SOUTH EAST REGIONAL CUP, SECOND ROUND: Sunday 8 October, 2017, Bathgate Sports Centre

For the second successive week, Bathgate’s youngsters delivered an assured performance to progress to the next round of a major cup competition. Last week saw them through in the Scottish Cup, this time was the South East Regional Cup.

Linlithgow Rose were certain to be tough opponents but the flow of Thistle’s play was breathtaking. Despite losing a sloppy early goal, they reached half-time 5-1 ahead thanks to two excellent finishes from Bailey, one from Connor, one from Keeto and a tidy goal from Biddy.

Accurate crosses and some intelligent through passes from midfield were carving Rose open. That didn’t change after the interval as the home signed retained their hunger.

Dylan forced home the sixth Bathgate goal, Connor secured his second, Billy found the net with his left foot after a fine turn and David was on hand to claim a goal of his own from midfield.

Goalkeeper Connor was again reliable and safe, as were Ross, Sean, Kieran, Leon and Matty in front of him. Gregor’s tireless work in midfield alongside the efforts of Biddy, Keeto and Dylan were also key catalysts in a convincing Bathgate victory.