Vanderdeyl, Logan, Black, Henderson, Gibb, Lawson, Johnston, Stewart (Sime 76), McConnachie (MucKerdie 64), Roberts, Bonella (Duell 61). Subs:Cord, Pirrie.

 

Carlin, Nicolson, Neill, G. Love, Menmuir, Riley, F. Love, McColligan, McGrillen, Trialist, McFadyen (McPhee 48). Subs: Trialist, Easton, Lorek, Longmuir.

 

In the opening minutes the Bathgate defence gave Forfar a couple of chances to open the scoring but fortunately for the visitors they failed to convert. Thistle players gave a strong shout for a penalty when the ball hit a hand but the referee waved play on. The home side looked sharper in front of goal and their efforts were rewarded in the twenty sixth minute when Johnston's cross found Bonella unmarked and he powered his header past Carlin in the Bathgate goals. Two minutes later McColligan was pulled down inside the penalty area and Bathgate were awarded a penalty kick. McGrillen elected to take the kick but his effort was saved by Vanderdeyl. In the last minute of the first half Bathgate gave away a free kick twenty yards out and Carlin had to look sharp to save Black's shot.

 

Half time: Forfar West End 1 - Bathgate Thistle 0.

 

Carlin had to look lively in the opening minute to save from Stewart. Play was halted for several minutes when McFadyen was injured and being unable to continue his place was taken by McPhee. In the sixty eighth minute Brian McColligan managed to pull the visitors level following a stramash in front of West End's goal. Two minutes later McGrillen should have put Thistle ahead when, with an open goal at his mercy, he headed the ball past the post. Thistle would regret this later when Forfar were to go back into the lead. Clever work by Duell in turning his marker in the eighty third minute allowed him to put the ball pst the helpless Carlin. Moments of madness then took place with G. Love being shown a straight red card quickly followed by another for comments to Referee Banks and then Duell was red carded for improper conduct and he too was shown a second red for comments to the referee. A poor afternoon for the Thistle supporters who had travelled to Forfar in the hope they would see Bathgate pick up their first league points.

 

Full time: Forfar West End 2 - Bathgate Thistle 1.