East of Scotland Premier League, Friday 20th April 2007

Whitehill Welfare 1 Lothian Thistle 2

Welfare’s league challenge ended with a home defeat against Lothian Thistle. The home side were missing several players through injury or suspension but still fielded what could be considered a strong eleven.

Whitehill made the perfect start to the game with a goal after only four minutes after Doig and Walker had come close in the opening minutes. A neat flick inside by Walker was well-controlled by Christie and he hammered the ball high into the net with his left foot from ten yards. Instead of building on their lead, Whitehill allowed Lothian to march through the centre of their defence with their centre forward rounding Swain to tap into an empty net.

Worse followed for Welfare midway through the half when Lee pulled down a Lothian forward in the box and they fell 2-1 behind to the resultant penalty.

The second half saw Welfare continually push for an opening but the Lothian defence held firm and the league title is now between Annan and Spartans.

Whitehill: Swain, Cornett, Lee, Johnston, Wilkes, Hart, Christie, Pryde, Walker, Doig, Malone. Subs: McEwan, E.McIntosh, Stewart, Finlay.

Above: Andy Christie gives Welfare a fourth minute lead against Lothian Thistle.

Above: Christie is congratulated by creator Walker.

Above: Gormley rolls the ball into an empty net after side-stepping Swain to equalise

Above: Lee brings down Gormley and the ref pointed to the spot.

Above: Gormley's penalty has too much power and direction for Swain and it proved to be the winning goal.