ACA Sports Super League

 

Linlithgow Rose 4 - 2 Bathgate Thistle

Goals:  Linlithgow - King (1 & 70); McArthur (4); Coyne (59)

Bathgate - McCulloch (58); Payne (74)

 

Rose maintained their 100% start to the league campaign with a convincing win over local rivals Bathgate. Linlithgow opened the scoring with only a minute on the clock when an excellent passing move involving McArthur, Manson and Coyne split the Bathgate defence before King curled home a shot from 18 yards.

 

An error by keeper Carlin led to the Rose second after just 4 minutes when Coyne picked up a loose clearance, fed McArthur and the Rose midfielder showed composure to drive the ball home. 

 

The home team then wasted a number of chances to increase their lead before half time. 

 

With Bathgate showing little threat, it was a surprise when they pulled a goal back through an excellent strike from McCulloch whose 20 yard effort gave Pinkowski no chance.  Within a minute though, Rose restored their 2 goal cushion.  Again Carlin was at fault as he failed to clear and McArthur was able to find Tommy Coyne who bundled the ball home from close range.

 

Rose went further ahead with 20 minutes to go when a lob over the top released King and he scored his second from 16 yards.  Although Bathgate pulled another goal back through Payne, there was no way back for them. 

 

Indeed this was a game of missed chances for the Rose who on another day might have scored many more than the 4 they had to settle for.