Whitehill are currently bottom of the table, albeit with games in hand on the teams above them, and, despite their lowly position, BU Manager Max Christie and the players are taking nothing for granted. Just into the New Year Whitehill won in the League at Newtongrange Star and managed a draw at Penicuik Athletic just before Christmas. On Saturday they only lost out to Musselburgh Athletic late in the game and Whitehill will be no pushovers.

Bo’ness won at Whitehill in a preseason friendly but the last competitive game between the sides was just over eight years ago, the BUs coming out on top in a Scottish Cup tie at Newtown Park. Stephen Tarditi scored in each half for Bo’ness but with just under fifteen minutes remaining Andrew Kidd pulled one back from the spot to make the final part of the game interesting.

The win at Blackburn United two weeks ago put Bo’ness thirteen points ahead at the top of the table although Tranent clawed that back to twelve with their victory at Linlithgow Rose last Saturday. At New Murrayfield Park Craig Comrie put Bo’ness ahead on the half hour and just before the break a Michael Browne own goal doubled the lead. In the second half strikes from Ryan Stevenson and Brian Ritchie made it comfortable for Bo’ness to redress the balance after Blackburn’s win at Newtown in November. Kieran Anderson made his return to Bo’ness after four seasons away and received a warm welcome from the BU fans as he was brought on for the final part of the game. Welcome back Kieran.

Bo’ness have played more games than the other challengers but importantly have the points in the bag. Those other teams can move closer to the BUs whose task is simple, to keep on winning. That can hopefully continue on Saturday with a victory over Whitehill but only a good performance from the players will achieve this with the noisy support from the BU Faithful assisting the cause.

John Spowart
22 January 2020