Never say die Burnie boost title prospects

Whitburn moved a step closer to promotion thanks to a dramatic injury-time winner over East of Scotland Conference X title rivals Bo’ness Athletic.

For the second time in a week, Darren Wilson’s men produced a stunning display against Athletic as Mick McGarahan’s header seven minutes into stoppage time gave the visitors a 2-1 win at Newtown Park.

That result matched the scoreline from a few days earlier when Whitburn were hosts and leaves the Burnie top of the pile with three games remaining.

The away side had the better early chances with Athletic keeper Fraser Currid making a string of smart saves before the game appeared to swing dramatically in Whitburn’s favour when Bo’ness were reduced to 10 men as Jonny Mitchell saw red for a push on Andy Thomson.

Despite the man advantage, Whitburn were unable to make it count although they did continue to create chances to open the scoring.

They were then dealt a double blow in quick succession as Tiwi Daramola fired Athletic into the lead before Martin Maguire saw red on 79 minutes.

Whitburn, though, are a side who have rescued points all season and this would be no exception.

They got themselves back on level terms seven minutes from time when Louis Maguire was fouled in the box with Reece Duncan duly slotting the spot kick home.

There was still time for some more drama as McGarahan had a fine header saved before popping up moments later to find the net and seal a dramatic victory for his side.

Elsewhere in the division, Armadale Thistle now appear to need a miracle if they are to grab a top two spot after falling to a 3-2 loss against Syngenta.

Defeat means the Dale must win all three of their remaining games to have any chance of playing in the second division next term.

It was goals galore at Hermand Park as West Calder United defeated Pumpherston 9-5 in a derby clash with Cauther’s Craig Johnston netting five.

Bathgate Thistle won the only other West Lothian derby of the weekend with a 3-0 triumph at Station Park as Andy Malone defeated his former side Livingston United.

Kai Wilson scored twice with Grant Forrester also on the scoresheet.

Stoneyburn suffered a disappointing 5-0 loss to Edinburgh College.

In the Premier Division, a stunning second half display has given Blackburn United a huge chance of staying in the division as they defeated Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 4-0.

That result leaves the Burnie three points clear of the drop going into this weekend’s final fixtures.

Linlithgow Rose squandered a two goal lead against Tranent for the second time in a fortnight as they were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw while Broxburn Athletic struck late on to win their penultimate league fixture.

Jackson Barker netted in injury-time to seal a 3-2 win over Newtongrange Star.

Four goals had been scored in a seven minute spell just after the hour mark with the Brox passing up a two goal lead before sealing the late win.