Fightback earns Rose a place in semi-final
Linlithgow Rose booked an East of Scotland Qualifying Cup semi-final berth with victory over Hill of Beath Hawthorn.
The Rose gained revenge for a league defeat against the same opposition three weeks ago to give them a home clash with Stirling University on Tuesday night for a place in the final.
It was a composed performance from Gordon Herd’s men, who reacted well to going a goal down early on when Arran Dair beat the offside trap before firing home.
Alan Dochery bagged the equaliser with a wonderful freekick before Sean Heaver gave the hosts the lead.
Rose’s top scorer Mark Stowe was able to put the game to bed with a fine third as they moved to within two wins of the club’s first piece of silverware for several years.
Elsewhere, in league action Armadale Thistle’s East of Scotland Conference X promotion hopes were dented by a 2-1 loss away to local rivals Fauldhouse United, while Livingston United suffered a 2-0 home loss to Syngenta.
In the top flight, Blackburn United’s hopes of escaping relegation were dealt a blow as they suffered a 3-1 home loss against Tynecastle.
Laurie Devine had levelled things up for the hosts shortly after the half-time interval but two late goals put paid to their chances of taking something from the game.
Broxburn Athletic also suffered late disappointment as they conceded an injury-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Dunbar United at Albyn Park.
A goalless first-half made way for a flurry of goals just after the break with the net being found three times in the space of eight minutes.
Andy Mair gave Athletic the lead only for them to be pegged back – with Gary Brass then restoring the advantage just after the hour mark.
They couldn’t hold on for the three points, though, with Jaciz Balde netting in the third minute of injury-time.
Whitburn edged out West Calder United in the only derby of the weekend as they booked a place in the fourth round of the King Cup thanks to a thrilling 3-2 victory despite ending the game with nine men.
Scott Hay opened the scoring for the Cauther with Lennon Watson tying things up before the break. They then netted twice in the space of a minute in the early stages of the second half with Martin Maguire and then Reece Duncan from the spot firing the Burnie 3-1 in front.
They would make things difficult for themselves, though, when Lewis Milton was sentoff for a push and an apparent headbutt. That sparked a period of sustained pressure by United, which paid off when they reduced arrears on 75 minutes through James Miller.
They were unable to find a leveller, though, despite Whitburn receiving a second red card when Aiden Martin was ordered off for dissent.
Stoneyburn’s involvement in the same competition was brought to an end as they went down 3-1 away to First Division side Thornton Hibs.
Bathgate Thistle were unable to cause a shock as they went down 2-0 at home to Stirling University in their final League Cup game.
Over in the West of Scotland, Harthill Royal will end the season at the bottom of the pyramid as their first season in senior football was brought to an end with a 3-0 home loss to Harmony Row.