Bo'ness boss faces crucial Cup decision

BO'NESS boss Willie Newbigging is facing a major headache in the build up to his side's Scottish Cup clash with Highland League outfit Buckie Thistle this weekend.

He's got a full squad for the third-round tie at Newtown Park on Saturday and that means some of his players are going to be disappointed as they miss out.

Steven Ballantine and Nicky Walker, two members of last season's Super League title-winning squad, both returned from injury in last weekend's win away to Blairgowrie in the East of Scotland Cup.

Newbigging also has two youngsters, Brian McQueen and Alistair Crawford, on loan from Hamilton at the moment and he's just bolstered his defence with the signing from Bathgate of Stuart Hunter, who is available for this weekend's game along with McQueen and Crawford.

"I'm definitely going to have a headache at the end of the week - but a good one," admitted Newbigging. "The sad bit is that I can only name five substitutes. That will be the really disappointing thing for me but that's life, I'm afraid."

Bo'ness beat Third Division Queens Park in the last round and are expecting another bumper crowd for the visit of the Highlanders.

Newbigging's men left it late at Blairgowrie, Ballantine equalising with a minute to go before John Fraser scored the winner from the penalty spot in injury-time. Three players were sent off in the match, including Bo'ness defender Derek Fleming but he's available for Saturday due to the fact they were two bookable offences.

Meanwhile, Bo'ness have been drawn at home to Musselburgh in the second round of the Fife & Lothians Cup. Bonnyrigg have also been handed an all-Super League clash against Kelty, with Alan Miller's men enjoying home advantage.

Super League leaders Linlithgow are at Thornton Hibs.

Full draw: Rosyth v Broxburn Athletic; Thornton Hibs v Linlithgow Rose; Newtongrange Star v Dundonald Bluebell; St Andrews United v Harthill Royal; Sauchie v Lochore Welfare; Lochgelly Albert v Penicuik Athletic; Bonnyrigg Rose v Kelty Hearts; Spartans v Newburgh; Oakley Utd v Camelon; Glenrothes v Edinburgh United; Blackburn Utd v Crossgates Primrose; Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Livingston United; Fauldhouse United v Armadale Thistle; Bo'ness United v Musselburgh Athletic; Haddington Ath v Dalkeith Thistle; West Calder United v Bathgate Thistle.