Match Preview

Preview provided by JOHN SPOWART.

Bo’ness United made a successful return to Newtown Park with a narrow win over
Tranent Juniors that sees them go top of the Premier Division. However there is little
time to savour the victory as a resurgent Musselburgh Athletic visit on Wednesday
night for the first match under the new lights.
Against Tranent Bo’ness were ahead at halftime courtesy of a Shaun Hill own goal
although after the break Tranent enjoyed a lot of possession but it was Bo’ness who
created but spurned good chances to increase their lead. As it was just before the
ninety Lewis Hawkins fired in a great equaliser but the BUs once again showed their
indomitable spirit and four minutes into time added on Chris Donnelly cracked in the
winner.
Musselburgh have won four of their last five matches, Saturday’s game an
impressive six goals to two victory against Linlithgow Rose. In saying that
Musselburgh lost their previous two Premier Division matches at Crossgates
Primrose and Tranent but that emphatic Linlithgow win means they may be
transferring their very good cup form to the bread and butter of the league. Bo’ness
were victims of Musselburgh’s cup tie success only a month ago going out of the
Alex Jack Cup at Olivebank. Bo’ness were already two goals behind from Mathu King
and Conor Thomson when Stuart Hunter was red carded after half an hour. Will
Snowdon pulled one back just before the break but in the second half Chris Donnelly
was also send off and Jordan Orru completed the scoring for the home side. Even
with nine men Bo’ness created some good chances to get back but in the end were
well beaten on the day.
The East Lothian side last visited Newtown Park two and a half years ago in an East
Region Super League match. First half goals from Robert Sloan, Marty Wright and a
Fraser Keast strike in the second period had the BUs in charge. Mathu King pulled
one back for Musselburgh but a further counter by Ruari MacLennan and a Michael
Moffat own goal sealed the points for Bo’ness.
Three wins in a row means Musselburgh come to Newtown Park with confidence
although Bo’ness have achieved two good wins despite not playing at their best and
missing some players through injury and illness. Bo’ness want to maintain their
position at the top of the Division while Musselburgh are keen to climb away from the
bottom section. A tough encounter is in prospect and the BU Faithful will be there to
back their favourites while enjoy a rare taste of floodlit football.