What a roller-coaster ride it was for Bo’ness fans as their team clinched a heart-stopping victory in the King Cup quarter finals against a determined Leith side. With the net bulging nine times, Bo’ness emerged victorious with a 5-4 score line in a match that had pulses racing from start to finish.
Leading the charge for Bo’ness was none other than Cunningham, who showcased his scoring prowess with another hat-trick, adding to the one from the previous game. Heaver and Duncan also got in on the action, ensuring Bo’ness secured the win, although not without a few nail-biting moments courtesy of Leith’s spirited comeback in the dying minutes.
The match kicked off with Bo’ness on the attack, eager to make their mark early on. Shanks and Cunningham combined well, but their efforts failed to find the back of the net. Heaver tried his luck from distance, but it was a routine save for the Leith keeper. However, it wasn’t long before Cunningham broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box, sending the fans into raptures.
As Bo’ness continued to press forward, Leith fought back, testing Bo’ness keeper Currid with a few close attempts. But Bo’ness doubled their lead thanks to a defensive blunder from Leith, allowing Cunningham to pounce and slot home his second of the game. With a comfortable lead, Bo’ness seemed in control, but Leith had other plans.
A penalty awarded to Leith brought them back into contention, and just before half time, they drew level, setting the stage for a tense second half. Bo’ness, however, came out firing on all cylinders, regaining their lead with Heaver’s goal. Cunningham then completed his hat-trick with a typical clinical finish, putting Bo’ness firmly in the driving seat and a further goal from Duncan gave Bo’ness a total of 5.
With the game seemingly out of reach for Leith, they staged a remarkable comeback, scoring two quick goals to pile on the pressure. But Bo’ness held firm, thanks in part to a heroic clearance from Paterson to deny Leith an equaliser. When the final whistle blew, it was a moment of jubilation for Bo’ness fans, celebrating a hard-fought victory.
However, amidst the celebrations, there was a bitter pill to swallow as it emerged that Bo’ness had inadvertently fielded a cup-tied player, leading to their expulsion from the competition. It was a disappointing end to what had been a thrilling contest, but Bo’ness can take pride in their performance and look ahead to future battles on the pitch with Leith Athletic.
Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 5 – 4 Leith Athletic
The King Cup Quarter Final
