Match Preview 2021 2022 submitted by JOHN SPOWART!

Celtic B, Lowland League, Penny Cars Stadium, Saturday 18 December 2021

With little time to lick their wounds, Bo’ness United are back in action with a very difficult game against Celtic B in Airdrie. After the shock home defeat against Vale of Leithen it’s an opportunity for the players to redeem themselves but only an exceptional display can get a result against the Glasgow youngsters.

Putting the Vale result in perspective, the win at Newtown Park was their first success in two years having gone over forty games without a win. They defended in depth and Bo’ness struggled to break through and even then, were unable to take any of the chances presented to them. Vale of Leithen did create opportunities throughout and as the game neared the end were looking more likely and scored the winner in ninety minutes, Mark Deya shooting home from close in.

Bo’ness played Celtic B earlier in the season and despite the defeat, the BUs took the game to the full timers early on and only a super save from Celtic keeper Tobi Oluwayemi stopped Connor McMullen’s shot from distance putting Bo’ness ahead. In the second half the BUs were more on the backfoot and, although their goal survived a couple of narrow squeaks, plus the usual great goalkeeping by Andy Murphy, the BUs stood firm. Unfortunately for Bo’ness a controversial red card for Nick Locke reduced their numbers and the final twenty minutes were always going to be a struggle. As it turned out two inspirational substitutions from Celtic won them the day. In 84 minutes Tsoanelo Letsosa replaced Adam Brooks and almost right away put his side ahead from close in. With three minutes remaining Bruno Davidson came on for Rocco Vata and immediately put the ball in the Bo’ness net.

Since then, Celtic B have fared well sitting 5th in the table with only four defeats from twenty outings. They are currently on a four-game winning run and before that a win at Berwick Rangers was sandwiched between a loss at The Spartans and a draw versus Cumbernauld Colts. That’s five wins from seven and the Celtic youngsters are looking to catch the teams above them.

Bo’ness United on the other hand have struggled all season to achieve consistency, not winning any more than three consecutive games, also experiencing a four-match losing streak. Sitting in the bottom half of the table, United manager Max Christie is keen to see a sustainable improvement in form with his team able to compete, not just occasionally, but on a week to week basis. The BU Faithful are also hoping for a general upturn in the fortunes of their team and will be at the Penny Cars Stadium on Saturday to do their bit in encouraging the players to make their Christmas a happy one.

John Spowart
16 December 2021