Established 1888

Match Report

Linlithgow vs Penicuik  24.2.18

League

Linlithgow 1 Penicuik 3 Linlithgow: Hill, Gray, Turnbull, MacKenzie, Thom, Sloan, Batchelor, Ru MacLennan (c), Strickland, Coyne, Ro MacLennan, Subs: Shields, Leiper, Devine, Smith, Carlin Penicuik:  Allison, Forbes, Williams, Hume (c), Young, Connolly, MacDonald, Jones, Mendes, Kateleza, Ponton Subs Hamilton, McCrory-Irving, Sampson, Somerville, Cordery Penicuik travelled to Prestonfield for this return match in the Super League against Linlithgow Rose, having beaten them 3-2 earlier in the season. Penicuik were well aware that the home side would be looking to bounce back after their exit from the Scottish Cup last week, and the visitors showed great grit and determination to take all three points back to Penicuik. Penicuik set out their stall as early the 3rd minute when Kateleza set up MacDonald, but a slight hesitation by the midfielder allowed keeper Hill to block his strike. Two minutes later, following some slick passing the same player again had a chance but his effort flashed inches over the bar. Play immediately swung to the other end where Batchelor saw his strike go just wide of the upright. Linlithgow took the lead in the 18th minute when Coyne won a soft free kick that STRICKLAND nipped in ahead of his marker to power home a header from close range. Five minutes later, a corner to Penicuik should have brought the equaliser, but Connolly’s strikes were first blocked and the turned away from a corner by Hill. From the corner, a move from the training ground, saw Ponton lay the ball to the edge of the penalty box, but the first time shot by Forbes curled a foot wide of the goal. The deserved equaliser came in the 35th minute when a powerful shot by Ponton was beaten away by Hill but HUME pounced to slot home the rebound from a tight angle. Two minutes later, a sweeping move by Penicuik saw the home side rescued by keeper Hill who rushed from goal to deny Kateleza. Half Time: Linlithgow 1 Penicuik 1 The opening fifteen minutes saw Linlithgow apply strong pressure but Penicuik defended resolutely despite skipper Hume having to go off injured. Then Ro McLennan broke free into the Penicuik box but Forbes came to the rescue for Penicuik with a superbly time tackle to deny the winger. In the 70th minute, Batchelor had only keeper Allison to beat, but Allison pulled off the save of the game, blocking Batchelor’s effort and from the rebound, the ball hit the side netting with home fans thinking their team had taken the lead. One minute later, Penicuik took the lead following an excellent passing move that saw Jones’s strike blocked, but substitute SAMPSON slotted home from twelve yards. Then in the 77th minute, Kateleza was set free on the right. He left his marker trailing and charged into the penalty box where Hill was adjudged to have pulled him down. Referee Smith showed no hesitation in awarding the penalty kick, much to the annoyance of the Linlithgow players. As a result of the protestations, skipper Ru McLennan received his second yellow card and took the long walk to an early bath. FORBES took responsibility for the penalty and blasted the spot kick into the roof of the net to put the game to bed. However, all credit to Linlithgow, despite being down to ten men they  battled on and in the 81st minute, Strickland had a chance but his strike went wide of the target. Then a free kick to the home side was only partially cleared but Batchelor’s effort was dragged wide of the goal. Final Score: Linlithgow 1 Penicuik 3

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