Blackburn United secured their first win at Albyn Park in 15 years to help boost their bid to avoid relegation from the East of Scotland Premier Division, writes Kieran Polland.
Callum Heath was quickest to react to the rebound in the 87th minute after Brox goalkeeper Connor Wallace both conceded and saved a penalty from Michael Browne.
The win takes the Burnie just a point behind Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale with a game in hand but still occupying the final relegation spot, while Broxburn remain in mid-table behind Sauchie Juniors on goal difference.
The game was preceded by a minute’s applause for Broxburn Athletic committee member Ronnie Alexander who sadly passed away last Sunday.
It was a tight contest between the two sides and Blackburn were the ones desperately in need of a victory to keep their heads above water.
Indeed, it was the visitors who took hold of the game to start with, as Heath played in Jack Garrad only for the on loan Hamilton Accies man to be ushered away by the defensive duo of Adam Murray and Ross Nimmo, while John Drummond saw his header from a corner-kick sail narrowly past the side netting.
Although both sides were defending resolutely, there were still chances as Brox right-back Craig Newall’s cross was headed wide by Gary Brass and Blackburn’s Richie Hutton saw a cross of his own go whistling past with no takers in a dangerous area.
The second half continued with much needle and Wallace was forced to palm away a curling shot from David Howe while at the other end Andy Mair’s low free-kick was smothered by Blackburn keeper Jamie Smith.
Mair was unfortunate to see his game come to an early end due to injury but substitute Greg Binnie almost made an immediate impact when his shot was blocked before his cross to Brass saw the striker send a volley sailing over the bar.
The tension was rising among both sets of fans and the away section were desperate for their side to grab the three points as results from around the county began to come in.
Blackburn were screaming for a penalty after what they believed was a foul on Marcus Millar in the box but the referee waved play on – although it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken with three minutes to go.
Wallace came out to claim the ball and was unfortunate to clatter into Fergus Owens with the whistler awarding United a late chance to get themselves in front.
Substitute Browne stepped up to the penalty spot but his effort went straight down the middle and was saved by Wallace, but the Brox keeper was unable to prevent Heath from charging in and slamming the ball home.
The away side remained steadfast in defence and kept the Brox at bay until the final whistle to pick up three valuable points.
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