BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 09 November 2024
Competition – CarMat Kings South Challenge Cup Round 4

Bo’ness United 3
(Grant 17 87, Stenhouse 98)

Musselburgh 4
(Reid 67, Walsh 74, Auriemna 96, Evans 120)

After Extra Time

A Nathan Evans goal in the final minute of extra time sent Bo’ness out of the South Challenge Cup, the BUs finishing on the wrong end of a seven goal thriller. Once again Bo’ness were unable to convert enough of the chances that came their way while a normally mean backline looked uncomfortable at times

After an even start Bo’ness struck just after fifteen minutes, Musselburgh losing the ball from their own throwrearguard allowing Tom Grant to curl a fine shot into the opposite corner of the net. Bo’ness might have added to their score as one goal never looked to be enough against an eager Musselburgh side.

After the turnaround Musselburgh worked to get back and after missing a couple of opportunities finally made the breakthrough. With just over twenty minutes remaining Gabriele Auriemna slipped a pass across the goal and Nicolas Reid gratefully shot home from six yards. Seven minutes later the East Lothian side were ahead as Bo’ness were dispossessed in the middle of the park and Aiden Welsh ran through to slip past the exposed BU keeper Cade Melrose.

All credit to Bo’ness who never gave up and three minutes before the ninety scored to take the game to extra time. A Keir Macaulay corner was headed towards goal by Kyle Johnston, the ball blocked by keeper Liam McCathie but Tom Grant pounced to slot home from close in. Just on the whistle a shout went up for a hand ball in the Musselburgh box but the referee waved away the claim and the game moved into extra time. Only six minutes in Musselburgh took the lead as the ball found its way to the unmarked Gabriele Auriemna beyond the post and he blasted a shot into the far corner of the net. Almost right away Bo’ness struck back, Lucas Stenhouse stroking home a Tom Grant pass.

Just before the break Bo’ness were reduced to ten men when the Kyle Johnston was shown a second yellow card, perhaps unlucky given other persistent offenders around him. The BUs were to face the final fifteen a man short though the outcome was still in the balance both teams still playing for a winner. With time running out and penalties looking more likely Musselburgh swapped keepers much to the frustration of the starting choice. As it was, the late strike won the game for Musselburgh with the inevitable contrast in feelings on the final whistle.

Bo’ness have little time to lick their wounds as they travel to Ardrossan Winton Rovers on Tuesday for a Scottish Junior Cup tie followed by a home league match against current leaders and Title favourites East Kilbride. Only then can they consider the return match at Musselburgh, this time in the Scottish Cup where clearly they must improve to have any hope of progressing in the National Tournament.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Masson, Macaulay, Duffy, Travis, Gemmell (Johnston 64), Stevenson (Osadolor 72), Irving (Henderson 80), Grant (McLinden 117), Porteous. Subs (Not Used): Hawkins Mitchell, SG: Ritchie.