Match Preview

Match preview submitted by JOHN SPOWART!

Bo’ness United enjoyed a fine derby win over Linlithgow Rose but now prepare for a visit to Blackburn United who currently sit second bottom of the table. Given that Blackburn have already provided a banana skin for the BUs with their victory at Newtown only seven weeks ago, Bo’ness know they can take nothing for granted and want to avoid any slip up this time round.

An early goal from Daniel Campbell did the damage that day in a game where Bo’ness huffed and puffed, never threatening to blow anything down let alone breach the Blackburn defence. Former BU Stewart Devine was on the Blackburn bench but is now playing at Fauldhouse United.

Since their win at Bo’ness, Blackburn have lost all of their five league games going down at Broxburn Athletic, Linlithgow, Sauchie Juniors, and at home to Crossgates Primrose and Newtongrange Star. Over the same period the BUs have won at Hill of Beath Hawthorn, beaten Camelon Juniors and Linlithgow at home while drawing versus Broxburn. The derby win was special although the final result did not reflect the nature of the game. Bo’ness were well on top in the first half and went in at the break two goals up thanks to strikes from Ryan Stevenson and Brian Ritchie. After the turn round Bo’ness continued to create chances but Linlithgow rallied and a late Tommy Coyne goal made the final minutes uncomfortable but the players’ resoluteness got them over the line.

Bo’ness played at New Murrayfield Park in a friendly just over three years ago but the last competitive match at Blackburn was at the old ground over twenty-one years past, coming out on top by the odd goal in three. Paul McKinlay and Darren Swanson were on target for the BUs in this East of Scotland Cup tie.

Blackburn are desperate for points to get them away from the relegation zone and despite the huge gap in points between the sides this will be a difficult game for Bo’ness. What is not in doubt is the fact that the BU Faithful will turn up as usual and the Bo’ness players are guaranteed a noisy support from the side of the park.

John Spowart
08 January 2020