Whitburn fightback in derby clash with Armadale Thistle keeps title hopes alive

Whitburn slipped off the top of the East of Scotland Conference Division X as they had to come from behind to draw with rivals Armadale Thistle at Volunteer Park - but a late Darren Liddell double keeps their title hopes alive, writes Callum McCormack.

Goals from Thomas Murphy and Stuart McLeod gave Thistle a 2-0 lead before Whitburn hit back through a Darren Liddell double.

In a game lacking in true clear cut chances but not in action, the opening exchanges took place more in midfield than at the top end of the park. Both sides worked hard to break each other down but often found themselves met with stern resistance.

Whitburn would have the first real chance of the game. On nine minutes, Reece Duncan’s good running looked to have been for nothing as he got the ball caught under his feet and he stumbled over. Despite this, he was able to find the onrushing Louis Maguire. His shot across goal was unlucky not to find the net.

Thistle’s industrious harrying gave the Burnie players little time on the ball and often forced Whitburn into rushed decision making. With 13 minutes on the clock, Thistle would capitalise.

J.J Henderson’s floated free-kick wasn’t dealt with properly by the Whitburn defence and Lennon Watson’s poor clearance only went as far as Thistle left back Murphy. His sublime effort with the outside of his left boot found the top corner to give Armadale the lead.

For much of the next 20 minutes, Thistle would find themselves in control of the game but without threatening the Whitburn goal, with the Burnie defence generally able to deal with Thistle’s attempts to break them down but unable to wrangle back control of the game.

This was a true blood and guts derby tie aided by a noisy crowd of 605. And an at times