Athletic prove too strong for Shipyard.
This was always going to be a tough ask for the Shipyard, all the tougher given that there were seven men missing from the match day squad. However, those on duty put in a solid shift against the league leaders and could count themselves unfortunate to concede three goals as they restricted the visitor’s chances throughout the match. The Recreation Park pitch was in fine condition for the match but still very soft underfoot and it was no surprise that the surface cut up as the match progressed.
The match was preceded by the teams lining up to observe a minute’s silence in respect of Armistice Day and the game then kicked off in front of a healthy crowd inside the ground. Shipyard started brightly and forced a series of corners in the opening minutes but could not capitalise on their set piece opportunities. In the 9th minute CJ Thomson saw his powerful strike flash narrowly wide of the post. Bo’ness took the lead in the 13th minute with their first real attack of the match as they broke down the left-hand side and when the cross was delivered Christopher Ogilvie was on hand to knock the ball home from close range. There was little in the way of goalmouth action for the rest of the half until Shippy switched off a couple of minutes before the break. A free kick was delivered into the box and Ryan Weir was left all alone to stoop and head the ball past Scott Costello from around six yards out.
Shipyard made a double change at the interval with Ben Anthony and Matty Robertson replacing Ryan Watt and Michael Gibb. Costello pulled off a decent save in the 49th minute as he palmed an effort over the bar as Bo’ness looked to kill the game off. The game was put to bed just before the hour mark as substitute Callum MacDonald slammed the ball home from inside the area after the ball was worked down the right-hand side. Bo’ness continued to dominate and had a couple of chances to increase their lead but overall, the Shipyard defended resolutely. When Shippy did get forward keeper Fraser Currid and his defence were in no mood to give up their clean sheet and very much kept the hosts at arm’s length.
Next Saturday (18/11/2023) we turn to King Cup action as we host Edinburgh United at Recreation Park with the kick off at 2.30pm.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; L. Ross; M. Gibb (M. Robertson); M. James; K. Hicks; C. Watt; R. Watt (B. Anthony); S. Glancy; B. Murray (R. MacAulay); CJ. Thomson (B. Dickson); D. Thomson. Unused Sub: H. Kay.
Bo’ness Athletic: F. Currid; J. Mitchell; R. Shanks; W. Paterson; B. Woodburn; J. Mackay; C. Ogilvie; C. Snedden; M. Weir; R. Weir; R. Robertson. Subs: K. Wilson; C. Simpson; C. MacDonald; J. Sneddon; B. Lenathen.
Referee: L. Redpath.