Baikie tells stuttering Linlithgow to rediscover their focus pronto

LINLITHGOW boss Dave Baikie has urged his players to get back to basics after allowing themselves to be reeled in by the chasing pack in the Super League title race.

The Prestonfield side had a chance to go eight points clear at the top of the table when they headed to lowly Kelty a fortnight ago. But, as well as losing there, Baikie's men also tasted defeat against Newtongrange last weekend in a top-versus- bottom clash.

That double disappointment means Linlithgow now only hold a two-point cushion over second-placed Bonnyrigg, who have a game in hand. It will also have given hope to Forfar West End, Bathgate, Lochee and defending champions Bo'ness that they can still be involved in the title battle.

"Without doubt," replied Baikie when asked if recent events would have given the chasing pack a glimmer of hope in their bid to catch the leaders.

"These two defeats have brought us back into the pack and it means we have to start again from this position.

"To be honest, we were poor all day at Kelty and didn't deserve to get anything from the game, though they should have had a player sent off for a bad challenge that put Kevin Donnelly out injured.

"Then, against a Newtongrange side that is a lot better than their league position suggests, we went 1-0 up early in the second half and could have had the game won but for Gary O'Connor making a lot of saves.

"However, we then lost two goals in the space of a few minutes, Jordi Virgili having a rush of blood to his head when he needlessly conceded a throw-in when the ball was going out for a goal-kick.

"They scored from the throw-in and then Jordi, who had perhaps lost his focus, gives away a penalty with a rash tackle in the box.

"It all added up to a frustrating week for us and we now have to get back to basics and become a hard team to beat."

Could Linlithgow be suffering from a hangover after losing their grip on the Scottish Cup after being knocked out by Auchinleck following two epic encounters?

"Possibly," added Baikie, "but we still have a lot to play for this season. The Super League is a great prize to win and we also want to be among the silverware in the East of Scotland Cup and the Fife & Lothians Cup."

Tomorrow Linlithgow travel to Bathgate, who lost 3-1 to Forfar in their last outing at Creamery Park but bounced back with an excellent 2-0 win at Tayport last Saturday.

Does Bathgate manager Graeme Love think Linlithgow's surprise recent slump will have any bearing on this weekend's clash?

"None whatsoever," insisted the former Hibs player. "Yes, Linlithgow's form has been indifferent since they were knocked out the Scottish Cup but I know from experience that a disappointment like that can take a bit time to get out of your system.

"I'm hoping, of course, that it will take another couple of weeks for that to happen, but we all know that the form book goes out of the window in a derby."

Marco Andreoni scored both Bathgate's goals in the win at Tayport and Love reckons he's unearthed a gem in the former Dundee United youngster.

"He's a player who had loan spells at Airdrie and Raith and also had an opportunity to go down south but things did not work out for him there," said the Bathgate boss.

"We were fortunate to get him - a case of being in the right place at the right time - and he has certainly been one of the big plusses for us this season.

"I have been encouraging him forward from the middle of the park and he did it really well against Tayport.

"He's mature for a guy of his age and the way he times his runs is great as it makes him difficult to pick up."

What is always a tasty clash will have added spice on this occasion due to the prospect of the Johnstone brothers, Lee and Ryan, coming up against each other.

Striker Lee has done well for Love since his signing from Armadale in the summer, with Ryan having just been signed by Linlithgow from the same Premier Division club.

"Ryan became available and he's a different type to what we already had," said Baikie of his new signing. "We've got a lot of good footballers but I feel Ryan will add a bit power and strength to our midfield."

In the first full Super League card for some time, Bonnyrigg will be aiming to keep the pressure on the leaders when they host Tayport, with Bo'ness also at home against Lochee.

Graeme Armstrong will be looking for his Newtongrange side to keep up their recent good work away to Forfar, while Musselburgh also need to start winning in the league and tomorrow's home clash with Camelon would be the perfect time to do so.