First Team
Braves brace for Bo'ness cup clash
3rd February 2023
On Saturday, Caledonian Braves will play host to fellow Lowland League side Bo’ness United in the fourth round of the South Challenge Cup as we seek revenge for a defeat to the visitors earlier in the season.
Last time out, the Braves lost 5-1 to Spartans in the capital, however, manager Ricky Waddell felt the result was an unfair reflection on the team’s performance. Recent signing Liam Craig made his debut, creating effectively through the middle, and displaying powerful hold-up play. Enzo Wright also made his bow for the Braves and provided a spark in midfield.
Marc Kelly spoiled Spartans’ efforts to keep a clean sheet, driving an effort past ‘keeper Carswell in the opening moments of the second half. Undoubtedly Kelly, also the Lowland League joint top scorer, will be one to watch for the Bo’ness defence as he looks to add to his impressive South Challenge Cup tally of three goals in two appearances.
Despite entering Saturday’s match with two consecutive losses, Caledonian Braves can call on their strong South Challenge Cup form, which has seen the side advance through two rounds so far. In Braves’ second and third round victories over Carluke Rovers and Rutherglen Glencairn respectively, Ricky’s men scored 13 goals, and conceded only two.
So far this season Bo’ness have had a very similar record to ourselves lying just ahead of us in the Lowland League in 10th position. Bo’ness travel to Alliance Park in positive recent form, having embarked on an unbeaten run since their 2-1 defeat away to Celtic B on November 30th. In their latest match, Civil Service Strollers held Bo’ness to a 0-0 stalemate at Christie Gillies Park. Manager Max Christie’s side will look to replicate the performance that earned a 2-0 victory against the Braves in the two sides last meeting at Alliance Park in July 2022.
The visitors’ game is built on a solid defensive foundation, as they boast the 4th strongest defensive record in the Lowland League. Towering goalkeeper Musa Dibaga will hope to add to his impressive clean sheet total this season, however, as Caledonian Braves rank third in the Lowland League for goals scored; that is easier said than done.
Team News
There are thankfully no fresh injury concerns for Braves following last weekend. Jack McDowall and Greig Stewart are continuing to make good progress in their rehab for respective knee and femur injuries but are still a way off returning to action.