Linlithgow Rose make it 20 wins on the bounce with Challenge Cup triumph over Blantyre Victoria

Linlithgow Rose booked their place in the last 16 of the South of Scotland Cup thanks to a 20th consecutive win.

The clash at Prestonfield was one of just a few games to go ahead thanks to heavy rain and freezing temperatures but the hosts were red hot as their stunning winning run continued with a 2-1 triumph over Blantyre Victoria.

They’ll play the winner of the tie between Sauchie and Troon next month with a place in the quarter-final up for grabs.

The Rose opened the scoring midway through the first half when Cameron Thomson’s run down the left flank produced a perfect cross that was nodded home by Sean Heaver.

Kyle King in the Vics goal twice produced smart saves to deny Mark Stowe as the hosts had to settle for a one goal advantage at the break.

The club’s top scorer went close twice more in the early stages of the second half as he flashed a strike across the face of goal before rattling the bar from 20 yards.

Gordon Herd’s side were playing some neat football that belied the horrendous conditions and eventually extended their lead just before the hour mark when skipper Gary Thom headed a free-kick beyond King from close range.

A defensive error almost immediately afterwards allowed Sam MacKenzie to race in behind the Rose defence and cut the deficit in half.

Despite that, there would be no frantic fightback from the visitors as the Rose controlled much of the remainder of the contest but were unable to give themselves breathing space.

Alan Sneddon saw his fizzing strike brilliantly tipped over the bar by King while Thomson’s enticing cross agonisingly missed everyone when the slightest of touches would have put the game to bed.

Elsewhere, Bathgate Thistle put up a spirited display when the East of Scotland