Linlithgow Rose were crowned East of Scotland Premier Division champions this afternoon thanks to a 2-1 away win over Haddington Athletic.
The Rose went into the fixture knowing victory would seal the deal - and the Prestonfield side duly delivered.
Alan Sneddon got them off to a fine start as he slammed home from close range following nifty work down the right flank by top scorer Mark Stowe on 15 minutes.
They controlled much of the first half but were unable to add to their lead with Sneddon going close to doubling his tally as he was unable to make the most of a Dale Cornet error in the Athletic goal.
The visitors were able to give themselves some breathing space just two minutes into the second half as Stowe appeared to be clipped inside the box but skipper Connor McMullan was on hand to sweep the ball into the net for Linlithgow.
The captain looked to tee up Dale Baxter moments later but his delicate lob was unable to beat Cornet with the Haddington keeper at full stretch.
As the game entered the final stages, it was suddenly game on as Gabri Auriemma got on the end of a wonderful pass across goal by Riley Haston to set up a nervy finish. The tension rose once more at the start of injury-time as Jack Ogilvie saw red for a rash challenge and then his reaction after it - but the 10-men were able to see out the contest and celebrate at the full-time whistle.
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