Lowland League | Russell hustle wins Bo’ness tussle for Sammy’s Spartans

Posted on Thursday, February 9th, 2023

A second half sublime strike by Malt and Hops Man of the Match Cammy Russell was enough to separate the sides in dreadful conditions in Bo’ness.

With the players set to begin their respective warm-ups, ironically, the winter weather gods turned on the taps and the wind machines at Newton Park.

The opening half was largely played with the driving rain blowing into the coupon of Blair Carswell with no let up for the The Cat throughout.

A early ball sent up the park by the Bo’ness keeper went all the way into the arms of the travelling tabby, forcing the hosts into rethinking their long ball approach.

Typically, your scribe reviews the live tweets to bulk out the match report however the ball spent as much time out the park than on it, rendering the half dozen or so updates largely ineffective.

There was one opportunity for Cammy Russell as he raced towards the end of the edge of the Bo’ness box however the ball eventually dragged itself wide and behind.

HT: Bo’ness United 0-0 The Spartans

There was a change at the break with the rain – and wind – taking a bit of back seat as both sides looked to get the ball on the ground to play football.

A powerful run and effort by Mikey Allan saw his thumping effort hit the bar. It was perhaps a tad unfortunate on the keeper that the goal kick was awarded as he looked to have made a good fingertip save in the first instance.

Then, with ten second half minutes on the clock, up stepped Cammy Russell to score what was to turn out to be the only goal of the game.

The ball was launched across the paddock for Russell who still had plenty work to do. A wee shimmy later to throw his man off the scent and he continued into the box to slide the ball beyond the keeper into the net.

Blair Henderson came close in the latter stages to double the lead, but for a pesky Bo’ness defender hogging his post at a corner and he hoofed away the header.

Sam Jones replaced Ian McFarland who had been industrious throughout the 75 minutes on the park.

Play was then stopped when Blair Henderson felt the force of his namesake Carswell who came off his line to punch the ball away within a plethora of players on the edge of the six yard box.

Henderson and Herd were then withdrawn with Sean Brown and Alan Brown coming on for the final five plus injury time.

FT: Bo’ness United 0-1 The Spartans


Next Fixture

                     
Date: 02/11/24
Opponent: Peterhead
Venue:Balmoor Stadium
Competition: SPFL 2
Kick off: 3.00pm

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