Saturday 22nd August 2009
Linlithgow Rose v Spartans
League Cup Group Section Match

Linlithgow’s good start to the season was maintained on Saturday with a comprehensive 4-0 win against league newcomers Spartans at Prestonfield in the final group qualifying match. Linlithgow went into this match knowing that if Armadale Thistle did not beat Newtongrange Star by 6 goals a point would secure top group place the reward being a semi final place in the competition away to Musselburgh Athletic.

Rose made only one change in personnel, Robertson being dropped with Donnelly returning as left centre back and Hogg being pushed into the holding midfield role. Mark Tyrell moved to wide on the left with Manson again operating just behind the strikers. However it was Spartans who began the brighter and made some early breaks forcing saves from Pinkowski. Rose however began to identify weaknesses in the Spartans defence. Gradually Rose began to get on top adopting the passing style which has characterised their play this season. The manager made a key switch with Manson moving to the left wing and Tyrell moving inside to resume his successful partnership with Smith. Several chances went a begging until 5 minutes before the interval when Herd raced down the right into open space and cut the ball back to Coyne, who having missed a similar chance minutes before made no mistake this time sending the ball beyond the reach of the diving frame diminutive Spartans keeper and into the bottom right hand corner of his net.

Half Time; Rose 1 Spartans 0

Spartans again started strongly and it would appear that Rose are presently at their most vulnerable 10 minutes after kick off and for the same period after half time. However once the team eventually settled it soon regained form and 3 goals were scored in quick succession. Herd ran clear of the defence down the right wing and blasted the ball past the oncoming keeper into his top left hand corner. Then a few minutes later Coyne grabbed his second and Rose’s third before completing a well taken hat trick 5 minutes later with some good finishing.

Despite the game being lost Spartans continued to play some tidy football on the quality surface at Prestonfield. On this display they may well stand a chance of promotion out of their division at first attempt.

With the game won Davie Baikie brought on Parkin, Kelly and McArthur but by then the impetus had gone and the three substitutes were not able to make any impression. Barring injuries the Rose side is beginning to take shape with the strength of the bench being a noticeable factor this year.

We all now look forward to two successive away matches at Musselburgh in the League Cup semi final on Wednesday (6.30 kick off - beware of excessive Bypass traffic during the Festival) and in the opening League fixture of the season this coming Saturday (2.30pm kick off).

The new “Burgh” Ian Ramage was at Prestonfield on Saturday and was carefully noting our formation and style of play. I think we can expect two much more physical games than we have been used to in the past 5 games.

Team: Pinkowski, Wilson, Ward, Donnelly, McLennan, Hogg, Smith, Tyrell, Manson, Coyne and Herd.

Subs: McDermott, Parkin, Livingston, McArthur, Robertson, Kelly, Coyle.

Coyne slams home his first

Celebration time as Rose hit four

Pictures ©John Preece