Burnie just too hot to handle in cup shock
Whitburn caused a major East of Scotland League Cup upset as they knocked out Premier Division side Tynecastle.
The Second Division leaders came out on top as they edged a five-goal affair at Central Park.
Darren Wilson’s men had the better of the early stages but found themselves behind midway through the first-half as Andy Thomson was ruled to have fouled just inside the box with Tynie’s Ryan Cameron duly stepping up and firing home the spot-kick.
Darren Liddell went close a couple of times before finally finding the net and bagging an equaliser just after the half-hour mark after being teed up by Louis Maguire.
Both sides passed up decent chances to take the lead prior to the interval before the Burnie dominated the early proceedings of the second-half.
Ross Crawford put them deservedly in front in the early stages as he fired past Jamie Rae thanks to another Maguire assist.
The hosts were unable to add to their lead and were made to pay for that as the game ticked into the final 20 minutes.
Whitburn keeper Daniel Potts initially made a decent save to tip Fletcher Hendry’s effort over the bar but from the resulting corner the visitors drew level as Dale Penicuik blasted home.
The hosts were able to dust themselves down from that disappointment and take control.
They were denied a late penalty as sub Dewi Taylor appeared to have been dragged down inside the box but that ultimately wouldn’t matter as they found a dramatic late winner in the 90th minute.
It was that man Maguire once more as he made it a hat-trick of assists with a terrific corner that was headed home by Reece Boyle to spark scenes of delight amongst the home spectators.
It was an altogether brilliant week for the Burnie as they were able to cling onto top spot in the East of Scotland Second Division table despite not playing a league fixture as St Andrews United dropped points away to HeriotWatt University in a 1-1 draw.
That ensures Whitburn remain at the top of the table on goal difference and with three games in hand as they chase a second successive title and promotion to the First Division.
They can strengthen their cause this weekend if they can pick up maximum points away to Peebles Rovers.
The two sides drew 1-1 at Central Park in August in one of just three league fixtures in which the Burnie have dropped points this season.