Champions end league leaders unbeaten start

On a Saturday where the fixture list was decimated by the cold and frosty weather, Super League leaders Kelty Hearts visited Champions Bo'ness United, with a great chance of extending their lead at the top of the table.

This match was originally scheduled for Kelty but when their pitch fell victim to the frost,  the game was quickly moved to Newtown Park where the surface was excellent.

Kelty had an excellent result last week defeating Linlithgow Rose to maintain their unbeaten league record, but Bo'ness went into the match buoyed by their recent Junior Cup win over Kelty in Fife and on paper, it looked an intriguing encounter.

Kelty were dealt a blow in the warm job when influential midfielder Greig injured himself . He was replaced in the starting line up by McCabe, with Hearts adding another substitute, McPhee, to their experienced bench.

The game was slow to develop any sort of pattern with too many poor touches and misplaced passes. It was a full 14 minutes before an "Efe  Ambrose" moment from Snowdon nearly let the visitors in, but it came to nothing.

After 25 minutes, good work from O'Reilly,  let top marksman Cargill in to flash a shot across goal. The same player hit a shot against the post after 37 minutes after Ritchie and O'Reilly had combined well - but was just off side.

Kelty were starting to gain the upper hand but we're dealt a cruel blow when player /manager Tam Courts, injured his back and needed to be replaced by with Grady. Duffin moved to central defence from right back.
Within a minute the loss of the stopper was apparent when Leiper met a Pittman free kick and it looked sure give United the lead -  before super marksman Cargill popped up on the line to head clear.

Half Time:  Bo'ness United 0; Kelty Hearts 0

The second half started brightly for Kelty who quickly forced two corners but there was a feeling that without Courts and Greig,  a point for the visitors would be a great result.

Bo'ness sensed that the game was there for the taking and with Pitman pulling the strings in midfield, they began to create chances. From a Snowden free kick Leiper again had a header and then Pitman a shot.

After 58 minutes United took a deserved lead. After good work from Pitman, the ball broke to Leiper and the centre back fired a good shot past the helpless Allison in the Kelty goal.

The game was becoming increasing towsey and referee Stuart, who'd tried hard to keep his cards in his pockets in the first half,  was forced to brandish them repeatedly. He eventually booked 7 players and banished Morrison late in the game for a second yellow.

There was very little goal mouth action and Kelty's attempts to equalise,  by making substitutions,  were too little too late. United were happy to see the game out and win a crucial three points.

Best for United were Pitman and goalscorer Leiper, who kept Cargill under control. Cargill was lively for Hearts despite being well policed and Duffin solid at the back.

This game changed with the injury to Tam Courts as Kelty had looked comfortable until that point. The absence of Greig didn't help their cause and Conrad Courts had a quiet game in midfield. The unbeaten record has gone but Kelty still lead the league and if their injuries clear up will be a force in the second half of the season. Bo'ness ground this one out and with Gribben on the injury list, looked toothless up front!

Bo'ness entertain Musselburgh Athletic next Saturday with Kelty away for the third Saturday running at Sauchie. 

Full Time Bo'ness United 1; Kelty Hearts 0

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter