Bo'ness survive tough test as Musselburgh pile on pressure

BO'NESS UNITED took the points to extend their lead at the top of the Super League but only after a tough encounter.

Over the 90 minutes, the home side created most chances but Musselburgh enjoyed a lot of possession.

Early in the match, Musselburgh keeper Kieron Renton picked up a pass back but Darren Gribben shot Derek Fleming's short free kick well wide of the target.

The Bo'ness defence had to look lively clearing a dangerous McCallum ball from the left but the home side were looking the better side and two goals in a three-minute spell emphasised the point. In 18 minutes Gribben played a deft pass into the path of Fleming whose cross ball hit the Musselburgh far post. McFadyen smashed home the rebound and in 21 minutes there was further misery for Musselburgh. This time a Bo'ness free kick outside the Musselburgh box was quickly taken by Fleming and his chip found the unmarked Gribben who slid a low shot past the advancing Renton.

Musselburgh worked back into the game and should have pulled a goal back just before the break when Bo'ness keeper Longmuir smashed a clearance off one of his own defenders. However although the ball broke for King he shot wide of the empty goal from the edge of the Bo'ness box.

But with 82 minutes on the clock Musselburgh pulled a goal back as a King cross was turned past his own keeper by Brown. This set things up for a frantic finish and while Musselburgh keeper Renton made two great blocks to defy Walker the Bo'ness goal was put under pressure and a Nelson free kick hit the top of the bar as Bo'ness held on.

Bo'ness United: Longmuir, Brown, Fleming, Forrest, Duffin, Morrison, Nixon (Ballantine 72), Shirra, McFadyen (Walker 68), Gribben, Donnelly. Subs: Churchill, Kiczynski Main, Snowdon.

Musselburgh Athletic: Kieron Renton, Gordon, Tansey, Fraser, Shand (Gibson 90), Nelson, McKenna (Trialist 59), Beveridge, Kris Renton (Doherty 79), King, McCallum. Subs: Crolla, Porteous, Ramage.