Match preview by Robert Allen
This week we welcome Thornton Hibs to The Creamery in our penultimate league fixture of the season.
There are just two games remaining in this seasons McBookie.com East Premier League and the first of those will be played this Saturday as Thornton Hibs are the visitors.
This is Bathgate’s first competitive match in a fortnight but Andrew Colley will be hoping that his side are able to continue their excellent recent run in the league with another win at home. Last time out The Jags were able to grab a fine away win against Dalkeith Thistle thanks to a goal ten minutes from time from the in-form Robbie Feeney. Last weeks run out against Stoneyburn Juniors saw an unfamiliar line-up take the field and it will be interesting to see what selection the gaffer goes with this week as we aim to finish the season on a high and win our last two matches. At the back, Hassan Nyang should return from injury to strengthen our defence.
Robbie Feeney scores with ten minutes to go against Dalkeith.
Thornton Hibs come to Bathgate looking like they may be playing in the South League next year. They currently lie bottom of the table with 18 points but do have some games in hand against the teams around them and still retain a mathematical chance of safety. This will make them dangerous opponents as they scrap for survival. Indeed they can point to a win against Bathgate 5-1 in the very first match of the season as motivation to get something from this fixture. There is a feeling that they may have caught Bathgate cold at the time but they will draw confidence from this none the less. Last time out they were pegged back twice to draw 2-2 with our near-neighbours Armadale and know that only a win will be good enough.
It’s sure to be an exciting match as there is something at stake for both sides. Bathgate are desperate to keep the end-of-season momentum going and finish on a high, whilst Thornton Hibs are doing all they can to maintain their status in the league.
As always, we would love to have you come along and offer your support to both sides. Together we are stronger.
Kick off: 2.30pm, Creamery Park, Bathgate
£5/£2
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