Lily bloom early to hand Craigroyston first defeat

An early goal from Scott Borthwick, despite claims from fellow striker Stuart Love that he managed the faintest of final touches, earned Easthouses Lily a 1-0 victory against Craigroyston in Section B of the East of Scotland Qualifying League.

The game was only six minutes old when Borthwick took off on a run down the left, cut inside and crossed the ball to the far post where it deceived everyone and ended up nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Borthwick’s goal has moved Easthouses into pole position, one point ahead of Craigroyston, although Spartans, Leith Athletic and Vale of Leithen are all still challenging for a top-two finish in the mini-league of six clubs.

After Borthwick’s early strike both sides had opportunities in the first half with Craigroyston’s Ubong Umotong denied by a fine save from Craig Weir when he looked certain to score. Jonny Herd was also thwarted by a fine one-handed save from Weir while at the other end Love and Ewan Smith both had efforts saved by Stewart Addison.

Easthouses looked the more likely side to score after the break with Kyle Boggie and Borthwick a hot handful for the Craigroyston defence although Stephen Mullen and Steven Finlayson spurned good late chances for an equaliser.

Dave McQueenie, the delighted Easthouses manager, said: “We got off to a good start with Scott’s goal and I honestly felt that we dominated the game and created a lot of chances. We were under pressure for the last few minutes but that’s us unbeaten after four games and sitting on ten points. There are still two important games to come and we want to finish on top. Overall, I cannot complain.”

George Bowmaker, the Craigroyston manager, admitted after his team’s first defeat of the season: “We were not at the races and Easthouses deserved to win. We were too casual all over the park and that was a big lesson for some of my players who will now have to pick themselves up. That is the best Easthouses side I have seen for a while and they have given my players something to think about. I’ll be able to tell the character of my players now that they have tasted defeat and see how they respond.”

Elsewhere, Civil Service Strollers drew 2-2 with Peebles Rovers with goals from Gerry Burgess and Liam Jack while Nicky Cairns and Craig Edgar replied for the Rovers. Heriot-Watt University were 4-2 winners against Coldstream and Vale of Leithen triumphed 6-0 against Kelso United with Jordan Hall (two), Ryan McKenzie, Scott Moffat, Andy Martin and David Anderson all on the score-sheet. Stirling University travelled to Selkirk and won 4-1 while Berwick Rangers Reserves beat Ormiston 2-1 and Gretna 2008 defeated Hawick Royal Albert 5-0.