Bo'ness United 2-2 Gala Fairydean Rovers

Bo'ness United came from behind twice to earn a draw in an entertaining Lowland League match against Gala Fairydean Rovers. It was the first time that fans were permitted since the BU's earned promotion to the league and it was a fitting occasion to welcome supporters back with the great weather and and an action packed game to watch.

Bo'ness came out of the blocks quickly looking to make ammends from the below par performance at the weekend against Rangers B. Two great chances came and went within 60 seconds early doors, Jamie McCormack's drive after a decent passing move drifted inches over while Zander Millers headed goal was ruled offisde by the enclosure side assistant referee.

It was all Bo'ness thus far and by the 20 minute mark Tom Grant and Nick Locke both had efforts cleared. The closest the home side came to opening the scoring was via the unlikely right boot of captain Michael Gemmell who was unlucky to see his fierce drive from 25 yards barely clear the crossbar. Another great chance was spurned by Nick Locke midway through the half after he danced his way past his marker on the left wing and with only the keeper to beat curled his shot wide.

United were made pay for these missed opportunities in the 24th minute when Gala would take an unlikely lead, a swift counter attack down the Bo'ness right saw the offside trap breached and the wingers low cross was bundled home at the near post. The game was more even after the goal but Bo'ness were excerting more pressure as the half drew to a close and in the 41st minute they grabbed an equaliser through Locke, his left foot cross/shot catching out the goalkeeper and finding the top corner of the net.

The second half was a far more close matched affair than the first. Chances at both ends early on with Locke seeing a goal bound effort cleared at the last moment and home keeper Andy Murphy having to be sharp from his line to stop a Gala attack. In the 54th minute Gala retook the lead as a quickly taken freekick caught out the Bo'ness backline, a cross came in from the left and the ball was sent past his own keeper by the unfortunate Keir Macauley. On the hour mark Bo'ness were awarded a penalty kick after McCormack was hauled down in the area at a Grant freekick, no hesitation from the referee in pointing to the spot. Last seasons top scorer Zander Miller stepped up and his excellent penalty found the corner of the net. Both teams were really going for it now, Bo'ness trying to pass their way through while the very direct style of Gala was making it a fascinating game to watch. The Gala centre forward was unlucky to see his half volley from 20 yards drift barely wide of the post while at the other end a powerful run by Grant saw him dribble from the halfway line into the Gala box, his shot was well held by the goalkeeper however.

In the end a point for both sides and United will surely feel the game could have been won if they had made the most of their dominant start to the first half.

Next match is on Saturday at home to Dalbeattie Star.