January 2024 – Bo'ness Athletic Football Club

Newburgh v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 27/01/202403/02/2024 by digital

In an exhibition of footballing supremacy, Bo’ness Athletic showcased their relentless prowess by trouncing Newburgh 9-0 at East Shore Park. This latest encounter marks yet another chapter in Bo’ness’s unrelenting pursuit of consecutive promotions, leaving Newburgh battered and bruised in their wake. With an astounding 26 goals scored in their last three encounters this season, Bo’ness Athletic asserted their dominance in a manner that has become synonymous with their style of play.

From the opening whistle, it was evident that Bo’ness had no intentions of taking their foot off the gas. A lightning-quick run into the Newburgh territory set the stage for a clinical finish by Callum MacDonald in the 2nd minute, leaving the keeper with little chance.

The 4th minute witnessed a beautifully executed one-two between Weir and Robertson, resulting in an inch-perfect cross across the goal from Robertson, comfortably slotted home by MacDonald. The visitors continued to exploit their attacking prowess, leaving Newburgh’s defence in disarray.

MacDonald continued his goal-scoring spree, completing his hat-trick on the 20th minute. A rapidly taken free-kick caught the Newburgh defence off guard, allowing MacDonald to showcase his composure and finesse in rolling the ball into the corner of the net.

The 38th minute saw the scoreboard ticking over to 4-0. Bo’ness capitalized on a mistake, orchestrating a swift break, with Weir’s incisive pass finding MacDonald in a prime position to add to his tally.

In the 40th minute, a deftly taken free-kick and a deep cross from Shanks found Godwin, who controlled the ball well and had the luxury of time to navigate across the box and pick his spot past the keeper. Bo’ness confidently entered the halftime break with an imposing 5-0 lead.

Half time substitutions saw Robertson Godwin and MacKay replaced by Binnie, Duncan and Shearer and the second half commenced with no respite for Newburgh, as Bo’ness extended their lead just 7 minutes in. In a move started by Weir on he left, with a combination of passes between himself and MacDonald who, turned provider this time, delivering a precise cross for Weir to powerfully head home from close range.

On the 55th minute, goal number 7 unfolded with a swift pass originating from Bo’ness’ own area. A forward ball to Binnie down the left ebat the offside trap and he execute a well taken shot , deceiving the keeper and into the far corner of the net for a clinical finish. The Newburgh defence seemed helpless against the Bo’ness onslaught.

Trialist Connolly replaced Weir straight after the goal then moments later, it was 8-0, as another incisive pass split the defence, and Shearer’s cross-shot ended up diverting into the net off an unfortunate Newburgh defender but Shearer claimed the goal.

Bo’ness’s dominance and comfort on the ball around the opposition penalty area persisted, culminating in Duncan finding the back of the net to secure a resounding 9-0 victory.

It was another high scoring game for Bo’ness against what seemed like a young Newburgh side, which sees them having scored an amazing 84 goals so far in the league having played just over half their fixture.

Final Score: Newburgh 0 – 9 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 17

Match Highlights

Bo’ness Athletic v Stirling Universty

Posted on 13/01/202419/01/2024 by digital

In a pulsating display of football prowess, Bo’ness orchestrated a sensational comeback to defy the odds and emerge triumphant against Stirling in a heart-stopping 3-4 victory. The game unfolded like a gripping drama, with Bo’ness going behind three times, only to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with an extraordinary 90th-minute winner from the talismanic Ogilvie.

The picturesque setting for this thrilling encounter saw the sun casting its glow on the pitch, creating the perfect atmosphere for a football spectacle. Despite the biting cold, the conditions only heightened the intensity of the clash. Bo’ness introduced new faces into the fold, with Scott Cameron, recently acquired from Kelty Hearts, thrown into the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Reece Duncan, a promising signing from Camelon Juniors, waited eagerly on the bench for his potential debut.

The initial half-hour of the game was a whirlwind of chances for both sides. Early opportunities fell to Shearer and Paterson, with MacDonald threatening the opposition’s goal on two occasions. In the 21st minute, Currid exhibited his shot-stopping prowess with a great foot block, denying Stirling’s attempt to open the scoring. Weir later breached the offside trap, but as the keeper rushed out, the shot was well thwarted. Shearer persisted, testing the keeper from a tight angle, only to be denied once again.

However, in the 36th minute, Stirling managed to break the deadlock with a well-executed shot from the heart of the 18-yard box, leaving Currid visibly disappointed. Bo’ness retaliated before the halftime whistle, with Robertson’s ambitious shot sailing high over the bar. In the dying moments of the first half, Shearer was tripped inside the box, earning a penalty. Robertson confidently stepped up, slotting the ball into the right-hand corner, making it 1-1 at the interval.

The second half kicked off with a game-changing substitution, as Ogilvie replaced Shearer. Despite Bo’ness’s early shouts for a penalty, Stirling struck again, regaining the lead. Yet, within eight minutes, Bo’ness demonstrated resilience, pulling one back with Weir orchestrating an assist for Ogilvie’s clinical finish.

New signing Cameron had a shot inside the box, but the keeper’s quick reactions ensured the ball was cleared to safety. The see-saw battle continued and in the 68th minute, the unthinkable happened as Bo’ness found themselves trailing for the third time in the match. A sublime cross from the left-hand side landed perfectly between Cameron and Shanks, setting up the Stirling No. 9 to calmly guide the ball into the net, silencing the home crowd.

However, signs of despair quickly turned to hope as Bo’ness, with unwavering determination, levelled the score once again within three minutes. A precise ball through the middle found MacDonald, who, in a one-on-one with the keeper, showcased composure, taking a right-foot touch past the stopper and firing a left-foot shot into the empty net, from a narrow angle.

With the game hanging in the balance, Bo’ness seized control of the narrative, dominating the chances as they relentlessly pushed for a winner. Weir went agonizingly close, Robertson tested the keeper with a lofted shot, but a strong hand tipped the ball to safety. Sneddon fired a shot high over the bar, adding to the suspense of the climax.

Substitute Mansouri entered the fray, with Robertson making way, as Bo’ness sought the elusive winner. Deep into added time, a low cross from Sneddon into the box found Weir, who intelligently tapped it back to Ogilvie. As the defence rushed out to close down the play, Ogilvie unleashed a sweetly struck shot through the crowd of players. The ball ascended majestically, arrowing straight into the far top right-hand corner of the net.

Ogilvie’s spectacular goal, a true contender for goal of the season, triggered jubilant celebrations among the players and fans alike. As Ogilvie wheeled away with his teammates, the home crowd struggled to comprehend the extraordinary scenes they had just witnessed. The final whistle blew, and Bo’ness emerged victorious with the crucial three points in the bag.

This enthralling victory ensures Bo’ness maintains their impressive 10-point lead over second-placed Armadale Thistle in the league standings. The game will undoubtedly be etched Bo’ness Athletic history as one of the most remarkable comebacks, showcasing Bo’ness’s indomitable spirit and ability to rise to the occasion. For the fans, it was an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions, and Bo’ness emerged as the deserving victors in this pulsating clash.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 4 – 3 Stirling University
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 16

Match Highlights

Edinburgh College v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 06/01/202413/01/2024 by digital

Bo’ness Athletic kicked off the new year in style, securing a spectacular 4-1 triumph on the road against Edinburgh College. Shearer netted twice, supported by MacDonald and Weir, as they clinched three crucial points despite conceding an early goal to the hosts.

The action unfolded at the magnificent Oriam Sports Complex, where the biting cold failed to dampen the spirits for this mid-winter showdown. Bo’ness adorned their all-red away kit, and from the outset, it was clear this encounter would be nothing short of intense.

The match burst into life with fierce challenges echoing through the stadium. In the 10th minute, Shanks exhibited his defensive prowess with a sharp header to clear a dangerous cross into the box. However, the ensuing corner proved troublesome, as Currid could only parry the ball into the path of Edinburgh’s No. 3. Paterson’s deflection found the foot of Edinburgh’s forward and a simple tap in, leaving the hosts in an early lead.

Undeterred, Bo’ness responded relentlessly, and their efforts bore fruit in the 19th minute. Mitchell initiated the play by winning the ball about 25 yards from goal, setting the stage for a delightful passing sequence between MacDonald and Weir. Ultimately, it was Shearer who unleashed a sublime shot into the net, leveling the score.

In the 22nd minute, MacDonald showcased his prowess with a powerful free-kick, met with a diving save from the Edinburgh goalkeeper. However, his persistence paid off three minutes later when he expertly redirected another free-kick into the corner of the net, eluding the keeper’s grasp.

Edinburgh’s custodian continued to impress, denying Robertson’s free-kick outside the box. Weir had a couple of opportunities before halftime, but Edinburgh’s defense held firm, preventing any further breakthroughs.

The first half concluded with Bo’ness holding a slender lead, appearing formidable. The second half commenced with a bang as Bo’ness wasted no time extending their advantage. Snedden orchestrated a move down the left, setting up Robertson, whose low-driven shot tested the keeper. Weir pounced on the rebound, guiding the ball into the net to make it 3-1.

The game settled into a brief lull, interrupted only by Robertson’s 62nd-minute attempt from the edge of the box, deflected out for a corner. Edinburgh sought to mount a comeback, with a long-range effort requiring Currid’s acrobatics to keep the advancing striker at bay.

Bo’ness dominated proceedings, with Weir, Robertson, and Simpson all testing the Edinburgh defense. A red card was brandished in the 75th minute, with Leon Graham receiving his marching orders (second yellow) after a clash involving Bo’ness’ halted Currid, who, displeased with the challenge, received a yellow card for his part in the altercation.

In the 84th minute, the match was effectively put to bed as Simpson surged down the left wing, linking up with Shearer in a one-two. Shearer’s exquisite curling shot struck the far post before nestling in the net, securing his second goal of the match.

The final whistle confirmed Bo’ness Athletic’s dominance, coupled with other weekend results, extending their lead at the summit to a commanding 10 points, with a game in hand over second-placed Armadale Thistle. A resounding victory that cements Bo’ness’s status as the team to beat in the league.

Final Score: Edinburgh College 1 – 4 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 15

Match Highlights