Lanark are edging closer to clinching First Division title

Apr 17 2008

LANARK United edged a point closer to the Central League First Division championship following a stormy 1-1 draw with Larkhall Thistle on Tuesday night.

And Blantyre Vics boosted their chances of staying in that division as a result of their 2-0 midweek win over Yoker Athletic.

Lanark snatched the lead after eight minutes when Craig Miles’ header from a Tom Hanlon free-kick was parried by keeper Mark Burrell and Craig Stark followed up to net.

Larkhall equalised in 34 minutes when Alan Pike raced in from the left to drill a David Crilly free-kick into the net.

There was little to separate the teams, until a skirmish involving David Crilly and Darren Jaffrey sparked a midfield melee involving up to 18 players.

As referee David Tait tried to calm things down, he showed Jaffrey a second yellow and flashed Thistle’s Brian Watret a straight red for violent conduct.

Later, the busy whistler red-carded Thistle’s Pike for elbowing an opponent.

Despite the touchline stramash that saw opposition managers Tony McInally and Bobby Crilly spoken to by the referee, they were in complete agreement after the match.

“It was a typical old-fashioned junior game — a bit tousy, and a draw was a fair result,” said both managers!

Lanark boss Tony McInally added: “Larkhall had a right good go at us and the game was in the balance for a long time.

“I thought the sending offs took away some of the momentum at a time when we were on top.

“I can’t be disappointed because it’s a point closer to promotion and, at this stage of the season, we’ll take that.”

Jags boss Bobby Crilly said: “I was pleased after going a goal down to come back so strongly.

“It was a good performance — that’s five games unbeaten now, and we believe we can still go on and finish second in this league.”

Larkhall intend to appeal the Watret red card incident, on the basis of ‘mistaken identity’.

Blantyre gave themselves a real boos with a goal-scoring start to their second half as Mark McKay fired in the opener following good set-up play by Colin Boylan and Ryan McArdle.

The Martin McVay — in his first outing since his return from Rob Roy — made amends for missing an earlier open goal, by volleying in a cracking second off a McKay pass.

Vics had chances to increase their lead as Stewart Watson, Kevin Reilly and Brian Glancy all hit the post.

Thorniewood and Carluke hauled themselves back onto the fringe of the Second Division promotion pack — United returning from Stonehouse with a 4-1 win, and Rovers beating Royal Albert 3-0.

In the other Second Division game, Wishaw went down 3-2 at Cambuslang.

Lesmahagow drew 0-0 at Johnstone Burgh in the only Super League First Division game on Tuesday night.