Linlithgow boost own title hopes by ending Bathgate's

LINLITHGOW ROSE stamped their title credentials on the East Region Super League with a convincing 4-1 victory at derby rivals Bathgate.

The victory for the Junior Cup finalists means only Rose and neighbours Bo'ness can now win the title. Bo'ness have three games remaining and have a home game against Hill of Beath Hawthorn on Saturday.

Rose have eight league fixtures to fulfil but are relying on Bo'ness to drop points. The outcome could be decided when the teams meet in Rose's first game following the Junior Cup final.

Linlithgow settled first and soon took the lead through Gordon Herd. Bathgate equalised quickly with a goal from top scorer Jim Lister but Linlithgow took the lead again with a goal from Stuart McArthur, so long out of favour but definitely taking the opportunity to impress ahead of the Junior Cup Final. He added a third to further impress manager Dave Baikie as he ponders his starting line-up for the final at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock on 23 May.

Bathgate tried to claw back the deficit after the half-time break but they remained hesitant in defence and conceded a penalty which Tommy Coyne confidently converted to finish the night's scoring.