Match Preview

Dundonald Bluebell, Football Nation East of Scotland Qualifying Cup Round 2, Moorside Park, Saturday 13 October 2018

Moorside Park, the home of Dundonald Bluebell is the venue for Bo’ness United’s Football Nation Cup second round tie this weekend. Bluebell received a bye into this stage while the BUs are here courtesy of Fraser Keast’s extra time winner at home to Crossgates Primrose, the only goal of that game.

Bo’ness have had the edge over Dundonald in the last couple of seasons but nothing to counter the fact this will be a very difficult game of football. Last season the BUs won in Fife with goals from Stuart Hunter and Ryan Millar, although the year before were on the end of a hammering, conceding five goals without reply. A brace each from Lewis McKenzie and Barry Sibanda with one from Scott Lawrie did the damage that day.

Both teams are new to the East of Scotland League, Dundonald also in Conference B, and Bo’ness return to Moorfield Park for a league game in a couple of weeks. A top league place for next season may be a priority but this will not stop the sides wanting a victory this weekend.

Dundonald are above Bo’ness in the Table but have played two games more. They won against Dalkeith Thistle last Saturday but two weeks before lost out to Lothian Thistle, both games at home. It is difficult to judge how the teams have developed since last season but Saturday will tell.

Bo’ness were disappointed to drop points against Haddington on Saturday where after a close first half the BUs dominated after the break, but the scourge of missed chances was again to the fore. Everyone at the club knows this is a problem and are working to resolve the issue, whether finding a goal scorer to bring in or seeing the existing strikers finding the necessary touch in front of goal.

A tough game is in prospect and the BU Faithful will be there to support the players and encourage the team to what will hopefully be a successful day.

John Spowart