Newtongrange Star 0, Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2.

A MAGNIFCENT performance by Hill of Beath Hawthorn, at Newtongrange last night, has opened the door for them to have a good chance of winning the East of Scotland League Conference A title.

Haws went to Nitten knowing that they had to win to put pressure on leaders Penicuik as events enter the last weekend this Saturday and it was a big night for player/assistant boss Darrin Wright who played his 500th game for the club.

Newtongrange have had a good run of results since the turn of the year and it was always going to be a tough ask and the opening stages were tight.

Haws 'keeper Stuart Hall made couple of good saves and then Haws went in front when Joe Kirby did the needful after a good visiting move.

Hill of Beath had to defend well though and at the break they were one up.

In the second period Star tried hard to get back into the game but Hall and his defenders were in top form and when Daniel Watt struck to net the winner brought this Tweet from the East of Scotland League: "Conference A title showdown confirmed! Haws 3 points behind Penicuik, but goal difference superior by one solitary goal; they travel to Easthouses on Saturday while Penicuik host Musselburgh, a little under 10 miles away to the south west. Will the Cuikie nerve hold?"

Haws will be favourites to win at lowly Easthouses so can third top Musselburgh beat Cuickie? All will be revealed on Saturday.