Match Preview

The first derby of the new decade kindly written and provided by JOHN SPOWART!

The New Year gets off to an exciting start for local football fans as Bo’ness United entertain Linlithgow Rose in a league match that is important to both sides. The BUs are keen to maintain their gap at the top of the Premier Division while the Rose want to build on the last two victories to continue their climb up the table.

Linlithgow enjoyed a good run in the Scottish Cup beating Preston Athletic, Jeanfield Swifts, Huntly and University of Stirling before going down to League One side Falkirk in round three. They have experienced some lows including three losses to Camelon Juniors, a heavy defeat at Musselburgh Athletic and exiting the Football Nation Cup at home to Whitehill Welfare. However, the recent league wins at home to Newtongrange Star and Blackburn United have boosted their confidence as they look forward to the rest of the campaign.

Bo’ness hosted Linlithgow earlier in the year for Chris Donnelly’s testimonial but as the teams were placed in different conferences the last competitive meetings were in the previous campaign. Bo’ness won by the odd goal in three at Prestonfield where, despite Colin Strickland putting the home side ahead early on as before the break, Calum Scott pulled one back while Marty Wright scored what proved to be the winner. In the first meeting that season at Newtown it was the same score but this time in Linlithgow’s favour. Roddy MacLennan fired the Rose ahead but Chris Donnelly equalised just before the turnaround. Owen Ronald scored the second half decider for Linlithgow.

In recent times Bo’ness have enjoyed a rich vein of form against their local rivals. The BUs have won nine of their last twelve meetings, a significant turnaround from previous years. However past results go for nothing and although Bo’ness will be listed as favourites due to home advantage plus their position in the league, they know only a top performance will do to get the desired result.

This is a local derby where both sets of players and supporters want the win. There will be a sizeable number making the short trip over the Flints and with a guaranteed big home support a great atmosphere is in prospect. The BU Faithfull know their task is to back the team while the Bo’ness players will do their bit to give the fans something to shout about.

John Spowart
03 January 2020