Thistle still anchored to the foot of table

Bathgate Thistle were unable to climb off the foot of the East of Scotland Conference X table after they lost 4-1 away to West Calder United.

The Cauther sprang into action quickly with Craig Johnston scoring early in the first half before Grant Forrester brought Thistle level.

However, Johnston secured his brace after snatching the rebound off his own penalty miss, and Stephen

Easton capped off the first half with a fantastic free-kick to put the hosts two in front.

Bathgate continued to pile on the pressure and create chances but could not find the final touch to punish the home side and were unlucky to concede a fourth goal after Mark Wilkins bundled into an empty net in stoppage time.

Elsewhere in the same division, Stoneyburn’s Ryan Robertson followed up his four goal display last week with a hat-trick as the Fulshie won 6-1 away to Edinburgh College.

Euan Scott netted the first two for the away side with Cammy Donaldson also on the scoresheet.

Livingston United proved to be no match for promotion-chasing Bo’ness Athletic with the home side running out 4-0 winners.

In the East of Scotland Premier Division, Linlithgow Rose made it 13 wins on the bounce with Alan Docherty scoring the only goal of the game away to Newtongrange Star while Blackburn United suffered a 4-1 reverse away to Musselburgh Athletic.

Michael Browne equalised from the penalty spot on 13 minutes for United.

Broxburn Athletic and Fauldhouse United both exited the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup at the third round stage with Athletic going down 1-0 at home to Lowland League side Stirling University and the Hoose losing 5-2 away to EoS top flight outfit Dundonald Bluebell.