Fleming fired up at Bo'ness

Yet, at the age of 36, Fleming, below, reckons he is currently enjoying one of the best seasons of his career as part of the Bo'ness United side flying high at the top of the East Region Super League.

Falkirk-born Fleming was among a whole host of players signed by Alan McGonigal after he took over the reins at the Newtown Park side towards the end of last season and has played his part in helping Bo'ness carve out a seven-point cushion with eight games to go. Along with midfielder Andy Shirra, Fleming was outstanding in last weekend's 1-0 win at Bonnyrigg, the defender providing the cross that saw captain Roger Duffin head home in stoppage time.

"I'm enjoying this season as much as I've enjoyed any season in my career," said Fleming. "I'm playing at places I've never been to before – it was the first time I'd played at Bonnyrigg, for instance. It is refreshing and I am really enjoying it."

On the win at New Dundas Park, he added: "I think we deserved that. They had a few half chances but I don't think anyone could deny us the win after the pressure we put them under and the chances we created.

"It was a big improvement from the previous week when we were absolutely shocking (in losing to Central Division leaders Oakley United in the Fife & Lothians Cup].

"I think that game was a wee reminder for us that you can't just turn up and expect to beat teams, no matter what level you are playing at. We took that into the Bonnyrigg game as we knew they were a good team with good players. I thought we played really well as a result of that."

Fleming came close to making the breakthrough himself direct from one of his corners before picking out Duffin at the back post with his sweet left peg.

"I think I must be one of the few players who looks forward to a game when it is a windy day as it means you can get a bit of action on the ball," he admitted.

"We always looked dangerous from set pieces and it seemed as though the goal was coming, based on a couple of corners earlier in the game.

"The keeper made a good save from one of my crosses but Roger scored with a good header and you can't get a better time than that in a game to get the winner. It was a massive result for us. To score in the last minute to win any game gives you a big boost and we'll be looking to kick on from here now and get as many wins as we can over the coming weeks."

While Newtongrange were breathing down their neck a few weeks back, Bo'ness are firmly in the driving seat again in the title race and Fleming admits even he's been surprised that McGonigal's men have gelled so well in their first season together.

"We've obviously got good players at the club," he said.

"We all get on well and there is a close spirit in the dressing room, which is quite surprising given that there weren't a lot of players left from last season and it is virtually a new team. We've gelled, though, and that's definitely been a big part of the success we are enjoying.

"When you saw the type of player the manager signed last summer, I think everyone thought it had the makings of something special. However, it's not as easy or straightforward as that.

"They've all got to knit in and get on and we've done that. We've not won anything yet but are going along quite nicely and long may that continue."

One of the advantages for McGonigal, who will be hoping his side can edge a step closer to the title when they entertain bottom-of-the-table Glenrothes tomorrow (2.30pm kick-off), is that he has strength in depth in his squad. Against Bonnyrigg, for example, he brought striker Chris McFadyen off the bench and he helped the West Lothian side retain the impetus that eventually won them the game.

"The manager is able to bring on players who are not weakening the team in anyway and our squad will come in handy when we start to play midweek games," added Fleming.