Bathgate held onto top spot in the McBookies East Premier League but it was a tight game played in very wet conditions.

There was joy for Bathgate as early as 6 minutes in as Bathgate took the lead. A long ball from midfield eluded the Kirkcaldy defenders and Alex Lurinsky took the ball brilliantly and lobbed the advancing keeper.

Kirkcaldy equalised in 21 minutes when a free kick from the right side of the box was headed in by Shiavone.

Ht 1-1.

The second started with the rain easing slightly, the park having held up well to the continuous first half deluge, testament to the drainage work done in the close season.

Both teams tried to play football in the second half. Kirkcaldy had the first of the chances when a lob over Reid in the Bathgate goal just missed.

Bathgate replied with several chances in the box where the ball just wouldn’t fall to a Bathgate player. Swan was then guilty of a miss late on with the goal aat his mercy, most unlike the striker. However Bathgate won it in 84 mins when Swan burst down the left and his low ball into the box was diverted into his own net by a despairing Quinn.

The elements would not have helped either side in a match that was always going to be tough given the conditions however Bathgate can say they were deserving based on chances created.

Ft 2-1