WEST LOTHIAN A LEAGUE: Sunday 10 September, 2017, East Calder

Some slippery finishing on a wet afternoon meant Bathgate’s reward for a dynamic performance at East Calder was limited to just five goals. They would have stretched their lead with a more ruthless approach inside the opposition penalty area, so lessons must be learned for tougher challenges ahead.

An early goal for East Calder reinforced the home team’s confidence after two resounding victories in recent weeks. However, the visitors didn’t take long to restore parity. From Leon’s throw-in, Bailey’s sublime touch and finish across the Colts goalkeeper left the ball nestling in the net.

An own goal from another delivery by Leon put Thistle 2-1 ahead at the interval. Their passing and movement had taken them in behind East Calder repeatedly, but cross after cross arrived without a finish. Even a penalty by David was well saved to give the home team hope for the second half.

Substitute Connor raced onto Leon’s throw-in to prod his team’s fourth goal neatly beyond the goalkeeper. The full-back looked delighted with his third assist of the afternoon, but Bathgate weren’t finished there.

Biddy finished off an encouraging display with a calmly taken fifth, which he virtually passed into the corner of the net from 18 yards. The rain continued to pour down as full-time approached but Bathgate were metaphorically home and dry.