Bo’ness United negotiated this potentially tricky fixture at New Victoria Park to come away with a good victory to progress to round three of the East of Scotland Cup.

The hard ground made things difficult for both sets of players in a scrappy start to the game where there was little between the teams. However in 17 minutes Bo’ness edged ahead with a good bit of play that produced a goal. Kevin Donnelly passed the ball forward to Scott Brown at the edge of the Newtongrange box and the ex Star player found Derek Sinclair who steadied himself before slotting past the exposed Ryan Carnie from ten yards out.

The pattern of the game did not change but in 38 minutes Newtongrange were shouting for a penalty as Donnelly tackled Joe Dunbar in the home box. The referee ignored the claims giving Newtongrange only a corner that was swept up to the other end of the park. Newtongrange appeared to hesitate thinking Sinclair’s cross was going out but the ball stayed in and Newtongrange were hesitant again looking for an offside decision that did not come. Bo’ness did the right thing playing to the whistle and it was Scott Mauchline who shot from the edge of the box the effort deflecting past Carnie to give the BUs a commanding lead.

The second half was a quieter affair though with fifteen minutes remaining Newtongrange nearly gained a life line as a shot crashed off the bar and Robert Burns did well to save the rebound. However in 84 minutes Bo’ness settled things when Stewart Kenny carried the ball forward before hitting a great left foot shot that curled in to beat Carnie low at the far post.    

The win keeps the season alive and a rejuvenated BUs may yet give their fans something to smile about.