Burn held to away draw

Armadale Thistle left it late before finally sealing victory at home to South Division basement boys Kirkcaldy YM.

The visitors went into the clash with a single point to their name and having shipped in more than six goals per game.

In truth, it was more poor finishing than a strong defensive display that frustrated the Dale faithful and left them staring at what would have been a huge blow to their promotion hopes.

A glut of chances went begging during a first half that was almost entirely controlled by the hosts.

Thistle eventually got their noses in front five minutes after the break as Broxburn Athletic’s first match since Max Christie resigned as boss ended in a frustrating away draw against Jeanfield Swifts but they did extend their unbeaten league run to eight games.

The hosts had the first chance of the game which was passed up by Robbie Holden while at the other end the prolific Zander Miller was unable to get enough power behind his header to trouble the goalkeeper.

The Burn, under the caretaker leadership of Brian McNaughton, would create the better of the chances but they couldn’t make it count.

Darren Gribben fired wide after neat work before Miller saw his effort thwarted.

Shaun Donaghue had to be at his best to prevent Holden from breaking the deadlock with a smart save before the break.

Chances were few and far between in the second half with Scott Richards not able to make it count when through on goal while Nicholas Locke was also repelled as the away side went searching for a crucial goal that wouldn’t arrive.

Against the run of play, Jeanfield almost grabbed all three points in the final moments but Gary Fergus blasted over the bar as the two sides were forced to settle for a scoreless draw.