Match Preview 2021 2022 by JOHN SPOWART!

Edinburgh University, Lowland League, Newtown Park, Saturday 29 January 2022

It’s back to league business for Bo’ness United as Edinburgh University visit Newtown Park for this return fixture, the BUs winning at East Peffermill early in the season. Bo’ness scored in nine minutes through Zander Miller but couldn’t hold the lead as Pat Baird headed in a quick riposte. United regained the advantage after half an hour, Connor McMullen on target, and into time added on they bagged two more with Miller again and one from Tom Grant. In the second half, the BUs appeared to take their foot off the pedal but with four minutes remaining McMullen scored his second of the night and, again in time added on, a late, late strike by Conor McKenzie made it six for Bo’ness.

Edinburgh University are not enjoying the best of times, losing six league games on the trot, their last win in early December at home to Gretna 2008. They currently sit fourth from bottom with six wins from twenty-seven starts although are well ahead of the relegation places.

The last three league games for Bo’ness have seen them lose, win and then draw perfectly illustrating the up and down Lowland League campaign this season. Clearly the BUs want to improve their overall form and although they must be favourites to beat the Edinburgh students, the recent home loss to basement side Vale of Leithen ensures there is no complacency to be found in the BU camp.

Bo’ness do go into this game after a victory at Sauchie Juniors, winning through to the next round of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup. As predicted the match proved a close fought affair played on a heavy pitch. There was not a lot of football on show and although a very scrappy game, both sets of players put in a lot of effort to get the desired result for their side. The BUs got off to a great start scoring after only five minutes, a Ryan Stevenson corner from the left breaking nicely to Jamie McCormack who fired home from around eight yards. Sauchie rallied and Bo’ness had some defending to do, much of it in their own box as the home side went for the equaliser. As it turned out, seven minutes into the second half Bo’ness doubled their lead, a clearance from Sauchie keeper Chic Bell landing at the feet of Keir Macaulay who from thirty five yards, lobbed over the despairing number one and despite his best efforts, couldn’t stop the ball dropping in just under the bar.

The cushion lasted only three minutes as Sauchie pulled one back, a mix up in the BU defence allowing the ball to fall for Ross Cavanagh given the simple tax of rolling into the empty net. The goal gave Sauchie a boost and they charged forward looking for the equalizer, and with fifteen minutes remaining tied the match. From a corner on the left there was yet another goalmouth scramble in the BU box but this time the ball finished in the net poked over the line by Jack Docherty.

Despite chances being created and spurned at both ends there were no more goals during the rest of the ninety and into extra time. Bo’ness even had to endure the final eleven minutes of the added half hour a man short as Devon Jacobs was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the game. Into the penalty shoot out and with Tom Grant and Gregor Nicol netting for Bo’ness and the contest in the balance, both keepers saved in the third round but were penalised for coming off their goal line. At the second attempt Kyle Wilson converted for Bo’ness but Sauchie’s Ross Cavanagh hit wide. Ryan Stevenson also missed the target and it was now sudden death. Michael Gemmell scored penalty number five but Brian Morgan sent Sauchie’s final effort over the bar to see Bo’ness go forward. The BUs are now drawn to play Musselburgh Athletic at home on Tuesday February 8.

Back to the league, Bo’ness have been stuck at twelfth spot in the table since mid-November but, assuming they can get onto a winning run, can catch many of the teams above them. There are no easy games to be had but the BUs have shown they can play at the level required to do well in this League. It’s proved difficult to achieve that high standard with consistency but the players know they can depend on the BU Faithful to turn up in numbers and encourage them to do their best for themselves and the club.

John Spowart
28 January 2022