Bo'ness Make It Hard For Themselves

Despite being the better side throughout and creating the clearer chances, Bo'ness United almost let Newtongrange Star in to rescue a point which they never really looked like taking. The visitors led comfortably at the break and scorned clear chances to put the game beyond Star. However, Star pulled a goal back and the visitors put themselves under unnecessary pressure.

Newtongrange welcomed Bo'ness Utd to New Victoria Park today buoyed by last Saturday's win over local rivals and McBookie.com Super League leaders, Penicuik Ath. Bo'ness went down to a surprise defeat at home to Camelon last Saturday and were anxious not to let the Star complete a third league win in a row over them. With the league so close at the top this season every game is taking on greater significance now and every point vital.

Despite the horrific weather over the last few days the game went ahead with the pitch in remarkable condition for November.

Bo'ness were straight on the offensive and won an early free kick in a dangerous position - Sloan's fine effort going just wide. Stars first chance came after four minutes when Cropley's fine cross gave Currie a shooting chance - but his effort was blocked.

Bo'ness won a number of corners in the early minutes and dominated the play with Sloan and the energetic Gemmill prominent in midfield. After 10 minutes they took a well deserved lead. Wright did well to set up a chance for NIMMO and his fine shot from twenty yards left Renton helpless.

As so often happens, the goal acted as a wake up call for Star. On the quarter hour, Thomson picked out King, but he completely miskicked with the goal at his mercy. Half way through the half Coult shot wide but in truth Bo'ness were still the better side. After twenty five minutes Nimmo, buoyed by his goal, fired in a terrific shot from range but Renton was equal to it.

Bo'ness doubled their lead after 26 minutes. Star conceded a free kick on their right. Gribben fired the ball in Renton couldn't hold it. The ball broke across the goal and SNOWDON forced it over the line.

It was looking ominous for the home side now with Bo'ness well on top but after thirty one minutes they created a good chance. Cropley's cross from the right was headed goalwards by King and with the ball looking goal bound, Campbell did well to turn it away. A few minutes later King again had a half chance but his effort was blocked.

With five minutes to the break Bo'ness nearly got a third. Gribben's cross was met by Snowdon and his looping header came back off the junction of crossbar and post. A minute later, it looked like game over after a fine sweeping move by the visitors -  but Snowdon blasted over when he looked sure to score.

As the break approached, Star's Cherrie tried a shot from range and only a touch from Christie managed to turn it on to the crossbar and out for a corner.

Half Time Newtongrange Star 0; Bo'ness United 2

Newtongrange started the second period well and a Thomson cross found Kris Renton, but he miscued his shot.

After fifty two minutes, Bo'ness missed another gilt edged chance. Donnelly played in Gribben but the prolific frontman fired over with the goal gaping. A few minutes later, Sloan shot and when Renton couldn't hold it, Donnelly was presented with a chance but the big goalkeeper saved his effort.

Star brought McManus on for Coult and Thomson moved from full back to midfield and Star enjoyed a period of dominance, winning free kicks and corners but couldn't test Christie. With twenty minutes left and United looking like they had weathered the storm, KRIS RENTON conjured up a wonder strike from nothing and Star were back in it.

However, there was to be no equaliser and neither side managed to produce much in terms of goal chances. Currie had a shot blocked for Star and Snowdon a header from a Sloan corner but neither keeper was tested.

Best for Bo'ness on a day when they played well as a team were Sloan, Wright and Gemmill with their defence looking particularly strong. Dunn was good for Star and Thomson tireless.

This result keeps Bo'ness near the top of the table and adds to Stars problems at the other end.

Bo'ness travel to Troon on Junior Cup business next Saturday while Star entertain Broxburn Athletic with both sides desperate for league points.

Final Score  Newtongrange Star 1; Bo'ness United 2


Teams:
Newtongrange Star
Keiron Renton, Thomson, Tulloch, Tolmie, Dunn, Currie, King, Cherrie, Kris Renton, Coult and Cropley Subs Murray, Noble, McManus, Motion and McQueen

Bo'ness United
Christie, Snowdon, Sloan, Campbell, Morrison, Nimmo, Gemmill, Philp, Donnelly, Wright and Gribben  Subs Gibb, Hunter, McGregor, Moutinho and Walker

Referee Alan McFadyen, Assistants Chris Newman and Lee McAulay


Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter