Preview: Bo'ness United v Cowdenbeath

The Blue Brazil take a break from SFL business this weekend with an important trip to west lothian to face crack East Super League junior side Bo'ness United in the 3rd round of the William Hill Scottish Cup (kick off 1.45pm).

Colin Cameron's side have been on fire in the league this season but have not had much to shout about in the cup with early exits in both the Ramdsens Cup and Communities Cup. Saturday's tie at Newtown Park provides the opportunity to put that right.

The Bu's are one of Scotland's top junior clubs and their side is scattered with ex seniors including former Central Parkers Jay Shields and Graham Guy along with Scott Christie, Stewart Devine, Nathan Taggart (all ex Stirling Albion), Ian Nimmo (ex Ipswich Town and Brechin City), Stephen Tarditi (ex East Fife) and John Stewart (ex Aberdeen and Clyde). Bo'ness knocked Queen's Park out of the Scottish Cup last season before exiting at the hands of Buckie Thistle at this stage.

A large crowd is expected to pack into Newtown Park and there is no danger that Cameron's side will be taking their non-league opponents for granted.

"We are expected to win the game and that brings its own pressure," said Cameron.

"However, we are playing very well at the moment and the players are extremely focussed. The game is very much a potential banana skin but we are all determined to keep our good run going.

"Bo'ness are an experienced side who have players all over the park who have played at a higher level and the whole town will be up for this game. However, there is no danger that we will underestimate our opponents and myself and Lee {Makel} have made clear to the players in no uncertain terms how important this game is for the club and what to expect from this game.

"We have been disappointing in cup competitions in the two seasons I have been with the club. A cup run is great for the players in terms of experience and confidence - I was part of the Raith Rovers team that won promotion to the premier league and it was no coincidence that this was achieved on the back of the confidence generated by the earlier cup run. It is also extremely important for the club from a financial point of view, particularly in light of the difficulties that a cold winter may bring."

Jordan Morton is unavailable as Hearts do not want the player cup-tied but fellow loanee Kal Naismith is expected to play. John Armstrong is out due to work commitments but Cameron, otherwise,  has a full squad to pick from with David Cowan and Lewis Coult recovering from knocks while Mark Ramsay got another 90 minutes under his belt for the reserves on Tuesday night.