Match Preview

Having qualified for the preliminary round of the League Cup courtesy of finishing in second spot in their Qualifying League section, Bo’ness United continue on cup business with round 1 of the Alex Jack.

This is a significant trophy, the winners entering a play off with the South of Scotland tournament winners for the South and East of Scotland Shield and a place in next season’s Scottish Cup. Last season’s winners were Tynecastle who went on to beat Mid Annandale, their reward a 1st Preliminary Scottish Cup tie against Ayrshire based Amateur side Shortlees who qualified as winners of the Scottish Amateur Cup.

Tweedmouth Rangers are Saturday’s opposition and will make the long journey from Northumberland where they play their home matches in an adjoining pitch to SPFL side Berwick Rangers. Tweedmouth did not enjoy their Qualifying League section losing narrowly against both Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale and Ormiston before suffering a heavy loss at Easthouses. They conceded eleven goals only managing one of their own. Indeed, heavy defeats were all too common for Tweedmouth last season as they finished bottom of the East of Scotland League with only one win in twent- four starts scoring a mere twenty one goals. In saying that this is only Tweedmouth’s third season as an East of Scotland side and they are working hard to consolidate and improve.

Bo’ness are odds on favourites to cruise into the next round where they will meet either Crossgates Primrose or Eyemouth United but they will not treat this match lightly. The BUs won comfortably at Oakley with a good performance, including a clean sheet although there is still an issue with too many chances not being converted. This is something to be addressed and hopefully the players will be sharpening up with game time and there will be a continued improvement in that area.

Another new team to visit Newtown Park in another new competition for the BUs. Another Saturday for the BU Faithful to come along and support the players.

John Spowart