Match Preview

Match Preview 2018 2019

Tranent Juniors, Central Taxis East of Scotland League Conference B, Carmuirs Park, Saturday 20 April 2019

Bo’ness United have an interesting fixture this weekend when Tranent Juniors visit Carmuirs Park, the fourth meeting between the sides with a fifth pairing scheduled for later this month in the League Cup.

It will be an opportunity for the BUs to make up for the five goal second half demolition at Forester Park last time round, the result at the beginning of this year that saw Steve Kerrigan walk away from the club and Max Christie and his team come in all in the space of a few days. Ironically Christie was in charge of Tranent for that game plus the other two meetings, and he will not want to end the current eleven game BU winning run against his former side. In saying that Tranent must be hoping to get one over their former boss.

The first two games were both cup ties at Foresters Park. In the Alex Jack Cup, the home side thought James Devlin got their winner with only three minutes remaining but the BUs had other ideas. Chris Donnelly had already brought Bo’ness back into the game after Tranent went ahead with a Shaun Rutherford screamer but in the last minute of the ninety Brian Morgan equalised before Donnelly popped up in time added on to secure victory. For the Football Nation Cup Kayne Paterson put Tranent ahead and Marty Wright equalised for Bo’ness minutes after they had missed from the spot, Will Snowdon slamming the ball against the post. Kenny Fisher showed how it was done converting a penalty for Tranent and, despite a lot of pressure, inspired goalkeeping from Sinclair Inglis and resolute defending kept the BUs at bay.

Like Bo’ness, Tranent are now guaranteed a place in the top League next season, their midweek win against Tynecastle, and the BUs defeat of nearest challengers Crossgates Primrose being the decisive results. Tranent could also finish higher than their current fourth place in the table although equally Bo’ness want to hang on to their best of the rest spot, meaning the teams have something to play for. The impending cup tie may be seen as the more important game with the opportunity for a tangible reward at the end of the season but there is sufficient incentive for both clubs to make this a competitive match.

The BU Faithful have shown willing to make the short trip to Camelon for the two games there so far and once again a good turn out is expected with the players working hard to give the loyal support something to cheer about.

John Spowart
18 April 2019