Bathgate’s Ryan Martin grabs late equaliser

Oct 27 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

SUPER SUB Ryan Martin hit a last-gasp equaliser to earn Bathgate Thistle a deserved point at Kelty Hearts.

Both sides had early chances but it was Bathgate who snatched the opener when Ryan Johnstone headed home Brian Fairbairn’s corner on 17 minutes.

That goal sparked a response from the home side with Bryan Duell and Greg Meikle both missing chances before the interval.

Kelty kept up the pressure after the break and hauled themselves level midway through the second half.

Duell sent in a corner from the left which allowed the unmarked Clark Kay to convert past keeper Andy Carlin.

The same player gave the home side the lead with just minutes remaining with a terrific 30-yard strike which flew past several players into the Thistle net.

However, Thistle sub Martin then saved the visitors’ blushes when he managed to knock Lee Johnstone’s cross out of the reach of the Kelty goalkeeper and into the net in the final minute of the game.

Bathgate are now six points behind leaders Bonnyrigg Rose in fourth place.