May 2024 – Bo'ness Athletic Football Club

Ormiston Primrose v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 15/05/202417/05/2024 by digital

In the penultimate fixture of the season, Bo’ness Athletic secured a critical three points with a resounding 4-0 away victory over Ormiston, ensuring their hosts’ relegation to Division 3. Bo’ness, a point clear at the top of the table going into this crucial match, were determined to put the previous week’s defeat to Thornton Hibs behind them and they did so in emphatic fashion, courtesy of a brace from Cunningham and goals from MacDonald and Godwin.

The opening 25 minutes were fraught with tension for Bo’ness, who dominated possession but struggled to convert their early pressure into goals. With less than three minutes on the clock, Heaver delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank, met by Cunningham’s glancing header which crashed off the far post, heightening the anxiety among the travelling supporters.

It took until the 27th minute for Bo’ness to break the deadlock, much to the relief of their fans. A slick move saw Heaver threading a pass to MacDonald, who surged into the box, outpaced his marker to reach the byline, and squared the ball for Cunningham to side-foot home from close range.

Three minutes later, Heaver nearly doubled the lead. Collecting a long ball from Paterson, he cut inside across the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a low drive that the Ormiston keeper did well to parry wide. Moments after, Bo’ness won a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box. Ogilvie played it short to Heaver, whose thunderous strike rattled the crossbar and bounced clear.

Ormiston responded with a free-kick of their own. Their number eight curled a superb effort over the wall, but Wilson, alert in the Bo’ness goal, pulled off a magnificent save, diving to his right to keep the visitors ahead.

Just before the interval, Mitchell battled to win a 50-50 challenge deep in Ormiston territory and delivered a cross-cum-shot that forced the home keeper to tip over the bar, ensuring Bo’ness went into the break with their slender lead intact.

The second half began with a substitution for Bo’ness, as Cameron made way for Godwin, who was deployed on the right wing and quickly made his presence felt. Ten minutes after the restart, Cunningham scored his second of the afternoon, latching onto MacDonald’s pinpoint cross to glance a shot past the despairing dive of the Ormiston keeper.

Cunningham came close to completing his hat-trick a few minutes later, skillfully turning two defenders inside the box before seeing his shot brilliantly saved. In the 70th minute, it was Godwin’s turn to test the Ormiston keeper, driving into the box and unleashing a low shot that was well saved.

A minute later, Bo’ness were awarded a penalty. Heaver controlled a diagonal ball on the edge of the box and played a first-time pass to Cunningham, who was upended by a clumsy challenge, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. MacDonald stepped up and smashed a high penalty into the net, making it 3-0, with the keeper guessing correctly but unable to reach it.

With the result seemingly secure, Bo’ness made a trio of substitutions: Weir replaced Heaver, Connolly came on for Snedden, and Sneddon substituted MacDonald.

The goal of the match came in the 83rd minute from the impressive Godwin. He danced past several Ormiston defenders down the right before losing the ball momentarily, regaining possession, and curling a stunning left-footed shot into the far corner, a strike no goalkeeper could have saved.

As the final whistle approached, further chances fell to Cunningham and Shanks, but the scoreline remained 4-0, a comprehensive victory for Bo’ness.

The win keeps Bo’ness in pole position, with Thornton Hibs breathing down their necks, just a point behind. With only one match remaining, a home game against Dalkeith Thistle next Saturday, Bo’ness are on the brink of a memorable season. One final push is all that stands between them and the title.

Final Score: Ormiston Primrose 0 – 4 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 29

Match Highlights:

Thornton Hibs v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 11/05/202413/05/2024 by digital

Bo’ness Athletic had their aspirations of clinching the league title dealt a blow as they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Thornton Hibs in a riveting encounter at Thornton Park. The loss narrows the gap at the top to a solitary point with just two fixtures remaining for each side, setting the stage for a thrilling climax to determine the champions of the E.O.S. Second Division.

The visitors entered the fray with a chance to seize the league crown, necessitating a victory. However, despite an early breakthrough courtesy of MacDonald, who capitalised on a spilled shot from Ogilvie to open the scoring, Bo’ness found themselves pegged back swiftly by an incisive Thornton attack. A sublime finish from the home side’s No. 10 restored parity just moments after MacDonald’s opener, setting the tone for a pulsating encounter.

Bo’ness saw a goal disallowed shortly thereafter, as Heaver’s incisive pass found Cunningham, only for the linesman’s flag to thwart their celebrations. Thornton then seized the initiative, taking a 2-1 lead through a composed finish from their No. 10, capitalising on a defensive mix-up . It looked an easy clearance for Paterson but Currid came rushing out to clear and ended in a 50/50 tackle which the Thornton no.10 won and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.
It was the end of the match for Currid as he picked up an ankle injury in the challenge and Substitute Wilson came on to take his place.

The visitors, however, showcased their resilience, drawing level before the interval courtesy of a stunning strike from Heaver. His clinical finish breathed new life into Bo’ness’s pursuit of victory, setting the stage for a captivating second half.

Despite Bo’ness’s best efforts, Thornton regained the lead in the 65th minute, with their prolific No. 10 completing a well-deserved hat-trick to put his side ahead once more. The setback prompted Bo’ness to introduce substitute winger Godwin in a bid to bolster their attacking prowess, but their hopes were dashed as Thornton extended their advantage with a well-worked goal, leaving Bo’ness with a mountain to climb.

A late penalty awarded to Bo’ness offered a glimmer of hope, but Cunningham’s effort lacked conviction, allowing the Thornton keeper to make a comfortable save and preserve his side’s lead. As the final whistle blew, Bo’ness found themselves on the wrong end of the score-line for the second time against Thornton Hibs this season.
Both teams have already secured promotion, but with the title race intensifying, Bo’ness will be eager to bounce back from this setback and maintain their slender advantage at the top. The injury to Currid is a cause for concern, but the assured performance of substitute Wilson provides a silver lining amidst the disappointment, offering hope to the Bo’ness faithful as the season reaches its climax.

Final Score: Thornton Hibs 4 – 2 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 28

Match Highlights

Edinburgh United v Bo’ness Athletic

Posted on 07/05/202411/05/2024 by digital

Bo’ness demonstrated their dominance in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, securing a resounding 7-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Edinburgh United in a match brimming with attacking prowess and clinical finishing. With a brace from Heaver, a hat-trick from MacDonald, and additional strikes from Cunningham and Ogilvie, Bo’ness left no doubt as to their superiority on the field, dispatching their opponents with ease.

The hosts wasted no time in asserting their authority, with Heaver opening the scoring after just one minute of play. MacDonald’s deft layoff found Heaver prowling down the left flank, and the winger displayed remarkable pace and precision to round the keeper and calmly slot the ball into the empty net, setting the tone for Bo’ness’s dominant display.

Despite the early setback, Edinburgh showed glimpses of promise, with an opportunity to pull one back arising in the 18th minute. A lofted ball over the top had Currid scrambling off his line, only for Edinburgh’s No. 11 to squander the chance with a lack of composure, failing to capitalise on the opportunity presented to him.

Bo’ness extended their lead in the 23rd minute, courtesy of a sublime display of teamwork and finishing. Heaver once again wreaked havoc down the left flank, delivering a pinpoint cross to Cunningham, who dispatched a clinical volley into the top corner, leaving the Edinburgh goalkeeper with no chance.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, with MacDonald adding his name to the scoresheet shortly after. Cunningham’s incisive pass found Heaver in space once more, and although his initial effort was blocked by the keeper, MacDonald was on hand to pounce on the rebound and extend Bo’ness’s lead to three goals.

Heaver came agonisingly close to adding his name to the scoresheet with a thunderous strike that rattled the far post, as Bo’ness threatened to run riot before the interval. However, it was MacDonald who provided the finishing touch for Bo’ness’s fourth goal, rising to nod the ball home after a goalmouth scramble.

As the second half commenced, Bo’ness showed no signs of relenting, with Heaver, Cunningham, and Ogilvie all going close in the opening exchanges. MacDonald completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, capping off a flowing move with a composed finish to put Bo’ness 5-0 ahead.

Five minutes later, Bo’ness further asserted their dominance, with Heaver turning provider once more to set up Ogilvie for a simple tap-in, much to the dismay of the Edinburgh defence.
Bo’ness made a flurry of substitutions to see out the game, with Cameron and Weir entering the fray in place of Woodburn and Snedden.
Heaver then produced a moment of individual brilliance, lashing home a stunning half-volley from a corner kick to put the result beyond doubt.

With victory secured, the remaining substitutes were also given a run-out, as Godwin, Connolly, and Sneddon replaced Ogilvie, MacDonald, and Heaver, respectively.

As the final whistle blew, Bo’ness celebrated a comprehensive victory, reaffirming their credentials as title contenders. The result served as a statement of intent from Bo’ness, who remain firmly on course to achieve their season objectives.

Final Score: Edinburgh United 0 – 7 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match

Match Highlights

Bo’ness Athletic v Burntisland Shipyard

Posted on 04/05/202406/05/2024 by digital

In a thrilling encounter amidst their title pursuit, Bo’ness edged closer to their championship aspirations in the East of Scotland Second Division, yet the relentless pursuit by Thornton Hibs looms, promising a nail-biting finale. Securing a crucial three points, Bo’ness showcased their talents with a stunning strike from Heaver, complemented by Cunningham’s prolific form as he notched an impressive four goals.

From the onset, Bo’ness asserted their dominance in ideal playing conditions. Within the first minute, Heaver threatened with a menacing cross, only to be denied by a timely intervention from Ogilvie and Burntisland’s No. 4, deflecting the shot wide. The momentum continued as Woodburn orchestrated a sublime lofted pass to find Cunningham, whose subsequent cross to MacDonald saw a thunderous strike rattling the far post.

Despite early pressure, Bo’ness faced an unexpected setback in the 23rd minute when Burntisland seized the lead against the run of play. A well-executed free kick found its way to Burntisland’s No. 2, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past the stand-in keeper, Wilson. Undeterred, Bo’ness relentlessly pursued an equalizer, with MacDonald narrowly missing the mark from close range.

The pendulum swung in Bo’ness’s favour as half time approached, with Cunningham spearheading the offensive charge. Despite several promising opportunities, including a remarkable cross from Heaver, Bo’ness found themselves trailing at Newtown Park, a scenario unfamiliar to their title aspirations.

However, Bo’ness wasted no time in the second half, with Cunningham’s audacious bicycle kick setting the tone for their resurgence. Minutes later, Heaver restored parity with a solo effort, showcasing sublime skill and composure to beat the keeper at his near post, reigniting Bo’ness’s momentum.
The 56th minute saw Cameron leave the field and replaced by Michael Weir in the first of the Bo’ness substitutions

Bo’ness’s ascendancy was cemented in the 71st minute when Snedden orchestrated a clinical through ball, allowing Heaver to calmly assist Cunningham for his first goal of the match. A subsequent penalty awarded to Bo’ness further extended their lead, with Cunningham clinically converting to make it 3-1.

Despite Burntisland’s sporadic attempts, including a notable double save from Wilson, Bo’ness remained resolute in defence. A double substitution injected fresh energy into Bo’ness’s line-up, with MacKay and Godwin contributing to the proceedings with MacDonald and Ogilvie making way.

As the final whistle beckoned, Cunningham further embellished his stellar performance with a well-deserved hat-trick, much to the dismay of Burntisland’s management. Connolly was substituted on for the final moments of the game with Heaver going off to great applause, then a late penalty saw Cunningham sealing his fourth goal of the match, epitomizing Bo’ness’s dominance on the field.

With the season drawing to a close and only four games remaining, Bo’ness stands poised to achieve their milestone of breaking the 100-league goal mark. Cunningham’s remarkable feat of scoring his fourth consecutive league hat-trick, marking his sixth in the last seven matches across all competitions, underscores Bo’ness’s unwavering determination and ambition as they march towards their ultimate goal.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 5 – 1 Burntisland Shipyard
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 26

Match Highlights: