Big setback for Armadale

Bathgate Thistle kept up their inconsistent ways this term as they were held away from home at Dalkeith.

In a tight affair, neither side produced much in the way of goalscoring opportunities until the visitors took the lead in a controversial manner on the half-hour mark.

JJ Henderson, a constant threat from set-plays, floated in a corner which should have been comfortably dealt with by the home goalie only for the ball to squirm into the net.

Despite protests from the hosts for a foul, the goal stood and Bathgate had taken the lead.

The half-time break Oakley United put a dent in Armadale Thistle’s bid for promotion with a surprise victory as the Jags suffered their first defeat since September.

Rejuvenated United made it two wins from two under their new boss Richard Fox as goals in each half, along with a sturdy defensive display, were enough to grab all three points.

The visitors, who went into the game occupying second spot, had the better of the chances in the first half but simply couldn’t find the net and they were made to pay on the stroke of half-time as James McAteer slotted the ball home in the 44th minute to give his side the lead.

In a frustrating game for the Jags, they again dominated territory and chances after the interval but were hit on the break midway through the half as Ryan Stevenson broke clear and calmly doubled Oakley’s advantage.

Try as they might, Thistle couldn’t get back into the game and results elsewhere saw them slip to fourth spot and out of the promotion places on goal difference.

They have a pivotal clash this weekend as they host league leaders Pumpherston.