Having lost for the first time this season versus Albion Rovers, Bo’ness United are keen to get back to winning ways with the visit of Cumbernauld Colts. After their comprehensive win at home to Gretna 2008 on Wednesday, the Colts are only two points behind Bo’ness although have played a game more.
Bo’ness were unfortunate not to get at least a share of the points in the Albion Rovers match in what was an entertaining, closely fought game. Over the piece the BUs had the majority of the possession, creating a number of chances but Rovers keeper Ross Connelly was in inspired form to keep them out. At the other end Musa Dibaga had few saves to make although significantly saved a first half penalty kick from Niyah Joseph after the same player was tripped in the box. The only goal of the game came with fifteen minutes remaining as Albion Rovers substitute Bright Okusan dispossessed Lewis McArthur in the box before angling a low shot into the opposite corner of the net. Bo’ness pushed forward looking to get the equaliser but were unable to make the breakthrough.
Bo’ness met Cumbernauld Colts on three occasions last season including the League Cup semi final at Broadwood, the BUs winning the penalty kick shootout after a goalless ninety minutes. The sides met at Newtown Park in the opening game of the campaign, Bo’ness coming out on top. They dominated the early play and went ahead in eleven minutes when a great pass from Devon Jacobs picked out Alassan Jones who angled into the six-yard box before hitting a low shot that nestled into the far corner of the net. Five minutes later they were two up with a miss-hit clearance from goalkeeper Ryan Adamson that landed at the feet of Lennon Walker who despatched the ball from twelve yards. Twenty minutes into the second half Bo’ness scored a crucial third from a Declan Hughes corner, Lewis Hawkins heading in from close up. Cumbernauld got their revenge in the league match at Broadwood, winning by a solitary first half goal when William Mortimer collected wide on the left and crossed low for Daniel Hunter to fire the ball home. Bo’ness almost equalised late on with a Dan Watt chip that was brilliantly saved by Colts’ keeper Ryan Adamson.

Cumbernauld Colts represent a tough challenge for Bo’ness having defeated Celtic B, University of Stirling and Linlithgow Rose as well as their midweek demolition of Gretna. Despite the midweek loss Bo’ness showed they are up for the task and will put every ounce of effort into getting a positive result. The BU Faithful were in fine voice on Wednesday and after giving their vocal cords a rest can be ready to go again with another noisy display from the Newtown Park terracing.
John Spowart
25 August 2023