Tranent Juniors' disappointment at defeat by Dunbar United after a poor performance in their opening fixture had been alleviated to some degree by a much better showing at West Calder, when were it not for a late home equaliser they’d have recorded a very credible victory.

Their third South Division fixture of 2014/15 saw Falkirk Juniors visit Foresters Park. Falkirk finished in mid-table last season but on their day showed they could compete with any South Division rival; like many other sides attaining consistency was the big challenge.

Foresters Park boss Hamish Colgan was without the unavailable Keith Sheills, who’d scored at West Calder, while Richard Fairnie and David Swan were both injured.

As was the case at other venues elsewhere, the match was spoiled considerably by strong winds. As a spectacle it won’t live long in anyone’s recollection, but ultimately Tranent adapted to the conditions just that bit better than their visitors.

The first half in particular was readily forgettable, with neither side really creating a worthwhile goalscoring opportunity. Overall it was a fairly even affair but the wind was the winner really, ruining what might have been an interesting contest. Tranent took a grip of things to some degree after the restart and their tenacity earned them deserved reward a little before the midway point in the second half. A corner was played short and the ball then found its way to Steven Finlayson on the 18-yard line, and the former Berwick Rangers man sent it past the keeper to give Tranent the lead with a good finish.

They had one or two opportunities to extend their lead but Falkirk raised their game in their quest to take home a point; home keeper Andy Jack, however, was in fine form and kept the visitors at bay with two superb saves.

Tranent rode their luck once or twice but in the end Finlayson’s goal was enough to give them a hard-fought three points. There were quite a few good performances but manager Colgan felt that, as at West Calder, Tranent’s man of the match was midfielder Dan Watson.

On Saturday Tranent’s fourth league fixture takes them to Pumpherston, who endured a torrid season at the foot of the Premier League last year and haven’t exactly set the South Division ablaze on their return. Colgan expects his team to take something from the game as he seeks to maintain a place in the top half of the table.