East of Scotland First Division, Conference B:

Oakley United 2 Lochore Welfare 1

OAKLEY left it late to give themselves some breathing space at the top of the league.

Neither side were at their best nut Oakley went in front in the 36th minute after some good work down the left. The ball fell to Stevie Day, who took a good touch and fired it back across the goalkeeper into the back of the net. Lochore equalised after half-time, but some great work from Day again to fire across goal, before a dummy from Brian McAdam took the defenders out of the game allowing for Scott Bruce to tap in a last-minute winner at the back post.

Victory sees Oakley top with two games remaining, four points ahead of Preston, who have a game in hand.

Oakley manager Stewart Kenny said: “It was a bit like a game of pinball. There wasn’t a lot of football played. We huffed and puffed and then we managed to win the game at the death. Even then, we were holding on and thankfully we got the victory.”

If Oakley win their two remaining games, the first being against Herriot-Watt, they will be crowned champions. Kenny said: “There are still two very tough games. Herriot-Watt have just beat Preston and they beat us 2-0 earlier in the season. We will have the passion and desire to go out there and try and get over the line but that’s easier said than done. We’re not taking it for granted but it’s great to be in that position and to give ourselves this opportunity.”

On what it would mean for the club to win the league, Kenny said: “It would be ridiculous, on the budget we’ve got compared to other clubs. We’re working on next to nothing. These guys have mainly come from amateurs and youth teams so it would be unbelievable if we get to the Premier League."

East of Scotland Premier Division:

Blackburn United 4 Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 0

SWIFTS played like a side whose season was already over whereas Blackburn had it all to play for in their fight for survival.

After a scoreless first half, Blackburn broke the deadlock on the hour mark, which opened the floodgates for Blackburn.

Swifts’ manager Grant Brough said: “I thought we did well up until we conceded. After that, I felt the boys let themselves down. I know it’s towards the end of the season and there is not a lot to play for but it’s still disappointing. I really think if the roles were reversed, and we were fighting for our lives, we would have had every chance of getting the three points.”

Attention now turns to the last game of the season against Whitehill Welfare. Brough said: “We’re looking to go out on a high. They’ve only lost one game in the last nine despite being second-bottom in the league. It’s not going to be easy. We don’t want a third defeat in a row to finish the season. It’s really important that we get this win for personal pride.”

East of Scotland Premier Division:

Dunbar United 2 Crossgates 2

DESPITE going in front twice, Crossgates couldn’t hold out for the three points.

Archie Campbell opened the scoring after just five minutes with a great touch and finish but Dunbar equalised five minutes before half-time to send the sides in level at the break.

Primrose once again made a quick start and scored two minutes into the half and it was Campbell again, this time getting in behind the Dunbar defence before unleashing a powerful low strike past the keeper.

It looked as though Crossgates were going to see out the win but the hosts levelled in the 90th minute.

Primrose manager Alan Campbell said: “I’m a wee bit disappointed, not in the performance, but the result. I think when you’re leading twice it’s a bit deflating not to see it out. I thought overall though a draw was a fair result.

"I thought the guys' effort was tremendous. We won midweek against Camelon so four points from two away fixtures is a good return.”

Crossgates host Blackburn United in their last league game of the season and Campbell said: “We will be delighted to be back at home for our last league game. If we win, we have a good chance of finishing in the top five or six so that would be great to do in front of our supporters.”

l Saturday's fixtures:– East of Scotland Premier Division: Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Whitehill Welfare (2pm), Crossgates vs Blackburn United (2.30pm). East of Scotland First Division, Conference A: Thornton Hibs vs Rosyth (2.30pm)