Match Preview 2024 2025
Celtic B
Park’s Motor Group Lowland League
Newtown Park
Saturday 05 October 2024
Kilsyth Rangers
Scottish Junior Cup Round 2
Newtown Park
Sunday 06 October 2024

It’s an unusual weekend coming up for Bo’ness United as they play two matches, Celtic B visiting for a Lowland League match on Saturday with Kilsyth Rangers turning up for a Scottish Junior Cup tie on the Sunday. Bo’ness were invited by the SJFA to participate in this season’s competition but struggled for cooperation to sort out suitable dates, hence this odd solution. Importantly, the manager and players are on board and the squad will be fully utilised to achieve the best possible results on both days.

Celtic arrive being unbeaten so far and sharing a points total with both East Kilbride and Linlithgow Rose. They are only three behind current leaders Caledonian Braves with a game in hand. It’s only just under a year ago when Bo’ness managed a home win against the young Celts. A Tom Grant goal early in the second half did the damage with Bo’ness successfully defending their lead to gain all the points. (Report). The corresponding fixture postponed from September at Celtic’s request was eventually played in early February but this time Celtic took the honours. Corey Thomson put Celtic ahead but just before half time Tom Grant equalised. Daniel Cummings and Jude Bonnar scored early in the second half and despite their best efforts, Bo’ness were unable to get back (Report).

Sunday’s cup tie against Kilsyth Rangers represents the BUs first Scottish Cup tie in over six years. That was a quarter final replay at Hurlford United after a draw at Newtown Park. With just over twenty minutes left Stuart Hunter nodded Bo’ness into the lead, but the home side struck minutes before the end, Allan Jenkins equalising and into time added on Mark Roberts converted from the spot to see Bo’ness crash out. (Report)

Bo’ness have met Kilsyth three times in the Junior Cup, the first at Duncansfield in December 1958. The BUs went down by the odd goal in three, Jim Scott our scorer on the day. There were two meetings at Newtown, the first in December 1960, Bo’ness scoring three without reply. Adam Connor scored a brace with the other down to an own goal. The final meeting was five years later, Bo’ness scoring four to Kilsyth’s two, Peter Caproni bagged a hat trick while BU legend Archie Meikle notched a single. Kilsyth Rangers play in Division two of the West of Scotland League. They are currently in fifth place but with aspirations to be higher, although their single aim for the moment is to progress in the Scottish Junior Cup.

The BUs come into the game following two excellent results on the road, Saturday saw a very good Scottish Cup win at Deveronvale followed by a Lowland League victory on Tuesday at Berwick Rangers. At Deveronvale. Louis Kennedy put the BUs ahead but Harry Noble replied for the home team. Smart Osadolor and Kyle Johnston put Bo’ness in the driving seat before half time. Just before the end Michael Watson pulled one back for the now ten men, only for Osadolor to complete the scoring and make the tie safe (Report). The midweek game over the border was won with a Keir Macaulay goal although the victory was perhaps more convincing than the solitary counter may suggest (Report).

A challenging weekend awaits Bo’ness with two very difficult games in prospect. The full time, fit, and talented Celtic youngsters will provide the daunting test on Saturday with the usual tough encounter expected from a West of Scotland side. Kilsyth may be three tiers below Bo’ness but that will count for nothing on Sunday. The BU manager knows his squad and plans to make best use of the talent available achieve a winning double. The BU Faithful have the mouthwatering prospect of a football extravaganza, not one but two opportunities to cheer on their favourites. Many will turn up for the Celtic and Rangers contests and do their usual job in encouraging the players.

John Spowart
Friday 04 October 2024

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2023/2024
Date – Tuesday 17 October 2023
Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo'ness United 1
(Grant 51)
Celtic B 0

Bo’ness United achieved a notable victory in a hard-fought game against Celtic B, a win witnessed by youngsters from the Bo’ness United Community club who were there acting as mascots plus ball attendants.

As expected, Celtic came at Bo’ness from the start but it was the BUs who got in the first shot, a strike from Fin Malcolm that Celtic keeper Joe Morrison got down to turn round the post. Celtic also saw a shot deflected for a corner as play moved from end to end, the BUs tending to play on the break. Bo’ness had further attempts on the Celtic goal and although the Glasgow youngsters looked dangerous they had few direct shots to show for their efforts.

Six minutes into the second half Bo’ness took the lead as Lucas Stenhouse worked to keep possession and the ball broke to Tom Grant whose superb chip from the edge of the Celtic box sailed over the Celtic keeper into the net. Celtic tried to get back at Bo’ness but they faced a resolute defence and it was the BUs who came closest when Fin Malcolm passed inside to JJ Henderson, his shot looking goal bound but for a super save by Morrison.

Celtic worked hard but were unable to make the breakthrough with every effort being blocked, every run being challenged. With five minutes remaining their task became more difficult when substitute Daniel Cummings was shown a straight red card for lifting his hands and Bo’ness saw the game out with a win that keeps them in the top five of the Lowland League.

Bo'ness: Dibaga, Hawkins (Stevenson 80), Macaulay, McArthur Travis, Henderson Stenhouse, Irving, Malcolm (Kennedy 80), Porteous (Mooney 80), Grant (Johnston 59) Subs (Not Used). Ward, SG Fullerton

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2023/2024
Date – Saturday 03 February 2024
Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Celtic B 3
(Thomson 24, Cummings 55, Bonnar 63)
Bo'ness United 1
(Hawkins 43)

Bo’ness United’s good run of results came to an end when a disappointing display at the Excelsior Stadium saw them go down to Celtic B. The young Celts dominated the game, Bo’ness struggling to compete with the quick, slick football played by the talented Bhoys.

There was an early indication of what was to come as man of the match Bruno Davidson finished off a good move with a shot that went narrowly wide. Bo’ness focused to maintain their shape and kept their opponents at bay with some resolute defending, Unfortunately, they were unable to keep Celtic out when after twenty-five minutes a through pass was pounced on by Davidson and his low cross was swept home point blank by Corey Thomson. Just before the break one of the BUs rare attacks resulted in a corner and Lewis Hawkins connected with Tom Grant’s cross to head past Celtic keeper Josh Clarke from close in.

It was hoped this goal might spur Bo’ness on in the second half but ten minutes in a Jack Ruddy goal kick was headed back towards the Bo’ness goal and Daniel Cummings burst through to shoot past the exposed keeper. Tom Grant got a shot in on the Celtic goal but the ball went over and with just under thirty minutes remaining Bo’ness lost a third goal. Justin Osagie strode forward from defence his low cross from the right found Jude Bonnar who controlled before angling low into the Bo’ness net.

Bo’ness worked to get back into the game but despite more activity up front they were unable to make the breakthrough and had to accept defeat. It was not a great day at the office for the BUs but with many important games ahead will dust themselves down and be ready to go again.
.
Bo'ness: Ruddy, Stevenson, Hawkins, Travis, McArthur, Irving, Mitchell, K Johnson (Henderson 74), Malcolm (Kennedy 58), Grant (Foster 78), Porteous (Dalziel 74). Subs (Not Used): C Johnston Murdoch. SG: Dibaga

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2017/2018

24/03/2018 Scottish Cup Quarter Final Replay
Hurlford United 2-1 Bo’ness United

Scorer (Bo’ness): Hunter 68
Scorer (Hurlford): Jenkins 88, Roberts 90+3 (pen)

Bo’ness United crashed out of the Scottish Cup in controversial fashion after an injury time penalty ensured their Ayrshire hoodoo continued. United had never won a replay in an away fixture against an Ayrshire team, and they will never have had a better chance after leading with only three minutes left to play. Will Snowdon and Devon Jacobs replaced Marc Kelly and the injured Scott Gibb in the starting line-up as Steve Kerrigan mixed things up from last weeks tie. Blair Park was bathed in sunshine in a stark contrast to last week’s wintry conditions at Bo’ness and there was a healthy crowd in attendance at kick-off time. Bo’ness enjoyed more of the ball in the early stages and the visitors had a loud penalty shout turned down after a handball on the edge of the Hurlford penalty area. The referee with help from his assistant called it correctly in awarding a free-kick on the edge of the box, but it came to nothing for Bo’ness. Marty Wright then came close on two occasions to opening the scoring, firstly a lovely curled effort snuck past the far post and secondly a brave defensive block denied the BU frontman. Allan Jenkins was proving to be Hurlford’s main man in midfield and he fired a powerful effort inches over the crossbar as the home side were enjoying a good period of possession. The final chance of the half again fell to Hurlford, Ross Robertson shot into the side netting from 18 yards with Murphy beaten. Into the second half and Wright again came close to breaking the deadlock, this time shooting narrowly wide as he ran onto a Scott flick. Hurlford forward Robertson should have opened the scoring a minute later after a swift break up the left wing, Mark Roberts swung in a perfect cross and the burly striker could only head wide with the goal gaping. Bo’ness punished this glaring miss midway through the second half when they took the lead. Calum Scott’s free-kick to the back post was nodded past Brown by Stuart Hunter and the BU’s were ahead for the first time over the two games. Two minutes after the goal, Hurlford should have levelled but Jenkins couldn’t keep his header down six yards out. Watt was next to try his luck as the home side pressed for an equaliser, he lashed over from an excellent position after the Bo’ness defence failed to clear a long ball forward. Bo’ness created two chances in quick succession with five minutes remaining. Scott embarked on a mazy dribble but shot tamely at Brown instead of passing, and substitute Millar also engineered a shooting chance after a run but looked to be fouled as he attempted his shot. These misses would truly haunt Bo’ness as with only three minutes left to play. Jenkins netted the equaliser with an emphatic finish after yet another long ball into the box wasn’t cleared. Jenkins should really have done better seconds later as he had another chance, his composure left him this time and his shot went wide when it looked easier to score. With seconds remaining, and a penalty shootout looming, Mark Roberts tumbled rather theatrically as he challenged Snowdon for a cross. The referee awarded the penalty and up stepped Roberts himself to calmly roll the ball to Murphys left, and send his side into the semi-finals. A cruel end to a fine cup run for Bo’ness.
Bo’ness manager Steve Kerrigan was stunned post match. “I’m gobsmacked. I thought we were comfortable over the two games against Hurlford and I can’t believe were out of the Scottish. I think we are a better team than Hurlford but goals win games, and to lose it in those circumstances is beyond belief. Its fair enough if its clear cut decision but personally I though that it was a riotous decision. He was under pressure from the Hurlford bench, but to give a penalty there was ridiculous. I don’t take much to do with referees, it’s a difficult job, but to give that when he did was quite astonishing. We were the dominant team and despite there not being a lot of chances, when they came they were coming our way. It wasn’t pretty football that beat us, it was long diagonal balls and knock on’s and to go out in that manner was sore.”
Bo’ness forward Marty Wright was predictably downcast after the match. “We didn’t play our best, but we went one nil up and we were the better team in both games. After we scored we sat back a bit instead of playing the way we were doing, but we looked comfortable and they weren’t causing us any bother apart from launching balls into our box. At the age I’m at there won’t be many better chances for me to win the cup and when you see the teams left in the competition its extra disappointing.” On the penalty controversy, “For the magnitude of the decision, I cannot believe he’s gave it. It’s a complete cop out. If he doesn’t give it no one from Hurlford would have complained. A very sore one for us to take today.”

Bo’ness: Murphy, Snowdon, Hoggan, Campbell, Hunter ©, Gemmell, Stevenson (Kelly), Jacobs, Wright (Millar), MacKenzie and Scott. Unused substitutes: J Shirra, Ritchie.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025
Date – Saturday 28 September 2024
Competition – Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Round 1

Deveronvale 2
(Noble 20, Watson 90)
Bo’ness United 4
(Kennedy 12, Osadolor 37 90+3, Johnston 39)

Bo’ness United progressed in this Scottish Cup tie at Deveronvale but not without some jitters towards the end of the game. After the initial sizing up period, the BUs went ahead in twelve minutes, a cross cleared only as far as Louis Kennedy who steadied himself before curling a great shot over Deveronvale keeper Ethan Hopkinson’s head and into the opposite top corner of the net. Lucas Stenhouse had a couple of efforts on goal but in twenty it was Deveronvale who equalised, a Harry Noble freekick shot flashing past Cade Melrose in the Bo’ness goal,

Eight minutes before half time two goals in two put Bo’ness in a commanding position. Lucas Stenhouse ran onto a great JJ Henderson through ball before slipping it inside to the alert Smart Osadolor following up to slot into the net. Then Dan Irving flicked on a corner to the near post and Kyle Johnston pounced to shoot home from close in.

Into the second half Deveronvale hoped to get back and Garry Wood was unlucky in front of goal, unable to get the ball out of his feet to get in a decisive shot. The player manager’s day was to go from bad to worse as only minutes later a second yellow card saw him dismissed. Bo’ness set about putting the game beyond their hosts but their efforts were unable to find the target. Typically, on ninety minutes Deveronvale gave themselves some hope with a fine shot from Michael Watson finding the net but only a minute later the BUs sealed the win, Smart Osadolor in fine isolation to receive a pass before smashing past the exposed Deveronvale keeper.

This was a well-deserved result for Bo’ness United who played some great stuff although perhaps should have had more to show for their efforts. In the end it’s the win that important and the BUs go through to the next round,

Bo'ness: Melrose, Kennedy, Macaulay, Masson, Duffy (Travis 74), Irving, Stenhouse, Johnston, Osadolor, Porteous (Malcolm 65), Henderson (Gemmell 73), Subs (Not Used): Mitchell SG: Campbell

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