Stalemate In Dull Table Top Encounter 

There were few thrills and little goalmouth action in this match as both sides cancelled out each other and defences were very much on top. 

This was the East match of the day with two of the joint leaders of the McBookie.comEast Super League facing each other for the first time this season. Both sides came into this fixture on the back of defeats - although Kelty's was in the Senior Scottish Cup - and even at this early stage of the season this was a key fixture. Although Kelty are the defending champions they lost three times to Bo'ness last season and were anxious to end that run. 

Kelty took the game to the home side and won a couple of corners in the opening five minutes but could make nothing of the opportunities. 

Bo'ness' first chance came from a lung busting run from Philp, who ran fully seventy yards with the ball before his effort was blocked. 

At the other end,  nice interplay between Smith and Ritchie gave Currie a shooting chance but he fired wildly over. 

There was drama after 20 minutes when Bo'ness' Walker looked to be through before being upended by O'Neill on the edge of the box. With the home supporters demanding a red card, referee Duncan Smith decided that a yellow was more appropriate. The resulting free kick came to nothing. 

There was little creativity and a goal looked most likely from a set piece. 

Bo'ness created a chance from a corner but Hunter headed over. 

After thirty five minutes,  a rare piece of skill by Smith seemed to have created an opening but the United defence were quick to get back. 

Half Time Bo'ness United 0; Kelty Hearts 0

The second have took a long time to warm up and although both sides brought on attacking options in goal scorers Gribben for United and Cargill for the visitors,  a goal seemed unlikely. 

With fifteen minutes left, a fine cross by Gates gave Ritchie a heading chance but it was straight at Christie in the home goal. 

Both sides looked for a winner as the play became more stretched but There were no clear cut chances. 

Defences were well on top and neither goalkeeper had a real save to make. 

Kelty will be happier with the point with so many home games to play this season,  but neither side deserved to win. 

Kelty entertain Broughty Athletic next week and Bo'ness are also at home, to Fauldhouse United. 

Full Time Bo'ness United 0  Kelty Hearts 0


Bo'ness United
Christie, McGregor, Devine, Campbell, Hunter, Nimmo, Walker,  Philp, Sloan, Donnelly and Gemmill Subs Gribben, Kiczyski, Mortison, Moutinho and Christie

Kelty Hearts 
Allison, Jacobs, Gates, O'Neill, Tam Courts, Conrad Courts, Husband, Greig, Smith, Ritchie and Currie Subs Leighton, Cargill, Morrison, McCabe and O'Reilly


Referee Duncan Smith, Euan Donaldson and David McAlindin 

Gordon Baird 
neutral reporter