Tranent celebrations 'noted' by Linlithgow Rose after thrilling comeback as manager sees red

Tranent remain two points clear at the top of the table with two matches remaining after second-place Penicuik Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Broxburn Athletic.

The Belters looked to be heading towards just their third league defeat of the campaign as visitors Rose looked in control with a 2-0 lead.

However, a stunning Kris Renton free-kick and a Jamie Docherty penalty in added-on time effectively put Rose out of the title running on a captivating night.

“I don’t think we really deserved to get anything out of the match, they were the better side,” said Elliot who was sent-off midway through the second half by referee Ally Grieve.

“We will take it in the circumstances. We showed great character, when you are not playing well to come back and fight, and get a big point, especially when we were outplayed for large parts.

“One thing you can’t question about this team is the character they have got, because there has been many times this season that it’s been tough for us, but we’ve shown great belief.

“We had to work really, really hard for that point, but we need to go there [Prestonfield] next week and be better than that, because they are a very good side. We’ve got a long way to go, Penicuik keep grinding out results and we’ve just got to hang in there.

“We are down to the bare bones with injuries – we had 10 players yesterday – but we keep grinding out results.”

Linlithgow must win their remaining three matches and hope other results go their way as they can only win the title on goal difference.

It certainly was going there way until their late collapse, with a first-half Mark Stowe penalty and a Sean Heaver strike putting them in the ascendancy.

Rose boss Gordon Herd was left to rue his side’s late