SOUTH EAST REGIONAL CUP, FIRST ROUND: Sunday 3 September, 2017, Craigswood Sports Centre, Livingston

Some scintillating second-half football from Bathgate earned a comfortable victory over Tynecastle and passage to the next round of the South East Regional Cup. Leading 1-0 at the interval, Thistle turned on the style thereafter to run out 7-1 winners with some impressive goals to boot.

Bailey’s composed finish had given the hosts the initiative by half-time but the sense that Bathgate were still in second gear was unshakeable. Connor in goal had been secure, well protected by Ross, Sean, Matty, Kieran and Leon. They increased the tempo after the break and immediately looked a more threatening outfit.

Billy rasped the second goal low into the net to double his team’s advantage before David slotted an equally accurate finish into the corner. Gregor, Craig, Dylan, Darren and Keeto were controlling midfield and it was no surprise to see Keeto sliding in the fourth from a cross. David then claimed his second, which looked a carbon-copy of his first.

Bathgate were awarded a penalty which Leon dispatched via the underside of the crossbar, and Biddy’s header at the back post completed the scoring near the end of an exception second period.

Tynecastle got a consolation from the penalty spot, but that couldn’t detract from the home side’s satisfaction.