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Bo'ness exacted convincing revenge on Armadale for their league defeat at Volunteer Park just three days earlier with a dominating display at Newtown in the second round of the Carlsberg-sponsored League Cup.
A disappointing turnaround for Armadale after recent results (they also beat Penicuik 5-1 in the previous round of the this competition), but there was little they could do about it. This was the home side's best performance in some time - a game in which they comfortably outplayed their opponents for ninety minutes, had the great majority of possession, created chances without giving them away and - most importantly, especially after the sides' last meeting - put their chances away.
It was a slightly untidy start to the contest by both teams, with a heavy shower in the hour before kick-off a contributing factor. But Bo'ness soon found their feet, and led after just nine minutes through a splendid goal, Gordon Herd volleying into the top corner past a helpless goalkeeper following a deep cross from Jamie Loney. Loney's delivery from wide positions was consistently good throughout the match, particularly so in the first half. He was again the provider from the wing after 24 minutes, doing well to reach a long ball on the bye-line which had seemed headed for a goal kick. His cutback was neatly tucked away by Alan Ward to double the lead.
The threat from Armadale had been virtually non-existant in the first half. Bo'ness controlled possession, knocking the ball around patiently in midfield and defence since going ahead. The two goal lead did not flatter the home team. Indeed, they came close to going further ahead just after the half hour, when a deflected Martin Mooney effort looped onto the cross bar.
Bo'ness' superiority had been evident in the first period, and became more accurately reflected in the scoreline with five second half goals. Two came in quick succession after the break. On 47 minutes, the Armadale goalkeeper failed to gather the ball from a corner kick, and Davie Muirhead was on hand to simply knock the ball in. One minute later, and another corner kick was turned into another goal, this time David King heading in at the far post.
If at 2-0 down at half-time there had still been the chance of a change in fortunes, the game appeared to be up for Armadale within just five minutes of the restart. The away side were demoralised, the home side crusing. Any further goals were always likely to come from Bo'ness, who duly increased their lead after 61 minutes, an unmarked Ward scoring his second with a nice finish following a lay-off from Mooney.
Three minutes later and it was 6-0. As the visitors' defence continued to struggle with Bo'ness' crosses, Todd swung one in from the left flank which was volleyed home by Herd. The number 9's reward for his second goal was a rest, as he was immediately withdrawn to be replaced by Dale Ryan.
As the game petered out and the home team's only other true striker, Ward, left the park injured, chances of any further scoring appeared limited. But as Armadale pushed for a consolation in the final ten minutes, a fine ball down the right wing released Dougie Todd, who played a brilliantly measured low ball across the box for Ryan to complete the scoring from twelve yards.
A brilliant performance, more of which would surely make Bo'ness league contenders. But after their early season exchanges with Armadale, one question begs asking: which result was the freak, and which can we expect more of? Watch this space.
Bo'ness: Wilson; King, Dillon, Donald; Loney, Muirhead, Todd, Mooney, Smith; Herd (Ryan), Ward.
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