September 2023 – Bo'ness Athletic Football Club

Tweedmouth Rangers v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 30/09/202303/10/2023 by digital

Bo’ness continued their impressive league campaign with yet another victory, this time south of the border in England, ensuring their unblemished record remained intact. It has become customary for Bo’ness to find the net and this match was no exception, with Shearer, MacDonald, and Robertson notching up five goals between them.

Surprisingly, the game didn’t start perfectly for Bo’ness, as Tweedmouth seized an early opportunity. Just one minute into the match, a deep cross prompted Shanks to step out, but Tweedmouth’s No. 7 timed his run to perfection. He met the cross and calmly side-footed a low shot past the helpless Currid. It was a remarkable start for Tweedmouth, who had yet to secure a single point in the league this season.

Tweedmouth had an opportunity to double their lead just two minutes later, with a cutback and a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box sailing high over the bar.

Following this, Tweedmouth’s chances in the first half were scarce, as Bo’ness upped their game and took control of proceedings.

For the next 20 minutes, Bo’ness launched an unrelenting assault. The first chance came from a free-kick by Ryan Robertson, which floated to the back post. The Tweedmouth goalkeeper managed to get a fingertip to it, deflecting it past the post, preventing Simpson from heading it home. Robertson had another attempt moments later, cutting back to the corner of the 18-yard box and unleashing a low shot towards the keeper’s near post, but the keeper gathered it comfortably.

Main then delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, finding Shearer unmarked, but he agonizingly steered his header wide of the post. In a similar situation, Main once again provided a precise pass across the goal towards Shearer, but this time the Tweedmouth defence managed to clear it for a corner with a sliding challenge.

From the ensuing corner, Robertson floated a cross to the edge of the six-yard box, where Paterson rose for a header but couldn’t direct it enough, sending it upwards and over the bar.

Finally, Bo’ness’s relentless pressure paid off as they were awarded a corner. Robertson delivered the ball to the back post again, where Simpson headed it back across the goal for Shearer to side-foot it home from a mere yard out.

Just three minutes later, Bo’ness took the lead. Simpson dashed down the left flank to collect the ball and found an unmarked MacDonald in the box. MacDonald had all the time he needed to launch a wicked left-footed shot high into the top left-hand corner of the net.

With Main now operating on the left, he received a pass and delivered an inch-perfect ball to MacDonald, who was once again unmarked on the right-hand side of the six-yard box. MacDonald took a touch and fired home a right-footed shot, extending Bo’ness’s lead. The first half concluded with a scoreline of 3-1 in Bo’ness’s favour.

Prior to this match, Bo’ness had been averaging slightly over four goals per game in the league. As the second half commenced, Bo’ness sought to add to their tally. However, Tweedmouth had the first chance of the final 45 minutes with a shot from the right, but the No. 3 blazed it high over the bar.

Robertson was determined to get his name on the scoresheet, blasting a shot over from close range a minute later. He followed it up with a turn and shot, but the attempt was straight at the keeper, who easily held it.

In the 56th minute, Main advanced down the right-hand side, entered the box, and appeared to be brought down by the keeper. However, the referee saw no foul.

Shearer then had an opportunity to extend Bo’ness’s lead, meeting a low cross into the box but failing to steer the ball into the net, narrowly sending it wide of the far post.

Finally, Robertson was rewarded for his persistence, receiving a well-executed pass from Shearer and calmly side-footing a shot past the keeper in the 59th minute.

Bo’ness appealed for another penalty when M. Weir seemed to be sandwiched between two Tweedmouth players in the six-yard box while collecting a loose ball. However, the referee remained unmoved.

Tweedmouth, displaying commendable resilience, managed to pull a goal back in the 73rd minute. The No. 20 demonstrated great footwork as he entered the Bo’ness box, feigned a shot to send the keeper to the ground, and slotted the ball into the net with composure.

Two minutes later, Meechan had a golden opportunity to seal the game, meeting a Main cross from the left but firing a shot over the bar from seven yards out.

Robertson, in search of his second goal of the match, had a close-range shot blocked by the diving keeper. However, he quickly made amends by receiving a short pass from Meechan in the box. From approximately 16 yards out, he took a touch and fired a shot, from a stanging position, into the bottom right-hand corner, a strike that left the keeper with no chance.

Bo’ness had one final chance as Main entered the box, firing a left-footed shot towards goal. However, the Tweedmouth No. 5 managed to deflect it past the post.

This fixture marked Bo’ness’s furthest away trip, but they returned with three well-deserved points. Bottom-of-the-league Tweedmouth demonstrated resilience and scored two impressive goals. However, once Bo’ness gained the lead, the outcome appeared never in doubt.

Final Score: Tweedmouth Rangers 2 – 5 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 8

Bo’ness Athletic v Peebles Rovers

Posted on 26/09/202328/09/2023 by digital

Bo’ness continued their league campaign in impressive fashion, securing a 5-1 triumph over Peebles Rovers. The result extended their lead at the top of the table to a commanding five points, with the added bonus of a game in hand. Two goals each from Robertson and Shearer, along with a late strike from substitute McAteer, ensured that Bo’ness maintained their flawless record, having secured maximum points from all seven league fixtures.

In the early stages of the match, Peebles Rovers proved to be a tough nut to crack, with Bo’ness struggling to find a breakthrough. However, their persistence paid off after 15 minutes when the prolific Robertson opened the scoring. Main initiated a move with a run into the box and a shot that forced a save from the goalkeeper’s feet. The rebound fell to Shearer, who demonstrated exceptional composure in the box, setting up Main once more. Despite Main’s effort being deflected, it landed perfectly for Robertson just outside the six-yard box. He struck a shot into the ground, causing it to bounce over the helpless goalkeeper and into the net.

Not to be outdone, Peebles launched an immediate counter-attack. Their No. 6 unleashed a shot from the edge of the D, requiring Currid to be alert and make a diving save to palm the ball over the bar.

The match then entered a fairly evenly balanced spell with both sides battling for control. MacDonald exhibited his trademark close ball control, driving into the box, but the Peebles defence held firm, blocking his shot before clearing the danger.

In a remarkable moment of skill, MacDonald, on the goal linem, with the ball seemingly glued to his feet, dinked it up past two opponents from a standing position. He then circumvented them, collected the ball, and delivered a short pass to Shearer. With precision, Shearer left-footed the ball past the stranded goalkeeper.

Just five minutes later, a long ball from the right found Shearer in a wide position. Despite the acute angle, he met the ball on the half-volley and dispatched it into the net. Bo’ness were firmly in control, with 35 minutes on the clock.

Peebles mounted a late first-half threat, with Shanks required to clear a dangerous cross for a corner in the 38th minute. From the ensuing corner, the ball eventually arrived back in the danger zone, appearing to strike Sharples and threaten Currid’s goal. However, Currid scrambled to his goal line, managing to scoop the ball away, preventing a Peebles goal.

Shearer, eager to replicate his previous hat-trick heroics, had another attempt shortly after. He collected the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, executed a diagonal run, and fired a shot towards the goal. However, it posed no real trouble for the goalkeeper.

Just before the half-time whistle, a free-kick into the box found Shearer at the back post. He laid the ball off to Snedden, who had advanced into the box amd struck a first-time shot into the side netting.

The second half saw M. Weir and R. Weir take the field, replacing Turnbull and MacDonald.

Peebles had a couple of opportunities to claw their way back into the match following the break, but neither effort seriously tested Currid.

In the 57th minute, Bo’ness played a corner directly to Paterson in the box, who connected well with the ball. However, it somehow ran out of play past the post.

Peebles came close to pulling one back four minutes later when a ball played across goal found an unmarked player about ten yards out. His ferocious shot struck the post before being cleared to safety.

Chances continued to flow for both teams, with Main delivering a deep cross from the left to Robertson, whose header narrowly missed the target. A minute later, Robertson fired a shot wide of the left-hand post following a well-orchestrated combination between him and Shearer.

In the 65th minute, Mitchell was forced to leave the field due to a head injury sustained while attempting a clearance. Simpson stepped in as his replacement.

Peebles finally reaped the rewards of their perseverance with a superb strike from the corner of the 18-yard box. The player made the execution appear effortless, lofting the ball over Currid and into the top corner of the net.

On the 75th minute, Shearer and Main made way for substitutes Meechan and McAteer.

Five minutes later, Robertson once again demonstrated his prowess. He latched onto a through ball, outpaced the defence, and confidently dispatched it beyond the goalkeeper, taking his season’s goal tally to an impressive 16 goals in competitive matches.

With five minutes remaining, Robertson narrowly missed with a header from a free-kick. Then, McAteer had a header expertly palmed over the bar by the Peebles goalkeeper. Finally, with a sweet left-footed strike at the near post, McAteer concluded the match with a 5-1 result.

Credit must be given to Peebles for putting up a determined fight throughout the fixture. Nevertheless, Bo’ness displayed their superior strength and quality across the park, with their goal tally continuing to rise.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 5 – 1 Peebles Rovers
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 7

Match Highlights:

Bo’ness Athletic v Newburgh

Posted on 22/09/202326/09/2023 by digital

Bo’ness advanced into the semifinals of the Alex Jack Cup in impressive fashion, setting the stage for a tantalising showdown against the winners of the Whitburn vs. Ariston Rangers clash. With key players such as MacKay, Snedden, and Simpson resting on the bench, the reshuffled line-up, featuring Shanks, Turnbull, and Shearer, did not disappoint. Paterson donned the captain’s armband, leading the charge. Facing a resurgent Newburgh side, Bo’ness secured a resounding 7-2 victory, propelled by Shearer’s sensational hat-trick.

From the first whistle, Bo’ness displayed their intent, with MacDonald having an early shot blocked in the box. Robertson then exhibited his skill, dribbling past two defenders, but his cross was deflected out for a corner.

MacDonald was involved again moments later, deftly manoeuvring into the box. Shearer received the ball, turned, and unleashed a shot, but it was diligently defended by Newburgh.

Newburgh launched a promising attack when a gap opened in the Bo’ness box following slick play near the corner flag. A clever pass found Newburgh’s No. 2 on the edge of the 18-yard box, but his shot narrowly sailed over the bar.

Bo’ness took the lead on the 13-minute mark through Main’s brilliant dink over the keeper, following a well-crafted move down the right flank.

However, Newburgh responded swiftly, equalising just two minutes later. A loose pass from Paterson was seized by Newburgh’s No. 9, who unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the D that eluded Currid.

Newburgh then threatened to take the lead, first with an awkward-to-control shot that sailed past the post, and then with a pass across goal that Mitchell expertly defended to prevent a shot.

MacDonald was determined to make his mark and did so on 32 minutes. Advancing into the box, he outwitted the onrushing keeper, calmly slotting the ball into the far right corner to secure a well-deserved goal.

Bo’ness earned a penalty in the 37th minute, as a beautifully chipped pass over the defence from R. Weir sparked a race between Shearer and the keeper. Shearer reached the ball first, and the keeper’s challenge brought him down. The referee promptly awarded a spot kick.

Shearer confidently dispatched the penalty with his right foot, sending it past the diving keeper’s right, who guessed correctly but couldn’t get a hand to the ball.

A minute later, Bo’ness extended their lead to 4-1. Weir tenaciously won a 50/50 ball and played Shearer inside the box, allowing him to fire a shot from the corner of the 6-yard box.

MacDonald came close to adding another on the cusp of half-time, as he danced into the box with the ball at his feet. Despite sidestepping the diving keeper, his subsequent shot somehow flew wide of the post when a goal seemed certain.

The first half concluded with Bo’ness leading 4-1.

The second half saw Main squander a chance to put the game beyond doubt as his effort rolled just wide of the keeper’s left post.

Shearer completed his hat-trick 12 minutes into the second half. Robertson initiated a pass down the left flank, spotting Shearer in the box with ample time to emphatically slot the ball home, marking a memorable achievement.

On the 61-minute mark, Newburgh reduced the deficit with a delightful glancing header from their No. 11. The cross into the box and header left Currid with no chance, earning applause from both sets of fans.

Subsequent substitutions saw MacDonald and R. Weir make way for Mackay and Snedden.

Robertson, unwilling to miss out on the scoring, bolstered his goal tally on 79 minutes. Main played a crucial role, crafting a chance down the right. He evaded his marker, found space on the edge of the 18-yard box, and delivered a pinpoint cross to Robertson at the back post. Robertson thundered a volley home from close range.

With ten minutes remaining, Shearer left the pitch, making way for Meechan, and Robertson was replaced by Simpson.

As the match drew to a close, Bo’ness continued to create opportunities. A corner found Paterson in the box, who rose to meet the ball and headed it on to Meechan. With his back to goal, Meechan flicked the ball up and acrobatically used his right foot to stretch and guide it past the diving keeper’s right post. It was an unorthodox yet impressive finish.

Incredibly, Bo’ness had four more chances in the closing minutes, with Mitchell hitting the post, Robertson seeing his effort deflected for a corner, Mitchell again trying his luck from long range, and Sharples blasting over from close range as the final whistle sounded.

Bo’ness delivered a convincing home win, showcasing the management team’s adeptness in mixing up the starting lineup. It was encouraging to see new strikers contributing to four of the goals, setting a positive tone for the team’s aspirations.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 7 – 2 Newburgh
The Alex Jack Cup Quarter Final

Match Highlights:

Shotts Bon Accord v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 16/09/202317/09/2023 by digital

9 man Bo’ness exited the South Challenge Cup today in an exciting cup tie at Hannah Park. 1-1 at H.T. , 2-2 at F.T. and 3-3 A.E.T. but a place in the next round eluded Bo’ness who lost the penalty shoot-out 4-3.

On loan Kelty Hearts striker Finlay Shearer was thrust straight into the starting line-up for today’s game. Bo’ness started the match on the front foot, with an early chance falling to Robertson. Spotting the Shotts goalkeeper positioned at the edge of his 18-yard box, Robertson attempted a looping header. The ball soared tantalisingly close to the goal but ultimately cleared the bar due to its pace.

Just two minutes later, Main received a pass down the right, successfully evading the offside trap. His shot across goal was well saved by the keeper, who parried it beyond the post.

Shotts responded with two long-range attempts, neither of which troubled Currid as they sailed high over the bar.

On the 34-minute mark, Bo’ness took the lead. This time, Main, operating from the left, outwitted his marker and ventured into the box. Deceiving the keeper, who anticipated a shot, Main cleverly rolled the ball across to the unmarked Robertson, who calmly slotted it home.

Robertson had two more opportunities to extend the lead, with both attempts originating from free-kicks at distance. The first struck the crossbar, while the second was adeptly saved by the keeper, diving towards his far post.

Shotts managed to level the score just before half-time. A long ball down the left was delivered across the goal to Shotts’ No. 9, who curled a precise left-footed shot past Currid.

At Half Time, an injury forced Simpson to be replaced by Shanks.

Within the first two minutes of the second half, Shotts had a golden opportunity to take the lead. A defensive mix-up allowed Shotts’ No. 9 to seize the ball from Snedden, but he sent his shot high over the bar from 12 yards out.

On the 60-minute mark, R. Weir and Shearer were substituted for MacDonald and Meechan in an attempt to inject fresh impetus into the game.

However, Shotts began to dominate and appeared more likely to score. They narrowly missed an opportunity to take the lead when a shot rolled just past the keeper’s left-hand post. Bo’ness breathed a sigh of relief, but it was short-lived as Shotts struck four minutes later. A corner was delivered to the back post, where Shotts’ No. 9 rose to head it back across goal to No. 15, who nodded it towards the net. Although Currid got a hand to it, it wasn’t enough to prevent the goal.

Mackay received a second yellow card, reducing Bo’ness to ten men.

As the game entered its final ten minutes, Meechan was thwarted from point-blank range. A well-driven pass from Robertson bounced at his feet, but he couldn’t direct it towards the goal, and his effort sailed wide of the right-hand post.

In the dying moments, Bo’ness secured an equaliser. In a move almost identical to the previous goal, Robertson was again the architect from the right. His cross this time deflected off a Shotts defender’s foot, falling perfectly for Meechan, who calmly dispatched a shot from eight yards out, leaving the keeper with no chance.

Paterson was forced off due to injury and replaced by Turnbull, leaving Bo’ness with no outfield substitutes on the bench.

The second half whistle blew with the score level at 2-2.

The contest proceeded to extra time in search of a winner, and within a minute, Shotts seized the lead again with a remarkable goal. Shanks rose to head clear a cross into the box, but the ball fortuitously fell to Shotts’ No. 6. With a single touch, he unleashed a thunderous strike from around 26 yards out, eluding a diving Currid. Although Currid got a slight touch, he couldn’t deny Shotts’ No. 6 a splendid goal. Snedden was then immediately red carded for a second yellow card.

In the second half of extra time, Bo’ness conjured an astonishing equaliser, displaying remarkable resilience despite their numerical disadvantage. Robertson delivered a corner from the left, met by MacDonald, who eluded his marker with a diving header, sending it crashing into the net, much to the delight of the travelling Bo’ness supporters.

The game concluded 3-3, setting the stage for a penalty shootout.

Shotts began with a missed penalty, as Currid produced a splendid diving save to his left.

MacDonald had the opportunity to give Bo’ness the lead in the shootout, but his penalty cannoned off the crossbar, keeping the score level at 3-3.

Ultimately, Shotts held their nerve, converting their final penalty to secure a 4-3 shootout victory. Shanks’ agonising strike against the crossbar marked the end of an enthralling contest that tested the mettle of both teams.

Bo’ness Athletic may have departed from the South Challenge Cup, but their spirited performance cannot be denied.

Final Score: Shotts Bon Accord v Bo’ness Athletic (AET, 4-3 Pens)
The South Challenge Cup, Second Round, North-East Zone

Match Highlights:

Armadale Thistle v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 09/09/202310/09/2023 by digital

Bo’ness faced a formidable challenge at Volunteer Park, where a goal in each half earned them a vital three points in a gruelling league clash.

Bo’ness kicked off the match brightly, donning their striking all-red strip. Early on, Robertson cut inside at the edge of the 18-yard box, but his shot narrowly missed the right-hand post. Moments later, MacDonald laid off a pass to MacKay, who attempted an audacious shot from 30 yards out, only to send it soaring high above the bar.

The first goal of the game arrived on the 8th minute mark when M. Weir outpaced a defender and latched onto a lofted pass through the middle. Despite the keeper’s valiant attempt to block the shot with his left foot, the ball deflected straight to MacDonald, who executed a sublime left-footed strike into the right corner of the net.

Armadale had their initial chance of the game when a cross into the box was parried down by Currid, but Mitchell was quick to clear the danger.

Robertson then unleashed a wild shot across the goal, but no Bo’ness player was there to capitalize.
The pressure from Bo’ness remained relentless and on the 13th minute, Robertson made a sharp run down the left flank, cutting back to find M. Weir, whose shot was expertly saved by the Armadale keeper, deflecting it out for a corner.
Bo’ness had a strong appeal for a penalty a few minutes later when R. Weir delivered a cross into the box. The Armadale No.5 seemed to raise his arms and push MacDonald inside the box, but the referee wasn’t interested.

Outstanding defending from Sharples in the 35th minute denied Armadale an equalizer as he blocked a pass from Armadale’s No. 10 to the onrushing striker in the Bo’ness box.

Shortly thereafter, M. Weir’s header sailed just wide of the keeper’s far post following a cross into the box from Snedden.

As half-time approached, Armadale gained momentum and had two opportunities. The first came from a corner, with Paterson rising highest to clear, and moments later, he made a crucial tackle inside the box to thwart Armadale’s No. 9.

The teams headed into half-time with Bo’ness leading 1-0, and MacDonald made way for Main as the second half commenced.
Armadale had the first chance of the second half when their No. 9 played a ball across the front of goal, narrowly missing the connection with their No. 8.

In the 53rd minute, McInnes substituted on for M. Weir, and Armadale found themselves a man down due to a player raising his hands.
Simpson won a header just outside the box, and Main picked up the ball, rolling a pass towards the penalty spot for R. Weir, who unleashed a side-footed shot towards goal, only to be denied by a fantastic save from the keeper.

A deep cross into the Bo’ness box caused problems, but their No. 2 failed to make a proper connection, squandering a chance.

Despite several attempts, it wasn’t Robertson’s day, as he missed two opportunities within three minutes inside the box.
McInnes won a tussle with Armadale’s No. 2 at the corner flag, running into the box with the ball. His low-driven effort forced the keeper to dive towards his near post, guiding it out for a corner.
Robertson then cut back on the 18-yard box, curling a shot that hit the bar and went over.
Paterson, aiming to increase his tally of headed goals, had his effort saved by the keeper, and the ball smashed off the bar, denying him another goal.
Bo’ness won a free-kick 23 yards out, and McInnes struck a low shot past the wall, but the keeper reacted quickly, steering it just wide of the post.

In the 85th minute, Snedden made way for Turnbull.

During the final five minutes, Bo’ness endured a scare when Currid played a pass back that struck the onrushing Armadale No. 10. However, the effort from a tight angle went slightly high and wide.

Bo’ness ultimately sealed the game two minutes later when McInnes outmuscled Armadale’s No. 2 in the box. He took his time and played a precise ball across to Turnbull, who had arrived in the box. With one touch, Turnbull curled a right-footed shot inside the right-hand post.

Today was not Robertson’s day, but Bo’ness managed to secure a hard-fought victory in what proved to be their toughest league fixture of the season thus far. This well-deserved win on the road, combined with another clean sheet, propelled them to the top of the table, with a game in hand.

Final Score: Armadale Thistle 0 – 2 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 6

Match Highlights:

Bo’ness Athletic v Ormiston Primrose

Posted on 05/09/202306/09/2023 by digital

Four first half goals and two in the second half gave Bo’ness a thoroughly well deserved victory, on a cold night at Newtown Park to send them into 2nd place in the East Of Scotland Second Division table maintaining their 100% record in the league.

It was a selection shuffle for the team tonight, from the manager, with MacKay, Mitchell and MacDonald starting on the bench. McInnes and Snedden started the match along with Shanks who has recovered from injury.
The first chance came after 2 minutes when Main raced onto a long ball over the top. He was first to the ball and attempted to lob the keeper, off his line, from the 18 yard box but the ball struck the top of the net.
A mix up at the back from Ormiston, saw Main again strike a shot from just inside the 18 yard box this time, but the keeper got down quickly for an easy save.
Robertson took a sore one down the left hand side and from the resulting free kick , once again , Simpson rose up using his superior height to head across goal and into the net.

Good work from Robertson and Ogilvie resulted in a cross across the goal line to Main , at the back post marked. His close range header crashed off the bar, landed back at his feet only to see his shot then saved well by the keeper.
The second Bo’ness goal came from the man who just has to score in every game, Ryan Robertson. Main played an inviting cross into the box but the Ormiston defender could only deflect to Simpson who played a short pass to Robertson who thundered home from inside the D with the aid of a deflection.

Goal number three came once again from Robertson who played a neat one two with Snedden, took a touch then and blasted an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner.

Shortly after McInnes had his first effort with a turn and low shot from a narrow angle but the ball ran just past the post.
With only 22 minutes only the clock, the score was 4-0 as McInnes made no mistake, with a short pass from Shanks in the box , he scored his trademark goal from 12 yards.

Main then saw a long range effort whistle narrowly past the far post. Ogilvie picked up a knock and had to be substituted on 34 minutes and MacDonald came on for a straight swap.

Paterson was next up to have a similar shot from long range but his shot was straight at the keep who caught it comfortably.

Robertson going for his hat-trick , was landed a golden opportunity in 26 minutes when he cannoned a header in the box off an Ormiston defender. The ball landed back at his feet but his shot was blocked by the feet of the keeper.

A half time substitution saw Mitchell replace new defensive goal hero Simpson.

It took only 10 minutes of the second half for Bo’ness to score from a corner. Paterson lost his marker and rose well to header downwards and into the net.
Bo’ness made 3 final substitutions with Mackay, McAteer and M. Weir coming on for McInnes, Main and Shanks.
The final goal of the game came from Robertson on 56 minutes, once again, firing a rocket through the keepers hands. A well deserved hat trick from the man of the match as his goal tally just keeps climbing.

A few more chances followed but no more goals came. Currid was effectively a bystander for the majority of the game and did not have a single save to make.

It was the kind of result Bo’ness were looking for that will give the manager a team selection headache with so many good individual performances, as they head to a top of the table clash away to Armadale on Saturday.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 6 – 0 Ormiston Primrose
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 5

Match highlights:

Bo’ness Athletic v Crossgates Primrose

Posted on 02/09/202303/09/2023 by digital

In a match that saw a relatively uneventful first half, the Second Round of the Alex Jack Cup came alive with four second-half goals, propelling Bo’ness into the Third Round of the cup.

The initial 45 minutes were marked by Bo’ness’s frustration in front of the net, despite several attempts; however, goalkeeper Currid had a quiet half, making no saves. The game welcomed back Ogilvie, returning from an injury that had sidelined him for a few weeks, and Snedden, who started the match from the bench.

Crossgates was the first of the two teams to create a noteworthy chance when their number 14 sent the ball over the bar after a well-executed lay-off in the box. Shortly thereafter, Robertson had a free-kick opportunity from 22 yards on the right-hand side of the D, but the keeper made an easy save at his near post.

Mackay, combining with Robertson just outside the 18-yard box, found space but couldn’t bend his shot into the far post, as it remained low, and the keeper collected comfortably at his feet. Robertson later found space down the left corner of the 18-yard box, outwitted the defender, and fired a powerful shot on goal. The keeper made an impressive diving save, pushing the ball behind for a corner.

On the 29th minute, Crossgates had another chance when a cross into the box found their number 7, who rose well but headed just wide of the goal. Robertson continued to make his presence felt, storming down the right, playing a one-two with R. Weir, and sending his shot past the keeper’s far post. A touch of bend on the ball might have resulted in a stunning finish for Bo’ness’s top scorer this season.

Crossgates had their number 14 attempt a side-footed shot from just outside the D, but it sailed over the bar following some well-orchestrated play. Mitchell, positioned high up the pitch, struck a shot from the right corner of the 18-yard box, sending it across the goal. MacDonald slid in but couldn’t connect, as the ball narrowly missed the outside of the post. A promising run into the box, initiated by a lay-off from Ogilvie, saw Captain MacKay opt for a touch rather than a first-time shot. His placed shot rolled wide of the post.

The first half concluded without any goals, but the signs were encouraging for Bo’ness.

At halftime, Bo’ness made two substitutions, replacing MacDonald and R. Weir with Main and Snedden, and these changes had an immediate impact.

In the second half, Bo’ness had the first opportunity as Main made a run into the box right from kickoff but rolled his shot just wide of the keeper’s far post. From a corner, Sharples rose well to head the ball out to Paterson, who was unmarked, but he couldn’t direct his header on target, and it sailed over the bar.

Finally, in the 53rd minute, the first goal of the match arrived, courtesy of new arrival Simpson, scoring his second goal in his second game for the club. Ogilvie delivered a cross across the goal, and Simpson rose at the back post, heading the ball downwards to beat the keeper.

Shortly after, Mackay saw his second effort of the game sail over the bar from an 18-yard shot. In the 47th minute, M. Weir was fouled on the edge of the box, resulting in an injury to the challenging Crossgates player and a three-minute stoppage.

From the ensuing free-kick, Ogilvie beautifully struck a low shot across goal, eluding everyone and nestling into the corner of the net at the keeper’s far post. M. Weir made way for McInnes right after the goal, and two minutes later, the in-form striker scored his third goal in three games with a low shot inside the box that beat the keeper.

A stellar performance from Ogilvie led to his substitution for Turnbull. Five minutes later, Robertson forced an outstanding save from the Crossgates keeper with a drilled shot, but a strong wrist sent the ball wide of the goal. From the resulting corner, Paterson attempted an acrobatic header, which missed the target.

The goal of the game showcased why Robertson was the top scorer of the season. He unleashed a beautifully left-footed volleyed effort from a ball played over the top, after which he was subbed to make way for McAteer.

Currid, who had a relatively quiet game, had to be alert in the 89th minute with a brilliant save to palm a certain goal wide. From the ensuing corner, Crossgates had a volleyed effort from 22 yards that travelled straight to Currid, who held it firmly.

The final opportunity of the match fell to McAteer in injury time. He rolled a pass from Snedden into the goal past the diving keeper; however, the referee incorrectly judged McAteer to be offside, despite being clearly played onside by the Crossgates number 5.

In the end, the disallowed goal did not impact the outcome, as Bo’ness comfortably secured their place in the draw for the Third Round.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 4 – 0 Crossgates Primrose
The Alex Jack Cup, Second Round