Two late goals earned Linwood Rangers 2001 a hard fought draw over Erskine YFC 2001 despite having a man sent off in the second half.

Erskine where already a goal in front when Linwood’s Mark McClune was sent off for a second bookable offence. Erskine doubled their lead on the 80^th minute but late goals from Sean Traynor and Mikey Gallagher were enough to ensure the points were shared.

There was seven points separating the sides before Saturday’s game. The match at the Johnstone Sports Hub was Linwood’s second home game in succession after a goalless draw with Renfrew the previous week.

The hosts lined up: Lambie, Hendry, McClune, Black, Inglis, Traynor, Husbands, Gallacher, Walton, McLaughlin, Kelly. Subs: Gallager and McKelvie.

It was the perfect start for the visitors as Erskine took the lead inside the first minute. Clearly not the start that Linwood would have been hoping for as they were now chasing the game from the off. 

McClune received his first booking seven minutes into the second half. It obviously didn’t stand as much of a warning for the centre half as he received his second booking 17 minutes later and Linwood were down to 10 men.

A goal, and a man, up things were looking good for Erskine. They looked even better when with only 10 minutes to go they doubled their lead and it looked like they would be taking the points home with them.

However, Linwood Rangers would rally late in the game. Traynor would give his side hope scoring from a Gallagher assist on 82 minutes. It was left to Gallagher again to provide the goods as he scored the equalising goal on the 85^th minute to ensure the game finished as a draw.

The result left Linwood sitting in fifth, seven points off the leaders Rutherglen Gelncairn Juniors. However, they have two games in hand over three of the teams above them. Erskine sit tenth on 10 points, however they have as much as four games in hand over the teams above them to make up ground.

The two teams won’t have to wait long to see each other again as they will face off on 28^th October with Erskine playing hosts this time around.