Bathgate pay the penalty

Apr 9 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

East of Scotland Cup

(St Andrews win 3-1 after penalties)

BATHGATE paid the penalty for a late collapse at Creamery Park as they were dumped out of the East of Scotland Cup.

Thistle were 4-2 ahead with just minutes left on the clock and they looked to have one foot in the next round.

But a dramatic double at the death took the game to a penalty shoot out and Thistle lost out and were sent out of the cup.

The day had started well for the West Lothian club when Fraser Love gave them an early lead but the Fifers hit back and were level going in for half-time oranges.

St Andrews then took the lead before a double change from home boss Paul Jack swung the game back into Bathgate’s favour.

Jim Lister made an instant impact on the game by grabbing the equaliser before fellow sub Paul McGrillen bagged a double to send the home side into a 4-2 lead.

But two dramatic goals forced the shootout in which Bathgate came unstuck. They only managed to convert one of their four efforts and the Fifers stormed into the next stage.

Bathgate: Carlin, Wilson, Neill, Gupwell, Easton, Nicolson, Love, Riley, McPhee, Harvey, McLaren. Subs: McGrillen, Lister, Blaney, McColligan, Longmuir.

Premier League

FAULDHOUSE may have secured their own Premier League safety and crushed any lingering hopes of promotion for Penicuik in one fell swoop on Saturday.

The Hoose felt they were due a win over their opponents after a close-run encounter last time out.

This time though Andy Cunningham’s charges dominated and cruised the game.

A double from Bryan Felvus and a single strike from Craig Martin was enough to see Penicuik off.

South Division

Armadale maintained their lead at the top of the table with a comfortable 2–0 win at Haddington.

It is a traditionally difficult place to go and get a result so a comfortable win was satisfying for boss Jim Henderson.

The goals came from Scott Mauchline and Robbie Feeney as they continue their relentless pursuit of the title.

Broxburn did their bit to keep the pressure on Armadale by trouncing Livingston 7–4 in an 11-goal thriller.

On the scoresheet for Livingston were Richard Kay, Nicky Miller and Gary Frater (2).

The goalscorers for the visitors were Chic Pearson (4), Lee Cruikshank (2) and a single from John Wilson.

Harthill drew 1–1 at Tranent while Pumpherston lost 3–1 at home to Dunbar.

West Calder went down 4–2 at home to Sauchie despite taking a two-goal lead in a disappointing day at the office.

Stoneyburn drew 3–3 at home to Dalkeith with Brian Moore, William Baird and Lee McAuley on the scoresheet while they also had Darren Fleming sent off.

Blackburn had a good 2–1 win at Edinburgh with Alan Brown and Grant Plenderleith getting the goals.