Late leveller sees Broxburn lose ground on Tranent

BROXBURN ATHLETIC lost ground on South Division leaders Tranent as a late goal denied them victory over Blackburn United.

The visitors were looking to build on their fine weekend win over Tranent and things were going their way when Craig Young gave them the lead with only eight minutes remaining.

However, Blackburn, who still harbour hopes of taking the title themselves, snatched a draw in the final minute through substitute Grant Plenderleith.

The result makes it all the more interesting at the top of the table, following Tranent's 2-0 win at home to Edinburgh United last night.

Both goals came from Mel Graham after Edinburgh had goalkeeper David Livie sent off for handling outside the box.

With no substitute stopper, it proved too much for Edinburgh as Graham struck to give Tranent the lift they needed after the weekend.

The table now sees Tranent on top with 45 points and Broxburn six points behind, but with two games in hand.

Elsewhere, Livingston proved their recent upsurge in form was no fluke when they travelled to West Calder and won 2-0 thanks to goals from Lee Docherty and veteran Graeme Crawford.

Livingston's manager, Andy Johnstone, who took over in the depths of winter – when no games were played due to the harsh weather – has turned things around in some style. He has signed several seasoned Junior stalwarts and their experience is paying dividends.

Dalkeith, who bounced back to form at the weekend when they beat West Calder 5-0, were unable to hit such heights at home to Haddington last night, as they lost 2-0. The visitors' goals came from Fraser Paterson and Michael Motion.

Stoneyburn travelled to Harthill and ground out a 3-2 win against a good home side, while Sauchie and Pumpherston were drawing 3-3 with just minutes remaining, only for Sauchie to find a couple of late goals to win 5-3 and maintain their place in the top half of the table.