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John Walker League Division B
Saturday 11th May 1985
Blackburn United 3
Shanks 14mins, Ritchie 40mins, Krendler 57mins
Sauchie 0

Blackburn came into this match knowing that a victory would be enough to secure the second promotion spot at the expense of both the visitors and .Bathgate Thistle.

United looked tense as Sauchie took the early initiative with Carbury and Aitchison both coming close as the Clackmannanshire outfit forced the pace in a bid to find a crucial early goal. In a later raid, as the visitors continued to press, Paul Kerr did well to parry a shot from the ever alert Carbury round the post.

Blackburn eased their way back into the game and in thirteen minutes prolific striker and joint top scorer Rab Krendler forced a fine save with a powerful downward header. Seconds later the scoring was opened when midfielder Gary Mooney floated over a corner from the left and full-back Keith SHANKS burst through to sweep a low shot past Sauchie 'keeper McBain.

Five minutes from half-time United went further ahead when a header from Begbie RITCHIE left McBain rooted to the spot and the net billowing, allowing the players to go into the interval with a comfortable two goal cushion.

In the opening exchanges of the second-half Blackburn attempted to add to that lead rather than sit on it and pushed forward in numbers. However, a more resolute defence to that they met in the first forty five minutes kept them at bay. This wasn't to last though and a killer third goal arrived during a further spell of United pressure and the points and promotion to the top flight were sealed when KRENDLER ghosted past two defenders to blast home.

Blackburn's brave promotion bid had come to fruition and the large crowd made for the exit gates already looking forward to our first season in the top division.