Kelbie leads Rose charge
Linlithgow Rose began life without David McGlynn with a hard-fought Fife and Lothians Cup victory over South Division side Pumpherston.
Former boss McGlynn ended his 16-month spell with the Rose last week after a disappointing start to the season, while Pumphy have made an impressive start in their quest to climb out of the East Region’s bottom tier.
The visitors made life difficult for their more illustrious hosts but two goals in as many minutes just before the interval killed off any hopes of a cup giant-killing. Kevin Kelbie opened the scoring in the 43rd minute when he was the quickest to react when a Rose effort hit the woodwork as he tapped the ball into the empty net.
There was still time for Linlithgow to double their lead before the break as Robbie McNab ran through the heart of the Pumphy defence before firing the ball low across Shaw and into the far corner.
Lewis Small made a goal-scoring debut as he gave Rose a three-goal lead before Craig Martin’s men were justly rewarded for their effort with a fine Ally McRitchie goal before the prolific Tommy Coyne slotted home from the spot in the 87th minute for the hosts to finish off any hopes of a comeback and seal a victory in Todd Lumsden’s first game as caretaker.
Pumpherston will be looking to get back to winning ways as they return to South Division fixtures this weekend with a tricky clash away to Lochgelly Albert who are directly below them in the table.
Linlithgow Rose, meanwhile, have another cup tie with Thornton Hibs the visitors to Prestonfield in an East of Scotland Cup clash.