Recap

Fri 21st Oct

Bathgate Thistle vs Armadale Thistle

Goals: Francis Mahon, Ryan Weir

Subs: Nathan Charles, Kenny Bates, Johnny Ward, Chris Glen

Sending Off: Nathan Charles

Bathgate played Armadale on Friday night in there 2^nd league game at Bathgate 3g in a change from Sunday due to the Old Firm derby. The game started very fast paced as both teams looked to get on the attack early and there was a few half chances for both sides.

As Bathgate looked to get on the attack Andrew Wood had the ball out wide and misplaced a pace into the centre of the park and the clearance from Armadale was hit long over the Bathgate defence which Craig King misjudged allowing Armadale in behind to score.

0-1

Armadale started to control the game and were creating chances as Bathgate continued to give the ball away they were eventually punished as Armadale increased their lead to go two up.

0-2

The last 15 of the half Bathgate lost their shape and struggled to deal with Armadale’s passing  and movement which from a Bathgate point of view was extremely disappointing.

HT 0-2

Bathgate made a changed at half time with injured Aaron Mcilwraith going off and Nathan Charles Replacing him. The 2nd half started much brighter for Bathgate and with a lot more intensity and purpose. Nathan picked up a booking for a clumsy tackle which was probably very harsh as it was his first tackle. Shortly after this Nathan broke away down the line but slipped and lost the ball, he then got up and made a reckless tackle which earned a 2nd yellow and then red. Bathgate down to ten men.

Despite losing a man Bathgate were now the better side and began to play some good football with only the final ball letting them down. Bathgate had got a couple of consecutive corners and finally got themselves back in the game with a good headed goal from Francis Mahon.

1-2

The number deference was beginning to show as Bathgate started to tire and it was Armadale that began to move the ball around better and stretch Bathgate. A few chances were made some from Bathgate losing the ball in their on half whilst trying to play at the back without success. This was the undoing of Bathgate as they continued to not clear their lines and gave away a cheap corner which Armadale scored from far too easily.

1-3

Bathgate made some subs looking to change the game with Johnny Ward & Chris Glen coming on for Craig King & Francis Mahon with Mark Mckenna being pushed up top to have a 3-4-2 formation. This gave Bathgate a lift and the game became more open, with several chances for both teams.

Bathgate got a great goal back when Ryan Weir and Mark McKenna liked up with a neat one two on the edge of the box putting Ryan through into the box which he finished well.

2-3

Bathgate pushed for an equaliser but Armadale struck a cracking shot from just inside the Bathgate half which struck off the bar and the Armadale striker was quickest to react on the rebound.

2-4

This was a blow 5 mins from time and with a tired Bathgate they tried hard to get back into the game but there was chances at both ends with Armadale looking the most likely to score.

FT 2-4

Poor performance overall for Bathgate with the sending off hindering chances of a come back from a poor first half. Credit to Armadale who played well and were the better side on the night.

MOTM: Ryan Weir – Tireless performance from the captain, gave everything and was shining example to the squad. Deserved better result for his efforts.