United slump to loss number nine
Blackburn unable to break run of poor form
Blackburn United suffered their third straight defeat while there were dramatic late wins for both Broxburn Athletic and Linlithgow Rose in Saturday’s East of Scotland action.
Blackburn caused a major shock last month by getting the better of league leaders Bo’ness United at Newtown Park and ending their unbeaten start to the campaign but a 2-0 home loss to Crossgates Primrose saw them continue their poor form since that victory.
Primrose opened the scoring through Scott Lawrie on 30 minutes before doubling their advantage in the early stages of the second half through Jonny Galloway.
United were unable to force their way back into the contest as they suffered a ninth league defeat of the campaign.
Tommy Coyne proved to be the Linlithgow Rose hero once again as the prolific striker netted an injury-time winner as they defeated Newtongrange Star 3- 2 under the lights at Prestonfield.
A frenetic start to the game saw the Rose fall behind on four minutes, only for Ruari MacLennan to grab an equaliser two minutes later for the hosts.
Newtongrange, fighting towards the foot of the table, got themselves in front for a second time just before the hour mark and looked as if they would steal the points from Brown Ferguson’s side as they entered the final 10 minutes with the advantage.
However, MacLennan’s fine work resulted in an own goal leveller before veteran striker Coyne struck late on to bag all three points for the Rose.
Broxburn Athletic also needed a late winner from a prolific striker of their own to pick up a 3-2 win away to Dundonald Bluebell after they appeared to have thrown away two points.
Zander Miller struck five minutes from time – not only to secure three points for the Brox but a hat- trick for himself – after the visitors had squandered a two-goal lead.
A goalless first half burst into life on 55 minutes when Miller opened the scoring before the striker doubled his tally just five minutes later to give Brian McNaughton’s side a cushion.
Two quick-fire strikes from the hosts, though, saw them back on level pegging with 10 minutes remaining before Miller came to the rescue once more on 85 minutes.
Tommy Coyne proved to be the Linlithgow Rose hero once again