Bo’ness United lost out at Heart of Midlothian B in a classic game of two halves won by the team able to put their chances away, (writes John Spowart).

In the first half Bo’ness dominated the play and were well able to deal with anything the young Hearts threw at them. 

The BUs created a number of good opportunities to go ahead, but it was only with four minutes left to the break they scored thanks to a superb Ryan Stevenson free-kick shot that found the top corner of the Hearts net.

 Just three minutes into the second half Bo’ness were left to regret the earlier missed chances as Hearts scored twice through James Wilson and Gus Stevenson. Just on the hour mark Hearts scored a third, courtesy of Mackenzie Ross and 11 minutes later it was four, this time Wilson bagging his brace.

 Bo’ness had rallied, finally getting to grips with the elements, and the slick opposition and both Scott Dalziel and Fin Malcolm saw efforts saved by Hearts keeper Liam McFarlane. 

With seven minutes remaining Bo’ness did get a goal back when JJ Henderson found Jamie Hamilton with a through pass and his low drive zipped into the opposite corner of the net. 

The BUs pushed forward and looked to have a couple of decent shouts for a penalty turned down and it’s time to regroup for the game at Broomhill on Tuesday.

 Bo'ness: Dibaga, Stevenson, Irving, Travis (McArthur 61), Hawkins (Macaulay 74), Henderson, Malcolm, Johnston, Dalziel, Grant (Hamilton 74), Porteous (Kennedy 70).

Subs (not used): Gemmell, Rutherford, SG Ruddy.

Sandy Cunningham grabbed another hat-trick as Athletic came out on top in a high-scoring game.

Craig Snedden gave Athletic the lead after 23 minutes and Cunningham scored his first on 37 minutes only for Kennoway to pull a goal back before the interval.

Cunningham’s second on 46 minutes gave Athletic a 3-1 lead and five minutes later Michael Weir extended their advantage. Ryan Robertson made it 5-1 in the 57th minute but Kennoway pulled another goal back 12 minutes from time.

Athletic refused to take their foot off the gas and Reece Duncan made it 6-1 before Cunningham completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute.
 

Bo'ness United Under 20s had a tough night when they came up against a strong Stirling University side.

The first half was a tight affair, and with United only conceding one goal in the first half there was everything to play for after the break, but the home side proved too strong as they ran in four further goals.