Bathgate Thistle 10 v 0 Livingston Boys

Another excellent league win from our 2002s!

Starting 11: Daniel, Graham, Callum, Callum, Adam, Aiden, Jack, Shaun, Nathan, Owen, Shay.

Early Bathgate pressure and passing from Adam to Jack, who head flicks on to Shay, nearly results in a goal from Shay. However the ball slides slightly to the left of the far post.

Shaun’s left wing wizadry was evident again in the early stages of this game, however, his favourite foot let him down with a slightly over hit pass going over for a goal-kick.

Good right wing play between Nathan and Aiden and a deft flick from Aiden sends Owen through. Unfortunately, Owen’s shot goes high and the keeper gathers.

Adam and Shaun linking up the left wing is becoming almost telepathic. Their interplay is a joy to watch. However, this time their terrific play only  produces a corner that ends in a high foot and a free kick to Livi.

In the 15th minute, Adam and Shaun terrify the right defence with more memorable movement, laying off a ball to Owen, then to Shay who scores with a sweet shot from his left foot, 1 – 0.

Shay now decides to combine with Shaun on the left, allowing Shaun to fire a fine shot into the net for 2 – 0.

In 25 minutes Lewis holds the ball well in midfield. He releases Aiden, who flicks the ball over the defender, gathers the ball in his stride and strikes from 20 yards. His shot sails over the goalie and into the net for 3 – 0.

Adam is given the nod to take a free kick from 25 yards, however, his well hit shot is too high.

Callum and Owen open the defence, which allows the other Owen to slot another for 4 – 0.

Adam chases a lost cause but his determination is rewarded as he gathers the ball on the goal-line, passes to Owen, who heads over.

HT 4 – 0

The second half continues with relentless Bathgate pressure. However, a slack midfield pass allows Livi to run through and shoot. Fortunately, Daniel is alert to the threat and his ideal positioning allows him to dive low to his left and turn the ball round the post for a corner.

More ideal interplay, this time between Owen, Luke, Owen and Adam ends with Graham shooting just wide.

In the 15th minute of the second, Callum takes on the right side of the defence. Then, laying the ball to Lewis, he turns his defender and scores, 5 – 0.

A quick throw-in from Jamie releases Shaun who takes a run through the centre, then over to the left, cuts back to Lewis who lets loose with his left foot for 6 – 0.

Nathan, gather a ball after Callum and Adam open the defence. This shot too is too high. The momentum is all from Bathgate and another free kick is awarded to the home side.

Shaun lays off for Jamie, who returns it to Shaun, who hits a goal bound shot, which the goalie turns round for a corner.

A further corner, this time on the right, is taken by Shaun. The ball finds Nathan at the rear of the back post and Nathan’s pass across the front of the goal is tapped-in by Jack, 7 – 0.

Bathgate win the ball from the kick-off and Lewis is tripped in the box – penalty! Lewis steps forward and takes the spotkick himself, neatly side-stepping the ball in for 8 – 0.

Some slack play allows Livi their second shot at goal which Daniel parries into the air, then catch confidently under pressure from two Livi forwards.

A passback from Callum to Daniel and Daniel releases Jack in midfield, who passes to Callum who scores for 9 – 0.

In the fading light and right on full time Callum scores, 10 – 0.

A fine team performance and another fine result, which will keep the spirits high for Saturday’s game against Bonnyrigg in the Regional Cup.