Blackburn United give manager perfect send-off with East of Scotland Premier Division safety

The Mark Campbell era at Blackburn United ended in delight as the Burnie retained their East of Scotland Premier Division status on the last day of the season.

Despite a 1-0 away loss to Crossgates Primrose, United ensured safety on goal difference ahead of Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale as Campbell brought to an end a 27-year association with the club.

In truth the hard work had been done in the previous few weeks as the Burnie rattled off a number of impressive results - most notably a 4-2 away win over Linlithgow Rose - that meant only a string of unlikely events would see them occupy fifth bottom in the East of Scotland’s top flight.

Even so, the sizeable travelling support were glued to their phones, constantly refreshing looking for the scores elsewhere, as much as they were paying attention to the events in front of them.

Blackburn travelled to Humbug Park knowing a draw would be enough and they created the better of the early chances.

Fergus Owens headed wide at the back post while Callum Heath cut inside but could only fire his effort straight at Sean Robertson in the Crossgates goal.

Daryl Meikle looked to have given the away side the lead midway through the first half when his thunderous effort from 20 yards hit the inside of the post before being cleared.

Crossgates grew into the game and enjoyed plenty of the ball without really threatening Jamie Smith in the United goal.

With news coming through that Dunbar United were being handily beaten by Tynecastle, it became apparent only a battering - coupled with Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale comfortably defeating already relegated Newtongrange Star - would see United at risk of going down.

The Rose would pepper United’s box for much of the remainder of the half