Arthurlie v Bo'ness United
By John Spowart ( 15th February 2012)
ARTHURLIE
Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 5th Round
Saturday 18th February 2012
It’s almost nine years since Bo’ness United visited Dunterlie Park, but Arthurlie will once again host Bo’ness United for a Scottish Junior Cup tie. On that last occasion the BUs came away with a single Gordon Herd goal victory, but only after Arthurlie laid siege to the Bo’ness goal in a torrid second half.
Bo’ness were also matched with Arthurlie in the 1975/76 Cup winning season, winning at Newtown after another very difficult game at Dunterlie Park. The first game was notable when stand in BU keeper Ian Miller saved a spot kick while converting one at the other end. However in 1981 Arthurlie came out on top in a semi final tie at Brockville, but they lost to Pollok in that season’s final.
All the games against Arthurlie have been competitive and there is no reason to doubt that Saturday’s contest will be any different. Arthurlie are going through a bad patch in their Super League campaign but they have had enjoyed a good run in the Scottish. A win at Kilsyth in the last round was a great result in what was would have been seen as a challenging prospect.
Arthurlie last won the National Trophy in 1998 after comprehensively beating Pollok in the final. Last season’s campaign saw Arthurlie go out at the round four stage, going down at Glenrothes.
A big crowd is expected on Saturday with Bo’ness supporters making up a large part of the numbers. It is an exciting prospect and with a place in the quarterfinal at stake this game is sure to be a tough contest, but hopefully Bo’ness United can put on a good show to send the BU faithful home with a smile on their faces.