Bo’ness United lost out to Bathgate in this East of Scotland Cup tie where the Scottish Junior Cup finalists proved their effectiveness in front of goal.

Bo’ness scored first in 14 minutes when the ball broke in the box for Scott Mauchline who slotted past ex BU keeper Andy Carlin. However Bathgate responded right away and Chris McFadyen headed past Robert Burns from a Willie Wilson cross.

There was no further scoring in the first half but seven minutes into the second period Bathgate went ahead as Iain Nicholson shot home in 52 minutes but four minutes later a brilliant Kevin Donnelly volley from the edge of the box brought Bo’ness level.

The game looked to be evenly poised but in 65 minutes Paul McGrillen fired in to put Bathgate ahead and the home side extended their lead when John Harvey shot into the BU net.

In 75 minutes any hope of a BU comeback was quashed when goal number five went past Robert Burns in the form of a Stephen Menmuir header at the back post.

Bo’ness still have a Dechmont Forklift cup semi final to look forward to but Saturday 17 May will see celebrations at Newtown Park when the Premier League Champions Trophy is presented after the final home league game against Newtongrange Star.