Carlin, Nicolson, Neill, G. Love, Easton, Riley (Blaney 9), F. Love (Trialist 52), McColligan, Harvey, McGrillen, McPhee. Subs: Longmuir.

 

Kirkwood, G. Brown, Fullarton, Gaffney, Tully, Morrison, Caine, Snowden, S. Brown, Muir, Mauchline. Subs: Logan, Allison, Mitchell. McCafferty, D. Brown.

 

Both teams struggled to field teams due to injuries but Bathgate, despite having seven first team players sidelined through injury and suspension, looked the stronger team from the kick off. Brian McColligan could have opened the scoring in the fifth minute but his fierce shot just screamed over the crossbar much to the relief of Kirkwood in the Bo'ness goal. Four minutes later the injury hoodoo struck again as Paul Riley had to leave the field to be replaced by trialist Derek Blaney. Bathgate's superiority paid off in the twentieth minute when veteran striker Paul McGrillen latched on to a lay off from trialist Harvey to strike a left foot shot over keeper Kirkwood's head to give Thistle a well deserved lead. Three minutes later the visitors should have been level  but Scott Brown, who looked to have Carlin beaten, squandered the chance. In the thirty second minute a Paul McGrillen cross was met by Brian McPhee and his header soared into the Bo'ness net doubling the home sides lead.

 

Half time: Bathgate Thistle 2 - Bo'ness United 0.

 

Seven minutes into the second half the injury scare for Bathgate continued when Fraser Love had to leave the field with a hamstring injury and his place was taken by trialist Lawrence. Bathgate continued to control the game and Brain McPhee almost added a third goal but his ferociuos drive was tipped over the crossbar by Kirkwood. It seemed only a matter of time before Bathgate would add to their lead and the home fans were delighted when,in the sixty fifth minute, trialist Harvey headed the ball past the helpless Kirkwood in the Bo'ness goal. This first win in the Super League will be welcomed by all at Creamery Park before Thistle's first outing in the Scottish Challenge Cup against Lochee United next Saturday.

 

Final score: Bathgate Thistle 3 - Bo'ness United 0.