Walker calls for one more big effort from Bo'ness

FLYING machine Nicky Walker is urging his Bo'ness team-mates to put in one more "double shift" so they can end the season with a second big celebration.

Walker's double gave Bo'ness the win they needed against Tayport last Saturday to become the first side to retain the Super League title.

Tonight, as the curtain comes down on the East Region campaign, the double champions take on arch-rivals Linlithgow in the Fife & Lothians Cup Final at Prestonfield (7.15pm).

Walker admits it is the perfect game to finish a long, hard season and he's keeping his fingers crossed that his team-mates have one final effort left in the tank after an energy-sapping schedule in recent weeks.

"It's definitely been a harder title for us to win this season," said the lightning-fast winger. "Last season we had the points in the bag going into the final few weeks and it was Linlithgow who were playing catch up.

"This season it's been the other way around and, believe me, it's been very difficult over the past few weeks.

"We've needed every member of our squad with all the midweek games we've had. All the players in the squad have certainly played their part in what we achieved this season.

"Some people don't appreciate how difficult it is for people to work eight hours a day then travel to an away game in the middle of the week and try to put in a shift on the park."

Linlithgow were in pole position to claim the crown from their neighbours after winning 4-0 at Newtown Park in their penultimate game. But an unexpected slip-up at home to Bonnyrigg the following week opened the door again for Bo'ness and wins against Forfar and Tayport sparked a second successive title party on Saturday night.

Walker eased the tension in the latter with a double strike just before the break and Willie Newbigging's side were never in danger thereafter even though Tayport, who needed a win to avoid relegation, pulled one back with a second-half penalty.

"The two goals took a bit of pressure off us," admitted the match-winner. "It was almost like a cup-tie atmosphere with both teams needing to win for different reasons.

"When we lost to Linlithgow we still knew we had a chance, though there's no denying that looked as though it was going to be a major setback.

"But the following weekend we went up to Forfar and had a good win and it gave us a big lift when Linlithgow lost to Bonnyrigg the same day.

"Now we've got a cup final to look forward to and we couldn't have asked for a better finish to the season. Hopefully we can go to Prestonfield and do ourselves and the fans proud on Thursday. Here a few weeks ago I think we let ourselves down against them. But, in the game at Linlithgow earlier in the season, we played well and probably didn't get the reward we deserved.

"We've now got the title secured and we can go there feeling relaxed. If we can play to our strengths, then hopefully we can come out on top."

Allan McGonigal led Bo'ness to the title last season before stepping upstairs due to a new role he took on at Hamilton, leaving assistant Newbigging to take up the reins. "It was a big ask of Willie when he took over from Allan as we were a really successful squad last season," reflected Walker.

"But he's continued the good work Allan started, getting us into the semis of the Junior Cup, progressing in the senior Scottish Cup and winning the league as well." Linlithgow already have the League Cup in the bag but Dave Baikie's side will be hurting at the way they let a great chance of winning the title slip from their grasp in the final game.

"I would think they'll be even more determined to beat us now," admitted Newbigging. "There's no love lost between the two clubs. It's a great rivalry and it's a case of bring it on as far as we are concerned.

"It is a good one to finish off the season. Saturday was obviously the priority for us but, with the title now in the bag, we are really looking forward to this one. In the 4-0 game here a few weeks ago Linlithgow deserved to win and it was a sore one to take. But we bounced back well and hopefully we can produce one more good performance tonight."