Match Report

Friday, 18th April, 2008

Danny's day to remember

ROSE fans, ex-team mates and fans of other clubs were out in force at Prestonfield on Sunday to pay tribute to Danny Smith in his testimonial game against a strong Falkirk team.

LINLITHGOW ROSE .................... 1

Bradley (74)

FALKIRK ...................................... 6

Bradley (30,55), Clarke (40,70), Stewart (71), Murdoch (78)

Both teams formed a guard of honour to welcome the Linlithgow club captain onto the pitch amidst emotional scenes before the game.

When the game got underway the Bairns were first to threaten with a Pedro Moutinho free kick that was just too high.

A quickly taken throw caught Falkirk out and Mark Bradley curled a shot that Supple did well to tip past the post.

Moutinho threatened again but Pinkowski saved at his feet as he advanced on goal.

Rose enjoyed some decent possession and drew a string of fouls but the visitors gradually exerted their superiority with Russell Latapy pulling the strings in a deep midfield role.

Moffat set off on a marauding run before cutting inside and fizzing in a shot that struck the post.

On the half hour mark Republic of Ireland Under 21 international Stephen Bradley opened the scoring with a 25-yard drive that rebounded off the underside of the crossbar.

A flowing move extended the lead with Higdon and Moutinho combining to set up Billy Clarke who scored from 12 yards.

Linlithgow came close to pulling a goal back just before half time but Carrigan's effort slid past the post.

Into the second half the impressive Stephen Bradley grabbed his second when he knocked home the rebound following a good save by Pinkowski.

Pinkowski was performing heroics to keep the score down, and did particularly well to thwart Stewart when he was clean through. As the flood of substitutions continued both teams replaced their goalkeepers.

Logan's first touch though was to pick the ball out of the net as on loan Ipswich Town forward Billy Clarke coolly rounded him before scoring his second and Falkirk's fourth.

A minute later it was five when Stewart made no mistake after being put clear by Murdoch.

Rose grabbed a deserved goal when the diminutive Mark Bradley surprised everyone by heading home a Donaldson corner.

There was almost a fairytale moment when Donaldson found Danny Smith in space on the edge of the box but Captain Marvel's shot was flicked on by Feeney and well saved.

Stewart Murdoch completed the scoring with a 20-yard strike. Danny Smith, pictured above with family members, was withdrawn just before the end to warm applause from all corners of the ground and his familiar broad grin showed how much he had enjoyed his day.

Rose: Pinkowski (Logan 67 mins), Burnett (Donaldson 58 mins), McDermott, Gallacher, Donnelly, Smith, Tyrell, Bradley, Carrigan (Grady 53 mins), Herd (Feeney 53 mins), McArthur (White 61 mins)

Referee: Craig Charleston