Richie Hutton bagged a hat-trick as Blackburn United sealed an emphatic 6-0 home win over Vale of Leithen.
The East of Scotland Premier Division basement boys arrived in West Lothian off the back of picking up their first league win of the campaign but an assured performance from the Burnie swept away any hopes of a second straight triumph.
The home side were firmly in the driving seat within two minutes as Hutton produced a moment of magic.
The winger robbed Gary Tickle of possession on the halfway line before charging down the flank, cutting inside on the edge of the box and effortlessly stroking the ball beyond Lewis Sanderson for the opener.
He doubled his account, and Blackburn’s lead, on 19 minutes when he was the quickest to react to Calum Heath’s curling effort clattering back off the post as he stabbed home the rebound.
It would be 3-0 on the half-hour mark as a David Howe corner was met by Scott Richards with his strike nestling into the back of the net after bouncing off the far post.
A quick-fire double at the start of the second-half put any hopes of a Vale comeback to bed. Hutton completed his hat-trick on 48 minutes as he was sent clear and slammed the ball beyond Sanderson who, despite conceding six, had an impressive game for Vale.
The fifth arrived moments later when skipper Marcus Millar headed a Vale goal-kick back towards goal with Heath able to benefit as he got in behind the defence to fire into the net.
The final goal arrived 14 minutes from time as Luke Meikle’s ball across goal was tapped home by Michael Gould to complete the rout.
The victory - just their second of the season - lifts Blackburn five points clear of the relegation zone.
At the other end of the table, Linlithgow Rose climed to the summit thanks to a resounding 5-1 victory over Dundonald Bluebell. An own goal either side of a Greg Skinner double had the home side sitting pretty at the break before Dundonald pulled one back early in the second-half.
Gordon Herd’s men ensured there was no collapse, though, with Conor McKenzie and substitute Jack Ogilvie finding the net to complete the victory.
The Rose now sit atop the East of Scotland’s top flight on goal difference from Penicuik Athletic, who were held 3-3 at home to Jeanfield Swifts.
Broxburn Athletic, meanwhile, held on for a 1-1 draw away to Hill of Beath Hawthorn despite ending the game with nine men. The Brox fell behind early doors and further suffered a blow before the match had even re-started as Jordan Orru was sent-off, seemingly for foul and abusive language.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Stevie Clarke produced a wonderful diving header to draw Athletic level 10 minutes into the second-half but they were unable to find a second.
In the dying moments, Mark McConnell took one for the team with a straight red for a last man challenge with Josh Blair saving the resulting free-kick to ensure they returned home with something to show for their efforts.
Three goals in the final four minutes at Station Park resulted in a thrilling finish as Livingston United’s unbeaten run continued thanks to a 2-1 win over Stoneyburn.
Steven Jackson fired a long-range effort into the net on 86 minutes to give the hosts the lead, only for them to be pegged back moments later.
But Livi sealed the three points - and climbed into the East of Scotland Division Three promotion places in the process - thanks to Chris Aikamhenze’s injury-time winner.
They were able to make the most of Armadale Thistle’s 4-0 away loss to Bo’ness Athletic to jump above Derek Strickland’s side and into second place.
Elsewhere in the division, it was honours even at Park View as four goals were shared between Fauldhouse United and Bathgate Thistle. West Calder United suffered a 3-1 loss away to Edinburgh College with Jason Gregory on the scoresheet for the visitors.
Harthill Royal’s home clash against Pumpherston fell foul of the torrential rain and was called off.
In Division Two, Whitburn’s great start continued as they edged out Edinburgh United 4-3 in the capital to make it eight games unbeaten.
United took the lead thanks to an own goal but Whitburn answered back from the spot through Reece Duncan only for the hosts to retake the lead before the interval.
Duncan levelled up once more before Martin Russell fired them in front on 77 minutes only for Edinburgh to reply almost instantly. Whitburn passed up chances before Ross Crawford slammed home a late winner.
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