PERFECT START
Martin’s men win bragging rights and stay in pole position in league
Martin’s side pressed for a second but were made to wait
Pumpherston ....... 3 Calder United ....... 1 Premier League South
Pumpherston remain the only Premier League South team with a perfect record after they claimed the derby day honours against West Calder United.
Craig Martin’s men took the lead during what was a scrappy first half when Zander Murray made the most of a defensive mix-up to fire home the opener beyond United keeper Craig Rae.
However, that was cancelled out in the early stages of the second half thanks to a wonderful strike from the Cauther’s Ewan Leonard.
The striker fired a rasping effort from 25 yards out that gave Pumphy keeper Connor Shaw no chance as Chris Gallagher’s men got back on level terms.
They had a glorious chance to get their noses in front minutes later when Jordan Devine was through on goal, but Shaw produced a fantastic save with his legs.
Martin’s side were pressing for a second but were made to wait until 10 minutes before the final whistle to finally get on the scoreboard again when they were awarded a penalty that was duly swept home by Ally McRitchie.
And the hosts made sure of the three points in the closing stages as the prolific Murray slammed the ball home from six yards out as United were searching for a way back into the contest.
The victory sees Pumphy remain at the top of the table, while United slip to second bottom despite it being their first loss of the campaign after they drew their first two matches.
There are derby rivalries for both teams this weekend, with Pumpherston making the short trip to Beechwood Park as they visit Stoneyburn for an early season top-of-the-table clash, while West Calder are aiming to grab their first win under Gallagher as they welcome unbeaten Livingston United to Hermand Park.
Elsewhere in a full fixture card in the Juniors, West Lothian’s two Superleague outfits are both at home with Fauldhouse United welcoming Forfar West End and Whitburn hosting Glenrothes.
Both sides have a solitary point to their name after three games.
In the South Division, there are three derby clashes, while Harthill Royal will be aiming to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they make the trip north to Lochore Welfare.
Over in the East of Scotland Football League, all three local outfits have home Conference C fixtures.
Blackburn United host Craigroyston at New Murrayfield Park, while Broxburn Athletic are at home to Ormiston and Linlithgow Rose go for the victory against Stirling University.