Burghead comeback stuns Moray welfare leaders

MORAY welfare Premier League leaders Rothes A saw their title hopes dented by a superb comeback from hosts Burghead United.

United came back from 3-0 at half time to grab a 5-4 lead before Rothes salvaged a point with a last gasp equaliser on Wednesday night.

The Speyside outfit began the match with a five-point lead over nearest rivals Bishopmill Villa at the top, and looked on course for another win when they netted twice in the opening 12 minutes.

A long ball deceived Burghead goalkeeper Gary McKnockiter allowing Andrew MacKinnon to net a fifth minute opener, and Sean Johnstone soon stabbed home a second for the visitors.

When MacKinnon grabbed a third for Rothes ten minutes before the interval, the game looked all over as a contest.

But Burghead had other ideas in the second half and incredibly they drew level within nine minutes of the restart.

John Leggat netted from a tight angle to pull one back and Dean Walker quickly added a second following a good run by Sean Costen. Within three minutes the persistence of David Ross paid off when he turned and shot home United's equaliser.

Midway through the second half Rothes were back in front when Scott Miele conceded a penalty and MacKinnon completed his hat-trick from the spot.

But their lead lasted just three minutes, as Ross scored his second of the night with a good solo effort to make it 4-4.

And with ten minutes left Burghead took the lead for the first time in the match. Andrew Young's ball fell perfectly for Leggat to volley into the top corner to the joy of the home support.

Stunned Rothes picked themselves up off the floor and in the final minute James Grant found the net to clinch a valuable point and complete the scoring in a terrific match.

For a full Moray welfare football round-up and pictures, see Friday's Northern Scot.

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