 10 yards out. Leiper managed to get his head to the ball but was unable to prevent it finding the net.

The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy. Playing at right back he was left with a lot to do after the sending off, but defended well.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, McGurk, Leiper, Doig, Hannah, J.Murphy, Roberts, Lurinsky(D.Murphy), Dolan. Subs not used - Trialist1, Trialist2

For the second successive game Whitburn found themselves 2 goals down early in the match, but on this occasion did well to fight back for a draw.

It was Whitburn who had the first couple of chances, the first a header by Strickland following a corner kick that was saved by keeper Roberts, then a snap shot by Lurinsky from the edge of the box in the 10th minute that was also saved.

However it was Glenrothes who opened the scoring in the 10th minute when a through ball caught out the Whitburn defence allowing Greg Meikle to run through unchallenged on goal and find the net after going past Walker. Four minutes later the same player made it 2-0. A high ball wasn't dealt with by McGurk whose header fell to Greg Meikle, and he took a couple of steps before firing it past Walker from 16 yards.

Ten minutes from half time Meikle came close again with a shot from the edge of the box that forced Walker to dive low to his right and bring off a good save.

As half time approached Leiper misplaced a pass and it was intercepted by Linton who played a 1-2 with Meikle, but the Whitburn defender made amends for his error with a good tackle inside the box to clear the danger.

Duffy then had a shot from 25 yards that was half blocked by Hannah and spun goalwards, forcing another good save from Walker who got a hand to the ball as it was dropping under the bar.

The last action of the first half was a goal for Whitburn. Lurinsky did well at the right corner flag, beating his opponent before sending the ball into the box. It was met by Chris Dolan and he found the top corner with a well placed shot. There was initially some confusion as the ball went through a hole in the net, but the goal stood.

Donnelly showed good control in the 55th minute to flick the ball over the head of a defender before hitting a shot from 20 yards that was pushed away by the Roberts.

Then Lurinsky laid the ball off to Leiper just inside the box and his shot was deflected over the bar for a corner. From the corner a near post header by J.Murphy went just over the bar.

Meikle had a good chance to complete his hat trick when he broke clear on the right, but fired his shot well over the bar. Then McGurk made a good covering tackle inside the box to deny the same player a few minutes later.

Glenrothes won a free kick on the left and it was played inside to Duffy whose 25 yard shot was well saved by Walker diving to his right. Then Duffy again had a shot on the turn from 18 yards that went just over.

Whitburn equalised in the 75th minute from a free kick 22 yards out after Strickland had been fouled. It was taken by Scott Murphy who fired an unstoppable shot that went through the wall and found the corner of the net with the keeper helpless.

Kevin Donnelly was sent off with a couple of minutes remaining for comments made to the referee who had had a reasonable game up to the point. Grant Cunningham of Glenrothes was also sent off in the closing minutes.

The Man of the Match was Stewart Walker. He was blameless for the two goals, and brought off a string of good saves throughout the game.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Kenny(Doig), Leiper, McGurk, Donnelly, Hannah, J.Murphy, Lurinsky(D.Murphy), Strickland, Dolan(Roberts). Subs not used -

Whitburn's good start to the season came to an end with this result. Newtongrange were two goals ahead after just 7 minutes. In their first attack of the game, after just 2 minutes, they won a free kick on the left. It was sent into the middle of the box by Elliot where it was sliced into his own net by John Murphy attempting to clear. The second goal came just 5 minutes later, a near post header by Gareth Hutchison from a corner kick finding the far side of the net.

Whitburn's first attempt on goal came in the 25th minute, a Lurinsky shot from the edge of the box that lacked power and was easily saved by keeper Hill.

In the 29th minute McCulloch collected the ball on the left of the box and rattled the crossbar with his shot.

Whitburn goalkeeper Stewart Walker was sent off in the 34th minute for handball outside the box. McGurk was beaten to a long ball by a Star forward and Walker reacted to save his shot on goal but was out of his area at the time. McGurk took over in goal.

In the 40th minute Scott McCulloch of Newtongrange was sent off for a dangerous challenge on D.Murphy who was able to continue after treatment.

The closest Whitburn came to scoring in the first half was a 25 yard free kick by Dolan that was pushed away for a corner by Hill.

Whitburn were reduced to 9 men in the 50th minute after Colin Leiper received his second yellow card of the game for pulling down an opponent at the edge of the box.

Hannah was unlucky a few minutes later to see his cross from the right hit the far post and bounce back into the Hill's arms.

Newtongrange went 3-0 ahead in the 60th minute with a goal from Scott Swaney. McGurk did well to save an effort on goal by Gielty, but the ball fell to Swaney and the stand in keeper was unable to keep it out, although he did manage to get a touch on it.

There then followed a controversial decision by the referee. Doig had a goalbound effort touched onto the bar by the keeper, but followed up to head the ball home at the second attempt. The referee however disallowed the goal, ordered defender Ian McManus off, presumably for something he spotted in the build up, and awarded a penalty kick. The kick was taken by Strickland but saved by Hill.

Newtongrange completed the scoring in the 80th minute with Scott Swaney's second goal of the game. The ball was laid back to him at the edge of the box by Meaney and his low shot went in off the post.

Swaney almost completed his hat trick with a shot from 20 yards that came down off the bar before being cleared.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Leiper, McGurk, Mooney, J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Doig(S.Murphy), Lurinsky, Strickland, Dolan(Roberts). Subs not used - Kenny, Donnelly

Whitburn made their first visit to West Calder's new park with the section already won.

The first half was scrappy, with West Calder having the best of the chances. However, it was Whitburn who took the lead 5 minutes from half time. Dolan sent in a low cross from the left, and when it was spilled by the keeper, Alex Lurinsky pounced to put the ball in the net.

Straight from the kick off, West Calder went forward and equalised. S.Murphy miskicked a clearance, the ball falling to Stuart Mcleod, and he did well to lob the ball over Walker from 25 yards into the net.

It took Whitburn just 3 minutes of the second half to regain the lead. Hannah crossed the ball from the right to the far post. It was headed back across goal by J.Murphy and a defender was unfortunate to see the ball deflect off him into the net.

The third goal came in the 54th minute when Andrew Doig rose unchallenged at the back post to head home a corner kick by Hannah.

In the 56th minute Andy Roberts made it 4-1 when he headed the ball past the keeper from a left wing cross.

A minute later S.Murphy collected a short free kick and hit a powerful drive from 30 yards that came back off the post with the keeper beaten. At the other end S.Murphy was again in action, this time doing well to clear a cross into the six yard box with an opponent in good position to score.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mackay, McGurk, J.Murphy, Hannah, Doig(D.Murphy), Lurinsky, Roberts, Dolan. Subs not used - Donnelly, Strickland.

Harthill 1 Whitburn 6, Scorers - Roberts(2), Strickland(2), Lurinsky, S.Murphy

This was a one-sided game, but it wasn't until the second half that Whitburn turned their superiority into goals.

D.Murphy had a good chance to open the scoring after just 6 minutes when he broke into the right of the box, but keeper Neally was quickly off his line to block the shot.

Whitburn didn't have long to wait for the first goal, Andy Roberts turning the ball home from close range in the 15th minute after a shot from the right by Strickland was pushed onto the bar by Neally.

Strickland came close in the 31st minute when he beat a defender on the right and fired a low shot past the keeper that went just wide of the far post. A minute later came the miss of the season when a ball from the left by Strickland presented Roberts with an open goal from inside the six yard box but he somehow managed to direct the ball over the bar, although he was under pressure from Hendry.

Strickland then brought out one of many good saves from Neally with a diving header from a cross by Dolan, the keeper reacting to get a hand to the ball and prevent his team going further behind.

Against the run of play, Harthill equalised in the 42nd minute with a spectacular goal. John Connelly broke upfield and his well hit, wind assisted shot from wide on the left dipped over Walker and into the far side of the net.

On the stroke of half time Scott Gillies was sent off for an off the ball incident following a challenge with Hannah.

Shortly after the restart a cross by Dolan was headed on by Roberts for Strickland to force another good save out of Neally. The ball broke to a Whitburn player whose drive was also blocked by the keeper.

A minute later another cross by Dolan was met by Doig whose glancing header sent the keeper the wrong way, but he somehow managed to stick out a foot and prevent a certain goal.

Then a cross from the right by D.Murphy was headed out to the edge of the box where J.Murphy fired in a shot that was again saved by Neally.

Strickland was the next to come close when his back post header from a left wing cross went just past.

It was only a matter of time before Whitburn scored and the goal came in the 61st minute. Hannah sent in a great cross from the right and Andy Roberts rose at the back post to power a header into the net and make up for his earlier miss.

Goal number three came in the 69th minute as Harthill's ten men started to tire. Dolan played the ball across field to Colin Strickland and the Whitburn forward chested the ball down, ran forward a few yards and hit a low shot past the keeper into the corner of the net.

The game was won, but it was good to see Whitburn were not prepared to settle for 3-1 and kept pushing forward.

The fourth goal was a tap-in by Alex Lurinsky in the 77th minute, the ball being headed down to him by Strickland following a cross from the left by Dolan.

Lurinsky returned the favour for the fifth goal in the 80th minute after a tremendous long range shot by Doig was saved by Neally. The ball broke to Lurinsky and he set up Colin Strickland for his second goal of the game with another simple tap-in.

The final goal came in the 85th minute, Strickland taking a free kick on the left and rolling the ball inside to Scott Murphy who's low drive from 25 yards found the bottom corner to give Neally no chance on this occasion.

Hannah almost made it seven in the final minute when his shot from the right of the box clipped the top of the bar and went over.

Man of the Match was Kenny Hannah. He drove the team forward and was unlucky not to score near the end.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Mooney(Mackay), Leiper, McGurk, J.Murphy(S.Murphy), D.Murphy(Lurinsky), Doig, Roberts, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Donnelly.

Match report courtesy of Blackburn United website (http://blackburnunited.homestead.com/index.html)

It was the home team who kicked off and took charge immediately, with Michael Tugman having to tip a rasping Murphy shot over the bar. With six minutes on the clock Blackburn got their first real period of possession, a Jordan Rintoul through ball evaded Leiper and Lee Docherty was left in the clear on the edge of the box but he completely missed his kick and the ball rolled into the grateful Walker’s arms. Whitburn immediately moved up the park and Hannah brought out a tremendous diving save from Tugman. Whitburn took the lead in the seventeenth minute when a harmless looking ball into the box was met by Rintoul on the penalty spot and he somehow managed sliced the ball past the helpless Tugman and into his own net. United were having difficulty in containing their Super League opponents and a Lurinsky shot from a tight angle crept narrowly past, then on the half hour mark Hannah let rip from sixteen yards and the ball came crashing back off Tugman’s bar.A min ute later Blackburn broke and an Andy McQuillan cross field pass found Fraser Gillespie free on the right and he cut inside his marker and fired in a shot which was blocked and cleared. In thirty four minutes though, the home side increased their lead when a cross from Hannah was powered into the net from six yards by the head of the unmarked STRICKLAND. Blackburn then started to get a little more possession after this and pegged the homesters back for a spell and with six minutes of the half remaining good work by Ross Williamson and McQuillan on the left wing saw McQuillan cut inside and spray a pass out to GILLESPIE on the right who moved forward and cut inside his marker before curling a low left foot shot into the net off Walkers far post.

Whitburn started the second half looking to increase their lead and did so on fifty two minutes when a cross into a crowded box was deflected into the path of DOIG only three yards out and he made no mistake. Dolan was next to try his luck and his thunderous shot from inside the dee flashed past. The fourth home goal duly came a minute later when Tugman, after having pulled off a tremendous double save from first Scott Murphy and then David Murphy, spilled a long range effort and it was David MURPHY who reacted the quickest to slam the ball high into the net. The second half settled down after this quick start with Whitburn enjoying the bulk of possession but with ten minutes remaining sub John Murphy missed a gaping goal when he skied his shot over from six yards after a quick one two between him and fellow sub Roberts. Roberts then flashed a header wide as the game drew to a close.

Stoneyburn took an early lead with a well taken goal from Steven Tardelli who controlled a long ball with his first touch and volleyed it past Walker from the edge of the box with his second.

Whitburn equalised in the 36th minute following a free kick from the left by Dolan. The ball was headed back across goal and fell to John Murphy who slotted it home from 10 yards.

Stoneyburn had matched Whitburn for most of the first half but went in a goal down at half time thanks to a 45th minute goal from Alex Lurinsky. Walker sent a long clearance upfield that deceived the centre half who didn't get enough of a head on the ball. It ran through for Lurinsky and he calmly placed it past the keeper.

Whitburn went 3-1 ahead in the 50th minute thanks to the alertness of Alex Lurinsky. He anticipated a pass back, making the interception and sliding the ball past the keeper into the net from the left of the six yard box.

The 4th goal came in the 75th minute and is a contender for goal of the season. McGurk played a long ball out of defence to the edge of the box where Alex Lurinsky let the ball drop over his shoulder before hitting it on the full volley over the keeper into the net for his hat trick.

The 5th goal came just a minute later. Doig played the ball up the left to Lurinsky who sent it across the face of goal to Colin Strickland who had an easy job of turning it into the net at the back post.

Stoneyburn pulled a goal back in the 87th minute when Steven McMeechan sent a well placed header back across Walkers goal and into the net.

The Man of the Match was Alex Lurinsky who scored a hat trick and didn't give the home defence any respite all evening.

Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Kenny, Mackay(Leiper), McGurk, Donnelly(Doig), D.Murphy, J.Murphy, Roberts(Strickland), Lurinsky, Dolan. Subs not used - Hannah, Mooney.

Whitburn made an impressive start to the new season, winning comfortably, and there was never any danger of a repeat of the corresponding fixture of last season when Fauldhouse won to effectively eliminate Whitburn from the competition.

It was Fauldhouse though who almost took an early lead, Walker having to dive low to his left after just two minutes to turn a shot round the post for a corner.

Five minutes later the visitors had another chance when a neat one-two inside the box presented Graham with a chance, but he miskicked and the ball went wide.

Roberts then had a chance for Whitburn when he was put through by Lurinsky, but the ball got stuck under his feet and his resulting shot lacked power.

Whitburn took the lead in the 15th minute following a good run up the middle of the park by McGurk. He played the ball into the right of the box where Andrew Doig took it past a defender before sliding it past keeper Maley into the corner of the net.

Whitburn went 2-0 ahead on the half hour mark following another good run from McGurk. He was brought down a couple of yards outside the box, presenting Christopher Dolan with an opportunity from the free kick which he took by hitting a low shot round the wall into the bottom corner.

Just before half time Fauldhouse had a strong penalty claim waved away as Doig brought an opponent down just inside the box.

Shortly after half time David Murphy made space and hit a shot from the edge of the box that was turned away for a corner by Maley.

The third goal came in the 57th minute. Hannah played the ball to Andy Roberts and he turned his man before hitting a well placed shot into the bottom left corner from just inside the box.

Whitburn were creating chances with some good football, and came close when an overhead kick by Lurinsky was saved by Maley who needed two attempts to gather the ball. In the 65th minute Donnelly saw his header from a corner kick cleared off the line by a defender with Maley beaten. Then a header by Roberts brought out a fingertip save by Maley before the ball was cleared by a defender.

Whitburn scored again in the 80th minute. Hannah did well to get to the byeline before cutting the ball inside to Donnelly to the right of the goal. His shot from a tight angle was blocked and fell to Andy Roberts whose first attempt was also blocked. However the ball came back to Roberts who made no mistake in firing the ball into the net at the second attempt.

With seven minutes remaining Fauldhouse made a break upfield, but McGurk managed to get back and hold the attacker up before help arrived and the danger was cleared.

The Man of the Match was David McGurk. He set up the first two goals, and with an impressive game in defence showed that he is more than capable of replacing departed internationalist Joe Mbu.

Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Mooney, Mackay, McGurk, J.Murphy, D.Murphy(Kenny), Doig(Donnelly), Roberts, Lurinsky, Dolan. Subs not used -