Trophy success sees Linlithgow boss excited about new season

Rose boss Dave Baikie was delighted with the win, saying: "I'm pleased with the way things have gone for us in the pre-season. We've played four games and scored 17 goals in the process.

"I thought we were the better side and deserved the win. Our fitness levels are great and with a good sized squad now, it's looking good for the season ahead. We've had a few new faces brought in and they seemed to have lifted the rest of the players.

"The dressing-room has a good spirit about it and the new boys are settling in well. I think this side is better than the one we had last season and we could possibly go one step further this year."

The game started at a frantic pace with neither side settling down. Gradually though, Linlithgow found their feet and striker Callum Smith missed a glorious chance to put them ahead in the 19th minute when he blasted wide of an open goal.

Camelon's luck ran out only a couple of minutes later. Rose's Steve Manson had switched wings with Stuart McArthur and he swung over a super cross from the left for Gordon Herd to rise unchallenged and head the ball back across the keeper and into the net.

Linlithgow added to their tally midway through the second half when Callum Smith rammed home following a good build up with substitute Ruari McLennan in the thick of it.

Camelon were unlucky with their finishing and should have scored on more than one occasion. They were awarded a penalty when Andy Shirra handled the ball in the box but Mark McAfferty saw his effort superbly saved by substitute keeper Kyal Allison.

Linlithgow deserved this win and with the new faces on board are the bookies firm favourites for the Super League title this season.

Friendlies played elsewhere in the Region included a super 5-3 win for Broxburn over Senior side Civil Service Strollers. On the score sheet for Broxburn were Stuart Cairns with a hat-trick along with Gary Miller and Chic Pearson. Broxburn have placed striker Paul Shields and midfield player Chris Geddes on the transfer list. Both should attract attention especially Geddes who notched up 28 goals last season.

Newtongrange under-21s beat Star A CYP under-21s 11-0. Gary Cherrie scored four goals with Declan Doherty and Davie Beattie bagging doubles. Further goals came from Grant Meaney, Blair Tolmie and Liam McKenna.

In an entertaining game at Pumpherston it was visitors Maddison Amateurs who took the lead and only a spirited fightback with a goal from Ian Douglas prevented an embarrassing defeat for the South Division side.

Blackburn entertained Fife side Lochgelly Albert and lost 5-3. They were 3-1 up when they made eight changes to the line up. Disaster followed as the visitors tore them apart with a four-goal spree to take the honours. Davie Sneddon, David Wright and Andy McQuillan were the scorers for Blackburn.

Penicuik completed their round of pre-season friendlies with a terrific 2-1 win over Senior side Lothian Thistle.

Another trademark Keith Barr free kick gave them the lead early into the second half only for Joe Murray to equalise shortly after. However, Penicuik sealed the win when Charlie Brigain was brought down in the box allowing Keith Barr to complete his double from the penalty spot.

Spartans took the opportunity to try out some new faces when the faced Senior side Edinburgh City and managed a very creditable 2-2 draw. On the score sheet for Spartans were Adam Perry and Sean Wringe.

In the Jimmy Holborn Memorial trophy played between Arniston and Fauldhouse every year it was Fauldhouse who took the honours with a great 5-1 win at Gorebridge. Kenny Martin scored a hat-trick along with a double from Gary Shanks for the visitors. Stoneyburn faced Perth side Jeanfield Swifts and lost 3-0 in their last warm up before the League Cup starts in earnest on Wednesday night.