In their first away fixture of the league campaign, Bo’ness Athletic secured an emphatic victory, netting six goals against Arniston Rangers at Newbyres Park. This ground held fond memories for Bo’ness, who had triumphed here last season in the Alex Jack Cup semi-final. The return saw them deliver a masterclass in attacking football, with standout performances and stunning goals, including a remarkable solo effort from MacDonald.
Bo’ness wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within just five minutes, they took the lead in bizarre fashion. Weir’s tenacity saw him dispossess an Arniston defender before setting up Heaver for a cross from the left. Heaver’s low-driven ball across the goal was met by the Arniston number three, whose attempt to clear went horribly wrong. The ball ricocheted up and off his face and into the net, gifting Bo’ness the opening goal.
The visitors doubled their lead just ninety seconds later. Heaver again played a pivotal role, intercepting a pass just outside the 18-yard box. A series of intricate short passes followed, culminating in Cunningham lofting a delightful ball over the defence to Weir. The midfielder made no mistake, slotting a first-time shot past the keeper to make it 2-0.
Despite the early setbacks, Arniston rallied and began to create chances of their own. One such effort forced Currid into a remarkable one-handed save, tipping the ball over the crossbar. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 33rd minute when MacDonald won a penalty. Advancing into the box, he was clumsily brought down by Arniston’s number seven. Cunningham stepped up and confidently blasted the penalty down the middle, with the goalkeeper diving to his right, extending Bo’ness’s lead to 3-0.
Just three minutes later, MacDonald delivered a moment of magic. Deep in their own half, Bo’ness defended an Arniston throw-in. MacDonald intercepted the ball and embarked on a mesmerising solo run, evading five player with a combination of pace and skill. Reaching the edge of the 18-yard box, he unleashed a powerful shot that struck the far post and ricocheted into the net. It was a goal of the highest quality, showcasing MacDonald’s individual brilliance.
Bo’ness were relentless. Shortly before half-time, they added a fifth. Ogilvie made a surging run down the right, reaching the byline before delivering a low cross. MacDonald, again at the heart of the action, ghosted between two centre-halves to tap the ball home, effectively sealing the match with a 5-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Bo’ness make changes, with Husband replacing Ogilvie. Husband nearly made an immediate impact, unleashing a 40-yard effort that narrowly missed the left-hand post. Bo’ness continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 56th minute. Weir, displaying clever footwork inside the box, feinted past an Arniston defender before slotting a left-footed shot into the corner of the net, completing the rout at 6-0.
Substitutions followed, with Wooburn replacing Wright, and Snedden and Connolly entering the fray. Sneddon also saw action in the final 20 minutes. With the game effectively over, chances became scarce, but Bo’ness managed the game expertly, maintaining their clean sheet and seeing out a comprehensive victory.
This resounding win, which leaves Bo’ness with maximum points and a +9 goal difference after two games, will undoubtedly send a message to their rivals in the First Division. Their attacking prowess, combined with defensive solidity, both home and away, sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting campaign for Bo’ness Athletic.
Final Score: Arniston Rangers 0 – 6 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland First Division League Match No. 02
Match Highlights
