Recap

Sun 6^th Nov 2016

Bathgate Th vs Whitehackle FC

Goals: McKenna, King

Subs: Duncan, Stevenson, McBain

Bathgate went into this game looking to bounce back from two defeats in the start of their league campaign. Both teams started confident with Bathgate taking control early on with balls in behind the Whitehackle defence looking to use the pace of Ryan weir with a couple fizzling out and the other where he went past several defenders in the box and the goal keeper but couldn’t put the ball in the net. Bathgate took the lead when a corner which was cleared by the Whitehackle defence fell to Craig King which he took a touch inside the defender and fired in to the goals from just outside the area. Bathgate settled after the goal and started to look like they would increase their lead and defended well from a few counter attacks from the opposition. With about 20 mins gone a poor touch from Mark McKenna let Whitehackle in and a hesitant Cammy King in goal failed to clear which left an easy finish to level the game. Bathgate looked to regroup and the game opened up at this point with chances at both ends. Mark McKenna intercepted a through ball which he then began a driving run forward into midfield. The ball was then played forward with a few attempted clearances blocked by Ryan weir and Mark McKenna, who had kept his run going, the ball finally fell for him just inside the box which he fired home. A good goal from the high pressing and determination of the Bathgate players. Bathgate looked to keep tight and counter until half time and managed to do this and resist Whitehackle getting back into the game.

HT 2-1

Bathgate made one change at half time with the injured Brian McAllister being replaced with John Duncan at left back. Whitehackle started the better in the second half and looked to get back into the game. A few let offs for the lack lustre Bathgate was finally punished with a long throw into the box where no defender nor goal keeper dealt with and the slightest of touches by either a Bathgate or whitehackle player levelled the game. At this point Whithackle were the team that looked to go on and win it as the Bathgate continuously gave the ball away cheaply and failed to clear at the back. This was finally punished when their unmarked player got an easy free header in the box which seemed to be straight at the keeper. Another mistake lead to a fourth goal as the ball was lost just inside the Bathgate half and Whitehackle punished Bathgate. A few changes were made to try and freshen things up to try salvage something from the game but it just wasn’t to be with several good chances wasted and the final ball just not being good enough. Bathgate were punished late on with a counter attack goal from their corner as they looked to get back in the game which made it game over.

FT 2-5

A good start to the game but too many mistakes and loss of shape allowed whitehackle to win. Credit to them second half as they were by far the better team.

MOTM Aaron McIlwraith – Worked hard the full game and was the best of a poor performance overall