TRIBUTE &TRIUMPH
The Fulshie’s first senior football win dedicated to club secretary
Stoneyburn boss Steven Sharp says picking up their first ever win in senior football was the perfect tribute to their former secretary.
The Fulshie grabbed a 3-2 win over local rivals Bathgate Thistle at Creamery Park in their first game since the passing of club stalwart Steven Macmillan last month.
The players wore t-shirts honouring Macmillan during the warm-up while a minute’s silence was held prior to kick-off.
Things got off to a perfect start for the visitors who found themselves two goals up midway through the first half as Euan Scott and Dean McConnell found the net.
However, Stewart Devine’s side scored just before and just after the half-time interval thanks to Grant Forrester and Chris Rooney only for Cammy Donaldson to net the decisive goal 18 minutes from time.
Sharp admitted it was a challenging afternoon for everyone at the club but hopes the victory can also be a turning point in their season.
He commented: “It was a very emotional game. Certainly the toughest game I’ve ever been involved in and no doubt the same for most, if not all, of the players.
“We knew how much it would mean to Steven and his family if we got that win so we were determined but we still had to go out there and earn it. Nothing is given to you in football, regardless of how much you want it.
“It wasn’t pretty at times and I think the players did struggle a wee bit and maybe the emotion of the day saw a bit of a lapse in
concentration at times but I’m immensely proud of them for fighting back and getting the three points.
“It’s the club’s first win in senior football so it’s a momentous victory for us but one that means so much more than just that to all of us at Stoneyburn.”
He added: “Hopefully we can now go on a wee run and start picking up points consistently.
“I don’t think our performances have been bad at all, but mistakes in key moments had been costing us. Now we’ve got that win and that confidence boost, we’re looking to start climbing the table.”