Linlithgow Rose end eight-year wait for silverware with Qualifying Cup final success over Gala Fairydean Rovers

Linlithgow Rose completed the first half of a potential cup double as they struck twice late on to lift the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.

It was party time in Penicuik for Gordon Herd’s men as they defeated Gala Fairydean Rovers 3-1 in front of a bumper crowd at Penicuik Park.

Alan Docherty was the Rose hero as he bagged the opener before firing them back in front on 83 minutes after the Lowland League outfit had levelled things up before half-time.

Sean Heaver ensured the trophy was heading back to Prestonfield as he stroked home the third in the final moments.

It was Linlithgow’s first piece of silverware for eight years - and they have a chance to make it two in as many weeks when they take on either Whitehill Welfare or Tranent in Sunday’s East of Scotland League Cup final.

The 90 minutes was something of an odd affair in that Linlithgow were utterly dominant in the first half yet went into the break at 1-1 while Gala were far superior in the second half but couldn’t find a second goal before the Rose struck twice in the final seven minutes to bag the trophy.

Docherty was a threat all afternoon and he went close early on as Linlithgow peppered the Rovers goal for much of the opening 45 minutes.

His early free-kick went narrowly wide while Connor McMullan twice went close to opening the scoring - the first effort brilliantly tipped wide by Josh Blair before the Rose man’s delicate chip over the keeper went over the bar.

Liam Allison then saw his header saved by the busy Gala goalie before the pressure finally led to the deadlock being broken on 36 minutes.

Tremendous play down the right flank saw McMullan jink his way into the box before his cutback eventually fell to Docherty with the striker firing home from 10