Bo’ness United play their first cup tie of the season, a difficult Alex Jack first round
game at Newtongrange Star. It was originally scheduled to be at ‘home’ but with
Carmuirs Park unavailable because of Camelon’s Scottish Cup game the match was
switched to New Victoria Park.
This is a significant trophy, the winners entering a play off with the South of Scotland
tournament winners for the South and East of Scotland Shield, and a place in next
season’s Scottish Cup. Ironically it was Camelon who won through last season being
awarded the cup after Bo’ness were disqualified from the final for playing a
suspended player in the semi final at Haddington Athletic. Haddington had protested
after the game but they were also in breach of the rules resulting in the uncontested
final.
Neither side has set the heather on fire in their first three league games,
Newtongrange losing at home to both Tranent Juniors and Dundonald Bluebell these
losses sandwiching an away win at Musselburgh Athletic.
Bo’ness drew their first two games at Broxburn Athletic and Dundonald but did
achieve a comprehensive victory at Crossgates Primrose last weekend. Mark
McKenzie got off the mark and Ross Campbell scored the final and sixth goal. Brian
Morgan made Bo’ness United history being the first player to score as hat trick of
penalties. The rout started with a Graeme Nutt own goal although Crossgates did get
a goal, a Scott Lawrie penalty conversion. Crossgates finished the game with only
nine men Gavin Ross dismissed for two bookings and Darren Aitken shown a straight
red for a two footed challenge.
Both Bo’ness and Newtongrange are keen to progress in this tournament and the
fans will be hoping for a repeat of the thrilling League cup tie between the sides at
New Victoria Park in April. Bo’ness started well racing into an early two goal lead
thanks to Chris Donnelly and Nicky Prentice. Newtongrange responded with a
second half fight back goals from Sean Jamieson from the spot and a George Hunter
strike sending the tie into extra time. There were no more goals and, in the penalty
shoot out, although Marty Wright missed the first kick for Bo’ness, a save from Andy
Murphy meant sudden death and a further stop set up Ross Campbell to score the
winner.
The games between Bo’ness United and Newtongrange are always keenly contested
and Saturday’s encounter is likely to be the same. A noisy support can help inspire
the players and no doubt the BU Faithful will turn up in numbers to provide that vocal
backing.