McLaren hails provider Lister

MATCHWINNER Graeme McLaren heaped praise on strike partner Jim Lister after the pair combined to leave old boss Alan McGonigal gutted as his Bo'ness side lost for the second game running to crash out of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup.

In front of a vociferous crowd of just over 1,000, McLaren headed home an 89th-minute winner for Bathgate, taking the winners from two years ago into the last eight at the expense of the East Region Super League pacesetters.

Bathgate had goalkeeper Andy Carlin to thank as they clung on at 2-2 in the second-half but Lister, who'd scored four goals in the win over Glenrothes in the previous round seven days earlier, showed on this occasion that he's just as valuable to his team for the service he provides.

After getting away from Fraser Forrest near the right corner, the former Berwick Rangers man looked up before picking out McLaren with a delightful dink to the back post and his team-mate provided the finish such a delivery deserved as he nodded powerfully past a helpless Jordan Longmuir.

"There's no better feeling than that," beamed McLaren afterwards. "I never had the best of games but to score the winner in any game, never mind a Scottish Cup tie, is always brilliant.

"Big Jim is great to play alongside. Everyone knows he scores goals but he's also great at taking the ball in and creating chances for others – he's been fantastic this season."

Both McLaren and Lister played for McGonigal at Camelon and the former admitted his old manager had reason to feel disappointed about losing a game in which Bo'ness were the better side, particularly in the second-half. "For me, Bo'ness were the better team but we hung in there and that's what happens if you keep yourself in a Cup tie," added McLaren. "I've been put out in the last 16 twice in the Scottish Cup with Camelon – losing to Kilwinning Rangers and Lanark – so it is sweet to get into the last eight, especially after beating such a good side.

"While I've got a lot of time and respect for Alan as he was really good to me, I can't say I'm sad to see him go out as we're delighted to win."

Lister took only six minutes to pose the threat McGonigal had been wary of, the striker earning Graeme Love's side a penalty as he was tripped by Roger Duffin with Alex Lurinsky making no mistake from the spot.

David Morrison equalised 19 minutes later, the midfielder latching on to a through ball from Danny Gribben to poke a shot past Carlin, but Bathgate regained the lead when Lurinsky struck again, the little winger finding the net this time with a shot that seemed to bounce just in front of Longmuir as he looked to have it covered.

Back came Bo'ness and, before the break, they made it 2-2, Andy Shirra making the home side pay for giving him far too much room on the edge of the box as he stroked home a shot that found the top corner of the net.

Not helped by the fact that Paul Riley didn't re-appear after the break due to an injury, Bathgate were on the back foot for much of the second-half and Carlin pulled off three outstanding saves as Bo'ness pushed for the winner.

He twice denied Chris McFadyen and also kept out a stinging free-kick from Gribben, the latter seeing a great chance fall to Duffin but the defender couldn't turn the ball home with the goal gaping.

"It is a real hard one to take as I thought we were the team that looked like winning the game and Andy Carlin has made two fantastic saves," said McGonigal.

"Bathgate were just booting the ball up the park but, in fairness to big Jim, he's always going to be a handful and, after he'd skinned Fraser Forrest on the byline, I knew what he'd do as he has great awareness."

This defeat came hard on the heels of Bo'ness losing for the first time in the Super League this season but McGonigal is confident his players can bounce back and go on to win the title.

"We are disappointed but have still got masses to play for," added the Bo'ness boss. "I don't think we played badly. We could have shown a bit more composure at certain times but over the piece I thought we played well. However, we've got to get back on winning track as there are no hiding places in the Super League."

Delighted Bathgate manager Love said: "It looked as though it was going to a replay but all credit to my players for digging out a win on a day when I didn't think we were at our best."

Bathgate Thistle: Carlin, Wilson, Neill (Gupwell 89), Hunter, Easton, Riley (F Love 46), Lurinski, McColligan, Lister, Fallon (Blaney 82), McLaren. Subs: G Love, McCafferty.

Bo'ness United: Longmuir, Brown, Forrest (Nixon 90), Kiczyinksi (Walker 74), Duffin, Morrison, Ballantyne, Shirra, McFadyen, Gribben, Donnelly. Subs: Hay, Main, Snowden.

Referee: G Aitken.