WEST LOTHIAN YOUTH LEAGUE: Thursday 18 August, 2016, Bathgate Sports Centre

An insipid first half gave way to a deluge of goals after the break as Bathgate dispensed with league newcomers Armadale Falcons. The visitors more than held their own for the first 40 minutes but couldn’t cope with Thistle’s much-improved second-half display.

Bailey opened the scoring just moments before the interval with a precise finish from a tight angle. However, there was no denying that the home team had yet to find top gear on the night. That came thanks to a much higher tempo passing game, inspired by winger Billy and midfielder Dylan.

Billy put his team 2-0 ahead after receiving Dylan’s pass, and the pair combined to create the chance for Bailey to score his second of the match. Armadale broke forward to score with a fine header at the near post and give themselves a lifeline at 3-1. Their hopes were extinguished soon after when Billy was tripped going past a defender inside the box and David scored the resultant penalty.

A well-worked corner routine earned Bathgate their fifth goal of the night, nodded home from close range by centre-back Sean.