On-loan Kyle is Cuikie ace

Livingston loanee Kyle Sampson netted his first goal for Penicuik as the on-loan striker helped to inflict a first home league defeat of the season on Linlithgow Rose.

Mark Bradley’s team ended the game with 10 men after Ruari MacLennan saw red for his protests surrounding a late penalty call that led to Cuikie’s third of the afternoon, while the boss himself was dismissed on a disappointing afternoon for the Prestonfield side.

The hosts got their noses in front on 18 minutes, against the run of play, as the prolific Colin Strickland beat his man to head home a Robert Sloan cross.

Callum Connolly passed up a great chance to drag Athletic level from three yards out but Rose stopper Darren Hill did well to parry his effort away from goal.

The equaliser arrived 10 minutes before the half-time whistle as Craig Hume was the quickest to react after Aaron Ponton’s attempt was saved by Hill as he lashed the ball high into the net, giving the keeper no chance.

A dull second half burst into life in the final 20 minutes with Rose’s Roddy MacLennan firing wide at the back post.

The game swung almost instantly as Athletic went up the park and took the lead with Sampson tapping home a rebound from close range.

Penicuik were then awarded a highly debatable penalty as Hill appeared to get the ball at the feet of striker Lumbert Kataleza with Rose players surrounding the referee in protest.

MacLennan was dismissed before Andy Forbes stroked home from the spot to seal the victory.