Forfar usurp Rose at top

Forfar West End marched to the summit of the Super League table thanks to a hard-fought win over previous leaders Linlithgow Rose.

The visitors started well and Stephen Vanderdeyl had to look lively to deny Colin Strickland and Gary Kelly in the opening stages. West End came close when Stewart McConnachie beat Steven Pinkowski but Jordi Virgili was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

Linlithgow had a golden chance when Strickland and Roddy MacLennan combined to give Stuart McArthur time and space but he blasted over from close range when it seemed easier to score.

Rose rued that miss when Daryl McKenzie's shot broke to Mark Pirie who slotted the ball past Pinkowski from ten yards.

With all three subs on, Linlithgow launched an onslaught in the closing stages forcing numerous corners as they tried desperately to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

Forfar: Vanderdeyl, Logan, Black (Sime 93), Millar, Gibb, Anderson, Pirie, McKenzie, Duell, Garrick, McConnachie (Holden 80). Subs: Casey, McKenzie, Black, McDonald, Sturrock.

Linlithgow: Pinkowski, Kelly, Virgili, Ward, Brown, Tyrrell, MacLennan (Livingstone 62) McArthur, Strickland (King 62 mins), Coyne, Reilly (Manson 62). Subs: Herd, McPherson.

Forfar West End 1

Linlithgow Rose 0