WEST LOTHIAN YOUTH LEAGUE: Sunday 18 September, 2016, Albyn Park, Broxburn

A controlled performance in Broxburn saw Bathgate leave with a point thanks to Craig’s second-half equaliser. Although the visitors played the better football, they lacked enough incision in the final third to win the game against last year’s league champions.

Billy’s fine run ended with a composed finish to put Thistle 1-0 ahead after just five minutes, and they had several chances to double or even triple that advantage. A combination of last-ditch defending by Cammy in the Broxburn defence and wasteful finishing let the hosts off the hook.

In the 25th minute, Bathgate paid for their profligacy. A long ball ran through to the Broxburn midfielder Daniel on the left, and his first-time finish brought Colts level. Minutes later, Junior scampered in behind the Bathgate defence to score his team’s second goal.

Bathgate were frustrated at being 2-1 at half-time having outplayed their opponents. They showed commendable resilience to fight back, and forced an equaliser with an hour played.

Billy’s low cross from the left was met by Craig, who had made a determined run from midfield to the back post. He took a touch and stuck the ball in the net to make it 2-2.

Broxburn pressed forward for the final 20 minutes and it required an exquisite double save from Barry in the Bathgate goal to keep them at bay. He was also helped by his crossbar on one occasion, although it would have been unjust had Thistle left Albyn Park with nothing.