Newbigging wary that cup adventures could cloud Bo'ness title focus

Bo'ness boss Willie Newbigging is well aware that a bout of cup fever might scupper his side's chances of creating Super League history.

No team has managed yet to hang on to the title and last season's champions look as though they could become the latest to be added to that list.

While they have games in hand, Newbigging's side are nine points behind table-toppers Linlithgow and could be even further behind their arch-rivals by the time they return to league business. Tomorrow, Bo'ness entertain Kinnoull in an Emirates Scottish Cup second-round replay after the sides drew 2-2 last weekend. Then, after a trip to Blairgowrie next Saturday in the East of Scotland Cup, they take on Buckie Thistle in the third round of the Scottish Cup - a reward for an excellent win over Queen's Park in the last round.

"It is easy to see how no team has managed to win the Super League twice," admitted Newbigging. "When we do get back to the league, our priority will be getting ourselves in a safe position. At the moment, though, we are enjoying the various Cup competitions we are involved in."

Newbigging is hoping to have Andy Shirra, Nicky Walker and Derek Fleming back tomorrow, but Fraser Forrest still looks a doubt.