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Cruel deflection hands Whitburn late win

From The Evening News 2/6/08

By PETER RUNDO

Carnoustie Panmure 1 - Whitburn Juniors 2

WITH almost the last kick of the Super League season, Whitburn snatched victory over relegated Carnoustie with a very fortuitous winner, the decisive goal coming a minute into stoppage time at Laing Park.

Alan Mooney's long throw was headed on by Andy Roberts but took a wicked deflection off Daryn Smith eight-yards out and completely wrong-footed home keeper Michael Whyte.

If the winner was decidedly streaky, neither of the other goals were flukes. Whitburn's opener after ten minutes came when Stuart Kenny found Alex Lurinsky. He cut inside to hammer a shot which seemed to deceive the keeper as it flew just inside the post.

Nine minutes later, the Gowfers were level in even more spectacular fashion. Sean Mushin embarked on a mazy run before letting fly from 30 yards with a shot that left Whitburn keeper Stewart Walker helpless.

Thereafter it was end-to-end stuff although, during the latter stages, the Taysiders seemed to run out of steam and Whitburn started to dominate. With fifteen minutes left, only a tremendous double save by Whyte from Lurinsky prevented the visitors going in front.. However, right at the death, Whyte was beaten by that cruel deflection.

But as a pointer to next Saturday's East of Scotland quarter-final between these sides, neither team was giving much away. With nothing at stake, Carnoustie were missing several key players through injury, while the 'Burnie rested some regulars.

Carnoustie: Whyte, Smith, Beith, Narey, Robertson, Morrison, Mushin, Hall, McLaughlin, Steele, Conway. Subs: Cook, Wilkie, Voigt, Flaherty, O'Boyle.

Whitburn: Walker, Mackay, Ramage, Leiper, Mooney, Carson, Kenny, S Murphy, Lurinsky, Strickland, Taylor. Subs: Roberts, J Murphy, Flanagan, Hannah, Mbu.

Whitburn 0-1 Lochee United

From The Daily Record May 26 2008

By Kevin Mcgoldrick

RAY McKINNON racked up a title double with Lochee United and reckoned the glory tasted sweeter as a manager than it did when he played. And the former Dundee United star admitted he can't wait to lead his East Super League champions into the senior Scottish Cup.

McKinnon said: "The boys deserved the title - they have been tremendous over the season.

"To win 17 games out of 20 is a great achievement in this league and I believe it is the highest points tally since it was formed.

"Charlie Cargill typified the spirit in the side - he covered every blade of grass in this game.

"I am delighted for everyone behind the scenes at the club because they put in a lot of time and effort which is fully appreciated. We now have an opportunity to play in the senior Scottish Cup which is a real bonus for me and the players.

"We will make signings for next season and who knows how far we could go but it's something to look forward to.

"Credit also to Whitburn and Camelon who pushed us all the way but we fully deserve the title."

Whitburn nearly spoiled the party after three minutes when Kenny Hannah's cross-cum-shot was tipped on to the bar by keeper Ian Ross at the back post.

The home also went close in 13 minutes when Joe Mbu found Darren Moonie out on the left wing.

His cut-back was met by Alex Leurinsky at the near post but Ross pulled off a good save to deny him from six yards.

In 36 minutes Lochee's Paul Blackwood ran on to Gareth Dailly's ball over the top and unleashed a shot from 10 yards into the side netting.

Whitburn almost broke the deadlock just before half-time when Ross spilled Alan Mooney's free-kick but Andy Roberts' shot was blocked by Dailly on the line.

Lochee made the breakthrough after 56 minutes when Calum Hardie beat Mooney and cut the ball back for Blackwood to slam home at the near post.

Craig Robertson almost doubled the advantage in 80 minutes with a vicious inswinging free-kick everyone missed but it rattled off a post with keeper Stewart Walker stranded.

Robertson should have wrapped the game up with four minutes left but Walker produced an excellent save to stop his powerful shot at the back post.

Disappointed Whitburn manager Derek Strickland said: "I am really proud of the players because they have had a good season but unfortunately Lochee were a bit more consistent than us.

"I don't think there is much between the two sides but we have dropped stupid points when they haven't so I can have no complaints - they deserved to win the title."

Lochee pip gallant Whitburn

From The Evening News 26/5/08

By MARK BONTHRONE

Whitburn 0 - 1 Lochee United

WHITBURN boss Derek Strickland today paid tribute to his side, labelling their second-place finish in the East Region Super League "a marvellous achievement".

The Central Park side were beaten 1-0 by Lochee United on Saturday – a result that ended their championship hopes, as it meant their opponents claim the title for the second time in three years.

A second-half Paul Blackwood goal was enough to separate the teams, rendering the upcoming final round of league fixtures meaningless.

Ultimately, Whitburn have been left counting the cost of dropped points against some of the division's smaller sides but they've still managed to finish ahead of the likes of Linlithgow Rose, Bathgate Thistle and Tayport – all teams with considerably more financial resources.

And, having watched his side improve with every season they have been in the Super League, Strickland is hoping that next year could be their year.

"I think the best team has won the league because they've been more consistent," he conceded.

"On any given day I don't think there is much between the sides but over 22 games they have been more consistent. But credit to our boys – they've won matches and I'm proud of the season that we've had, and that we've taken it down to the wire.

"We would have liked to have won it, but it's still a credit to a club like Whitburn that we've even been able to challenge. We don't have the money of the likes of Bathgate and Linlithgow and now every year we've been in this league we've improved. We've had fourth, third and now second, so hopefully next year we might be able to win it.

He added: "We've dropped stupid points in some games and that's been our downfall at the end of the day. There are no easy games in this league but with a bit of luck our players will learn from their mistakes.

"It's been a marvellous achievement with the resources we've got. Even I we'd won on Saturday I don't think we would have won the league as I would have expected them to win their last game." Whitburn knew going into this clash that anything other than a victory would see the championship heading for Lochee.

They almost got their afternoon off to a dream start when a third minute Kenny Hannah cross caught out goalkeeper Ian Ross, who had to backpedal frantically to tip the ball onto his crossbar.

Midway through the first half the home side again threatened when Joe Mbu fed Darren Moonie down the left wing and his low driven cross was met first time Alex Lurinsky eight yards out. It looked to all in the ground as though the net was about to bulge but Ross somehow got a hand to the ball to turn it round the post.

Unfortunately for the West Lothian men that was to be the closest they would come to scoring and Lochee went on to dominate the rest of proceedings.

Craig Robertson came close for the visitors just after half-time although they only had to wait until the 56th minute until they made the breakthrough.

Calum Hardie crossed the ball back to the front post where the unmarked Blackwood was on hand to drill the ball beyond the helpless Stewart Walker in goal.

With Whitburn throwing men forward in a desperate bid to find a way back into the match they were leaving themselves open to the counter attack. However, it was a mistake from goalkeeper Walker that almost led to Lochee doubling their advantage.

A Robertson free-kick was inexplicably left by the shot-stopper, and he must have been a relieved man to see the ball crack back off his right-hand post when it looked to most in the crowd as though it was going in.

Five minutes from full-time Robertson was again in the thick of the action, although this time Walker more than redeemed himself for his earlier error. The Lochee winger hit a rasping 16-yard drive destined for the top corner until Walker brilliantly beat the ball away to safety.

In the end their proved to be no further scoring and while Lochee manager Ray McKinnon was delighted for his side, he also took time to highlight the efforts of their championship rivals.

He said: "I think overall we deserved it given the season we've had. We've got more points that anyone has ever had in the Super League and that says it all.

"You have to give credit to Whitburn though. They pulled out all the stops and kept on our back all the way and refused to give up."

McKinnon added: "It was great for the league to have the title go right down to the wire and they should be proud of that.

"They are a great team, but so are we, and I think over the season we just deserved it."

Whitburn: Walker, Hannah, Mooney, Leiper Mbu, Ramage, Flanagan, J Murphy, Lurinsky, Roberts, Moonie (Strickland 65). Subs not used: S Murphy, Carson, Kenny, Taylor

Lochee United: Ross, Bannon, Watson, Hay McMullan, Daily, Hardie Cargill, Middleton, Blackwood (Dorwood 70), Robertson. Subs not used: Hagen, Leahy, Ritchie, Brown.

Whitburn win keeps title dream alive

From The Evening News 21/5/08

By JOHN GILMOUR

WHITBURN'S hopes of claiming a first-ever Super League championship are still alive today after they closed the gap on leaders Lochee United to four points with two games of the season remaining.

Derek Strickland's side defeated Linlithgow Rose 2-0 at Prestonfield but knew their efforts would be in vain if Glenrothes didn't beat on-form Lochee.

Despite falling a goal behind to their opponents a late double from Glenrothes stunned Lochee, who now face Whitburn away this Saturday, a match that will send the title race to the wire if Whitburn can win.

Boss Strickland had revealed prior to yesterday's clash that he believed the title race to be over, although he admitted today that there was now a glimmer of hope.

"We had to win last night and the Glenrothes result gives us hope," said Strickland.

"It makes for a cracker on Saturday. All we can do is give it our best shot. Lochee are the favourites but we're still in there with an outside chance."

Andy Roberts and Alex Lurinsky were on target for Whitburn in a comfortable and well deserved victory over an injury hit Linlithgow team.

Let this be a one-off and not a habit

From The Evening News 10/12/07

MARK BONTHRONE

Whitburn 1 - Kelty Hearts 2 

WHITBURN boss Derek Strickland today challenged his players to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season and ensure they remain in the title race right to the wire.

The Central Park outfit lost their second game in seven days after last weekend's Scottish Junior Cup exit at the hands of Glenafton as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Kelty Hearts.

Indeed, it was an afternoon of firsts for the West Lothian outfit who also lost their first goals from open play in the league, the only previous occasion they had been forced to pick the ball out their net coming from a penalty.

For much of the 90 minutes the quality of fare on offer to the hugely disappointing 150 or so fans who watched the game matched the weather - dreadful.

Whitburn have been playing some superb football this term and deservedly sit top of the Super League table with nine victories and one defeat from their opening 10 matches.

It's a shame, therefore, that more supporters don't turn out to back them and cheer on what is, despite attempts by the club to play it down, a serious and creditable title challenge.

Okay, so at the weekend they failed to live up to the high standards they have set themselves.

That's hardly surprising though, as by the end of the tie the pitch resembled a quagmire.

Had the flurry of snow that lasted for the final 20 minutes of the clash started any sooner there is every chance the match would have been abandoned.

Despite the defeat Whitburn remain top of the table. Nearest challengers Lochee United's match succumbed to the weather so they were unable to take advantage of Whitburn's slip-up.

And Strickland has urged his players to bounce back from this setback and not to let their good work so far count for nothing.

"Last week probably did affect them a wee bit because it was our first defeat in 16 games and going out the Scottish Cup was a massive disappointment," said Strickland.

"I always said though that we would drop points, as will all the other teams, and it's all about character now.

"We need to bounce back from this and hopefully we can still be up there challenging come the end of the season.

"The conditions were terrible but it's probably going to be like this for the next two months or so, so we just have to get on with it.

"We didn't play as well as we can and they probably did just shade things, but there wasn't a lot in it.

"Over the last 20 minutes or so I thought we were maybe going to snatch something, but it wasn't to be.

"At the end of the day, we are still sitting top of the league and if someone had said to us at the start of the season that we would take 27 points from our first 30 then, of course, we'd have taken that.

"When we got the goal I thought we might have stolen a draw, but I can't fault the players for their effort because they gave everything after we scored."

It didn't help Whitburn's build-up to this meeting with last season's Scottish Junior Cup runners-up with the news that influential striker Colin Strickland, son of manager Derek, has been ruled out with a niggling injury for a couple of weeks.

And with Alan Monney also likely to be sidelined for anything up to a month, it means Whitburn, without the back-up of a big squad, were only able to name three subs.

It was the visitors who made most of the early running.

After Ian Machlan came close to putting them ahead with ten minutes gone, they made the breakthrough 13 minutes from half time.

Murray McDowell did well down the left wing to scamper away from his marker, and his pin-point cross found Russell Smart bursting into the box at full pace.

The midfielder's first touch appeared to knock the ball too far in front of him. Goalkeeper Stewart Walker raced from his line to pounce on it, only to then spill the ball at Smart's feet, who gratefully accepted the two-yard tap-in. It was rough justice for Walker, who has been immense for Whitburn all season and there is little doubt that the slippery conditions contributed largely to his handling error.

Andy Roberts should have levelled proceedings shortly after the restart when he got on the end of an Alan Flanagan cross, but from just six yards out and with the goalmouth gaping he could only manage to head it wide.

That miss would prove to be costly for Whitburn, and with just over an hour gone Kelty doubled their advantage.

McDowell was hugely unfortunate to see his rasping drive from the edge of the area smack back off the crossbar but, as the Whitburn defence slept, Dennis Currie nipped in to prod the ball beyond the still grounded Walker from a couple of yards out.

At that stage, it looked as if Whitburn could be in real trouble, but to their credit, they rallied and grabbed a goal of their own ten minutes from the end.

A corner kick into the box was cleared only as far as substitute Scott Murphy and he unleashed a powerful low drive from 18 yards out that left Allan Fleming in the Kelty goal with no chance.

Whitburn then threw caution to the wind and bombarded the Kelty goal in search on an equaliser which would have kept their unbeaten Super League run intact.

Despite plenty of pressure though, they rarely looked like getting the goal that would have given them a share of the spoils.

Strickland remains confident that his side are still in with a real chance of being up among the title contenders when the season gets to its business end.

He said: "Things are still in our own hands. We don't have to depend on anyone and that's a good situation to be in.

"We don't have the biggest of squads but we just need to keep soldiering on. If we get our full squad back together then I'm sure we will go on and be competitive again.

"We will try to bring players in after Christmas but the problem is that the players that are available just now all have over-inflated prices set by their clubs and we are just not willing to pay that. We know we can get them at the end of the season for less and we simply don't have money to throw away like that." 

Whitburn: Walker, Carson, Ramage, Leiper, Mbu, J Murphy, Flanagan, Hannah, Lurinski (S Murphy 36), Roberts, Mooney (Maley 70). Subs not used: Mackay

Kelty Hearts: Fleming, Ross, Fullerton, Gordon Findlay, Courts, Moffat, Smart, Graeme Findlay, McDowell, Mauchlen, Currie. Subs not used: Winiarski, Vaughan, McDonaghue, Graham, Kay

Whitburn cool on talk of title bid

From The Evening News 7/12/07

MARK BONTHRONE

WHITBURN have played nine, won nine in the Super League and conceded just a solitary goal. They have a two-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand yet, according to defender Joe Mbu, nobody at the club has even talked about the possibility of winning the title.

The Central Park outfit face last season's Scottish Junior Cup runners-up Kelty Hearts tomorrow afternoon looking to continue what has been a remarkable, if somewhat surprising, start to the season. When title challengers were discussed at the beginning of the campaign it was the usual suspects who were mentioned. Linlithgow Rose, Bonnyrigg, Tayport and Lochee.

However, Whitburn's early-season form has eclipsed them all and they proudly sit top of the table on merit, helped greatly by a goalkeeper and defence who have only conceded one goal in the league - from a penalty.

This weekend sees Whitburn approach their clash with Kelty on the back of a rare defeat in the Scottish Junior Cup against Glenafton last week - a result which ended an impressive 16-match unbeaten run.

But Mbu, a key performer for Whitburn this season, is confident his side can get back to winning ways tomorrow. "It was hard to take last weekend because we hadn't experienced defeat in a long time but the boys are looking to try and get back on track and go on another run," said the Scotland Juniors internationalist.

"We want to get back on the winning trail and there is a belief that we can do that tomorrow. We believe that we are good enough to compete against most teams and beat just about any team we play against. It's really all about hard work and we have to make sure that we put the effort in on the pitch and really all try and help each other out. We feel we can go on and win more games after the season we've had so far. We've started the season brilliantly and I'm not sure that any side has ever won their first nine games before.

"It's been an unbelievable achievement and we need to build on that. We aren't getting carried away and are just trying to take one game at a time and keep things going for as long as possible. Other people are talking about challenging for titles but nobody at the club has started thinking about that yet as there's still a long way to go.

"At the end of the day, when the trophies are handed out, if we are there or thereabouts that would be great but, at the moment, we are honestly just taking one game at a time and we'll see where that gets us."

Like Whitburn, their opponents tomorrow afternoon are coming off the back of a defeat having being eliminated from the Scottish Junior Cup at the third-round stage by lower league Musselburgh Athletic.

The home defeat will have come as a huge disappointment to Kelty who reached last season's final of the most prestigious Junior competition, and they will be keen to bounce back immediately.

Mbu expects a difficult 90 minutes against the Fife outfit but is confident that if his side play to their potential they can pick up maximum points from the clash and continue their impressive league form.

"We knew as soon as they were promoted they would be able to hold their own in the league and they've proved that so far this season," said the towering former Armadale Thistle centre-back.

"We're going to have to work extremely hard against them and fight for everything but we've done that all season so far.

"We've only lost one goal so far this season in the league and have every reason to be confident. We are looking forward to the match and one of the main things for us over the next few weeks is to hope our matches beat the weather as we don't want a series of called-off matches to disrupt us."

Whitburn extend their winning run and go top

From The Evening News 19/11/07

JOHN GILMOUR

Lochee United 0 - 1 Whitburn

WHITBURN sit top of the table thanks to a second-half goal from Alex Lurinsky as they leapfrogged Lochee and opened up a two-point gap with a game in hand. 

Whitburn weren't fancied to take anything from this game as Lochee were proving unbeatable at home but they dug deep to produce one of their grittiest performances so far this season. 

Manager Derek Strickland was delighted: "To come here and win was the result of a great fighting display from the players. 

"They are quite rightly proud of their record so far this year. That's 15 games unbeaten, nine straight wins in the league, and another clean sheet. 

"The players were first class today and that's been the attitude all season. We knew how they would play and we were organised for it. They could probably have had a draw but you have to take your chances. 

"I told the players before the game that one good ball played in could win the game for us and we got that. It was a great move and, in two passes, we were in their six-yard box, scoring. 

"After that they had to come at us and there were some meaty challenges. At times we were stretched but the players have the quality to know what to do and we were worthy winners." 

He added: "We're not thinking about titles or that type of stuff just now. We have too many other things to think about. I said before the game that the league won't be won today and I still feel the same. 

"We will drop points but the pressure is now on those below us to keep winning." 

Lochee started the game well and were soon pushing the visitors back into their own penalty box but it was Whitburn who had the best chance when Alan Flanagan came within a whisker of scoring from a low Darren Moonie cross in the fifth minute. 

Lochee had their best chance from a Calum Hardie drive but it, too, slid last the post. 

Chances came at both ends until half-time with both sides failing to find the net. 

After the break Lochee came out looking for a winner, and they had Whitburn on the back foot until the 54th minute. 

Keeper Stuart Walker launched a goal-kick straight to John Murphy. He played it out wide to Darren Moonie, who ran at the Lochee defence and crossed for Alex Lurinsky to tuck away for his first league goal of the season. 

Lochee were stung by the goal and came at the Whitburn defence in droves. When they did breach it, they found goalkeeper Walker in tremendous form, none more so than deep into injury time when the referee awarded Lochee a free-kick 20 yards out. 

Charlie Cargill took the kick superbly but Walker rose to punch the ball over the bar and out for a corner. Minutes later the referee blew for full-time, meaning Walker had earned another clean sheet to add to his collection. 

Alex Lurinsky was pleased to get his first league goal. He said: "Hopefully it's the first of a lot more, but it was a brilliant performance from everyone today. Lochee are going well so we knew we had to be better and we were. 

"In this league there are no easy games and there's still has a long way to go, but we're on a high just now and let's enjoy it. 

"We're top and hopefully we can stay there. It's a nice feeling." 

Keeper Stuart Walker praised his defence again: "The defence were immense. They kept the ball away from me as much as possible and, when it did get through, my concentration was right. 

"They were a good side and probably deserved something from the game. They had a lot of chances." 

He added: "The players are proud of how well they are playing and it's a great achievement to win nine games with only a single goal conceded. "That's 754 minutes for us without another goal being scored, and we're top of the table. It feels good."

Lochee United: Ross, McMillan, Hay, Watson, Thomson, Dailly, Hardie, Cargill, Middleton, Blackwood, Hagen, Subs: Leahy, Robertson, Ritchie, Krobot, Brown.

Whitburn: Walker, Carson, Ramage, Mooney, Mbu, J Murphy, Flanagan, Hannah, Lurinsky, Strickland, Moonie. Subs: Roberts, S Murphy, MacKay, Leiper, Maley.

Whitburn have the edge over Tayport

From The Evening News 1/10/07 

Peter Rundo

Tayport 0 - 1 Whitburn

IT may not have been a classic, but Whitburn's assistant coach Denny McComiskey wasn't complaining after Saturday's 1-0 win.

Not only did it maintain their 100 per cent start to the Super League, but having drawn level with their hosts on points, they are now up to third.

Though there was only one goal in it, McComiskey felt his side deserved to make it four wins out of four and he paid tribute to the defensive qualities of his side.

He said: "Tayport is always a hard place to go, so I am delighted to keep the run going.

"Last year we didn't have a good start so it is very encouraging to get the points on the board early doors.

"It may not have been the most attractive of games, but I'd always settle for that so long as we win.

"I thought that we were the better team throughout the match.

"Having started well and gone ahead we had one or two chances, but although we did come under a bit of pressure in the second half, with the back four coping admirably, Stewart Walker really only had the one save to make."

In recognition of it being his last game before emigrating, Eamon McNelis led out the visitors.

Taking the game to Tayport, Whitburn should have grabbed the lead after ten minutes when Joe Mbu got on the end of Alan Mooney's corner, only to fail to make proper contact, and the ball drifted past the far post.

The miss didn't prove costly though because five minutes later Alan Mooney fired in a low free-kick from 30-yards that appeared to take took the slightest of deflections off Iain Ramage to wrong-foot keeper David Currie and end up in the net.

But Tayport, who had won all four of their previous league outings, retaliated and, a minute later, Ritchie Carson came to Whitburn's rescue, heading the ball off the line after it had been crossed from the right, with Birdie Craik waiting to pounce.

That, however, was one real threat Tayport posed in the opening period as Whitburn regained control of proceedings.

McNelis then almost doubled the lead from a John Murphy cross, but Currie beat it away.

Five minutes from the interval, Craik was played in wide on the left, but scuffed his shot past the post.

Tayport immediately went on the attack at the start of the second half, Stewart Walker being called into action to stop a shot from Martin Maher.

Shortly afterwards, Alan Flanagan was perhaps a little lucky to only be booked as he retaliated following a foul on him.

Ten minutes after the re-start, Murphy made a good run up the left before passing inside to Strickland, but he drove the ball wide of the target from 16 yards.

Hannah then had a left-foot shot from 20 yards that was spilled by Currie, but the keeper recovered to gather the ball ahead of McNelis.

In the 73rd minute, Lurinsky made a great run up the left, getting clear of the defender and cutting into the box before sending the ball past the keeper from a tight angle, but unfortunately it went across goal and narrowly past the far post.

Nine minutes remained when Tayport came closest to rescuing a point.

They were awarded a free kick wide on the right when Ramage clashed with Maher, though it could easily have been given the other way.

The ball was crossed into a crowded box and Walker elected to attempt a punched clearance, but it only succeeded in finding Grant Paterson 25 yards out.

The veteran full-back's first time volley looked set for the top corner, but Walker brilliantly tipped it over for a corner.

Two minutes from time, Andy Roberts was red-carded for an allegedly elbowing Ross Gunnion, reducing the visitors to ten men.

However, the teams were soon evened up because in injury time, Tayport's Roberto Morris was also red-carded.

With Tayport pushing forward, Colin Strickland knocked a clearance past his marker, Morris, into an empty home half but, as he attempted to run forward for what would have been a clear run in on goal, he was cynically brought down, and the ref reached for his pocket.

So Whitburn remain Tayport's bogey team, with five wins and a draw from their six meetings.

Tayport: Currie, Gunnion, G Paterson (Webster 88), Morris, Wewmyss, Maher, D Paterson, McNaughton (Kenneth 65), Jukowiak, Kelly (Livie 71), Craik.

Whitburn: Walker, Carson, Ramage, A Mooney, Mbu, J Murphy, Flanagan, Hannah, Lurinsky (Roberts 81), Strickland, McNellis. Subs: Mackay, S Murphy, Maley, Leiper.

DARREN'S FIRST FOR VICTORY

From The Sunday Mail 7/1/07

Nat Fisher Reports

BONNYRIGG 2 WHITBURN 1

DARREN THOMSON bagged his first Bonnyrigg goal with a late winner to sink Whitburn.

Despite the pitch resembling a paddling pool the two rivals served up a ding-dong battle which had the crowd on edge.

Bonnyrigg were forced to field a weakened side but started off well and Sean Grady missed an early chance.

Within 60 seconds however he was the hero when he slipped the ball past the keeper after a fine solo run which left the Whitburn defence flat-footed.

Whitburn's back four were finding things difficult and a Paul Riley shot went just past as Rose kept up the pressure.

Gradually Whitburn came more into things and home keeper Craig Coyle in the home goal did well to keep out two efforts from Kenny Hannay and Colin Strickland. As half-time approached Bonnyrigg rallied and the visitors' keeper Scott Cantley brilliantly saved a Craig Neikle header right on the whistle. The second half started as a repeat of the first with Grady miss-ing a sitter after good work by Charlie Brigain and Grant Killen heading into the keeper's arms where it seemed easier to score.

Bonnyrigg were punished for these misses in 75 minutes when a bad mistake by Neikle, who until then had been the game's star performer, allowed Strickland to net the equaliser.

Things got worse for the Rose a minute later when Brigain was red carded for retaliation after a touchline tackle that saw him leave the field on a stretcher. Despite being a man short the home side continued to look the more dangerous.

David Burrell set up Grady for another chance which went just past ta post.

With time running out Darren Thomson became the hero for Bonnyrigg when he finished off more good work on the right wing by beating Cantley with a clinical finish from close in.

The three points keep Midlothian's only representatives in the Super League well on track for the title and boost their hopes for next week's Scottish Junior Cup tie at Neilston.

HERO KENNY LEAVES OLD CLUB IN A STEW 

From The Sunday Mail 31/12/06

John Sproat

BO'NESS 3 WHITBURN 1 

FORMER Burn star Stewart Kenny broke the hearts of his old team-mates when he completed a great Bo'ness fightback.

Whitburn started brightly and scored in the first few minutes when a Colin Strickland free-kick crashed off the bar and Alan Flanagan was on hand to scramble home.

The visitors dominated the first half but could not turn their possession into more goals, with John Murphy and Flanagan both missing good chances.

In the second period, Bo'ness were transformed, pushing forward to get themselves back in the game.

However, they struggled to make the breakthrough and suffered a scare as Flanagan again came close.

United kept up the pressure and with 20 minutes to go their efforts paid off.

A goal-line scramble from Jon Mitchell's corner was eventually poked home by Kevin Mullen for the equaliser.

Bo'ness gained momentum and pressed forward as they looked for a smash and grab second.

And they found it when Scott Mauchline's 20 yard drive curled past Scott Cantley with nine minutes to go.

It was left to Kenny to round off a stunning comeback and he did so in style three minutes later.

The striker powered his way through the Whitburn defence and calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Cantley for the third.

The victory sees Bo'ness pick up two wins in a row for the first time this season as they move away from the relegation zone into ninth place.

WHITBURN 2-3 KELTY HEARTS

From The Sunday Mail 31/12/06

George O'Keefe Reports

A CONTROVERSIAL penalty from Scott Lawrie capped Kelty's storming revival from 2-0 down to stun the hosts.

Whitburn had romped ahead in this thriller with goals by Alan Flanagan and Colin Strickland in the opening half hour.

But Kelty roared back to level before half-time and Lawrie sent them into round four despite furious Whitburn protests after the referee awarded a dubious penalty following a penalty-box scramble.

Kelty dictated the early play with Mauchlin pulling the strings. In the fifth minute Lawrie drove wide before Mauchlin beat Steve Rixon and slipped a pass through to Dennis Currie but he blazed off target with the goal gaping.

However, the visitors' attacking instincts left them open at the back and they were punished in 20 minutes as Flanagan fired Whitburn ahead from Rixon's pass. Moments later Scott Cantley preserved the lead with a fine save from Steve Bathgate.

Strickland grabbed Whitburn's second in 28 minutes, shooting home from 10 yards.

But back came Kelty and they made it 2-1 on the half hour when, with Whitburn's defence in disarray, the ball broke to Finlay to score a tap-in. Two minutes later it was all square, Mauchlin linking well with Sean Graham before driving the ball home.

The decisive moment came 20 minutes from time as the ref spotted a foul among a ruck of bodies challenging for the ball and Lawrie bagged the winner from the spot. Whitburn's misery was complete two minutes later when Andy Roberts saw red for kicking Graham.

Whitburn raging after defeat

From The Evening News 27/11/06

JOHN GILMOUR AT VOLUNTEER PARK

Armadale Thistle 1

Whitburn Juniors 1

(Armadale won 4-2 on pens)

ARMADALE manager Jimmy McLaughlin saw his side reach the final of the League Cup and is now looking forward to his old protege John Collins taking Hibs to the final of their competition too.

McLaughlan spent eleven years at Easter Road as an assistant to Alec Miller and was involved in coaching players such as Collins, who was already there, as well as signing up and coming youngsters like Kenny Miller.

He was delighted to reach his first final on his return to Armadale and said: "It's a huge achievement to get to the final and it would be double celebration if John Collins could take Hibs to Hampden as well."

The semi-final itself was a cracking affair with a hugely controversial ending. In front of a big crowd, both teams played at a frantic pace and in the opening 15 minutes it could have been 3-3 if all the chances had been taken.

Both keepers were kept on their toes as play swung from end to end in the blustery conditions. Armadale had the wind behind them in the first half and probably held the bulk of the play.

The second half saw the pace of the game continue unabated but Whitburn now had the wind and were using it well.

Armadale's Graeme Crawford had a super chance to break the deadlock in the 55th minute but he sliced his effort wide. Whitburn's response was a John Murphy thunderbolt which 'Dale keeper Ewan Wilson held at full stretch.

How the scoreline remained blank was a mystery. Whitburn were now pummelling the Armadale defence but keeper Wilson was in inspired form and time and again he kept his goal intact.

He was eventually beaten in the 71st minute. A cross from Colin Strickland was headed goalward by Iain Ramage. Wilson blocked the effort but Kenny Hannah rushed in to slam the ball in from six yards out for a deserved lead.

Armadale's response was immediate. A Graeme Crawford header came down off the bar and before Crawford could react to the rebound the ref blew for offside. However, with only five minutes to go they were awarded a very controversial penalty.

As an Armadale free-kick from out wide on the left was curled high over everyone's head and headed out of play on the far side, referee Graeme Chambers blew for a penalty, much to everyone's surprise. No-one seemed to know what it was given for.

But the ball had been adjudged to have hit Whitburn player Kenny Hannah's arm on its way out. Hannah and his colleagues immediately surrounded the referee claiming that no offence took place but the referee would have none of it and refused to consult his assistant, who had been only ten yards from the incident.

The Whitburn players and management team were outraged by the decision. Not for the first time this season, referee Chambers had courted controversy.

After the furore had died down Graeme Crawford stepped up and drove the ball past keeper Stewart Walker for a dramatic equaliser.

The game ended shortly after this but the furore started again as the teams prepared for the penalty shoot-out and the Whitburn manager Derek Strickland had to be restrained from confronting the referee, such was his strength of feeling.

In the shoot-out, Whitburn missed the first two penalties as Armadale scored both theirs, and Whitburn then scored their next two. But it was immaterial - as Armadale wrapped the game up with two more penalties, with the crucial last one coming from Michael Gemmell.

And still the controversy raged on with Whitburn keeper Stewart Walker red-carded after the final penalty for allegedly calling the referee a cheat.

It was a super semi-final but all that controversy could have repercussions, as keeper Walker is now suspended for next weekend's Scottish Cup tie.

Armadale boss Jimmy McLaughlan said afterwards: "It was a fabulous game played on a very bobbly pitch. The players were outstanding out there. They gave their all after going behind.

"We had to dig deep for a result and, although the penalty was controversial, you need to take anything you get in this game.

"We are a good young team and they can now look forward to a final."

Armadale captain Graeme Gallagher was delighted: "We were on top in the first half but under the cosh after half-time. Ewan Wilson kept us in the game, but overall we have to be delighted to get to the final. We kept it tight at the back and when we push forward we feel we will be a threat to any team we play.

"As for the penalty, in this game you take what is given to you. I felt we deserved to take our place in the final as we have beaten some good teams to be here."

A clearly angry Whitburn manager Derek Strickland was scathing in his appraisal of the penalty decision though. He said: "No-one in the ground knows what the penalty was given for.

"The linesman who was only ten yards away didn't see anything and, because of a decision like that, we are without Stewart Walker for the Scottish Cup.

"The players were outraged at what happened and Kenny Hannah is adamant that he never touched the ball. We were in the final and to have that taken away from us with a decision like that is beyond everyone.

"We didn't deserve to be beaten today. We have a huge job now to get the players' heads up for next week. And we had a stronger claim a few minutes after their penalty when Joe Mbu was bundled to the ground in their penalty box.

"It's hugely disappointing to lose a game after a decision like that."

Armadale: Wilson, G Gallagher, Parity, Valentine, J Gallagher, Black, Murphy, Gemmell, Crawford, Kelly, Young. Subs: Cameron, Miller, Easton, Keir, Dukes. 

Whitburn: Walker, Carson, Carswell (Flanagan), Mackay, Mbu, Ramage, Hannah, Murphy, Roberts, Strickland, McNelis (Rixon). Subs: Maley, Taylor, Moonie.

FINALISTS DALE ENJOY SPOT OF LUCK

JUNIORS Armadale won 4-2 on pens

From The Daily Record 27/11/06

By Stuart Gallacher

ARMADALE 1

WHITBURN 1

JIMMY McLAUGHLAN knows his Armadale side had a lucky escape against Whitburn before reaching the South League Cup Final.

Graeme Crawford's last-minute penalty took the tie to a shoot-out but McLaughlan admitted even he wasn't sure if Whitburn's Andy Roberts had handled the ball.

He said: "It was a terrific semi-final and we're a bit fortunate to progress because the penalty was debatable.

"But we're just delighted we got it as we were under pressure for most of the second half. We could have scored a couple in the first half and the game was very tight.

"Our keeper Ewan Wilson was terrific and he's only helping us out short-term as he can't make every Saturday because he's a policeman.

"That's another Super League scalp for us as we've already beaten Bathgate twice this season. Everyone is delighted we have a final to look forward to."

Colin Strickland caused the Dale defence problems throughout and Wilson did well to deny the striker after 30 minutes with a point-blank save at his near post.

Whitburn finally took the lead nine minutes from the end when Hannah blasted home the loose ball from 10 yards after Wilson had done well to save Ian Ramage's header.

However, Armadale refused to lie down and levelled at the death through Crawford.

The tie went straight to penalties where Michael Gemmill scored the decisive spot-kick after Jamie MacKay and Hannah missed for Whitburn.

And the visitors' misery was compounded when keeper Stewart Walker was sent off after arguing with referee Graham Chambers.

Disappointed Whitburn boss Derek Strickland said: "The decision to give the penalty was terrible. None of their players appealed for it."

McLaughlin has high-flying 'Dale up for derby battle

From The Evening News 24/11/06

JOHN GILMOUR 

THREE miles may separate Armadale and Whitburn but there has been a wider gulf between the two local junior clubs in recent history.

While Armadale have been drifting in the shadows for a long time, Whitburn have become juggernauts in the East Region winning the Scottish Cup in season 1999/2000 and a place in the Super League, so tomorrow's League Cup semi-final at Volunteer Park (1.45pm) might seem like a mismatch.

However, since the arrival of Jimmy McLaughlin as boss at Armadale just over a year ago there has been a transformation.

When he took over he had only four signed players but he has built a team on a shoe string by bringing in players on free transfers and players who cost nothing.

Since then, he has taken them to top spot in the new Premier League and this season has suffered only two defeats in the last 15 games.

Whitburn beat Armadale in their annual pre-season friendly but tomorrow's game will undoubtedly be tighter but McLaughlin knows just how difficult it will be to take the scalp of another Super League side.

He said: "We have done well to reach this stage. We beat Bathgate in our section without conceding a goal but Whitburn are in a different league now that the season is well under way. They will start firm favourites and rightly so.

"We are a very young side and its a long time since Armadale have been in a semi-final of a cup.

"We have only Danny Kelly a doubt for the game and he, along with Craig Young, has been outstanding for us this season.

"Should he miss out then it will be a huge loss for us. We hope to have Fraser Easton back after three weeks out on his honeymoon and, with keeper Michael Dukes working, we may have to use Ewan Wilson in goal again this week.

"We are making progress but we know we are starting the game as underdogs. However, we will have a real go at them and see if we can upset them from the kick-off.

"It's great to be in this position as many other clubs would be delighted to be in a semi-final at this stage of the season."

Whitburn will start favourites but manager Derek Strickland has been on the receiving end of a beating from Armadale before.

Armadale beat them 3-0 in their annual pre-season friendly the previous year on their way to promotion to the Premier League so won't be taking their derby rivals lightly.

Strickland said: "They are flying high in their own league and there on merit.

"It's a real local derby with the supporters able to catch a local bus to the game.

"If we play as we can, then we should win it but they have some dangerous players.

"Graeme Crawford has been scoring lots of goals for them but he is just one of several good players Jimmy has brought in.

"It's up to us to play as we can and I am confident we can win this and reach the first final of the season. We have only one real injury worry and that's Alan Mooney but everyone else is fit and raring to go.

"It's good to be in this semi-final as it has been a few years since Whitburn were at this stage of the League Cup.

"We will need to be at our best to win this one but the players are champing at the bit because it's the first final of the season at stake and to reach it would be a huge boost to the confidence of the lads.

"Armadale may not have scored in their last couple of games but they are still dangerous, so we will need to play at our full potential to beat them."

The game has all the hallmarks of a super semi-final and there are several key players in each line-up.

Putting a further edge to he game, Armadale's David Murphy takes the field against his older brother John who is in the Whitburn starting XI, while the 'Dale's Jamie Valentine may start against his old club while Whitburn's Joe Mbu and Darren Moonie are former Armadale players.

Laura rubs shoulders with Wayne

From The Evening News 18/11/06

JOHN GILMOUR 

MANCHESTER United have snapped up a highly-rated Whitburn Juniors prospect to work alongside world superstars Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, writes JOHN GILMOUR.

But, before anyone questions Sir Alex Ferguson's signing policy, they should know that the person in question is physio Laura Gillogley.

The 26-year-old Sports Physiotherapy graduate has just been signed up by the English Premiership giants to work with the club.

The role will see her based at the club's state-of-the-art Carrington training ground.

However, she isn't needed on matchdays by the Red Devils.

Laura said: "When I took on the job at Manchester United I was already helping out at Whitburn when I could. Derek Strickland, the Whitburn manager, is a friend of the family.

"As my boyfriend lives up in Scotland anyway, I travel up on Friday afternoons to help out with Whitburn and see him at the same time."

DECHMONT FORKLIFT CUP

From The Evening News 13/11/06

Pumpherston 3 Whitburn 1 

PUMPHERSTON booked their place into the quarter-finals of the Dechmont Cup with an impressive win over Whitburn. The home side opened the scoring after 32 minutes when Alan Dickov was fouled in the penalty box and Stephen Payne rammed home the resulting spotkick. Dickov should have given the home side a two-goal lead after racing through but Stuart Walker turned his effort round the post. Pumpherston doubled their lead five minutes after the break when Dickov slid the ball through to the onrushing Kenny Martin, who finished past Walker. In 70 minutes, Pumpherston got their third, Stuart Irvine's corner fell to Dickov at the backpost, and he fired the ball home via a deflection. Whitburn pulled a consolation goal back through a Colin Strickland penalty kick with fifteen minutes left, but it was not enough.

Pumpherston: G Maley, Baird, Milne, Cairns, Hudson, Farquhar, Martin, Curle, A Dickov, Payne, Irvine. Subs: S Dickov, Colquhon, Quinn, Fairley, McAuley.

Whitburn: Walker, Carswell, Taylor, MacKay, Mbu, Ramage, Flanigan, Murphy, Roberts, Strickland, Moonie. Subs: Rixon, S Maley, McNellis, Carson, Cantley.

Whitburn see off local rivals

From The Evening News 6/11/06

GORDON BASTICK 

 Whitburn Juniors 1 Shotts Bon Accord 0 

WHITBURN reached the next round of the Cup with this hard-fought win against the West Premier league side from only five miles up the road.  

The home side were favourites after a string of good results lately. They pressed from the kick off but couldn't make the breakthrough until half way through the half, after forced a corner from the left which Kenny Hannah took. Andy Roberts rose above everyone to send a header into the net for a well-deserved opener.  

Whitburn could have been three or four up but slack finishing almost cost them dear. The second half started with Shotts pressing forward but, with Jamie MacKay and Joe Mbu outstanding at the back, Whitburn were comfortably holding their own. Both sides had chances to score but it became a midfield battle as time wore on. Whitburn sub Steve Rixon hit the post with only a couple of minutes remaining and they held out to reach the next round of the Cup.  

There was a small crowd invasion by four supporters in an attempt to disrupt the game in the latter stages but they were quickly dealt with by the police.  

Whitburn: Walker, Carswell, Mooney, MacKay, Mbu , Ramage, Hannah, Murphy, Roberts, Strickland, Flanagan, Subs: Rixon, Taylor, Maley, Moonie, Cantley.  

Shotts: McCondichie, Jamieson, White, McNulty, Gaffney, McLintock, Jack, Boyack, Mackie, Brown, McKeever. Subs: Wallace, Currie, Murray, Donnachie, Banks.

TAYLOR HAS A FITTING WAY TO GO

SCOTTISH JUNIOR CUP SPECIAL 

Whitburn star wants to finish with final medal

From The Daily Record 4/11/06

By Kevin Mcgoldrick

PAUL TAYLOR would love to go out with a bang as his career nears an end after 18 years at Whitburn.

The 39-year-old already has one Scottish Cup winner's medal from the Central Park outfit's 2000 final triumph.

But Taylor would love to add another before putting away his boots.

Burn kick off their campaign at home to Shotts after a first-round bye and Taylor reckons his side will have to be at their best to progress.

He said: "I was lucky enough to win the Cup in 2000 when we beat Johnstone Burgh in a penalty shootout.

"I missed his spot-kick and to this day I still get remembered not for winning the cup but for that dreadful attempt from 12 yards.

"I still have never had the balls to watch the match on TV as I am too embarrassed.

"With 25 minutes to go of normal time I was brought on as a sub and thought I'd done reasonably well.

"But when it came to taking my penalty I committed the cardinal sin of changing my mind as I ran up and missed.

"Their keeper could have had a cup of tea and a sandwich before picking the ball up. But I still got a winner's medal that made up for the loser's one I had from five years earlier.

"Although I missed the penalty it didn't interfere with my celebrations and no one can take away from the fact that I was a winner.

"I will never forget what it was like, both during the game and after it and would love to experience it again before I retire.

"I wouldn't like to be on the losing side again, though. Getting beaten in any final is bad enough but when the TV cameras are there it is a horrible feeling as you stand and watch the other team celebrating their triumph."

Taylor will turn 40 at the end of the year and he admits this will be his last attempt to get his hands on the junior game's most coveted prize.

That only makes Taylor all the more determined but he concedes his side face a tough task today.

He said: "I don't think we could have picked a harder match as Shotts are a tough team to crack. Although we are near-neighbours we rarely play each other because we are in different leagues.

"I am sure both teams will have a turnout of fans in their thousands and I am sure it will be a match for the brave.

"Whoever can handle the big occasion better will go through to the next round.

"I don't think we would have picked them and likewise they won't fancy facing us.

"To win this tournament I have realised that you have to have a good bit of luck but you also have to play well to earn the right to be champions.

"We are on a great run at the moment so we shouldn't have a problem with confidence."

Whitburn will be at full-strength while Shotts will have Stephen Donnachie and Stephen McNulty back.

Whitburn boss still after more

From The Evening News 23/10/06

JOHN GILMOUR 

AT CENTRAL PARK 

Whitburn 2
Tayport 1 

WHITBURN cemented their push for the title with an impressive 2-1 win at home to present holders Tayport thanks to a goal either side of half time - but boss Derek Strickland still wasn't 100 percent happy: "That was a great result for us, but I still feel we can play a lot better."

Tayport started the game well and were soon camped around the Whitburn penalty box. For the opening half hour they looked likely to take all three points back up the road to Tayside. But that all changed in the 30th minute. Veteran Paul Taylor, installed on the left wing, intercepted a pass from Tayport's Steven Stewart and sent a ball away down the left wing to Steve Rixon. His inch perfect cross landed between the two central defenders for Colin Strickland to head the ball into the far corner of the net.

Tayport came storming back up the field and Whitburn keeper Stewart Walker saved brilliantly from Ronnie Kenneth to keep them in front. Tayport had the bulk of the possession but all too often they missed badly or keeper Walker, who was producing a man of the match performance, kept them at bay.

After the break Tayport brought the experienced Grant Paterson on to replace Chris Webster but it was Whitburn, now kicking down their favourite slope, who started better. Strickland, Rixon and Kenny Hannah all had chances to increase their lead but failed to take them. Tayport then realised the game was running away from them and Walker in the Whitburn goal was again under pressure. He produced a further string of fine saves and when that failed a large slice of luck landed on him to save the day. But something had to give and it was Whitburn who took the chance when it fell to them. With 15 minutes to go they doubled their lead. Rixon, wide on the left wing, sent over another pin-point cross to the far post where Kenny Hannah was waiting. He never had to jump as the ball landed perfectly on his head and from four yards he knocked it past Duncan Bruce in the Tayport goal. Tayport were now facing defeat and boss Keith Burgess shuffled his team around to inject some new blood. They pressed forward at every opportunity but once again they found keeper Walker in inspired form.

Deep into injury time they did eventually find a way past Walker. Full back Ross Gunnion crossed from the right wing and Ronnie Kenneth headed the ball home at the far post. For the next two minutes Tayport tried hard to get the equaliser but Whitburn were in no mood to give away another goal and the referee blew for time with them looking for a third.

Overall it was an impressive win for Whitburn. For spells in the match they were under pressure but Alan Carswell and the defence were very tight, the likes of John Murphy battled hard, and with Hannah pushing forward from midfield at every opportunity they were always dangerous.

Tayport had the bulk of the play but when chances fell to them they failed to cash in. So it was another three points for Whitburn who are showing that last season's performances were not a one off. Boss Strickland, however, feels there is more to come from his players. "They had most of the ball but didn't look like they could score. Stewart Walker was in good form and the rest of the team played very well. We have had a poor start to the season but that's all in the past now. We never lost our belief that we are a good side. We have now won four league games on the bounce. There are no easy games in this set up and it's proving a huge success. Today we defended well and when the opportunities came we finished well. Our two headed goals came from the two smallest lads on the field.."

His son Colin, scorer of the first goal, was delighted with the win. "We worked hard to get that result," said Strickland junior. "The ball from Steve Rixon was inch perfect and it was an easy job to steer it into the net. But it all stared with Paul Taylor winning the ball in midfield. Not bad for a 40-year-old!"

And Hannah, scorer of the second goal, added: "I didn't need to jump for the header. It landed right on my head. Just as well because I'm not the greatest with headers. This result shows that we have learned a lot form our run in the league last year. We will take a lot from this game as well, but it's still early doors for everyone." 

Whitburn: Walker, Carswell, Mooney, MacKay (Roberts), Mbu, Ramage, Hannah, Murphy, Rixon, Strickland (Flanagan), Taylor. Subs not used: McDonald, Moonie, Cantley.

Tayport: Bruce, Gunnion, Livie, Morris, Wemyss, Stewart, McNaughton, Urquhaart, Webster (Paterson), Kenneth, Duell (McLean). Subs not used: Brown, Malone, Fitzpatrick.

Ramage hoping to do the damage in title race

From The Evening News 20/10/06

MARK BONTHRONE 

WHITBURN captain Iain Ramage has urged his side to continue proving the critics wrong this season by collecting all three points against Tayport tomorrow.

The Central Park side were written off by many people at the start of the campaign after three successive defeats.

Just last month the side managed by Derek Strickland, pictured below, looked a shadow of the team that had taken the Super League by storm last term until a 5-0 hammering of Carnoustie Panmure marked an upturn in their fortunes.

The West Lothian outfit have now recorded three wins on the trot to play their way back into contention in the east region Super League.

Defending champions Tayport are their visitors this weekend and will be favourites to travel back north with maximum points.

But Ramage, who was on target alongside Kenny Hannah and Andy Roberts last week in a 3-2 win against Kinnoul, sees no reason why his side can't continue their recent revival.

"Tayport are a great team and are the champions so we know it will be really tough but we believe we can win," he said.

"The last few games we've scored a lot of goals (12 in the last three matches) and we are looking like the team that started last season and raced to the top of the table again.

"We had a bad end to last season and the way we started this one people probably thought that we were just continuing where we had left off.

"But the players knew that it was different because, with the exception of the Bonnyrigg match, we were actually playing okay whereas at the end of last season we weren't doing well at all.

"We're full of confidence now, though, and we'll be going out against Tayport to give it our best shot."

Whitburn's start to the campaign not only saw their title aspirations written off but also led them to be tipped as relegation candidates in some quarters.

But, while Ramage acknowledges he and his team-mates didn't get off to the start they had been hoping for, he insisted that they never began to question their own ability. In terms of results we didn't start well although I thought we were a little unlucky against Bathgate and Linlithgow," said Ramage.

"People were saying 'Whitburn have had their chance' but we never thought that because there are still plenty of games left to play and plenty of time to get up there.

"Linlithgow went 11 points ahead of us when they beat us and looked like they were running away with things but now that's down to five so it shows just how quickly things can change in this league.

"I know it's said often but this division really is so competitive. That's the thing you always have to remember if you hit a bad run. Every team is capable of beating one another and that means nobody is ever out the running.

"We've strung a few results together while other teams have hit a sticky spell and we are right back in there.

"I remember last season we were unbeaten and Dundee North End hadn't won a game yet they beat us 2-1 up there. That just shows you there are no certainties.

"Thankfully it all came together against Carnoustie and that's now three wins on the bounce which has done wonders for the confidence."

And Ramage revealed he is able to pinpoint the precise turning point of their season.

"When we went ahead against Carnoustie you could see the boys really start to play like themselves again," he said.

"It was the first time that we had been ahead in a game and everyone really got a lift when that happened. We ended up rattling in another four goals in that match and we really haven't looked back since. On our day we can match anybody and if we can get that bit of consistency that's maybe eluded us a bit recently then there's no reason why we can't be up there challenging for honours.

"If we can get that consistency, and it is a big if, I'm sure that we will be there or thereabouts. Whether we can actually go on and win the Super League only time will tell."

SUPER LEAGUE

From The Evening News 23/10/06

Kinnoull 2 Whitburn 3

WHITBURN battled their way to a third consecutive win at Tulloch Park against the bottom club. Both sides hit the woodwork in an even first half, but Ian Ramage pounced to put the visitors in front after 49 minutes. Midway through the second half, Graham Nicol's neat finish levelled matters, but with 14 minutes left Kenny Hannah restored Whitburn's lead from ten-yards. A defensive error allowed Colin Strickland to set up Andy Roberts to increase their advantage with eight minutes left, only for Robbie Holden to net from a hotly disputed penalty for handball to reduce the arrears two minutes later.

Kinnoull: Mackie, Tang, S Nicol, Routledge, Ross, Milne, Scimgeour, G Nicol, Sweeney, Gordon, B Gardiner. Subs: Stewart, Christie, Gray, McKenzie, Holden. 

Whitburn: Walker, Carson, Carswell, Mackay, Mbu, Ramage, Hannah, Murphy, Rixon, Stickland, Taylor. Subs: Roberts, Mailley, Mooney, McDonald, Cantley.

Whitburn blitz leaves Gowfers rock bottom

From Carnoustie Today 5/10/06

Devasting 22 minutes sees Gowfers let in five

Carnoustie Panmure 0, Whitburn 5

WHITBURN'S five-goal blitz in a devastating 22 minute spell midway through the second half at Laing Park on Saturday has left Carnoustie Panmure languishing bottom of the league with no points from their opening three league fixtures.

Chief architect of the Gowfers' latest defeat was visitors' substitute Stevie Rixon, who hit the target no fewer than four times either side of a single from Ian Ramage.

All of this after a goal-less first half in which the home side could have opened the scoring on several occasions.

Manager Jake Ferrier's only change from the side narrowly beaten by Montrose Roselea in the GA Engineering Cup the previous week was the inclusion of Aaron Conway for the holidaying Grant Miller. Bench spots were taken by Ralph Brand, Garry Buick, Garry Warren, Kevin Cumming and spare goalkeeper Michael Whyte.

Whitburn, also still looking for their first league point of the season, attacked from the kick-off and had an early chance from a Carson cross, but Ramage was pulled up for pushing in the box.

First to have a pop at goal for Carnoustie was Hall, who tried a long-range effort, but sent the ball well wide of the left-hand post.

Whitburn pushed forward once more and a fierce drive from the corner of the box by McNellis was well held by Butter at the base of his right-hand post.

The visitors again came close when Ramage was given a free header eight yards out, but put the ball straight to Butter, who had no trouble making the save.

With their goal still intact, Carnoustie got back up the park and forced a corner on the right. Conway's cross to the far post was headed back across the face of the goal by Hall, but Walker managed to clutch the ball safely before Collier could pounce.

Back at the other end, Butter had to look lively to save a Strickland snap shot from 15 yards.

Carnoustie remained under pressure and conceded two corners in quick succession before the ball was eventually cleared away by Narey.

As play then surged to the other end, Conway got through on his own for the Gowfers and fired in a drive, which Carson blocked behind for a corner. Ramage's attempt to clear Conway's flag kick was met by Hall, who headed the ball back in, but wide of the right-hand post.

Shortly afterwards, Carnoustie had another lucky escape when D. Mooney broke clear on the visitors' right and laid the ball off to McNellis, who shot past from good position.

Collier then had a great chance to put the Gowfers ahead from an Abbot cross, but missed the target with a free header from eight yards, the ball going wide of Walker's left-hand post.

Whitburn quickly pushed forward once more and Ramage tried a fierce drive from 18 yards, which Butter did well to palm over the crossbar. D. Mooney's cross from the resultant flag kick was punched away by Butter, but only as far as Murphy, who snatched at his shot and ballooned the ball high over the top.

At this point, the visitors' centre-half Mbu was booked for dissent.

A minute later, his team-mate Murphy was also yellow-carded for a similar offence.

Whitburn continued to press and again came close to opening the scoring when a McNellis long-range effort skidded past Butter's right-hand post.

Moments later, Carnoustie were desperately unlucky not to take the lead themselves. Collier's downward header from a Smith cross had 'keeper Walker beaten, but the ball struck the ground just in front of the goal and bounced up, hitting the top of the crossbar before going over.

Back at the other end, Whitburn won a corner on the right and Carnoustie had their hearts in their mouths when D. Mooney's cross was punched against the crossbar by Butter. Fortunately for the Gowfers, however, the ball dropped to Craig, who wasted no time in clearing it up the park.

In the visitors' next attack, Murphy headed the ball against Narey's hand from a Hannah cross, but the penalty claims were waved aside by the referee.

Although not apparent at the time, what was to prove a major turning point in the game occurred in 40 minutes when Whitburn's D. Mooney limped off injured and was replaced by Rixon, who was to run the Gowfers ragged in the second half.

Half-time: Carnoustie Panmure 0, Whitburn 0.

Shortly after the restart, Carnoustie had a scare when an A. Mooney cross from the right was headed back across the face of the goal by McNellis.

Butter could only palm the ball down, but an alert Narey did well to scramble it clear at the base of the right-hand post.

Whitburn continued to do most of the pressing and were rewarded with the opening goal in 52 minutes. A long ball out of the visitors' defence released RIXON, who out-paced Graham and rounded Butter before rolling the ball into the empty net.

Moments later, it was almost two. A cross from the right by Hannah was flicked goalwards by Rixon and Butter had to look sharp to turn the ball over the top for a fruitless corner.

In 62 minutes, however, Whitburn did double their lead when a Hannah corner from the left was fumbled by Butter, allowing RIXON to fire home his second through a ruck of players.

Carnoustie went further behind in 64 minutes when Rixon was put through on the right by Strickland and played the ball across the box to RAMAGE, who fired low past Butter from 10 yards.

Just a minute later, things got even worse for the Gowfers.

Rixon was again the marksman, this time running on to a through pass from Ramage before lobbing the advancing Butter from 25 yards to complete his hat-trick and put Whitburn 4-0 ahead.

The visitors almost made it five when Rixon crossed from the left to Strickland, whose fierce shot from the edge of the box was well held by Butter.

The fifth goal was not long-delayed, however, as in 74 minutes the Gowfers' defence were again caught static when a Strickland cross from the right into the six yard box was met by the unmarked RIXON, who shot home, giving Butter no chance.

Although by now it was very much a lost cause, Carnoustie kept plugging away and from a Cumming lay-off Abbot tried a 25 yard shot, which sailed high over the top.

At the other end, Rixon continued to taunt the Gowfers' defence and set up another scoring opportunity with a low cross into the box from which Hannah fired narrowly past from 12 yards.

Right on the final whistle, Mackay got up the park for Whitburn and tried a long-range strike from all of 40 yards, which was only just too high.

Moments later, referee Martin put the Carnoustie faithful out of their misery by signalling the end of one of the Gowfers' poorest home displays for many a day.

Teams: Carnoustie Panmure - Butter, Narey (Buick 79), Craig (Brand 70), Hendry, Graham, Morrison, Abbot, Hall, Collier, Conway (Cumming 70), Smith.

Substitutes not used - Warren, Whyte (gk).

Whitburn - Walker, Carson (Mailey 78), A. Mooney, Mackay, Mbu, Ramage, Hannah, Murphy, D. Mooney (Rixon 40), Strickland, McNellis (Carswell 78).

Substitutes not used - Taylor, Cantley (gk).

Referee, K. Martin, Kirkcaldy.

SOUTH LEAGUE CUP

From The Evening News 21/8/06

Whitburn 2
Fauldhouse United 1

WHITBURN produced a lacklustre display in this win at home to the Division One side. They had most of the pressure in the first half but had only a single goal from Andy Roberts, who fired in a great shot in the 42nd minute, to show for their efforts. Fauldhouse came more and more into the game in the second half but it was Whitburn who scored again. This time it was a good build-up which saw Paul Taylor score with a right foot tap-in. Fauldhouse then pushed hard and were finally rewarded when Brian Roberts headed home with a couple of minutes to go.

Whitburn: Walker, Carson, Mooney, Rixon, Mbu, Ramage, Hannah, Murphy, Roberts, Strickland, Taylor. Subs: Carswell, Maley, McDonald, Flanagan, Cantley.

Fauldhouse: Carlin, Cooper, Gibson, S McGeachie, Roberts, Ritchie, Jeffrey, Storrar, Lurinski, R McGeachie, Pearson. Subs: Middleton, Burrows, Fergus, Gallagher.