After a turbulent week Bo’ness United visit League leaders Bonnyrigg Rose for what would be a difficult game at anytime but this time round will test the resolve of everyone around the club. A second half collapse saw Bo’ness heavily defeated at Tranent Juniors, this quickly followed by the resignation of manager Steven Kerrigan. Bo’ness moved quickly to announce a replacement and ironically it is Max Christie who will take over the reigns with Ian Black and Kevin Haynes coming in as his assistants. This is the coaching team who was in charge of Tranent on Saturday and although they will be in attendance at Bonnyrigg, Andy Shirra and Stuart Hunter will be in charge of team affairs on the day.

Bo’ness played Bonnyrigg at Newtown earlier in the season and a much depleted side was no match for the Rose. Keiran McGachie struck twice before Andy Shirra pulled one back from the spot. However in the second half Dean Hoskins scored for Bonnyrigg and McGachie completed his hat trick to complete a miserable day for the BUs. The last visit to New Dundas eighteen months ago proved an equally miserable occasion Bonnyrigg scoring three goals without reply. Bo’ness last defeated Bonnyrigg in a Fife and Lothians Cup tie at Newtown almost two years ago winning through after a penalty kick shoot out. It was more than a year before that, March 2016 when Jack Simpson and Ross Philp were on the mark to give Bo’ness their last win at New Dundas.

Going back to the game at Tranent Bo’ness played well in the first half, Tranent clearing two efforts off the line with keeper Sinclair Inglis making some great saves to keep Bo’ness out. However after the break a defensive mistake led to the first goal and two deflections saw Tranent go three up. The cause was not helped after a rash challenge had Stuart Hunter red carded and two further goals rubbed salt into a very raw Bo’ness wound. A freak result in many ways but four points from nine in the last three games mean Bo’ness need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.

Bonnyrigg are undefeated in the League this season and are odds on favourites to win again this weekend. This could be the ideal game for the players to prove a point to themselves and the supporters while making a good impression on the new manager. Max Christie has faced Bo’ness three timed this season and knows there is quality in the side. He will be looking forward to brining it to the fore over the coming weeks.

The weather may be the only winner this weekend although Bonnyrigg have the pitch covered so hopefully football can prevail. A cold day is in prospect but hopefully many of the BU Faithfull will make the trip and who knows perhaps it may prove a worthwhile journey.

John Spowart
30 January 2019