Match Preview

Match Preview 2018 2019

Bonnyrigg Rose, King Cup Round 4, New Dundas Park, Saturday 18 May 2019

After their League Cup Final win against Musselburgh Athletic Bo’ness United are looking for further cup glory, this time in the King Cup. However, they face a trip into the lion’s den that is New Dundas Park where Bonnyrigg Rose are looking to avenge their recent defeats at the hands of the BUs. The winners are away to either Musselburgh or Linlithgow Rose in the Semi Final.

In that close League Cup Final played at Penicuik it was a first half Ryan Stevenson goal that proved decisive for Bo’ness although they had to survive twenty five minutes with ten men as another controversial second yellow card decision saw Michael Gemmell sent off.

On their way to winning the League Cup Bo’ness defeated Bonnyrigg in the semi final at Carmuirs Park but only after a penalty kick shootout. Bo’ness lost a goal through Aaron Morrell just after the break but Brian Morgan equalised before the end. Two minutes into extra time Bo’ness were reduced to ten men, Devon Jacobs receiving a second yellow card but held out until the final whistle. Into the shoot-out although Bo’ness missed their first spot kick, two great saves from Andy Murphy allowed Michael Gemmell to convert the decisive strike for the BUs.

In the league win just over a month ago at New Dundas Park, the first in a number of years, Brian Morgan and Stuart Hunter had Bo’ness two up at half time. After the break Bonnyrigg saw Jonathan Brown sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the game and, although Keith Lough pulled one back for them ten minutes from time, Marty Wright came on just before the end and struck to make sure of the BU win.

Two days after the League Cup defeat Bonnyrigg had another disappointing visit to Carmuirs Park going out of the Football Nation Cup at the hands of Camelon Juniors. In saying that they bounced back well from these setbacks with a resounding six goal win at home to Jeanfield Swifts to set up Saturday’s tie against Bo’ness.

Bonnyrigg have already been crowned East of Scotland League Champions although promotion to the Lowland League has been denied them as their application for SFA membership was rejected. The club still hope to overcome this situation. Meanwhile they are in the final of the South Challenge Cup and are scheduled to meet Lowland League winners East Kilbride at Meggetland Stadium on Sunday week.

Bo’ness have already beaten Bonnyrigg twice and want to win a second trophy of the season. Bonnyrigg meanwhile have a score to settle with their visitors while they too are keen on more silverware. This adds up to what should be a great contest between two determined sides, and with a large home support guaranteed a maximum turnout from the BU Faithful can add to the atmosphere while ensuring a noisy backing for the Bo’ness players.

John Spowart
16 May 2019