West Lothian duo earn crucial East of Scotland Premier Division victories

Linlithgow Rose and Blackburn United both hit five to secure crucial victories at both ends of the East of Scotland Premier Division at the weekend.

And there were Conference X derby wins for both Fauldhouse United and West Calder United in a packed day of action for our local non-league sides.

The Rose took full advantage of Penicuik Athletic’s clash at Hill of Beath being postponed as they secured a 5-2 win over Crossgates Primrose to jump to the top of the table for the first time this season.

The game was firmly in the balance with five minutes to go before Primrose saw Andy McDonald sent-off and the hosts netted twice with the man advantage as Alan Sneddon and Cammy Thomson secured the three points.

Sean Heaver, Mark Stowe and Lewis Payne had earlier found the net for the Rose, who made it 21 wins on the bounce.

Blackburn United, meanwhile, produced a wonderful second half display to pick up a 5-1 away win at Dundonald Bluebell and jump out of the relegation zone.

Jack Garrad gave United an early lead before the hosts equalised before the turning point arrived just after the hour mark.

Richie Hutton restored Blackburn’s lead with Bluebell reduced to 10 men moments later and United taking full advantage by netting another three times through Daryl Meikle, Garrad once more, and Fergus Owens as they picked up their first win of 2022.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Broxburn Athletic put up a spirited display against promotion-chasing Tranent but ultimately fell to a 1-0 away loss.

In Conference X, the promotion battle at Volunteer Park fell foul of the weather as Armadale Thistle’s clash with Whitburn was postponed but there were home derby victories for Fauldhouse and West Calder.

A brace from Leon Chiwara was added to