The Hoose are cats that got the Cream
Bathgate Thistle ...... 1
Fauldhouse Utd ....... 4
Fauldhouse United took a huge leap towards progressing from the group stage of the East Region League Cup with an emphatic victory at Creamery Park.
The Hoose now sit three points clear of fellow Superleague side Glenrothes with two games remaining in their bid to top the group. The two sides meet in Fife on Saturday.
Jon Connolly’s men proved to be too strong for the hosts, but the scoreline was harsh on Bathgate, with Jack Currie’s injury- time goal giving United their three-goal advantage.
The top flight side, who now boast a five-game unbeaten run, were two goals to the good within 17 minutes thanks to goals from Sean McManus and Ryan Smillie, the former finding the net thanks to a massive deflection.
Robbie Feeney continued his fine run of form by reducing the arrears as the Jags fought to get back into the game, but United netted a crucial third goal moments before the half-time interval to give themselves breathing space in the second half as David O’Donnell scored from the spot with the last kick of the first half. The home side gave a great account of themselves at the interval, but were unable to get back into the clash with Currie rounding things off in the closing stages.
Elsewhere, Armadale Thistle and Whitburn played out an entertaining 0-0 draw at Volunteer Park in Section I.
Despite the scoreline, the large crowd were treated to a brilliant contest between the rivals.
Whitburn were aiming to get revenge for their loss in the reverse fixture last month and forced Jamie Swinburne into a string of fine saves to keep the scores blank.
Derek Strickland’s outfit grew into the game and had more than their fair share of chances and possession after the break but the deadlock was unable to be broken by either side.
West Calder United are now in a three-way tie on three points in Section K after falling to a 4-0 away loss against Rosyth.
The derby clash between Stoneyburn and Pumpherston at Beechwood Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, while Livingston United were spared a trip to Lochore Welfare in Section L due to the adverse weather.
Harthill Royal were knocked out of the East Region Cup at the third round stage but gave a decent account of themselves in a 3-2 loss at home to Forfar West End.