After the disappointment of relinquishing their hold on the League Cup, Bo’ness United return to league business with a visit to Musselburgh Athletic. This is the third meeting between the sides this season and the BUs second visit to Olivebank Stadium.

The BUs lost an Alex Jack Cup tie there in late August, a game where Bo’ness had two players, Stuart Hunter and Chris Donnelly red carded. Musselburgh were already two goals ahead through Mathu King and Conor Thomson when Bo’ness were reduced to ten men. Just before the break Will Snowdon pulled one back but after the second dismissal Jordan Orru completed the scoring, sealing the victory for the home side. Musselburgh went on to win the trophy, and following their win against Mid Annandale in the East/South Cup Winners Shield will compete in the Scottish Cup next season.

Just over a month later Musselburgh were at Newtown Park under the lights in the league where Bo’ness mounted a great comeback to win the points. The BUs scored first from a superb Devon Jacobs strike before a Nathan Evans double had the visitors ahead. Just before half time Stuart Hunter brought Bo’ness level but a minute after the turnaround Darren Downie restored the lead for Musselburgh. With fifteen minutes remaining Brian Morgan was red carded but shortly after ten-man Bo’ness equalised and just before the whistle Stuart Hunter headed the winner.

Musselburgh’s form has been up and down since that game although their last defeat was in mid-December at Jeanfield Swifts. In recent times they have won four and drawn three in the league and have steadily moved up the table, now sitting at the mid-point albeit having played more games than most around them. Notably they held Hill of Beath Hawthorn at Olivebank, an indication of the tough afternoon that faces Bo’ness at the weekend.

Since the New Year Bo’ness have won ten points from fifteen, a decent tally although the five dropped were games, both at home, and against teams in the lower area of the table. Such is the nature of a tight division with everything to play for at both ends.

The game at Penicuik Park saw Bo’ness start poorly, losing an early headed goal to Paul Tansey. However, the players steadied the ship and nine minutes into the second half Will Snowdon celebrated his 400th appearance for the BUs with a brilliant volleyed goal. The game was finely balanced as it moved into extra time but unfortunately Bo’ness conceded a penalty that was converted before a defensive error put Cuikie through to the next round.

After the League Cup defeat at Penicuik, the BUs can fully focus on the Title race although manager Max Christie is looking no further than the game at Musselburgh and will select the best team available to get the best result possible at Olivebank.
Musselburgh have a noisy home support and the BU Faithful are tasked to turn up in numbers to more than match their hosts and encourage our players from the first whistle to the last.

John Spowart
12 March 2020