Bo’ness United have a quick opportunity to get over their disappointment at losing to Caledonian Braves as they welcome Berwick Rangers to Newtown Park on Tuesday night. The BUs enjoyed a lot of good possession against the Braves but struggled to penetrate their strong defence. Jack McDowell gave Caley an early lead with Ryan Stevenson equalising with just over twenty minutes remaining. A late Greig Stewart strike won the points for the visitors, leaving Bo’ness empty handed despite their great effort on the day (Report),

It's only five weeks since Bo’ness visited Berwick Rangers, the BUs winning with a first half goal scored by Keir Macaulay. A single strike but Bo’ness fully deserved their victory on the night (Report). Berwick have experienced a miserable time since that game with five losses from five starts. They exited the South Cup with a home defeat to Threave Rovers and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at Forfar Athletic. Their league defeats have been at home to East Kilbride, at Gretna 2008 and on Saturday, Broxburn Athletic. They have scored only one goal during this run, conceding seventeen. Prior to the Bo’ness game they were on the same points as Bo’ness but are now six points and six places behind in the table.

None of this means that Bo’ness are guaranteed a win as Berwick are desperate to get back on track and the BUs must put in their usual maximum effort to achieve a positive result. Saturday’s loss was the first for Bo’ness in eight games and they too want to get back to winning ways and so a competitive contest is expected. It’s a game under the lights and with a large BU faithful contingent present, the players can be motivated by that special combination.

John Spowart
Monday 04 November 2024

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 02 November 2024
Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo’ness United 1
(Stevenson 72)
Caledonian Braves 2
(McDowall 13, G Stewart 85)

Bo’ness United were edged out in this tight Lowland League match against current leaders Caledonian Braves, whose late goal denied the BUs a share of the points. The Braves struck early, Jack McDowell heading in a Daniel Martins cross but unphased Bo’ness set about getting back with Lewis Duffy and Keir Macaulay both going close. The BUs enjoyed the majority of the possession but were faced with a strong defence making it difficult to carve out too many chances on the Caley goal.

After the break Bo’ness continued their search for an equaliser but again struggled to breach the Caledonian Braves rearguard. With just under twenty minutes remaining though Bo’ness finally made the breakthrough, Braves keeper Bernard White only able to parry a Lois Kennedy header, the ball falling nicely for Ryan Stevenson who smashed a shot into the back of the net. Continually pushing forward Bo’ness were susceptible to the counter attack and almost right away the Braves squandered a chance to regain their lead, Ross McNeil shooting over from close in. Minutes later BU keeper Cade Melrose made a great save to deny Cameron Breadner but Bo’ness were determined to find a winner. Unfortunately though, it was the visitors who scored a second goal through Greig Stewart pouncing to shoot home from just inside the box. Undaunted Bo’ness kept going and into time added on had a valid penalty claim turned down as Smart Osadolor appeared to be hauled down in the box. Many thought the BUs deserved more for their efforts and although this may have been the case it’s the final scoreline that provides the only statistic that counts on the day.

Prior to the match Lex Shields’ family members were present and joined players, supporters and former players as they paid their respects to the BU legend with a minute’s applause. A fitting tribute for a player who will live long in the memory of everyone associated with Bo’ness United.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Hawkins, Macaulay, Duffy, Travis, Irving, Stevenson, Johnston, Osadolor, Grant (Mitchell 76), Kennedy. Subs (Not Used): Henderson, Gemmell, Masson, Murdoch.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Tuesday 01 October 2024
Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Berwick Rangers 0
Bo’ness United 1
(Macaulay 42)

Bo’ness United made another successful visit to Shielfield Park beating Berwick Rangers by a single first half goal. The BUs played well all over the park but must seek to increase the ratio of conversions to chances created. Berwick had their opportunities to score but the Bo’ness defence did their job well to keep the home side as players.

The first twenty minutes saw the play move end to end, the best early chance a good BU move finishing with Berwick keeper Calum Antel saving from Smart Osadolor. At the other end it was the BU keeper’s turn to see action as Cade Melrose rushed out to intercept Arran Laidlaw’s run in on goal. There was action at either end, Bo’ness enjoying the greater share and three minutes before half time made the breakthrough. A Lucas Stenhouse corner was flicked onto the bar and put out for a corner on the other side. This time it was Kier Macaulay whose fired cross curled all the way into the far corner of the net.

The second period saw Bo’ness looking for a second while being minded to keep the back door shut. The defence dealt with anything Berwick threw at them and Berwick’s counterparts had their work cut out doing the same. Unfortunately, despite creating a number of good openings Bo’ness were unable to add to their score but finished worthy winners and rightly satisfied with an all round positive display.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Hawkins, Macaulay, Irving, Travis, Gemmell, Stenhouse, Johnston, Osadolor, Porteous, Kennedy (Masson 83). Subs (Not Used): Malcolm, Mitchell, Duffy SG: Campbell