Carnoustie 1 Linlithgow Rose 0
Carnoustie completed a Rose double as they added victory over Linlithgow to the one over Bonnyrigg Rose last month.
Manager Alan McSkimming has expected to make changes to the side that had put Jeanfield Swifts out of the GA Cup last weekend but his hand was forced by fresh injuries. Liam Gibb continued at left back in place of Steven Cook while Michael McIlravey dropped out during the warm up with John Black taking his place. Luke McGeehan also missed the game and his place went to Roddy Black who started his first competitive game since the home defeat by Broxburn Athletic, back in August.
Carnoustie dominated from the off, causing problems for the visitors all over the park and could have been in front at half time but instead the sides went in level. The only goal of the game and what proved to be the winner cam ten minutes in to the second half, Gordon Macdonalds dangerous run was unceremoniously halted and the referee awarded a free kick. Roddy Black produced an inch perfect free kick that Macdonald, leaping like a salmon, met with a great glancing header past Darren Hill in the Linlithgow goal. Moments later it should have been two, Pat Smith delivered another great cross for Ewan Buggins but the defender put his header wide when it looked like a certain goal. With 5 to go it looked like he the points would be sown up when Smith he went round Hill before crossing for Sam Simpson but last weeks hat trick hero got a bad touch and put his shot past the post.
An excellent result for McSkimmings resurgent Panmure and a clean sheet, although Jamie Robbie has certainly had busier afternoons.
After the game the manager said “It was a thoroughly deserved three points, we limited Linlithgow to very few chances and in all honesty should have won by more. We were missing 4-5 regulars from the squad and the boys that came in stepped up to the mark which was great to see.”
