Linlithgow Rose boss David McGlynn happy to stay in title race

Super-sub Tommy Coyne struck in the dying seconds of the game to clinch an important victory for the hosts as they leapfrogged their rivals into fourth place in the table.

“It was a late one, but it’s a win which keeps us still in the hunt for the title,” said McGlynn. “We’re playing catch-up but, if we keep winning, then who knows what can happen? Things can change once the midweek games kick in.”

Linlithgow pressed from the start, dominating possession but showing no real penetration. The only time they threatened a solid Musselburgh defence in the first half came in the 35th minute when they had the ball cleared off the line three times.

Rose continued to press for the opener, but Musselburgh refused to bow to the pressure and started to fight back themselves. However, Athletic survived a scare again in the 75th minute when Linlithgow failed to take one of three great chances in quick succession.

The game looked like heading for a draw until Graham Weir sent over a free-kick from the right to the head of Ruari MacLennan. His effort was blocked, but the ball fell to the feet of Coyne and he blasted the ball home for the winner.

Musselburgh boss Steve McLeish said: “It shows just how tight the margins are in the Super League. Our defence was organised and tight at the back, but we let our concentration slip and they took advantage.”

Linlithgow: Adams, Thom, Baptie, McKenzie, Lieper, MacLennan, Batchelor, Shirra, Kelly, Weir, Kelbie. Subs; Coyne, Jones, McGregor, Strickland, McKinven.

Musselburgh: Dodds, Christie, McKenna, Myles, Hamilton, Gibson, McLeish, Wright, Jamieson, Thomson, Swaney. Subs; Bracks, Paliczka.