High fives for Linlithgow at Blackburn

LAST night's Dechmont Forklift League Cup action threw up a cracking match at Murrayfield Park, as holders Linlithgow Rose edged out South Division hosts Blackburn 5-3.

Linlithgow took the lead through Tommy Coyne, only for David Wright to level minutes later. Ryan Johnston added a double for Rose with Phil Hagen scoring a fourth. Blackburn mounted a fightback and reduced the deficit with goals from Andy McQuillan and Gary Peebles with a late injury-time strike. But Coyne scored his second of the match to kill off any hopes Blackburn had of snatching a draw.

Linlithgow, meanwhile, have transferred Gary Kelly to Oakley and Ian Nimmo to Bo'ness. Derek Fleming, who was taken off against Camelon on Saturday, will be out for at least a month with cracked ribs.

Elsewhere last night, Camelon fought out a goalless draw with Super League champions Bo'ness.

In the local derby between Armadale and Bathgate, it took a Lee Johnston goal against his former club to give Bathgate all three points in a 1-0 win.

Bonnyrigg were pushed all the way before beating South Division side Spartans Juniors with a goal from Kevin McLeish.

The shock of the night came as Premier League side Arniston Rangers lost 3-1 to South Division outfit Tranent.

Whitburn, who have been in freefall since being relegated from the Super League a couple of seasons ago, secured a creditable 0-0 draw at Fauldhouse, one of the favourites to win the South Division.

Stoneyburn beat Harthill 2-0, with Broxburn beating Pumpherston by a solitary goal. Haddington beat Dunbar 2-1 and Edinburgh United were beaten 3-1 at home by Livingston.