Linlithgow Rose 3-2 St Cuthbert Wanderers: Rose emerge victorious in South Challenge Cup thriller

An enthralling home cup tie on Saturday saw Linlithgow Rose make it a sensational 12th straight win under new gaffer Gordon Herd.
Gordon Herd has won 12 of his 13 games as Linlithgow Rose manager since replacing Brown Ferguson (Pic by Scott Louden)Gordon Herd has won 12 of his 13 games as Linlithgow Rose manager since replacing Brown Ferguson (Pic by Scott Louden)
Gordon Herd has won 12 of his 13 games as Linlithgow Rose manager since replacing Brown Ferguson (Pic by Scott Louden)

The 3-2 success over St Cuthbert Wanderers in the South Challenge Cup was far from straightforward though, including a heart stopping moment with Rose 2-1 up in the second half, when a backpass to home keeper Lewis McMinn saw him strike an attempted clearance against the St Cuthberts forward but the ball rebound just wide.

“We knew it would be a tough game,” Herd told the Journal and Gazette. “Typical cup tie that they came and they fought for everything so we’re happy to get through.

"We had a few players out as well so that’s extra pleasing.

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"My heart was in my mouth a wee bit at that one (McMinn’s kick which was charged down). All credit to St Cuthbert’s, they pressed us well and they nearly got a wee bit of joy out of that press.

"We came through it unscathed so we’re happy.”

Rose – who led 1-0 and 2-1 thanks to goals by Dan Baur and Mark Stowe – were pegged back to 2-2 before Alan Docherty fired in the winner from a Stowe cross.

And the Prestonfield side received a boost this week with the news that centre back Baur, who had been on loan from The Spartans, has now been signed up on a permanent contract until 2024.

Herd said: “The loan deal ran out after Saturday so we were keen to get something done.

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"When we realised we could get Dan on a permanent transfer we didn’t hesitate because he’ll be a great addition to an already talented squad.

"He’s played every game since I came in. He can defend well for a start so that’s a big positive.

"He’s left sided, he’s good in the air, he gives us another attacking option at setpieces as well.

"He’s a great lad to have about the dressing room and has great potential.

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"Something we’re very keen on at Linlithgow is to build a young, hungry squad with a lot of potential and that’s kind of where we’re going with it.”

Herd said that Connor MacKenzie is doubtful for this Saturday’s league trip to Newtongrange Star with a hamstring problem.

But Cammy Thomson is back in training and three men cup tied against St Cuthbert’s are back.