Whitburn slipped off the highest of the East of Scotland Convention Division X as they needed to come from behind to attract with rivals Armadale Thistle at Volunteer Park - however a late Darren Liddell double retains their title hopes alive, writes Callum McCormack.
Targets from Thomas Murphy and Stuart McLeod gave Thistle a 2-0 lead earlier than Whitburn hit again by way of a Darren Liddell double.
In a recreation missing in true clear reduce probabilities however not in motion, the opening exchanges occurred extra in midfield than on the prime finish of the park. Each side labored arduous to interrupt one another down however typically discovered themselves met with stern resistance.
Whitburn would have the primary actual likelihood of the sport. On 9 minutes, Reece Duncan’s good working regarded to have been for nothing as he acquired the ball caught beneath his ft and he stumbled over. Regardless of this, he was capable of finding the onrushing Louis Maguire. His shot throughout aim was unfortunate to not discover the web.
Thistle’s industrious harrying gave the Burnie gamers little time on the ball and infrequently pressured Whitburn into rushed determination making. With 13 minutes on the clock, Thistle would capitalise.
J.J Henderson’s floated free-kick wasn’t handled correctly by the Whitburn defence and Lennon Watson’s poor clearance solely went so far as Thistle left again Murphy. His chic effort with the surface of his left boot discovered the highest nook to offer Armadale the lead.
For a lot of the following 20 minutes, Thistle would discover themselves in charge of the sport however with out threatening the Whitburn aim, with the Burnie defence usually capable of take care of Thistle’s makes an attempt to interrupt them down however unable to wrangle again management of the sport.
This was a real blood and guts derby tie aided by a loud crowd of 605. And an at occasions tempestuous affair ensured that referee Michael Walsh was stored busy, no extra so than on half-hour when McLeod’s strong deal with on Maguire resulted in consternation from each side and a flurry of yellow playing cards.
On 34 minutes Whitburn would have their finest likelihood of the primary half. Duncan this time discovering Liddell on the fringe of the field. The striker was by way of one-on-one with Connor Shaw within the Armadale aim however he shall be disenchanted to not have seen his effort hit the goal.
Into the second half and Whitburn would once more go near an equaliser. Dylan Weldon couldn’t fairly capitalise on Gregg Forrest’s brief again cross and Shaw was readily available to clear.
Thistle would prolong their lead a minute later. Murphy’s pretty by way of ball discovered McLeod who raced by way of beneath stress from Mick McGarahan. The winger did properly to carry him off nonetheless and located the underside nook to make it 2-0.
It regarded like Armadale had been dwelling and hosed with Whitburn being restricted to few probabilities as the sport entered its remaining 20 minutes. Nevertheless, a 3 minute flurry would flip the sport on its head.
First, Daniel Potts' free-kick from his personal half bypassed a lot of the Armadale defence permitting Liddell to look a header in the direction of aim. Shaw was capable of get an outstretched hand to it nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to disclaim Whitburn a approach again into the sport.
Then with 75 minutes on the clock, Duncan once more discovered Liddell. This time he made no mistake as he burst past the Thistle defence and slid the ball past Shaw.
Duncan may have sealed the victory for Whitburn deep in stoppage time. He did properly to get to the sting of the six yard field however might need chosen to cross moderately than shoot with Liddell ready on the again publish.
The outcome sees Whitburn drop to second within the desk on aim distinction and now stay up for the go to of Stoneyburn to Central Park on Saturday. Armadale are in King Cup motion on Tuesday earlier than internet hosting Bo’ness Athletic at Volunteer Park on Friday.
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