Carlin, Nicolson, Neill, G. Love, Menmuir, McColligan, Easton, Reilly, McPhee (P. Harvey 59), McGrillen, McFadyen (Elliott 57). Subs: Fallon, Gupwell, Longmuir.

 

Roberts, Gibson, McBride, Buist, Cunningham (Fortune 65), Mills, Duffy, Gartshore, Meikle (Linton 11), Andrew, Nicoll. Subs: Halley, Drummond, Simpson.

 

Bathgate started with their two latest signings Elliott and Gupwell, on the bench. Referee Allan sent off Mark Buist of Glenrothes in the eleventh minute following a skirmish involving himself and Chris Mcfadyen. The Thistle player received a yellow card for his part in proceedings. Glenrothes immediately re-inforced their defence by taking off striker Meikle and replacing him with Sam Linton. Glenrothes pushed Bathgate hard and it was sometimes difficult to realise which team was a man short. Thistle managed to open the scoring in the twenty eighth minute through Chris McFadyen. Brian McPhee worked his way down the right flank and his inch perfect cross found Paul McGrillen who headed it on to Chris McFadyen who in turn slotted the ball confidently past the Glenrothes keeper. Bathgate had a chance to double their score minutes before the half time whistle when Paul Reilly floated a ball into the Glenrothes area but Paul McGrillen's header just crept over the crossbar.

 

 

Andrew's alomost pulled Glenrothes level in the opening minute of the second half but his right foot shot just crept past Andy Carlin's left hand post. minutes later Chris McFadyen almost added a second but his drive hit the upright and the rebound fell to Stewart Easton and his shot was diverted for a corner. New signing John Elliott replaced Chris McFadyen in the fifty seventh minute and two minutes later Paul Harvey replaced Brian McPhee. Bathgate were now taking control of the game and they had several chances to add to their tally but were stopped from doing so by a strong Glenrothes defence. John Elliott clearly showed why the Thistle management wanted him in their plans as he set up several chances for the forwards and was unlucky not to get on the scoring sheet himself. A good result for the Creamery Park outfit and they will be hoping they have turned the corner and can now put a string of results together before they start the defence of the Scottish Junior Cup.