Blackburn United got 2023 off to the perfect start with an entertaining 3-2 derby win over Broxburn Athletic.
An early Kyle Sampson penalty put United in front before managerless Broxburn turned things around in fine fashion.
A stunning 20-yard volley that pinged off the underside of the bar from Mark McConnell on 16 minutes drew the game level before a back post header by skipper Jordan Wright had Athletic in the lead at the break.
After the interval, though, it was all Blackburn and they secured a deserved three points thanks to a pair of fine individual strikes.
Calum Heath’s wonderful control in a congested area on 54 minutes allowed him the space to delicately place an outside of the foot effort beyond Josh Blair before Richie Hutton sparked jubilant scenes midway through the half.
Marking his return from injury in style, he jinked his way through the Athletic defence before smasing home what proved to be the winner.
For Broxburn, it marked a second West Lothian derby loss in as many games with their 5-1 drubbing at home to East of Scotland Premier Division leaders Linlithgow Rose last week prompting the resignation of Chris Townsley.
Having failed to pick up a win for three months and under the caretaker charge of Scott McNaughton, the visitors failed to land much of a punch on their well-organised hosts after Hutton’s strike and are now perched precariously close to the relegation zone in a congested lower half of the table.
United boss Jamie McCormick hailed his side’s performance and character and insisted there’s more to come from his side as they welcome kepy players back from injury.
He commented: “I thought we deserved to win the game, certainly after the second-half performance.
“It’s been overdue to be honest because the performances have largely been good without picking up the results and being a bit loose at times.
“The guys were brilliant in the second-half. They played with real belief and they dealt with the nerves towards the end really well and stood up to the task.”
He added: “It’s a great start to year for us. We have had six or seven guys injured and they’re starting to get back - plus there’s a couple of new signings in Kyle Sampson and Jerry Otonti who are going to be big players for the rest of the season.
“Once everyone’s back I think the squad is going to be in a really good place. The two goals in the second-half were real quality. Richie’s a huge player for us and he’s been out for two months.
“That’s him just back and he scores the winner. I’m chuffed for him.”
Linlithgow Rose jumped 12 points clear at the top of the East of Scotland Premier Division table after smashing eight past Oakley United.
They got out the traps quickly with top scorer Mark Stowe helping himself to a hat-trick inside the opening 25 minutes.
His effort was matched by Alan Sneddon who fired home two before the break to make it 5-0 for the hosts at the interval and then got the ball rolling in the second-half with a third of his own.
Sandy Cunningham came off the bench to head home Linlithgow’s seventh of the afternoon before Conor McKenzie rounded-out the scoring.
Three West Lothian derbies in the East of Scotland Third Division produced a remarkable 18 goals.
Harthill Royal picked up just their second win in their inaugural East of Scotland campaign as they dismantled a faltering Livingston United side 5-0 at Gibbshill Park.
It was a perfect start for new boss Alain Davidson in his first home game in charge of the Royal. Mark Smith netted twice with Craig McDougall and Jamie McNie strikes being added to with an own goal.
West Calder United’s 5-2 away win over Pumphertson sees them jump into third place.
A Mark Wilkins second-half brace for the Cauther followed goals from James Miller and Andrew Jackson with Scott Hay netting the fifth with the final kick of the ball.
Fauldhouse United visited Creamery Park and came away with all three points thanks to a 5-1 win.
Armadale Thistle continue their promotion push as goals from Colin Strickland and Jayden Fairley saw them win 2-0 away to Edinburgh College as they now sit 13 points clear inside the top two.
Stoneyburn’s poor form continued but a battling 4-2 loss at home to free-scoring leaders Bo’ness Athletic was at least sign of improvement.
In the Second Division, Whitburn bounced back in style after suffering their first defeat of the season last weekend.
A 4-0 home win over Ormiston Primrose sent them top of the table with Reece Boyle, Dewi Taylor, Reece Duncan and Jamie Comrie all getting on the scoresheet.
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