Rose put celebrations on hold to focus on title bid

KEVIN DONNELLY revealed he's still high as a kite after his goal helped Linlithgow secure the Scottish Junior Cup last weekend.

But, after a night of partying on Sunday, the goal hero revealed celebrations have now been put on hold as Rose aim to add further silverware before the end of the season. They moved into the semi-finals of the East of Scotland Cup by beating Camelon 3-0 last night and still have another seven league games to go, starting with Saturday's big one against leaders Bo'ness, as they aim to keep their title hopes alive.

He said: "Last Sunday was an amazing day for everyone at the club. From the lunch beforehand, the game itself and the parade round the town on the open-top bus, then to cap it all back to the social club to celebrate. Unfortunately, I was working on Monday so I was under control to a degree.

"Others though were well up for the party and didn't leave till well into the morning. We went back to training on Tuesday night and the boss has our minds set on the job ahead."

The job ahead starts with that must-win game against Bo'ness. If Bo'ness win then the title is theirs. But if Linlithgow win, they know victory in their six remaining games after that would see them pull off what would be a remarkable comeback to win the title.

A draw would mean Linlithgow would have to boost their goal difference by over 20 goals in their last six games. Donnelly insists Rose have put the cup celebrations to one side to concentrate fully on the job at hand.

"Saturday's game is massive for us," he said. "It's a must-win game. We're going for the double and to achieve that would make it a real season to remember. On Tuesday night, the boss spoke about what we have to do and just how big a job it is for us. We can forget about Sunday until the end of the season.

"Bo'ness will be up for it so it makes it tougher for everyone. We're determined to go there for a win. If we win then it puts the pressure back on us to finish the season in style. Sunday's win has certainly given us the taste for silverware again. Saturday's game is always huge for both sides. The supporters build up the tension before the first kick of the ball and if you're not careful you can get caught up in it.

"We're looking on it as a chance to get three points nearer the title. We're going for the double and confidence in the squad is high after Sunday."