Cup action returns to NDP for the first time since November as Bo’ness United drop by EH19 to battle for a coveted semi-final spot in the South Challenge Cup.

It’s the third meeting of the season between the sides after two tricky clashes in the Lowland League. A 2-1 victory at Newtown Park in August was followed up by an admittedly flattering 3-0 win at the Boomtown Bernabeu in February, with Callum Connolly seemingly enjoying facing the BU’s after grabbing goals in each tough tie.

Neil Martyniuk grabbed a brace of penalties in the latter fixture versus Max Christie’s men and hasn’t looked back since. Even as recently as Tuesday evening, he slotted in another confident finish from 12 yards against Rangers B to instigate a spirited comeback.

On a landmark 150th Rose appearance for the defender, Martyniuk was unfortunate to knock one in his own net before redeeming himself from the spot in the second half. A shift in momentum after half-time had put Rose in control of the tie, with Sean Brown finding a winner after 73 minutes played by prodding the ball home from close range to secure all three points for the league champions.

Our visitors, looking formidable following an impressive three-game winning streak in all competitions after taking apart Gretna 2008, Petershill, and Spartans (scoring 12 and conceding just three in the process), finally fell to defeat on Wednesday evening after being beaten 4-2 by University of Stirling in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup quarter-final.

This is the first time either side has faced off against another Lowland League side in this season's competition. En route to the last eight, Robbie Horn’s men have cast aside Arniston Rangers, Coldstream, Arthurlie, and Dundonald Bluebell, as the BU’s have eliminated Kirkcaldy & Dysart, East Kilbride Thistle, Beith Juniors, and Petershill.

Whoever emerges as the victor on Saturday will face Perthshire side Jeanfield Swifts or Lowland League rivals Spartans in the semi-final.

Kick-off is 3pm at New Dundas Park. Price of admission being £7 for adults and £4 for concessions, while under-12’s go free with a paying adult – with cash and card being accepted. Additionally, season tickets are not valid for this cup tie.

‘Mon the Rose!

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