SCOTTISH YOUTH CUP, SECOND ROUND: Sunday 1 October, 2017, Bathgate Sports Centre

Nine different players etched their names on the scoresheet as Bathgate eased into the Scottish Cup third round against Polbeth United. Thistle dominated from the start with some tidy passing play, leading to chance after chance in front of goal.

When it came to finishing, they didn’t disappoint. Billy opened the scoring from Dylan’s through ball and then returned the favour by supplying the pass for the midfielder to double the advantage after only ten minutes. David made it three with a composed finish into the corner before Gregor glanced home Billy’s cross for the fourth.

Full-back Leon had rampaged up and down the left side since kick-off and he produced a sublime piece of skill to evade an opponent and convert Bathgate’s fifth. He also struck the sixth before the interval.

Thistle didn’t let up after the break, although Polbeth did rally somewhat to produce a commendable second-half performance. Substitutes Bailey and Biddy both found the net to put Bathgate 8-0 ahead. The hosts then had Connor in goal to thank for preserving their clean sheet with a breathtaking save high to his right from a netbound free-kick.

Keeto, as ever, got in on the scoring act at the back post for Bathgate’s ninth goal, and full-back Kieran rounded off the scoring at ten from close range. He was one of six men in blue facing their former club, the others being Ross, Sean, Keeto, Connor and Matty. An eye injury sustained the previous week against Murieston prevented Craig taking that number to seven.