In a thrilling encounter amidst their title pursuit, Bo’ness edged closer to their championship aspirations in the East of Scotland Second Division, yet the relentless pursuit by Thornton Hibs looms, promising a nail-biting finale. Securing a crucial three points, Bo’ness showcased their talents with a stunning strike from Heaver, complemented by Cunningham’s prolific form as he notched an impressive four goals.
From the onset, Bo’ness asserted their dominance in ideal playing conditions. Within the first minute, Heaver threatened with a menacing cross, only to be denied by a timely intervention from Ogilvie and Burntisland’s No. 4, deflecting the shot wide. The momentum continued as Woodburn orchestrated a sublime lofted pass to find Cunningham, whose subsequent cross to MacDonald saw a thunderous strike rattling the far post.
Despite early pressure, Bo’ness faced an unexpected setback in the 23rd minute when Burntisland seized the lead against the run of play. A well-executed free kick found its way to Burntisland’s No. 2, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past the stand-in keeper, Wilson. Undeterred, Bo’ness relentlessly pursued an equalizer, with MacDonald narrowly missing the mark from close range.
The pendulum swung in Bo’ness’s favour as half time approached, with Cunningham spearheading the offensive charge. Despite several promising opportunities, including a remarkable cross from Heaver, Bo’ness found themselves trailing at Newtown Park, a scenario unfamiliar to their title aspirations.
However, Bo’ness wasted no time in the second half, with Cunningham’s audacious bicycle kick setting the tone for their resurgence. Minutes later, Heaver restored parity with a solo effort, showcasing sublime skill and composure to beat the keeper at his near post, reigniting Bo’ness’s momentum.
The 56th minute saw Cameron leave the field and replaced by Michael Weir in the first of the Bo’ness substitutions
Bo’ness’s ascendancy was cemented in the 71st minute when Snedden orchestrated a clinical through ball, allowing Heaver to calmly assist Cunningham for his first goal of the match. A subsequent penalty awarded to Bo’ness further extended their lead, with Cunningham clinically converting to make it 3-1.
Despite Burntisland’s sporadic attempts, including a notable double save from Wilson, Bo’ness remained resolute in defence. A double substitution injected fresh energy into Bo’ness’s line-up, with MacKay and Godwin contributing to the proceedings with MacDonald and Ogilvie making way.
As the final whistle beckoned, Cunningham further embellished his stellar performance with a well-deserved hat-trick, much to the dismay of Burntisland’s management. Connolly was substituted on for the final moments of the game with Heaver going off to great applause, then a late penalty saw Cunningham sealing his fourth goal of the match, epitomizing Bo’ness’s dominance on the field.
With the season drawing to a close and only four games remaining, Bo’ness stands poised to achieve their milestone of breaking the 100-league goal mark. Cunningham’s remarkable feat of scoring his fourth consecutive league hat-trick, marking his sixth in the last seven matches across all competitions, underscores Bo’ness’s unwavering determination and ambition as they march towards their ultimate goal.
Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 5 – 1 Burntisland Shipyard
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 26
Match Highlights:
