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Having been the better side overall but still having lost by two goals on the Saturday against Neilston, it was no great surprise that when faced with vastly superior opposition the BUs crashed to a heavy defeat.
There were perhaps factors to explain the embarassing margin of defeat: lack of fitness in what was only the second game back from the close season, more experimentation with the line-up and tactics, and the introduction of an inexperienced substitute goalkeeper in the final half hour. However, there could still be no doubting that the much better side won.
Motherwell, in fairness, did field a strong side. This was a young team, to be sure, but there were no "kids" out there. Technically impressive and tactically superior, with patience and a good understanding, they always looked on top (and also looked like they could have given tips to the club's first team, who slumped to a 5-2 defeat at Dunfermline three days before).
Bo'ness threats in the first half were few and far between. An early long range effort from the new no.7 skimmed off the (very) wet surface and against the post, but rebounded to safety. Despite this close call, it was no surprise when 'Well took the lead after 16 minutes, a good move finished with a neat clip into Binnie's bottom left corner, with the Bo'ness goalkeeper helpless. Seven minutes later, Motherwell's excellent left-back (who was taken off injured at half-time) beat three men cutting into the box, before planting the ball in the net from ten yards.
The second half did not see an appreciable difference in the balance of play, and with 66 minutes played Motherwell were again celebrating, their forward just beating Bo'ness' substitute goalkeeper to the ball at the edge of the box, and knocking it in for the third goal. But Bo'ness this time were quick to respond. Within a couple of minutes, a fierce effort from substitute player-coach John Sludden forced the visiting goalkeeper into giving away a corner, from which a Yates flick-on allowed new signing Chris McBriers to head in and reduce the deficit.
That reduced deficit did not last long. A flurry of Motherwell goals were to come, demoralising goalkeeper and defence, to complete the rout. The young goalkeeper was at fault for the fourth and fifth scores: first fumbling a ball at the edge of the area, enabling the chasing Motherwell forward to pass the ball into the net; then misjudging a hard, low shot from wide left.
It is, however, a learning curve, and the 'keeper was not often helped by his defence. Motherwell's sixth, and last, goal was as much the fault of a defence who appeared tired, disheartened and looked to give up as a Motherwell forward ran onto a pass to slam the ball into the net one more time, with their full-time training beginning to pay off.
There was precious little encouragement for Sludden to take out of this performance...except perhaps the hope that the BUs have already got their worst performance and result of the season out of the way. And what better time to do it than a pre-season friendly?
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