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This was a straightforward victory for Bo'ness to advance to a qurter-final tie against Scottish Junior Cup holders Whitburn. Visitors West Calder, fielding a young side after losing some players in the close season and having others unavailable for this match, struggled all night, particularly in defending set-pieces.
With Bo'ness looking the more likely right from the start, they took the lead on 10 minutes from a corner kick. With Derek Yates leaping above the defence to head goalward, Paul McKinlay's flick from two yards out was enough to divert the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
The tie looked effectively over just 14 minutes later, when McKinlay chipped neatly over the West Calder goalkeeper from 10 yards after a BUs free-kick was mistakenly knocked back into the danger area by the left-back, who had already been having a torrid time dealing with John Black out on the wing.
Bo'ness might have added to their tally before the break, but failed to take advantage of their half-chances. Darryl Drew was denied when seemingly through on goal by an outstanding defensive tackle.
The home side were forced to wake up, however, at the start of the second half. Sloppy defending allowed West Calder to slip a square ball into the box to an unmarked defender, who gratefully accepted the gift within a minute of the kick-off. West Calder should have been level just seconds later, when a gilt-edged opportunity was somehow headed wastefully over by an unmarked substitute.
It was to be the last the visitors would threaten. Bo'ness duly took full control after their short lapse, and ensured victory in the 65th minute when Greig Hodge sent a low, powerful volley beyond the goalkeeper after a Bo'ness corner was not properly cleared. His obvious delight was understandable for a player sidelined for over two years by injury.
McKinlay nearly completed his hat-trick when a diving header went just wide, but clearly not yet at full fitness, he was replaced before the end by manager John Sludden.
A win more comfortable than the scoreline would suggest.
BUs Man of the Match: A number of good performers, but the outstaning show was from John Black on the right wing, a constant menace with his ability to beat defenders.
Bo'ness: Binnie; Smith, King, Black, Yates, Inglis, Drew, Hodge, McKinlay (Sludden), Irvine, Loney
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