The first weekend of the 2022/23 East of Scotland Football League season brought a mixed bag of results for West Lothian’s 12 sides.
Blackburn United and Linlithgow Rose played out a 1-1 draw at the Purdie Worldwide Community Stadium thanks to an injury-time Owen Andrew equaliser from the hosts. Former Bathgate Thistle man Scott Richards had given United a second-half lead somewhat against the run of play.
The county’s other Premier Division outfit put on a five-star display away at Vale of Leithen as Broxburn Athletic ran out 5-2 winners. Gary Brass netted a 30th minute leveller before a Darren Downie brace put the Brox 3-2 up at half-time after the hosts had dragged themselves back in front.
Second-half strikes from Ross Nimmo and debutant Craig Henderson ensured a comfortable victory.
There was also a 5-2 win for Whitburn as they made their Division Two debut at home to Arniston Rangers.
A quick-fire start had the Burnie three goals up before the midway stage of the first half with Andy Thomson opening the scoring before Ross Crawford bagged the first two goals of his hat-trick. Darren Liddell would also get on the scoresheet.
In Division Three, there was a thrilling derby clash at Beechwood Park as Stoneyburn rallied from two down at home to Pumpherston only to have to settle for a 3-3 draw as the visitors grabbed an injury-time leveller.
Owen Main and Ben Cochrane had the away side looking pretty but goals from Dylan Anderson, Ryan Robertson and Dean McConnell turned the game on its head before Campbell Anthony’s late header ensured it was an opening day share of the spoils.
It was honours even at Station Park, too, as Craig Johnston’s late penalty rescued a 1-1 draw for West Calder United after Nathan Gilhooley had fired Livingston United into the lead.
Armadale Thistle got off to a fine start with a 3-0 win over Fauldhouse United. Robbie Feeney scored twice with Colin Strickland also getting his account up and running.
East of Scotland new boys Harthill Royal were unable to make it a winning start as they went down 3-2 at home to Edinburgh College.
Kieran McKee and a William Gardner penalty wouldn’t be enough for the Gibbshill Park side.
And there was an opening day to forget for Bathgate Thistle as they were swept aside 10-0 away to Bo’ness Athletic. Tiwi Daramola, who netted an incredible 59 goals last season, was in on the act straight away as he bagged four for the hosts.
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