12-6-10
League
Lochee United 3 Whitburn 3 Scorer - S.Murphy (3 (1 pen))
Half time: 1-2
For and end of season meeting this was an entertaining and incident packed game, and despite having nothing at stake, there was more dig than last week's relegation battle with Hill o' Beath.
Whitburn had a chance in the first minute when Hastie crossed from the right for Martindale who's shot was blocked.
Lochee opened the scoring in the 3rd minute when Gary Middleton played a one-two inside the box before beating Walker with an angled drive into the far corner.
Lochee came close again in the 16th minute when number 17 rattled the crossbar.
Whitburn equalised in the 20th minute when Hastie played the ball inside to McNelis who in turn fed Scott Murphy, allowing him to drive into the box and slot the ball past Ross.
Three minutes later Whitburn took the lead. Hastie made a good run up the right before playing the ball inside to Scott Murphy who found the bottom corner with a well controlled 20 yard left foot shot.
A minute later McNelis came close when he cut in from the right before unleashing a powerful shot that Ross put out for a corner with the help of the post.
Walker was called into action to bring off a good save after Leiper misjudged the bounce of the ball allowing Hagen a shot on goal. Then Abbot hit a first time shot that went over off the top of the bar.
Donnelly had a header from the corner kick that was cleared off the line by a defender, then Walker had another good save to keep out a back post volley by Hagen.
Whitburn went 3-1 ahead in the 60th minute after Donnelly was barged in the back by Bannon as he went for a header. Scott Murphy took the kick and made no mistake in completing his hat trick.
Three minute later Lochee almost pulled a goal back when Voigts hit the bar with a header. A minute later they did pull a goal back when Greg Kirk redirected the ball with a neat flick to send the ball past Walker.
The referee had benn making some strange decisions during the game, but topped them all in the 70th minute in awarding a penalty to Lochee. The home team had been awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal and it was blasted against the Whitburn defensive wall. However, the referee decided that someone in the wall had deliberately handled in blocking the shot and pointed to the spot. Walker got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep out Graham Hay's well hit equalising kick.
Manager Derek Strickland was ordered from the dugout in the aftermath as he protested about the decision. The referee was called over by his linesman, but going by the reaction of the Whitburn physio, assistant manger, and nearby spectators, he may have been inaccurate in his report to the referee.
Lochee were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when Gary Middleton was sent off, having received a second yellow card, for diving in the box.
Dolan came close with a free kick in the 85th minute that Ross managed to push away for a corner, then in injury time Donnelly almost scored a spectacular winner when he met a long clearance by Walker as it dropped and forced an excellent save from Ross with his volley.
And so ended a very disappointing and eventful season for Whitburn. A season that started full of promise with an excellent league cup semi final display, despite the result, against Camelon, but deteriorated into a series of on and off field calamities.
The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy. He scored a hat trick and had a good game in the middle of the park.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, Mooney, McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, Hastie, S.Murphy, McNelis, Martindale, Dolan. Subs not used – Strickland
The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy
League
Whitburn 1 Hill o' Beath 1 Scorer - Gormley
Half time: 0-0
This was a surprisingly low key match for a relegation decider, with chances few and far between.
The only clear chance of the first half came in the 35th minute when Roberts played in Byle, but with only Walker to beat he tried to cut the ball back to a team mate, pulled it back too far and the chance was gone.
Whitburn started the second half brightly, and came close after just 4 minutes when a free kick from the right was headed off the outside of the post by Donnelly.
Whitburn took the lead in the 53rd minute when a cross from the right by McGurk was headed back inside by Donnelly, and Scott Gormley was in position to head the ball home from close range.
A minute later it should have been 2-0 when another cross from the right was headed back inside by Dolan. The ball fell to Strickland who had a clear shot at goal, and while his shot was well struck, it was too close to the keeper who dived to make the save.
Haws equalised in the 67th minute following slack defending from a corner kick. The ball came out to the corner of the box where Kevin Byle had time to bring it down before sending a well controlled looping shot into the far corner.
McGurk had a long range effort that was well saved by the keeper at his post.
That was to be Whitburn's last serious effort on goal, and as a result of the draw they are now relegated.
The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis who made numerous good runs through the centre.
Whitburn team : Walker, McGurk, Martindale, Mooney, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy(Hastie), McNelis, Gormley(Bradshaw), Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used –
The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis
2-6-10
League
Whitburn 0 Linlithgow 6 Scorers -
Half time: 0-2
Whitburn slumped to a heavy defeat and the end of the season can't come quick enough now for the supporters, and for many of the players as well going by this display.
Former player Alan Flanagan made a surprise return for Whitburn.
The opening goal came in the 22nd minute, Tommy Coyne getting clear on the break and calmly slotting the ball past Walker. Goal number 2 came from another breakaway, this time Gordon Herd was the player who got clear, but his effort was stopped by a grteat save from Walker. Herd followed up though and turned the ball home from a tight angle. Walker had earlier denied the same player when he produced a great diving save to stop a powerful drive from the edge of the box.
McArthur rattled the crossbar with a 30 yard effort that went over for a goal kick just before half time.
Walker then produced another great save to deny Coyne after the Rose man had set himself up for a shot with a good one-two with a team mate.
Whitburn had a good chance just after half time when D.Murphy got clear on the right. He played the ball across to Gormley, but, under pressure from a defender, he put his shot over.
Goal number 3 arived in the 48th minute after McGurk delayed in chasing a ball at the edge of the box. Number 7 nipped in in front of him and passed to Tommy Coyne who again cooly found the net.
Gormley had a shot from the edge of the box that produced a good diving save from MacPherson.
Whitburn were caught on the break again in the 55th minute when Herd got clear. He passed across to McArthur who was brought down inside the box by David Murphy as he was about to shoot. Murphy was sent off and Tommy Coyne completed his hat trick from the spot.
In the 60th minute Linlithgow made it 5-0 when Stuart McArthur got on the end of a cross from the right and fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Number 7 then got through on goal but Walker stuck out a foot to divert his shot for a corner.
Linlithgow completed the scoring when Tommy Coyne scored his fourth goal of the night.
Despite the scoreline, the Man of the Match was Stewart Walker. He couldn't be faulted for any of the goals, and if it hadn't been for him, the score would have been into double figures.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, Mooney, McGurk, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, McNelis, Flanagan(Martindale), Gormley, Dolan. Subs not used – Bradshaw, Hastie.
The Man of the Match was Stewart Walker
29-5-10
League
Musselburgh 2 Whitburn 0 Scorers -
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn have Stewart Walker to thank for keeping the score at 0-0 until half time.
His first was when he dived at the feet of Kelly who was clear inside the box. Walker collected the ball but took a kick to the head in the process and play was held up for five minutes as he received treatment. Fortunately he was able to continue and was called into action in the 30th minute, again diving bravely at the feet of McCallum who was clear on goal. Then just before half time Beveridge hit a powerful shot from the edge of the box that Walker did well to react to, getting his hands to the ball as it was heading under the crossbar.
Whitburn were short of ideas in front of goal and didn't look like scoring, but neither did Musselburgh during the second half until the linesman intervened. In the 67th minute Musselburgh played a long free kick into the six yard box that found two home forwards clearly offside challenging Walker for the ball. However the linesman surprisingly decided they were both onside and allowed play to continue. Walker did well to punch clear under pressure, but the ball eventually came to Paul Tansey 25 yards from goal, and his shot took a deflection that was enough to take it past the diving Whitburn keeper into the net.
The second goal came in the 88th minute when Paul Tansey got on the end of a cross from the right, made space and fired a shot into the roof of the net.
The Man of the Match was Stewart Walker who kept Whitburn in the game with a series of good saves.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley, Strickland(Mackay), Martindale. Subs not used – Bradshaw.
The Man of the Match was Stewart Walker
26-5-10
League
Whitburn 1 Bathgate 3 Scorers - Dolan
Half time: 1-2
Bathgate had an early chance with a breakaway when Lurinsky got clear of the defence in the 2nd minute and closed in on Walker, However his shot from the edge of the box was weak and easily picked up by the Whitburn keeper.
Whitburn took the lead in the 5th minute from a move that was started and ended by Chris Dolan. He played a long crossfield pass from halfway to D.Murphy on the right, then made his way forward to get on the end of the resulting cross to slam the ball past Carlin from 12 yards with a well controlled left foot strike.
Whitburn didn’t hold their lead long, as Bathgate levelled after 9 minutes. A long through ball found Jim Lister one on one with Leiper, with his back to goal. He collected the ball and easily turned the Whitburn defender before finding the top corner from the edge of the box.
Dolan took a free kick for Whitburn from 25 yards in front of goal. It was well hit, but Carlin got across to push the ball away for a corner.
Whitburn’s long standing failing of being caught on the break was the cause of the second Bathgate goal in the 32nd minute. A long ball out of defence found three Bathgate players in space on the left of the box. With Whitburn getting players back to cover, one of them collected the ball and played it inside to Jim Lister who made space before stroking the ball into the net from 14 yards.
Whitburn had a chance in the 54th minute when a long ball was chested down by McNelis at the edge of the box, but his first time shot was well off target.
Bathgate went 3-1 ahead in the 60th minute when Jim Lister completed his hat trick, getting on the end of a cross from the right to head home.
Hunter had a chance to make it four when he had a free header in front of goal following a cross from Lister, but he mistimed his jump and failed to connect.
Bathgate’s Riley was sent off in the 80th minute when he received his second yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Mackay.
The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy. Never hides in a match, even when things aren't going well.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay(Trialist), Mooney, McGurk, Leiper, S.Murphy, D.Murphy, McNelis, Martindale(Hastie), Donnelly, Dolan. Subs not used – Strickland, Bradshaw.
The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy.
15-5-10
League
Whitburn 0 Camelon 3 Scorers -
Half time: 0-3
Whitburn produced a shocking first half to go in at the interval 3 goals down and recorded their heaviest defeat of the season in the process.
Camelon gave Whitburn a warning as early as the first minute when number 9 received the ball unmarked at the edge of the box, but his weak shot was easily saved by Walker.
The opening goal was only delayed, as in the 7th minute the same player converted form 12 yards after a cross from the right was headed back across goal.
Strickland had a half chance when he controlled the ball in front of goal, but he was quickly closed down and his half blocked shot was easily saved by the keeper.
S.Murphy had a good effort when a corner kick broke to him at the edge of the box, but his shot deflected for another corner.
Camelon made it 2-0 in 12 minutes when number 11 broke clear from half way. Walker made a good save but the ball dropped to number 10 who turned it into the empty net.
Leiper got his head on a free kick from Dolan, but put the effort just wide. Dolan put numerous good crosses into the box during the first half, but no team mates were alert enough to take advantage.
Number 2 tried a spectacular 40 yard shot on the half hour, but Walker was able to back peddle and collect the shot.
In the 39th minute Gormley showed good speed to get past two defenders, and into the box, but one of the defenders was able to make a challenge that put the ball out for a corner.
The third goal came in the 43rd minute when a long ball from half way was met at the back post, and the resulting effort on goal brought a great save from Walker. Unfortunately the loose ball dropped nicely for number 7 who turned the ball into the empty net.
Whitburn managed to survive the second half without conceding any further goals.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Leiper, Mackay, Mooney McNelis, Donnelly, D.Murphy(Hastie), Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used -
The Man of the Match was not awarded
12-5-10
East of Scotland cup 4th round
Whitburn 0 Hill o' Beath 1 Scorers -
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn created enough chances to win this game comfortably, but paid the penalty for poor finishing when former Whitburn player Andy Roberts scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute. This came after a blatant push in the back on Donnelly was missed by referee Allen from no more than 10 yards away, allowing the move to continue that led to the goal.
Donnelly had earlier come close with a header at the back post following a corner kick, but was just past the post. The same player later had two long range efforts that were of target.
Two minutes into the second half a good turn and cross by Strickland found Gormley in front of goal, but his header was off target. A minute later came Whitburn's best chance when a great D.Murphy cross was right on the head of Strickland, but the Scotland international didn't get enough on the ball and glanced his header past the far post.
In the 54th minute D.Murphy met a long free kick on the right of the box and hit a first time shot that brought out a good save from the keeper low at his post.
Hill o' Beath should have extended their lead shortly after that when a shot from the right by number 11 hit the post and fell to Roberts who blasted the ball off the bar. It came back to 11 and he shot over.
S.Murphy sent in a good ball from the right that was missed by three inrushing Whitburn players, and went out at the far side for a goal kick.
S.Murphy was unlucky with a 25 yard volley from a corner kick in the 74th minute that rattled the crossbar.
D.Murphy then had a shot from the edge of the box that was heading goalwards before deflecting off the knee of a defender for a throw.
The final chance came to Martindale after a lay off from Strickland, but his shot from the edge of the box was well over.
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, Leiper, Mackay, McNelis, Donnelly, D.Murphy, Gormley(McGurk), Strickland, Dolan(Martindale). Subs not used - Hastie, Bradshaw
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney.
8-5-10
League
Linlithgow 2 Whitburn 2 Scorers - S.Murphy(pen), Gormley
Half time: 1-1
Whitburn came close in the 17th minute when a Dolan free kick was heading for the top corner before being palmed away for a corner by Pinkowski. From the corner Dolan tried a volley from the edge of the box. Leiper redirected the ball with a back heel, forcing another good save from Pinkowski who managed to dive full length and push the ball onto the post.
As seems to happen too often with Whitburn, they were caught on the break as Linlithgow got clear on the right with men to spare inside, and when the ball was crossed to the back post, Stuart McArthur drove it into the net past Walker.
At the other end McNelis crossed from the right and Gormley got to the ball at the front post, but his effort was just wide.
Whitburn were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute when Linlithgow's centre half was penalised for climbing all over a Whitburn player as he tried to head the ball. The kick was taken by Scott Murphy who made an excellent job of finding the net low at the post.
Linlithgow had the ball in the net after a scramble in the goalmouth following a long free kick, but it was disallowed for offside.
Whitburn were caught out by a long through ball to Coyne in the 40th minute, but fortunately he put his shot past the far post.
In the 52nd minute a long range shot by Whitburn's Donnelly just dipped over the bar, although Pinkowski appeared to have it covered anyway.
In the 60th minute Whitburn were again caught on the break, but this time were let off the hook when Coyne met a cross from the left but put his effort past the far post.
Whitburn went ahead in the 74th minute following a good build up. Strickland crossed from the right and Scott Gormley rose at the back post to head the ball over Pinkowski into the net.
Linlithgow's main threat seemed to be on the breakaway, and they came close again when sub Livingstone got clear from what seemed an offside position, but his shot was blocked by a backtracking defender and Walker collected.
There then followed a couple of poor decisions by the officials that altered the outcome of the game, the first leading to Linlithgow's equaliser in the 80th minute. McGurk was pushed in the back as he tried to shepherd the ball over the line for a goal kick, resulting in him making contact with the ball and it going for a corner. From the corner, Ward powered a header goalwards but was denied by a great save by Walker. Unfortunately the ball dropped to Tommy Coyne and he drove it into the net from close range.
With two minutes remaining the referee then waved away claims for a Whitburn penalty with the centre half again climbing on top of a Whitburn forward in an identical manner to the earlier incident which led to Whitburn's first goal from the spot.
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper who let very little past him all game.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, Leiper, McGurk, McNelis, Donnelly, D.Murphy, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used -
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper.
3-5-10
Fife and Lothians cup 3rd round
Musselburgh 2 Whitburn 2 Scorers - Dolan, Strickland
Half time: 1-1
With Musselburgh’s ground being unavailable, this game was played at Tranent. Whitburn opened the scoring when Chris Dolan, continuing his good form from Saturday, ran on to a through ball up the left, spotted keeper Chris Renton coming off his line, and lobbed the ball over him from the edge of the box.
The Musselburgh equaliser was disappointing from a Whitburn point of view, number 10 getting clear of the defence on the left and punting a high ball into the six yard box that was headed home by Chris King, despite the close attendance of two Whitburn defenders.
Whitburn had a great chance to regain the lead just after half time when McNelis was pulled down inside the box and a penalty was awarded. Dolan stepped up to take the kick, but his well struck shot was saved by Renton.
Whitburn went 2-1 ahead with 10 minutes remaing. S.Murphy played the ball wide to Dolan who cut it back to the edge of the box where Colin Strickland sent a well placed volley through a crowd of players into the net.
Whitburn were unable to hold on to their lead however, and just a couple of minutes later Musselburgh were level again. A free kick from the right was sent to the back post and driven goalwards, but Walker made a good block. The ball spun across the face of goal and was headed into the net by David Renton.
The game went to penalties with Musselburgh winning 3-1.
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay(Hastie), Mooney, Leiper, McGurk, McNelis, D.Murphy, S.Murphy, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used -
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney.
League
Hill o' Beath 0 Whitburn 4 Scorers - Dolan(3), Strickland
Half time: 2-0
A stunning Chris Dolan Hat trick and a goal from Colin Strickland gave Whitburn an emphatic victory over an in form Haws side, and secured three points that moves them out of the relegation zone for the first time in months.
Whitburn were without McGurk and McNelis who were replaced by Mackay and Martindale in the two full back positions, with S.Murphy moving into midfield.
The opening goal took just five minutes to arrive, a corner kick from the left dropping to Chris Dolan at the edge of the box, and he unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
In the 16th minute Colin Strickland made it 2-0 when he controlled a knock down from Donnelly and neatly flicked the ball past keeper Hall into the far corner of the net.
S.Murphy then drove a 22 yard free kick through the wall, but Hall was in the right place to save.
Whitburn had a let off when a loose pass in midfield by S.Murphy went to an opponent and was played wide to Roberts who sent it into the goalmouth where Wright had a free header but didn't connect properly, allowing Walker to gather easily.
Hill o' Beath started the second half brightly, and within two minutes Bathgate did well to create a chance on the right of the six yard box, but sent his shot into the side net.
Whitburn were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal in the 50th minute. It was taken by Chris Dolan who curled an excellent effort over the wall and into the net past the diving Hall.
Whitburn had a good penalty claim turned down when a shot by Strickland hit the raised hand of a Haws defender inside the box.
Hill o' Beath had another half-chance in the 65th minute when a free kick from the left was driven into the box, but it was just too high for Bathgate who's header went over the bar.
Bathgate then ran clear onto a through ball, but Leiper, who was having an excellent game, managed to cover the run and made a great saving tackle inside the box as the Haws forward was lining up for a shot. Thirty seconds later the same player ran on to another through ball, but this time Walker was quickly off his line to save the effort.
Chris Dolan completed his hat trick in the 74th minute with another cracking free kick, this time from about thirty yards out. He fired it over the wall and in off the underside of the bar, and he will be grateful for the neutral linesman being in the right place to see that the ball had crossed the line before bouncing out.
With ten minutes remaining Hill o' Beath were reduced to ten men when Byle was shown a straight red card, presumably for saying something out of turn.
In the 88th minute Haws substitute Beveridge had a good low drive from 25 yards, but Walker got down quickly to make the save.
A minute later the Whitburn Trialist substitute collected the ball on the right and fired it across goal where Gormley got on the end of it, but his effort was blocked and cleared.
The Man of the Match was Chris Dolan for his impressive hat trick and good work on the left.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay(Hastie), Martindale, Mooney, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, S.Murphy, Gormley, Strickland(Bradshaw), Dolan. Subs not used -
The Man of the Match was Chris Dolan
League
Whitburn 1 Bonnyrigg 0 Scorers - Donnelly
Half time: 1-0
The only goal of the game came in the 6th minute when a slick passing move on the right cut open the Bonnyrigg defence. Strickland played the ball wide to Gormley and his first time pass inside was guided past keeper Greg Logan by Kevin Donnelly who had made a great run into the box.
Five minutes into the second half Bonnyrigg had a 20 yard shot cleared off the line by D.Murphy.
Bonnyrigg put Whitburn under pressure for much of the second half but were unable to find the way to goal and Whitburn picked up a much needed three points.
The Man of the Match for the second successive game was Kevin Donnelly. He scored the goal, and showed a lot of composure in the middle of the park.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley(Martindale), Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Hastie
The Man of the Match was Kevin Donnelly
17-4-10
League
Newtongrange 0 Whitburn 3 Scorers - Donnelly, Strickland, Dolan(pen)
Half time: 0-2
This was another good display from Whitburn, following the one against Bathgate, the difference this time being they took the full three points their play deserved.
S.Murphy almost opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a shot from 20 yards that took a deflection which wrong-footed the keeper, but the ball went just past the post.
Gormley came even closer in the 24th minute when a long clearance by S.Murphy found him one on one with the keeper after a defender misjudged a passback. Gormley steadied himself before sliding the ball past the keeper, but was unlucky to see the ball come back off the post.
Whitburn took the lead in the 30th minute with a clever back header from Kevin Donnelly that found the net just inside the post after the ball had ping-ponged around the home penalty area.
Newtongrange went forward straight from the restart and were unlucky when a long free kick was headed over Walker by number 10 but hit the top of the bar.
Whitburn went 2-0 ahead in the 33rd minute thanks to some great composure by international forward Colin Strickland. He ran onto a pass inside the box, weaved past a couple of defenders, rounded the keeper and slid the ball into the net from the right of the six yard box.
Newtongrange were reduced to 10 men in the 62nd minute when number 5 was sent off for a second bookable offence after he pulled back Gormley.
Whitburn were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Gormley was pushed in the back inside the box as he got clear of the defence. Chris Dolan stepped forward and gave the keeper no chance with a well taken spot kick.
This was a result, and more importantly a performance, that gave supporters real hope that Whitburn can climb up the table to safety.
In a game where there were several contenders, the Man of the Match award goes to Kevin Donnelly who produced one of his best displays in midfield, and scored the opening goal.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy(Trialist), McNelis, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan(Martindale). Subs not used -
The Man of the Match was Kevin Donnelly
14-4-10
League
Bathgate 2 Whitburn 2 Scorers - Dolan(pen), Trialist
Half time: 1-1
Whitburn produced their best football for ages, and should have taken all three points, but paid the penalty for not taking their chances.
The opening goal came for Bathgate in the 27th minute, against the run of play when Jimmy Lister caught out Whitburn on the break and although he mishit his shot, it was enough to take it past Walker and into the net.
Whitburn equalised from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute after Gormley had been tripped in the box. Chris Dolan stepped up to take the kick and converted with ease.
Bathgate retook the lead in the 71st minute when Gary Fallen volleyed home from the edge of the box following a corner kick. Walker got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.Whitburn made a substitute, replacing D.Murphy with Trialist, and the new man soon made an impact, scoring the equaliser with a composed shot from 12 yards after a neat through pass from Strickland.
The Man of the Match was Chris Dolan who put in a good shift and scored with a well taken penalty.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Hastie.
The Man of the Match was Chris Dolan
10-4-10
East of Scotland cup 3rd round
Whitburn 2 Sauchie 1 Scorers - S.Murphy, Donnelly
Half time: 1- 0
There were few highlights in the first half, the main one being the opening goal in the 9th minute. Donnelly had a shot from outside the box that was blocked. The ball fell to Scott Murphy on the right of the box and his well hit low shot found the bottom corner to give Whitburn the lead.
It took just one minute of the second half for Whitburn to extend their lead. D.Murphy crossed from the right and the ball was headed down by Kevin Donnelly to Strickland and came back to Donnelly who who sent a nicely controlled shot into the net from the edge of the box for a goal that underlined the good game he was having.
Whitburn relaxed after that and started to play better football, creating some good chances in the process. Strickland was unlucky when he controlled a long free kick and hit a shot on the turn that rattled the crossbar.
Thirty seconds later Gormley ran onto a through ball and hit a shot from the edge of the box that went just past.
Sauchie pulled a goal back in the 76th minute when a misplaced pass by D.McGurk was intercepted by Kristopher Myles, and he ran through on goal before sliding the ball past Walker into the net.
Whitburn were awarded a penalty kick when Gormley was brought down inside the box, although the award looked a bit soft. Strickland took the kick but Hardie made a good save, diving to his right to push the ball away.
Whitburn had another good chance when Donnelly turned the ball back across goal from a free kick. It found Gormley unmarked at the post, but he somehow missed the target from just a couple of yards out.
In the final minute Myles again ran clear on goal, and only a good save from Walker prevented the equaliser that would have taken the game to penalties.
The Man of the Match was David McGurk who played well, apart from the pass that led to the Sauchie goal.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Hastie.
The Man of the Match was David McGurk
27-3-10
League
Glenrothes 1 Whitburn 1 Scorers - own goal
Half time: 0- 0
This will be considered two points dropped by Whitburn in their battle against relegation, as several excellent chances were missed that would have secured all three points.
In the 33rd minute S.Murphy had a good attempt with a volley from the edge of the box that was turned over the bar for a corner by keeper Roberts.
At the other end a cross from the left found Meikle unmarked in front of goal, but his header went straight to Walker.
A minute later Whitburn had a great chance to take the lead when a through ball by Strickland allowed Gormley to run clear, but his effort was blasted against Roberts.
In the 53rd minute D.McGurk came close when he headed against the bar following a corner kick, then a couple of minutes later a free kick by S.Murphy was saved low at the post by the keeper.
Whitburn had another good chance in the 60th minute when a free kick was headed back across goal and found D.Murphy at the back post, but his diving header was directed straight at Roberts.
Whitburn opened the scoring in the 65th minute when D.Murphy received a pass on the right and made his way into the box before driving the ball across the face of goal for it to be turned into his own net by David Caine as he attempted to intercept.
David Caine made amends for his own goal when he scored the equaliser in the 74th minute. He received the ball in the centre of the park and hit a powerful low drive from 30 yards that found the bottom corner past the diving Walker.
The Man of the Match for the second week in a row was Colin Strickland.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay(Doig), Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, S.Murphy, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan(Hastie). Subs not used - R.McGurk, King.
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland
Fife & Lothians Cup 2nd round
Whitburn 4 Thornton Hibs 0 Scorers - Strickland(3), Dolan
Half time: 1- 0
Whitburn were comfortable winners in a game that gave supporters little to get excited about apart from the goals.
The opening goal came in the 16th minute when an effort by Doig was blocked and fell to Dolan. He put the ball across the box to Colin Strickland who curled a well controlled shot into the net from 12 yards.
In the 68th minute Whitburn went 2-0 ahead when Chris Dolan collected the ball on the left, ran forward and hit an unstoppable shot into the far corner from 25 yards for the goal of the game.
The third goal came in the 76th minute when a long throw by Money found Colin Strickland inside the six yard box. His first effort was well saved by keeper Russell, but the ball came back to the Whitburn forward and he converted at the second attempt.
Colin Strickland completed his hat trick in the 85th minute. A great cross-field pass by S.Murphy found Dolan on the left. He put it back in to Strickland who calmly rounded Russell and rolled the ball into the net to complete the scoring.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mackay(Mooney), D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly(D.Murphy), McNelis, Doig, Gormley(Hastie), Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk.
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland
League
Whitburn 1 Kelty 2 Scorers - Doig
Half time: 0- 0
Notable absentees for Whitburn were goalkeeper Ryan McGurk and forward Steven Weir, possibly as a result of their under par performances in the previous game against Lochee.
Kelty had the ball in the net in the 17th minute when a right wing cross was headed home, but it was disallowed for a foul on keeper Walker.
Both teams had early chances, the best falling to Kelty when a cut back was sliced wide of the post from 12 yards.
Whitburn came close with a flick from Mackay that was just over and a curling shot from Strickland that went just past with keeper Fleming rooted to his line.
Kelty had another great chance when S.Murphy was dispossed on the right of the box and the ball was sent across goal to the back post where number 7 somehow managed to steer the ball wide of an open goal.
Dolan then sent in a good cross from the left that found Gormley at the far side of the box. His ball inside found Strickland who was crowded out as he tried to get a shot away.
In the 56th minute McNelis received the ball on the right of the box following a great crossfield pass from Dolan. He tried to pick out Doig who would have had an easy header at the back post, but the cross was too high.
Whitburn took the lead in the 59th minute when S.Murphy whipped in a great free kick from the left and Andy Doig sent a glancing header into the corner of the net.
Kelty equalised in the 76th minute when substitute T. Morrison lashed the ball into the roof of the net following a cutback from the left.
Whitburn lost Leiper due to injury with Doig dropping back, but he too recieved an injury in the Kelty box and was struggling to get back when Kelty scored the winner in the final minute. An attempted clearance up the touchline was charged down by Kane who clearly used his hands but was allowed to continue. He drove to the goal line and cut the ball across goal where it was turned into the empty net by Neil McCabe.
The Man of the Match was Andy Doig who scored Whitburn's goal and played with the enthusiasm that has been missing for most of the season.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mackay, D.McGurk, Leiper(D.Murphy), Donnelly, McNelis, Doig, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk, Trialist.
The Man of the Match was Andy Doig
League
Whitburn 0 Lochee United 2 Scorers -
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn's dismal season continued with this home defeat against an ordinary Lochee side, and although they deserved to take something from the game they paid the penalty for not taking the chances that came their way.
Chances for either team were few and far between, but Whitburn had a glorious opportunity to take the lead after 26 minutes when a slip by the Lochee centre gave Weir a clear run through on goal and plenty of time to compose himself. Unfortunately his eventual shot looked half-hearted and was saved by the keeper who was quickly off his line.
In the 44th minute Gormley made a great run up the right, cut inside and played the ball into the box. It was met by Weir whose shot was blocked but fell to McSween, and it took an excellent diving save by the keeper to prevent the opening goal from his powerful drive.
Lochee took the lead in the 75th minute when a mix up between S.Murphy and Mooney allowed Craig Robertson to run through unchallenged on R.McGurk, and although his shot from the edge of the box wasn't cleanly hit, it was enough to beat the static Whitburn keeper and trundle into the corner of the net.
A few minutes later another break by Lochee resulted in a powerful shot that was well blocked by McGurg who was quickly off his line to close down his opponent.
Lochee secured the points in the final minute when Paul Blackwood cut along the byeline and hit a shot across goal from a tight angle that found the net past Mooney, who tried to intercept, and keeper McGurk.
The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy, who although involved in the mix up that led to the opening goal, was still Whitburn's best player over the 90 minutes.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, S.Murphy(Hastie), Mooney, Dolan, Leiper, Donnelly, Gormley, Doig, McSween, Strickland, Weir(D.McGurk). Subs not used - Walker, D.Murphy.
The Man of the Match was Scott Murphy.
23-1-10
East of Scotland Cup 2nd round
Fauldhouse 1 Whitburn 3 Scorers - McNelis, Weir(pen), o.g.
Half time: 1-3
Whitburn progressed comfortably to the next round thanks to a good first half display.
It took just six minutes for Whitburn to go ahead. Weir played the ball through to Strickland in the left of the box, and he picked out Eamon McNelis with an accurate cross for him to power a header into the net from the edge of the six yard box.
Fauldhouse came close to equalising in the 14th minute when Martin took the ball past R.McGurk and rolled it towards the empty net, but McNelis got back to clear the ball off the line.
A minute later McNelis, who had made an impressive start to the game, fired a long range shot that skimmed the top of the bar.
Whitburn went 2-0 ahead in the 18th minute from the penalty spot. Doig played the ball through to McSween who did well to get past the defender who then brought him down. Steven Weir took the kick and gave keeper Brunton no chance with his well struck shot.
Whitburn then had long range shots from Mooney and Weir that were dealt with by the Brunton.
The third goal game in the 33rd minute courtesy of an own goal. Kevin Donnelly hit a low shot from the edge of the box that was heading into a crowd of defenders before Wilson stuck out a foot and deflected the ball into the net past the wrongfooted keeper .
Strickland was unlucky not to score a fourth goal two minutes later when he beat the offside, ran through on goal, rounded Brunton and hit an angled shot from the right of the box that came back off the post.
Fauldhouse pulled a goal back in the 40th minute when Bryan Felvus scored with a looping header from the edge of the box that deceived R.McGurk, following a cross from Cunningham.
A minute later Smith drove forward and hit a shot that took a deflection, but R.McGurk did well to react and make the save.
Eamon McNelis had picked up an injury in the first half and was replaced by David Murphy at half time, and in the 52nd minute he started and ended a move that almost brought another goal. Intercepting a clearance he played a one-two with Strickland that took him into the box where he saw his angled shot well saved by the keeper.
Shortly afterwards D.Murphy was again involved, this time intercepting the ball in his own half before playing it inside to Strickland who then played it wide to Weir who should have done better than put the ball over the bar from the edge of the box.
Apart from these incidents, the second half was a disappointing affair after the entertaining first half, with play stuck in midfield and shots on goal being restricted to long range efforts.
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper who had another solid game.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, Mackay, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly(S.Murphy), McNelis(D.Murphy), Doig, McSween(Gormley), Strickland, Weir. Subs not used - Walker, Dolan, Hastie.
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper
12-12-09
League
Camelon 1 Whitburn 0 Scorer -
Half time: 1-0
Stuart Cringean scored the only goal of the game in the 26th minute when an attempted headed clearance fell nicely for him to drive the ball into the net.
Whitburn had a great chance to equalise in the second half when McSween was brought down inside the Camelon box. Scott Murphy took the penalty but sent the ball over the bar.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, Mackay, Mooney, Doig, Leiper, Donnelly, Gormley, S.Murphy, Weir, Strickland, McNelis(McSween). Subs not used - Walker, Dolan, D.Murphy.
The Man of the Match was not awarded
5-12-09
League
Whitburn 1 Bo'ness 2 Scorer - McSween
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn lost their second game in a row, but the difference this time was that they couldn't be faulted for effort, and deserved to take something from the game.
There were several changes from the previous week's non-display, with Jamie Mackay, Scott Gormley and Scott Murphy all coming into the team.
Both teams were evenly matched and there were few goalmouth incidents in the opening half hour. Then in the 35th minute Nixon managed to get clear of Doig inside the box and had a shot that was well saved by Walker.
Weir then tried to get on the end of a good through ball on the edge of the box, but couldn't collect and the ball was cleared.
Gormley made a great run up the right, using his pace to easily pass an opponent before sending in a dangerous cross that Weir couldn't manage to get on target.
Weir then became the provider, getting clear of the defence and cutting the ball inside to Gormley who's shot was just past from 16 yards.
Just before half time Shirra managed to make space to get away a low shot that Walker did well to stop then drop on the loose ball at the feet of an opponent.
Bo'ness number 11 Donnelly then made a good run up the left, beating three defenders before sending over a cross that Mooney did well to head clear.
Just after half time Fleming played a corner to the edge of the box where hit was hit first time by Nixon, but his effort hit a team mate inside the six yard box. Play went straight to the other end and claims for a penalty were ignored when McNelis went down inside the box.
Strickland then played a good ball through the left for McNelis on the overlap, but he couldn't find Weir who was waiting in front of goal.
Bo'ness then won a free kick wide on the left that was sent in by Fleming and cleared only as far as Nixon whose shot went across goal and was cleared.
In the 70th minute a throw in by Mooney caused problems inside the Bo'ness box, with Whitburn having a couple of half chances before the ball was cleared.
Strickland then played a good ball through to Gormley who's shot from the right of the box was well saved by the keeper.
Bo'ness made a substitution, bringing Darren Gribben on in the 70th minute and within minutes of coming on he had opened the scoring when he was given too much space and time on the left of the six yard box and curled a shot past Walker into the far corner.
Whitburn equalised in the 80th minute when a high ball forward was chased into the box by Ian McSween, forcing keeper Longmuir into a mistake, and the Whitburn substitute pounced on the loose ball to turn it into the net from just inside the box.
McSween then played a one-two with Strickland and managed to get in a shot that was blocked.
Bo'ness regained the league in the 85th minute and again it was thanks to Gribben. He manage to get to the byeline and cut the ball across the face of goal. Andy Doig, with a defender waiting behind him, tried to intercept but could only divert the ball into his own net.
The Man of the Match was Jamie Mackay who had a solid game at right back in his first start of the season.
Whitburn team : Walker, Mackay, Mooney, Doig, Leiper, Donnelly, Gormley(McSween), S.Murphy, Weir, Strickland, McNelis . Subs not used - J.Murphy, D.Murphy, Hastie.
The Man of the Match was Jamie Mackay
Scottish Junior Cup third round
Glenrothes 3 Whitburn 1 Scorer - Weir
Half time: 0-1
Despite this being a Scottish Cup tie, Whitburn produced a disappointingly low key performance as they were easily overcome by a Glenrothes team that showed more desire from almost the first whistle. Supporters were left feeling angry at the manner of the defeat, but not surprised, as Whitburn going out of the Scottish Cup before Christmas has become an almost annual event.
Whitburn started brightly though, and carved out a couple of chances in the opening five minutes when first Dolan, then Weir got to the bye-line and cut the ball across goal. The first saw Strickland crowded out by two defenders, and the second failed to find a Whitburn player and the ball went across goal to safety.
In the 7th minute Duffy had a shot from just inside the right of the box that was saved by Walker.
Whitburn's defence was carved open in the 17th minute as Glenrothes opened the scoring. McGurk was penalise for a challenge on an opponent near the halfway line. With Whitburn complaining about the injustice, Glenrothes took the free kick quickly, playing the ball through to Gregg Meikle who calmly rounded Walker and stroked the ball home.
Glenrothes went 2-0 ahead in the 25th minute. D.Murphy lost out too easily to his opponent just inside the Glenrothes half and the home team broke quickly up the left and crossed to the unmarked Stephan Fortune at the back post who turned the ball into the net.
Weir had a chance in the 40th minute following good work on the left involving Strickland and Donnelly, but his first time shot from 16 yards was over the bar.
Two minutes into the second half Glenrothes had another chance. A poor headed clearance by Doig went straight to Meikle who worked his way into the Whitburn box before having a shot that was well blocked by D.McGurk, then putting his second attempt past.
Doig had a shot from 25 yards that went past the post following a 1-2 with Strickland.
Whitburn had a glorious opportunity to get back into the game in the 53rd minute when Strickland got clear in front of goal, but with just the keeper to beat he put his effort wide of the post from 12 yards.
Midway through the half Whitburn won a free kick 20 yards from goal that was curled low around the wall by Strickland, but Roberts was able to make the save reasonably comfortably.
Glenrothes settled the game with a third goal in the 70th minute, and again it was a goal that came from a breakaway, Gregg Meikle outpacing D.McGurk before sliding the ball past Walker into the net.
With 12 minutes remaining, Doig then Weir both had shots blocked with a corner kick being the result.
Whitburn scored in the 80th minute when McSween's shot from the left went across the face of goal and came back off a defender to Steven Weir who put the ball into the net from close range.
In the 89th minute a Donnelly header from a corner kick was saved. Doig then had a great shot from 20 yards that was pushed away by keeper Roberts as Whitburn showed the urgency in the closing minutes that had been missing throughout the game.
The supporters decided that given the poor performance, no player deserved to be awarded the Man of the Match.
Whitburn team : Walker, McNelis, Mooney(McSween), D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy(Hastie), Doig, Weir, Strickland, Dolan(Gormley). Subs not used - R.McGurk, J.Murphy, Mackay.
The Man of the Match was not awarded
7-11-09
Scottish Junior Cup second round
Sauchie 0 Whitburn 3 Scorers - Doig, Donnelly, Weir
Half time: 0-1
Manager Derek Strickland celebrated his 50th birthday watching his team progress comfortably to the next round.
Whitburn started brightly and forced several corners in the opening minutes. From one of these Weir had a chance but keeper Hardie brought off a good save to put the ball out for another corner.
Mooney sent in a free kick from the left that Doig was just inches away from getting his head to inside the six yard box.
Five minutes later a good Whitburn move saw D.Murphy lay the ball inside for Doig and his first time shot from the edge of the box just skimmed the crossbar.
In the 39th minute a through ball presented Myles with a chance to go in on goal, but Doig got back to put in a good tackle at the edge of the box.
A minute later slack play in the Sauchie defence gave D.Murphy the chance to set up Strickland, but his first time shot went narrowly past.
Whitburn had a great chance to open the scoring in the 41st minute. Mooney sent Weir clear on the left and he sent in a great cross to D.Murphy in front of goal. His first effort produced an excellent reaction save from Hardie but when the ball bounced up it was just too high for the Whitburn player and his follow up header went just over the bar.
Whitburn had come close to opening the scoring on several occasions during the first half, but the goal didn't arrive until right on half time. Leiper was fouled wide on the left, on the half way line, giving Mooney the opportunity to send another cross into the box, and this time Andy Doig found the net with a header from 8 yards out.
D.McGurk had a good chance for Whitburn shortly after half time following a good run up the left by McNelis. He took the ball to the edge of the box before passing it to D.Murphy on the right. His shot went across goal and found McGurk at the left of the six yard box, but his shot was blocked and cleared.
Sauchie had a chance in the 50th minute when the ball broke loose inside the Whitburn box, but S.Murphy managed to get across to make a tackle and was fouled in the process.
Whitburn had another good chance to extend their lead in the 60th minute. Weir played the ball through to Strickland, leaving him with just the keeper to beat, but he hit his shot right at Hardie who had come quickly off his line to close down the Whitburn striker.
A couple of minutes later Strickland sent the ball through for Weir but he was denied inside the box by a good tackle from Burns.
Comrie had an effort from 25 yards that bounced just in front of R.McGurk, but he was able to make the save without any problems.
A ball in from the right by S.Murphy was then headed down for Weir whose shot on the turn went just over the bar.
Whitburn got the second goal in the 65th minute when a corner kick by S.Murphy found Kevin Donnelly unmarked inside the six yard box and he turned the ball into the net.
Steven Weir scored the third goal in the 73rd minute when he received a pass from S.Murphy inside the box, turned his opponent neatly and slipped the ball past the keeper into the net.
Whitburn made a triple substitution in the 75th minute bringing on Mackay, J.Murphy and Gormley for S.Murphy, Strickland and Weir.
Sauchie had a chance just after that when Griffin got into the box but saw his shot well saved by R.McGurk for a corner.
Gormley collected the ball on the left and went on a run that took him to the edge of the box, but unfortunately he sliced his effort wide of target.
Gormley was in action again in the 84th minute when he beat the keeper to a through ball but the keeper was able to block the shot.
A couple of minutes from time Myles shot was cleared by Leiper and Comrie's follow up shot was turned over the bar by R.McGurk for a corner.
The Man of the Match was Kevin Donnelly who rounded off a good display in midfield with his 4th goal of the season.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, S.Murphy(Mackay), Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, Doig, Weir(Gormley), Strickland(J.Murphy), McNelis. Subs not used - Walker, Hastie, Dolan, McSween.
The Man of the Match was Kevin Donnelly
League
Whitburn 4 Glenrothes 1 Scorers - Strickland(3), McSween
Half time: 0-1
Last week Whitburn enjoyed the majority of possession but came away with nothing to show for their efforts. This week it was Glenrothes who looked the most likely to win for much of the game, but they ended up 4-1 losers.
Whitburn had Ryan McGurk in goal in place of Stewart Walker, and he was immediately called into action. Straight from the kick off Glenrothes charged forward and when the ball was laid off to Martin 16 yards out, he fired in a shot that McGurk did well to beat away.
Whitburn responded and when McNelis sent in the ball from the left it was chested down by Weir for Strickland who's shot from the edge of the box was just over the bar.
In the 10th minute Strickland just failed to get on the end of a good cross from the left by Mooney.
Whitburn won a corner that fell to Leiper 12 yards out and his shot was blocked for another corner.
Glenrothes took the lead in the 27th minute after D.McGurk lost possession in midfield to Juskoviac and he ran on before passing to Sean Simpson who found the net with a low shot from 12 yards.
Buchan sent in a deep cross from the right that drifted over R.McGurk, but fortunately for Whitburn hit the post and was cleared.
In the 33rd minute Strickland did well to latch on to a short back pass and laid the ball off to Weir who's shot was pushed away by keeper Roberts and went out for a corner.
D.Murphy came close when the ball came to him at the left of the six yard box but his effort was blocked by Roberts.
Glenrothes produced a good move on the left involving Duffy that saw Buchan trying a chip shot from the edge of the box that was heading for the top corner before R.McGurk tipped the ball over for a corner kick.
Strickland should have done better a couple of minutes after half time when he received the ball at the edge of the box in front of goal following good work from D.Murphy on the right, but his shot went past the post.
Whitburn replaced D.Murphy with Gormley in the 57th minute, and within seconds of taking the field the substitute set up the equaliser. He went on a run up the right, beating a couple of defenders before cutting the ball across goal where it bounced up for Colin Strickland to find the net from close range with a header.
Whitburn almost took the lead in the 62nd minute with an own goal when a header by McBride forced his keeper to bring off a good save to keep the ball out. The ball came to Donnelly but his follow up shot was blocked and cleared.
Glenrothes had a chance when Meikle found space on the left and drove into the box before having a shot that was blocked.
Ian McSween came on to replace Donnelly with ten minutes remaining and turned the game for Whitburn. In the 85th minute he received a great pass from Mooney, cut inside and passed to Colin Strickland who had a simple tap-in to give Whitburn the lead.
Glenrothes almost replied immediately, but Andrew was just inches away from getting on the end of a cross from the right.
Strickland had a chance to complete his hat trick in the 89th minute when McSween sent the ball across from the left, but his shot was blocked by a defender.
In the 90th minute Ian McSween controlled a high ball at the edge of the area, turned his marker and slotted the ball past Roberts into the bottom corner.
Whitburn went 4-1 ahead in injury and again McSween was involved. He chested the ball down before playing it through to Colin Strickland who rounded Roberrts before rolling the ball into the net for his hat trick.
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland for his hat trick, but Ian McSween also deserves special mention for his contribution.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly(McSween), D.Murphy(Gormley), Doig, Weir, Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - Walker, Hastie, J.Murphy, Dolan.
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland
17-10-09
League
Bo'ness 1 Whitburn 0 Scorers -
Half time: 1-0
Despite controlling the majority of the first half, Whitburn went in at the break a goal behind as the Bo'ness defence coped well with everything Whitburn attempted.
Whitburn had a couple of early shots on goal from D.Murphy and Strickland, but neither troubled keeper Longmuir.
In what was their only serious attack of the first half, and against the run of play, Bo'ness took the lead in the 29th minute. Strickland lost possession midway inside the Bo'ness half and the ball was played quickly forward, catching the Whitburn defence out of position. Darren Gribben had a clear run in on goal and calmly slid the ball past the advancing Walker into the net from the edge of the box.
In the 34th minute Bo'ness had Hay stretchered off after he injured himself attempting to make a tackle.
In the first minute of the second half Weir ran up the left onto a through ball, spotted Longmuir off his line and attempted to chip the ball over him, but the keeper managed to get back and tip the ball over for a corner.
Play went to the other end and Walker made a good save, diving to his left to stop a 20 yard effort from Brown.
In the 54th minute Strickland played the ball through to Weir who forced the keeper to turn the ball out for a corner. Two minutes later Shirra had a 20 yard shot that Walker also did well to put round the post for a corner.
The main threat Bo'ness posed for Whitburn was on the break, and they came close on a couple of occasions as Whitburn went in search of an equaliser. In the 66th minute a long ball upfield allowed Gribben through on goal, but Walker was quickly off his line to block the shot. Five minutes later Ballantine broke, but this time played the ball across to Gribben who was allowed to continue despite looking in an offside position, and his shot beat Walker but hit the post and went past.
S.Murphy sent across an inviting low ball in the 78th minute, but the Bo'ness defence continued to deal with everything Whitburn produced and the ball was cleared.
Play was held up for several minutes after an off the ball incident involving Gormley and Snowdon. After consulting both his linesmen the referee booked both players.
In injury time yet another breakaway by Bo'ness presented substitute N.Walker with a chance but he put the ball past the far post.
The second half was a more even contest with Whitburn continuing to press, but Bo'ness coming closest to adding to the scoring.
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Gormley), Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, Doig, Weir, Strickland, Dolan(Donnelly). Subs not used - R.McGurk, McSween, Mackay, Hastie
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney
10-10-09
League
Whitburn 3 Musselburgh 1 Scorers - Weir(2), Strickland
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn got their league campaign started with this deserved victory against a Musselburgh team that had made an impressive start to the season.
Whitburn had a couple of early half-chances that didn't come to anything before Doig, in the 13th minute showed great determination to win the ball before hitting a long range shot that forced the keeper to bring off a good save to turn the ball round the post for a corner.
Five minutes later Musselburgh came close when Nelson hit a 25 yard shot that had Walker beaten, but fortunately for Whitburn came back off the post.
Half way through the half Musselburgh again came close when Docherty crossed from the right and McCallum powered in a header that was touched over the bar by Walker.
In the 39th minute D.Murphy cut in from the right and played the ball to S.Murphy who's effort from 25 yards was just over the bar.
Most attempts on goal had been from long range, and in the 56th minute it was Leiper's turn to have a go when his 30 yard shot went just past the post.
A few minutes later Musselburgh's Gibson got a foot to a corner from the right but his effort was blocked and cleared.
Two minutes later at the other end Weir came close for Whitburn when his free kick from 25 yards cleared the wall but was touched over the bar for a corner by keeper Reston.
Whitburn broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when the ball broke to Steven Weir at the right of the box, and his first time effort took a slight deflection off a defender before curling past Reston into the far corner.
Whitburn went 2-0 ahead in the 75th minute when Doig played the ball through to Colin Strickland and he took the ball into the box before calmly striking it past the keeper into the net.
Whitburn were caught out straight from the restart when Chris King got on the end of a through ball, beat two defenders inside the box and drove the ball past Walker into the net.
Whitburn had Walker to thank a few minutes later as Musselburgh almost found an equaliser when C.King got his head on a cross from the right, but the Whitburn keeper somehow got down to stop the ball on the goal line.
Whitburn restored their two goal lead in the 82nd minute when a free kick by S.Murphy wide on the left found McNelis at the back post and his shot was going in but Steven Weir got the final touch to make sure.
Scott Devlin was sent off with 5 minutes left after receiving his second caution off the game when he had a kick at D.Murphy as the Whitburn player outpaced him with the ball.
The Man of the Match was again Steven Weir who scored a double for the second successive week.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, Doig, Weir, Strickland(Gormley), Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk, McSween, Mackay, Hastie, J.Murphy
The Man of the Match was Steven Weir
3-10-09
Scottish Junior Cup first round
Greenock 1 Whitburn 6 Scorers - Weir(2), Donnelly, Doig, D.Murphy, Strickland
Half time: 0-3
For the second successive week Whitburn went in at half time with a 3-0 lead, but this time kept it going in the second half to run up their biggest win of the season so far.
Whitburn were up against a strong wind in the first half, and the opening stages didn't produce much except for a long range effort at either end that failed to find the target.
Whitburn took the lead in the 22nd minute when Dolan curled in an inviting cross from the left and Steven Weir got in front of the defence to find the net at the far side with a glancing header.
A minute later S.Murphy and Weir played a one-two at the edge of the box, setting S.Murphy up for a shot that was deflected for a corner.
The second goal came in the 41st minute. S.Murphy took a corner from the left that came to Kevin Donnelly at the far side of the six yard box, and he calmly curled a left foot shot into the net.
Goal number three came just two minutes later when D.Murphy laid the ball of to Andy Doig 22 yards from goal and he found the net off the underside of the bar.
David Murphy scored goal number four in the 53rd minute when he slid in at the back post to turn home a ball from the left by Strickland. Shortly after that, D.Murphy was replaced by Hastie and it didn't take him long to make an impact when he cut into the box from the right, beating a couple of defenders, before playing the ball to Strickland in front of goal, but he failed to hit the target from a good position.
Greenock hadn't threatened much in front of goal, but in the 60th minute a cross by Mearns found Docherty, however Mooney put him under pressure and Walker was able to collect his header.
Hastie had the ball in the net for Whitburn following a good break up the left. The ball was played through to him but he was ruled offside.
Whitburn scored a fifth goal in the 69th minute following another corner by S.Murphy. This time he played it short to Dolan who crossed to the far post. Donnelly played the ball back across goal and Colin Strickland was in position to turn the ball home.
In the 75th minute Whitburn went 6-0 ahead when a high ball forward was neatly turned inside by Dolan to Steven Weir who weaved past a couple of defenders into the box before finding the net past keeper Tucker with a composed finish.
Greenock pulled a goal back a minute later when a shot from outside the box by Mearns was well saved by Walker but fell for David McLure to fire into the net.
Greenock put in a couple of reckless challenges as the game drew to a close which resulted in bookings for the players involved, as well as Donnelly for also becoming involved.
Gormley almost added another for Whitburn in the closing minutes, but saw his effort saved by Tucker's legs. Hastie followed up but his effort was blocked by a defender.
Whitburn ended the game with ten men when S.Murphy was forced to leave the field due to injury as a result of an earlier challenge, all three substitutes having already been used.
The Man of the Match was Steven Weir who sent Whitburn on their way with the opening goal, and scored Whitburn's sixth with his well taken second goal.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk(Mackay), Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy(Hastie), Doig, Weir, Strickland(Gormley), Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk, McSween, McNelis
The Man of the Match was Steven Weir
East of Scotland Cup first round
Carnoustie 1 Whitburn 3 Scorers - Leiper, Strickland, Doig
Half time: 0-3
Whitburn progressed to the next round comfortably enough, but a flat second half performance sent supporters home feeling disappointed and frustrated that the team couldn't add to their 3-0 half time lead.
The opening goal came in the 15th minute when a free kick from the left fell nicely for Colin Leiper six yards out and he slammed the ball past several defenders into the net.
Two minutes later Whitburn extended their lead when a good through ball from Strickland put Andy Doig in on goal, and he guided the ball past keeper Jamieson into the net.
On the half hour mark Walker was called into action to save well at his right hand post to block a shot from a tight angle by Reilly after the defence failed to clear the ball.
In the 43rd minute Whitburn went 3-0 ahead when a free kick by S.Murphy in midfield was played quickly up the right to D.Murphy, and he cut it back from the goal line to give Colin Strickland an easy tap-in.
From the restart, Carnoustie sent a high ball upfield and Walker had to save bravely at the feet of Cumming. The Gowfers then were allowed to break forward despite looking clearly offside, but when the ball was played inside Hall spooned the ball over the bar from a good position at the edge of the box.
In the first minute of the second half a long ball by S.Murphy was headed backwards by a defender. Doig latched onto it, but with plenty of time and only the keeper to beat he directed the ball past the post from just inside the box.
Carnoustie pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when Terry Masson broke into the left of the box and placed a well hit shot past Walker into the net.
In the 70th minute Mooney picked up the ball inside the centre circle, ran forward a few steps and hit a powerful shot that Jamieson tipped over the bar for a corner.
In the 77th minute a throw in from the left came through to Strickland at the back post with the goal at his mercy, but the home keeper somehow got across to block his shot and put the ball out for a corner.
The second half produced little to get the supporters excited, but Whitburn did enough to go through to the next round.
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper who had a steady game at the back and scored his first goal of the season to send Whitburn on their way.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Mackay), Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, Doig(Hastie)McNelis, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk, McSween
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper
19-9-09
League
Whitburn 2 Newtongrange 2 Scorers - Strickland, McNelis
Half time: 1-2
This was Whitburn's first home match of the season following drainage work on the park and it turned out to be an entertaining game.
A heavy downpour just after kick off made conditions difficult and this probably contributed to the opening goal. A cross from the left by Mooney in the 10th minute was miskicked by A.Fairbairn in front of goal and Colin Strickland pounced on the loose ball to turn it into the net from close range.
Newtongrange had a good chance five minutes later when Hutchison broke clear, but Walker was quickly off his line to save at the edge of the box.
Dolan then sent in a cross from the left that found D.Murphy running in at the back post, but his shot was well saved by Hill.
Newtongrange equalised in the 25th minute when Stevie Thomson made space 25 yards from goal and hit a low shot that Walker got a hand to but couldn't stop from finding the net off the post.
The visitors took the lead in the 35th minute when substitute Grant Meaney broke through on goal and found the net past the advancing Walker.
The same player had another chance just before half time when Leiper lost possession in midfield and the ball was quickly played forward, but D.McGurk got back to make a good covering tackle.
Ryan McGurk replaced Stewart Walker in goal for the second half following an injury to the Whitburn keeper.
Whitburn equalised in the 49th minute when a cross by Dolan was headed on by Gormley before coming back across goal for Eamon McNelis to turn into the net from close range.
Mooney had a powerful drive from 30 yards turned round for a corner by keeper Hill at full stretch.
Meaney caused more problems on the break for the Whitburn defence. He was tracked by D.McGurk but managed to get in a shot that was well saved by R.McGurk.
Colin Leiper received a yellow card for persistent fouling, then in the 85th minute was ordered off when he received a second yellow card for a high challenge on an opponent.
In the final minute Newtongrange had a decent claim for a penalty waved away by the referee who blew for full time immediately afterwards.
Whitburn team : Walker(R.McGurk), S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley(McSween), Strickland, Dolan(Doig). Subs not used - Hastie, Mackay
The Man of the Match was Alan Mooney
League
Kelty 1 Whitburn 1 Scorer - S.Murphy(pen)
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn will consider this two points dropped, as they played much of the match with a man advantage following a series of sendings off.
The first to go was Tom Courts in the 11th minute as he made a last man challenge on Strickland.
There were chances at both ends before Whitburn debutant, Steven Weir, received a red card for a dangerous challenge just before half time. Manager Derek Strickland was also ordered from the dugout for his protests about the sending off.
Kelty took the lead in the first minute of the second half, Craig Morrison lobbing Walker from the edge of the box.
Whitburn created a series of chances but couldn't find the equaliser until the 70th minute when Graeme Findlay fouled Strickland inside the box. He was ordered off and Whitburn were awarded a penalty which was converted by Scott Murphy.
In the last minute Kelty almost pinched the points when Kay brought a good save out of Walker.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(Gormley), D.McGurk, Donnelly, Leiper, J.Murphy(Mooney), D.Murphy, Doig, Weir, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk, Hastie, McSween, Mackay
The Man of the Match was David McGurk
League
Bonnyrigg 2 Whitburn 1 Scorer - S.Gormley
Half time: 0-0
Bonnyrigg started well and in the first minute Grady made a good run up the right before crossing to the back post where a team mate headed just past.
A couple of minutes later Bonnyrigg again broke up the right. The ball was crossed to the left but Walker was quickly off his line to make a great save to deny Noble.
Whitburn had a chance when D.Murphy made a run up the right before playing the ball inside to Strickland who's shot on the turn was saved by keeper Atai.
In the 14th minute Mooney tried his luck with a long range free kick that went just past the post.
Bonnyrigg were forced to make a substitution due to injury, and within a couple of minutes of taking the field Howat had a glancing header that went just past.
Donnelly then had a chance with a back post header following a corner that looped up into the centre of the goal. It fell to Strickland but his effort was gathered by Atai.
Bonnyrigg had the better of the first half and would be disappointed to be level at the interval, but they took the lead in the 60th minute. Dolan lost possession to Sean Grady in midfield, and he ran forward before beating Walker with a low shot into the far corner from the right of the box.
Just four minutes later Whitburn were level again. D.Murphy was pushed in the box but nothing was given. The ball came out to S.Murphy and his deep cross from the right was headed on by Scott Gormley to find the net just inside the post.
Bonnyrigg came close when the ball rattled the crossbar following a corner kick, and it was scrambled clear by the Whitburn defence. Wilson then had a chance in the 65th minute when the ball came to him in space on the left of the box, but he pulled his shot wide as S.Murphy tried to get across to block.
D.Murphy then made a good run up the right, and despite being fouled, managed to cross the ball to the back post where Dolan was unlucky not to make a better connection and the ball spun just wide.
Whitburn had dominated the game for 20 minutes, but it was Bonnyrigg who found a winner in the 85th minute. They won a corner that was half cleared and fell to Grady who miskicked, but luckily for Bonnyrigg it went straight to James Morrice in front of goal who headed home.
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy(McSween), Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley, Strickland(J.Murphy), Dolan(Doig). Subs not used - R.McGurk, Hastie
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper
26-8-09
League Cup semi final
Whitburn 1 Camelon 1 Camelon won 4-2 on penalties.
Scorer - D.Murphy
Half time: 1-1
Whitburn produced a terrific first half performance that should have had them out of sight of Camelon, but could only go in at half time level through a combination of not taking their chances and a shocking decision by the referee to award Camelon a penalty from which they equalised.
Whitburn went straight at Camelon from the kick off and won a couple of corner kicks in the opening minutes that came to nothing.
They went ahead in the 5th minute when Donnelly made a great tackle to win the ball in midfield before feeding it right to David Murphy and his ball in deceived goalkeeper Hutchison who allowed the ball to float into the net at his near post as he started to come off his line for the cross.
Gormley then sent in a cross from the right that was headed back inside by Dolan for McNelis who was unable to get enough on the ball to trouble Hutchison.
A couple of minutes later Jeffrey had a chance for Camelon when he was put through on the left but he shot weakly into R.McGurk's arms. Midway through the half Stevenson had another chance on the break, this time beating R.McGurk but sending the ball over the bar from the left of the box.
In the 25th minute McNelis broke forward and sent the ball through for Dolan at the left of the box. He tried to take it past the keeper who made a good save to take the ball without fouling his opponent.
On the half hour mark a corner from the right was headed on by Strickland and cleared off the line by Mitchell.
Despite hardly being in the game during the first half, Camelon found themselves level after the referee awarded a penalty kick against Donnelly who had chased back to put in a great tackle that clearly played the ball. Everyone was amazed when the referee pointed to the spot, having decided that Donnelly had brought down his opponent unfairly. The kick was taken by Sean Kilgannon who scored with a well taken penalty.
Just before half time McNelis made a great run up the left and played the ball into the middle but had no support inside.
The second half was a more even affair, and soon after the restart Camelon played a one-two at the edge of the Whitburn box that was intercepted by D.McGurk at full stretch.
Half time substitute Jamie Mackay played a great ball over the defence for Gormley to run onto, and his low shot was on target but pushed wide for a corner by Hutchison diving full length.
In the 55th minute R.McGurk made a good save, diving to his left to stop a shot on the turn from Stevenson, then at the other end Dolan had a shot from the left that went narrowly past the far post.
Strickland had a shot on the turn from the edge of the box saved by Hutchison, then at the other end a break by Camelon was halted when Mackay did well to get in the way of a shot by number 15 and block the ball that went out for a throw.
A couple of minutes later Donnelly played a good ball to Dolan on the left and his ball inside was just turned behind by a defender at full stretch.
Gormley then showed his pace but was pulled back by Stevie Graham who was shown his second yellow card of the game and ordered off.
Dolan played another good ball in from the left that was again just cut out before McSween tested the keeper with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
There was no further action and the game went to penalty kicks, with Camelon converting their first four kicks to go through 4-2 on penalties.
The Man of the Match was Kevin Donnelly who had an excellent game in defence in the first half and in midfield in the second half.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, D.McGurk, Mooney, Donnelly, Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, Doig(Mackay(McSween)), Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Walker, Hastie
The Man of the Match was Kevin Donnelly
League Cup section game
Edinburgh 0 Whitburn 3, Scorers - Hannah, Dolan, Gormley
Half time: 0-0
Whitburn dominated the first half but couldn't find the breakthrough their build up play deserved. Efforts from Gormley, McNelis, Donnelly, Mooney and Leiper were all either saved by keeper Stuart Burnside, or off target. On the one occasion that Whitburn had the ball in the net, a strike by Gormely, it was disallowed for offside. At the other end, Walker was rarely called into action, but dealt confidently with anything that came his way including an early save from Ross Elliot.
Having dominated the first half, Whitburn lost their momentum at the start of the second half, and it didn't look as though they would find the goals needed to give them a chance of topping the section. It was Edinburgh who almost took the lead when they caught Whitburn on the break in the 48th minute, but Walker was quickly off his line to save bravely at the feet of Steven Finlayson.
Whitburn brought on Doig in place of D.Murphy in an effort to change the pattern of the game, and it soon started to pay off.
In the 65th minute a corner kick came to Donnelly at the left of goal, and his shot was cleared off the line.
Whitburn opened the scoring in the 69th minute. The ball was played in from the left and laid off by Strickland for Kenny Hannah to run onto and hit a low shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner.
The second goal came in the 77th minute after Strickland was brought down outside the box for a free kick. It was taken by Chris Dolan and his shot took a deflection off the wall which wrong-footed the keeper.
Gormley was unlucky not to make it 3-0 in the 80th minute when he collected the loose ball after Burnside couldn't hold a shot from Doig, and hit a shot from a tight angle that struck the post.
In injury time Leiper collected the ball at half way and went on a great run through the middle that took him into the box, leaving opponents Maradona-like in his wake, before laying the ball off for Scott Gormley who converted from six yards out to score the vital third goal.
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland who did another great job holding the ball and bringing colleagues into play. This decision should keep Ralph Murphy off our backs for a week, as for once the supporters have agreed with his choice.
Whitburn team : Walker, Hannah, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy(Doig), McNelis, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - R.McGurk, J.Murphy, McSween, Hastie, Mackay
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland
League Cup section game
Fauldhouse 1 Whitburn 3, Scorers - Strickland, Gormley, S.Murphy(pen)
Half time: 1-1
Whitburn played well but struggled to get the goals their play deserved. The main thing though was that they took all three points to put themselves in pole position for Saturday's group deciding matches.
It was Fauldhouse though who started the better and opened the scoring in the 15th minute after a mix up between goalkeeper Ryan McGurk and defender David McGurk allowed Bryan Feluus to nip in behind them and stroke the ball into the empty net.
Whitburn recovered and equalised when Colin Strickland turned inside the box and fired a left foot shot into the net in the 27th minute.
Whitburn went ahead straight after half time when Doig headed down a long pass into the box from S.Murphy and Scott Gormley drove the ball into the net from 10 yards.
Whitburn scored a third goal in injury time that could prove to be very important come Saturday. Strickland was brought down inside the box and Scott Murphy stepped up to convert the spot kick with a well placed shot into the bottom corner.
The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis who formed a good partnership with Doig in midfield.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, Doig, Gormley, Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Walker, J.Murphy, McSween, Hastie
The Man of the Match was Eamon McNelis
League Cup section game
Whitburn 3 Broxburn 1, Scorers - Gormley, D.Murphy, Mooney
Played at Armadale
Half time: 2-1
Whitburn took the lead in the 22nd minute following a good passing move involving S.Murphy, Mooney and Strickland who cut inside his opponent before laying the ball into the path of Scott Gormley who made no mistake in finding the net from six yards out. Before that Stewart Walker, making his first appearance of the season, had pulled off a couple of excellent saves, the first diving to his left to put a drive round the post, and the second touching a long range effort over for a corner.
Whitburn didn't hold their lead for long, as Broxburn equalised with a looping header from the edge of the box by Stewart Ritchie following a long free kick.
In the 45th minute Strickland had a good shot on the turn touched round the post for a corner by Maley. From the corner McNelis had a shot cleared off the line.
Play had been held up twice during the first half to allow treatment to the Broxburn keeper Maley, and eight minutes into injury time Whitburn went ahead again. Strickland played a good cross-field pass to sent David Murphy away on the right, and he beat defender Gibson before putting the ball past Maley into the net.
In the 53rd minute, Broxburn were reduced to 10 men when Stewart Ritchie was sent off for clattering into the back of Strickland, although many thought it merited no more than a yellow card.
Walker was called into action again to block a shot from a tight angle at his right post.
Whitburn went 3-0 ahead in the 60th minute when Alan Mooney collected the ball 25 yards from goal and hit a terrific shot into the top corner that gave keeper Grant Fairley no chance, the former Whitburn player having replaced Maley at half time.
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland who led the line well and set up 2 goals.
Whitburn team : Walker, S.Murphy, Mooney, Donnelly(Hannah), Leiper, McNelis, D.Murphy, Doig(J.Murphy), Gormley, Strickland, Dolan(Hastie). Subs not used - R.McGurk
The Man of the Match was Colin Strickland
11-8-09
League Cup section game
Bo'ness 2 Whitburn 0, Scorers -
Half time: 0-0
Bo'ness had several chances to open the scoring in the first half, but the closest they came was an effort that hit the bar. Whitburn also hit the bar as half time approached with a rare effort on goal.
Whitburn were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when David McGurk was sent off for a last man trip on Gribben just outside the box.
Bo'ness opened the scoring in the 70th minute when substitute Scott Brown slammed home a loose ball from close range following a corner kick.
A short passback by Mooney presented Darren Gribben with a clear run on goal in the 74th minute, and he rounded R.McGurk before sliding the ball into the net.
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, S.Murphy, Mooney, D.McGurk, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, Doig, Gormley(Hannah), Strickland, McNelis. Subs not used - McSween, Dolan, Hastie
The Man of the Match was Colin Leiper
8-8-09
League Cup section game
Dalkeith 0 Whitburn 5, Scorers - Gormley, McNelis, Donnelly, Strickland, D.Murphy
Half time: 0-2
Whitburn got the new season off to a good start with a comfortable victory, but have new keeper Ryan McGurk to thank for keeping the scores level in the first half with a couple off good saves.
Whitburn gradually found their feet and scored in the 40th minute, against the run of play. Donnelly sent the ball through for Scott Gormley, and he made space inside the box before finding the net from 12 yards to score on his debut.
The same player should have scored a minute earlier, after Donnelly made a good break forward from halfway. He passed the ball to Gormley in front of goal but his well hit shot went straight at Richardson on the goal line who headed clear.
The second goal came in the 42nd minute when Dolan cut in from the left and hit a low shot that keeper McLean could only push towards Eamon McNelis at the back post and he stretched out a foot to turn the ball into the net.
The third goal came in the 50th minute after a good move up the right. D.Murphy sent the ball through to Gormley and his cross was met in front of goal by Kevin Donnelly who found the net with a well place glancing header just inside the post.
Colin Strickland made it 4-0 in the 65th minute when he ran onto a great through ball from Doig and hit a low shot past the keeper from the right of the box.
The final goal came in the 88th minute, David Murphy having the simple task of turning the ball home from close range after Strickland had sent the ball across goal from the left.
This was a repeat of the scoreline here last season, with Donnelly, D.Murphy and McNelis also scoring on that occasion.
The Man of the Match was Ryan McGurk who made a confident debut.
Whitburn team : R.McGurk, D.McGurk, Mooney, Doig, Leiper, Donnelly, D.Murphy, McNelis, Gormley(McSween), Strickland, Dolan. Subs not used - Walker, Trialist
The Man of the Match was Ryan McGurk