Exclusive: Facing Rangers 'B' team is exciting Lowland League opener for Bo'ness United says gaffer Max Christie

Despite his club voting against the inclusion of Old Firm Colts teams in the Lowland League – a proposal which was subsequently passed – Bo’ness United gaffer Max Christie is excited at playing Rangers ‘B’ away in the first match of the new campaign.
Bo'ness United gaffer Max Christie is excited about opening league season against Rangers 'B' team (Pic by Alan Murray)Bo'ness United gaffer Max Christie is excited about opening league season against Rangers 'B' team (Pic by Alan Murray)
Bo'ness United gaffer Max Christie is excited about opening league season against Rangers 'B' team (Pic by Alan Murray)

The newly released fixtures for season 2021-22 has handed the BUs a trip to Dumbarton’s C and G Stadium to play the Ibrox giants’ second string on Saturday, July 17, KO 3pm.

“It’s a really exciting start for us,” Christie told the Journal and Gazette.

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"We said quite vocally we were against Rangers ‘B’ and Celtic ‘B’ coming in but when you see the fixtures coming out there’s no doubt that it is an interesting one, isn’t it?

"We don’t know much about Rangers but we’ll be playing against full-time professional footballers.

"If we’re allowed, I’m sure we’ll take a good support through.”

After that glamour opener, Bo’ness continue their league season at home to Gala Fairydean Rovers on Wednesday, July 21, KO 7.45pm, before another Newtown Park fixture against Dalbeattie Star on Saturday, July 24, KO 3pm.

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The BUs’ first test against Celtic ‘B’ comes on match day six, at Newtown Park on Saturday, August 7, KO 3pm.

"We’ve not got any of the favourites early doors which is good,” Christie said.

"We are playing some of the smaller teams in the league, no disrespect. So I’m quite happy with the fixtures.

"Although Rangers and Celtic Colts can obviously gather points, they can’t get promoted.”

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Bo’ness’s scheduled friendly at Stenhousemuir on Tuesday night – the same evening Scotland were playing Croatia – was cancelled due to player unavailability.

Christie said: “There was a real clamour from our players to watch the Scotland game. We get that.

"We still have got five pre-season games which is more than enough as far as I’m concerned because experience has taught me that you just injure players when playing too many games.”

Christie, who has signed 11 players already this summer, remains keen to bring in another goalkeeper to challenge Andy Murphy for a place between the sticks.

"We have a few irons in the fire but nothing’s landed yet and it’s a position that’s so important,” the gaffer added.