Rose remain top of the pile

Linlithgow Rose picked up their eighth win on the bounce and opened up a four point lead at the top of the Superleague with a fine display against Hill of Beath at Prestonfield.

The hosts were given a huge helping hand to their three points by the visitors who had Aaron Hay sent-off early in the second half for a late foul on Gary Thom - while John McCulloch was also dismissed for a push on Roddy McLennan in the aftermath.

Lithgae were up by one at that point but were far from their best with Owen Ronald getting on the scoresheet after his effort deflected off a defender and into the net four minutes before the break.

It took the hosts just five minutes following the double dismissal to make their numerical advantage count as former Queen’s Park striker Aiden Malone netted a stunner off the post from 25 yards.

The result was now not in doubt but hitman Tommy Coyne was able to edge his way closer to the club’s all-time goalscoring tally with a late composed goal at the back post.

Mark Bradley’s side are now in East of Scotland Cup action on Saturday as they look for a rematch with Hill of Beath. They will need to get the better of Tayport away from home to set that up.