Thornton Hibs showed almost as much 'bouncebackability' as their Leith namesakes did on Saturday with an outstanding second-half performance on the best playing surface they've encountered all season.
 
Both teams came flying out of the blocks with Rhys Minnock coming close to giving Bathgate a 2nd minute lead with a 20 yard strike that smashed off the underside of the crossbar. Thornton responded through Raymond Crichton whose low drive brought out a terrific save from James Penman.

Stephen Easton gave the home side an 11th minute lead and seven minutes later, Penman came to Bathgate's rescue again when he saved Chris Ireland's penalty, awarded after Crichton had been brought down by Darren McIntosh. Against the run of play, Thistle doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Bryan Jaconelli drilled home Minnock's perfect lay-off.
 
In the 59th minute, Jack Wilson pulled one back at the second attempt after Penman had saved his initial shot.

A hotly disputed goal from Jaconelli restored Bathgate's two-goal advantage in the 63rd minute and five minutes later it looked like Goodnight Vienna when Hassan Nyang headed his side's fourth.
 
By the 71st minute, however, Chris Ireland crashed home his twelfth goal of the season and shortly after Wilson's deft head-flick flew over Penman to reduce the deficit.

It was practically all-Hibs by now although Bathgate were still looking dangerous on the break. Wilson snatched the equaliser with two minutes to go to complete his hat-trick and he almost claimed his fourth in stoppage time but Penman saved well.
 
Window Store Man of the Match – Jack Wilson
 
Bathgate Thistle: Penman, Macdonald, McIntosh, Macisaac, Nyang, Baird, Easton, Minnock, Feaney, Jaconelli, Harris. Subs: McGurk, Hutton, Thomson, Malone, Kelly.
 
Referee: Mr L. Mackinnon