Prodigal son Carrigan sets up equaliser

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 09:07

Linlithgow Rose 1 Kelty Hearts 1 PRESTONFIELD'S prodigal son, Brian Carrigan, returned from the SPL to start for Linlithgow Rose in one of the few games to survive the cold weather.

Kelty registered the opening goal in the sixth minute with the Rose defence instrumental in their own downfall. Mark Robertson was caught in two minds, and as he dallied ex-Rose man Conrad Courts stole the ball from him and sent in a low cross that Tom McGeorge side-footed home from ten yards.

The visitors could have increased their lead when a 30-yard free-kick by Conrad Courts took a deflection off Mark Tyrell but Steven Pinkowski readjusted and palmed the ball clear at full stretch.

Gradually Linlithgow came more into the game and as this happened Kelty seemed content to sit back and defend solidly.

Carrigan, with his dead ball prowess, was at the heart of the chances that Linlithgow created in the opening period.

A flighted free-kick found Kevin Donnelly at the back post but he headed wide. Then a teasing corner forced Allan Fleming to punch weakly under pressure but Mark Bradley and Ian Gallacher got in each other's way in their desperation to convert the opportunity.

There was a buzz around the ground when Linlithgow were awarded a free-kick 28 yards out, but there was to be no spectacular goal for Carrigan as his effort drifted over.

The second half became quite scrappy and disjointed as five Kelty players picked up bookings.

McGeorge had a great chance to double the visitors' advantage but fired over from good position, and that miss was rued when Rose equalised with 20 minutes remaining. Bradley released Carrigan on the right wing and as Kelty looked in vain for an offside flag the ex-Hamilton man sent in a low cross that Stuart McArthur converted.

Both teams had chances in a frantic closing spell with the best falling to Gordon Herd who outpaced Tam Courts before pulling his shot just wide of the post.

Rose boss Brian Fairley expressed his delight at having Carrigan back in the fold at Prestonfield. He said: "Brian brings composure and quality on the ball. He's short of match fitness, but he will be a big boost for us for the rest of the season."

Linlithgow: Pinkowski, Robertson, James, Donnelly, Gallacher (King), Bradley, Tyrell (Hogg), McDowell (Livingstone), Carrigan, Herd, McArthur. Subs: McDermott, Grady.

Kelty: Fleming, Ross, Leighton, Droudge, T Courts, Moffat, Lawrie (Boylan), Findlay, McGeorge, Mauchline (Sibanda), C Courts. Subs: Winiarski, Smart, Coull.