SCOREBOARD NO EASY
Whitburn still finding Premier life a struggle
Superleague Premier League Whitburn’s struggles at the outset of the new season continued as they suffered their first home league defeat in more than a year.
The loss means the Burnie have claimed just one point from their last five Premier League games following their stunning 5-1 home victory over Dundee Violet on the opening day of the season.
The loss was also Whitburn’s first defeat since their return to Central Park last season, having gone unbeaten on home soil as they secured promotion from the South Division last term.
Two quick- fire goals in the first half proved to be the difference as the diminutive and speedy Lumbert Kataleza, not for the first time, proved too hot for a defence to handle as he set up both finishes for the visitors, who have now won all three away ties but are yet to grab three points at home this campaign.
Martin Russell netted his third goal of the season in injury-time but it was too late to spark a Whitburn revival as they fell into 12th place, just above the relegation zone, in the early Premier League table.
A slow start to the contest was turned on its head as Rangers found the net twice within two minutes shortly after the quarter of an hour mark having offered little beforehand.
The dangerous Kataleza pounced on a misplaced pass from the Burnie defence and sprinted towards Dougie Horne’s goal before calmly slotting the ball into the path of Michael Deland to smash home.
Whitburn barely had enough time to come to terms with being a goal down when the Tanzanian proved to be a thorn in their side once again.
His darting run and cross from out wide was prodded into the net