Souters sure to shine in Bo'ness test

Bo'ness expect to take around 400 fans to the Borders which will provide a superb atmosphere at the quaint ground situated beside the rugby and cricket pitches in the lower part of the historic town.

Selkirk manager Paul Brownlee, who watched his side lose their opening league game to Stirling University but who have won their next four, said: "It is hard to believe how things have turned around so quickly after that first game. We obviously hoped to get off to a good start considering what we have gone through in the past four seasons finishing in the bottom half of the league table.

"The difference this season is that we have a bigger squad with more depth and the players know that if they do not perform well then there are players on the sidelines ready to come in."

Brownlee has had his defensive back four of Scott McKenzie, Jason Inglis, Euan Pritchard and Ross McManus to thank for keeping things tight while the Souters have, arguably, in John Dodds, the best goalkeeper in the league giving confidence to everybody in front of him.

"I watched Bo'ness beat Musselburgh 4-1 last Saturday in windy conditions and whether it will be the same team tomorrow, nobody knows. I emphasised to our players at training that it is about what we do - not Bo'ness. We cannot afford to sit off them, especially Nicky Walker, who scored all four goals.

"The main thing is not to get overawed and when chances come along then we have to take them.

Bo'ness have two former East Seniors players in their line-up with Ryan McGurk, their goalkeeper, who was previously with Whitehill Welfare, and the aforementioned Walker, who has played for Edinburgh University, Whitehill and Spartans.

Bo'ness boss Willie Newbigging, meanwhile, will warn his players to expect opponents treating the game like a World Cup Final.

Newbigging would love to get through a couple of rounds to give the club a financial boost. But he expects the Borderers will be even more fired up for the match, even though a 20-0 defeat at the hands of Stirling Albion just over 25 years ago still provides painful memories for them in Scottish football's premier Cup competition.

"We've done our homework on Selkirk and they will certainly be up for this one," said the Bo'ness manager. "It is a big match for us as well but, without being too disrespectful, they will probably think this is their very own World Cup Final." Newbigging, who recently took over the reins from Allan McGonigal, has been delighted with the way Bo'ness have responded to a defeat at home to Bathgate in the opening game of their title defence.

They won up at Lochee before beating Camelon and Musselburgh at home, a win in the East of Scotland Cup at Montrose Roselea being sandwiched between the latter two results. "Saturday's performance was probably the best we have played this season," said Newbigging of a 4-1 win over Musselburgh that saw Walker, pictured, bag all of the Bo'ness goals. We were really good for an hour and 15 minutes while we also came through the game without any injuries, which was also pleasing."

On Walker's contribution, he added: "The Selkirk manager and assistant manager were there and they would certainly have been impressed by Nicky's performance.

"Three of his goals were unbelievable, breaking clear of the defence each time before supplying a clinical finish."

Irvine Meadow earned a trip to Easter Road in last season's competition and Newbigging knows how important it would be if Bo'ness could land a plum tie themselves this time around.

However, he has no doubt whatsoever about the No.?1 priority for his side this season.

"Realistically, we know that we don't have a chance of winning the Scottish Cup but, at the same time, there is definitely a financial benefit to be gained," he noted.

"It would be fantastic if we could face an SPL club, a First Division one would be good, too, and we wouldn't complain about taking on a Second Division club either.

"However, in terms of where it ranks, all I can say is that I would love to retain the Super League title more than anything else this season because no-one has managed to do that before."

The kick-off at Yarrow Park is 3.00pm with admission charges 6 for adults, 3 for concessions, while schoolchildren enter free.