Linlithgow Rose strike late on to rescue point against Blackburn United

Linlithgow Rose rescued a point thanks to a dramatic late equaliser in their East of Scotland Premier Division opener away to West Lothian rivals Blackburn United, writes Callum McCormack.

The Burnie took a surprise lead through Scott Richards, before an injury time equaliser from Owen Andrew ensured that the Rose took home a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

In early season sunshine, it might have been assumed pre-match that title favourites Linlithgow would control proceedings, but United came out the traps with intent and vigour in the early exchanges.

However Rose would be the first to create chances. On 10 minutes, Mark Stowe would go close as he cut in and curled an effort from the edge of the box that glanced off the post before bouncing wide.

Stowe would be involved again soon after. His chasing of a ball over the top forced Blackburn keeper Jakub Welna off his line, and the Burnie new boy was perhaps fortunate not to see himself penalised after appearing to impede the Rose forward as he dived at his feet. Despite protests from the Rose players, the official would wave for play on.

Welna then produced a tremendous double save to keep the scores level. Sean Heaver’s free-kick found Gary Thom in the centre of the box and his header was good but was well saved by Welna. The ball would fall to the feet of Liam Allison but again the keeper would react well to deny the Rose defender.

However, with the ball still live, Greg Skinner must have been sure he had opened the scoring, but he could only watch as his header rebounded off the crossbar.

Into the second half and Rose would continue to push for an opener. And again, they would wonder how they didn’t find one. Jack Ogilvie did well to find Conor McKenzie to the left