Recap

Sun 10th Sept 2017
League – Premier division
Bathgate Thistle vs Craigentinny AFC
Goals: Henderson, Gardiner
Subs: McAllister, Mckenna, Gardenier, Young

Bathgate looked to continue their good league start and bounce back from a disappointing defeat in the Scottish cup. Craigentinny started the brighter and created several half chances in the opening 15 of the game. Bathgate looked sluggish and couldn’t hold on to the ball which made it easy for Craigentinny to start more attacks. Bathgate had to make an early change as John Mackie came off with injury being replaced by Toby Young. The chances kept coming for Craigentinny and had to clear their lines several times with one occasion defender and goalkeeper colliding but the score remained goalless at half time.

HT 0-0

The second half started and Bathgate looked to get into the game after the first half let off, play was better but still the ball was given away to cheaply. Craigentinny broke the deadlock to go one up after a ball played wide into the edge of the Bathgate area was driven low and Cammy’s near post beating the keeper. Bathgate changed Andrew Wood for Stevie Gardiner as Bathgate looked to get back into the game straight away. Bathgate soon found themselves 2-0 down with a ball drilled across the box and then tapped in and very soon after it was 3-0 to Craigentinny.

The game then changed when Craigentinny had a player got sent off for a second yellow card, which seemed justified after the number of bad fouls. This gave Bathgate a lift, a change of formation as well as Brian McAllister replacing the Injured Dane Kapila saw Bathgate dominate more and create a lot of chances but couldn’t find a way to score. With about 15 mins to go Ross Steel set up Stewart Henderson who thumped one in the top corner to give Bathgate a little hope. A complete lack of concentration let the Craigentinny striker straight through on goal soon after and he rounded the keeper to score and increase the lead. Soon after Craigentinny got another player sent off, a bit of confusion about why but the referee said it was for dissent and a second bookable. Bathgate pulled another one back near the very end but time was running out and Craigentinny seen out the game to take the 3 points.

FT 2-4

Poor all round for Bathgate today, need to regroup quickly.

No MOTM as nobody had a good game.