Thornton give Super League Rose a scare

Thornton Hibs came close to causing an upset at Prestonfield Park on Saturday as they pushed Super League side Linlithgow Rose to the wire in the East of Scotland Cup.

An injury-ravaged Linlithgow started with the game with just three substitutes listed and quickly set about their task.

Full-back Robbie McNab tested Hibs ‘keeper Clark with a rasping drive after 12 minutes before the hosts edged in front two minutes later as Small slammed home the rebound following Coyne’s effort.

The second half saw Thornton assert some pressure on the home side’s defence.

In the 62nd minute, Rose survived an almighty scramble in the six-yard box with the ball being cleared off the line three times.

Linlithgow were keen to add to their tally and they did so with ten minutes remaining after a great move in midfield.

Kevin Kelbie provided a telling pass behind the defence for Coyne to curl one into the bottom corner.

If the hosts thought that was the game won they were in for a surprise.

Thornton came back at them trying to find a route back into the tie.

The hosts survived another scramble in their six-yard box before, in the final minute of the 90, Thornton were awarded a penalty for a push in the box at a corner.

Shaun Keatings stepped up and dispatched his spot-kick with ease to set up a frantic finish, but Rose held on.

This Saturday, Thornton return to league action as they host East Craigie in the North Division. Kick-off 2.30 p.m.

Linlithgow Rose: Hill, McNab, Donaldson, Thom, McKenzie, Shirra, Gray, Batchelor, Coyne, Small, Kelbie. Subs: Leiper, McAllister, Barnard.

Thornton Hibs: Clark, Robertson, Shields, Drummond, McGowan, Coleman, Keatings, Hepburn, Ireland, Strachan, McMillan. Subs: Henderson, McNab, Crichton.