Bo’ness Athletic v Newburgh

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

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

2023-09-16

Match Highlights:

Armadale Thistle v Bo’ness Athletic

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

2023-09-09

Match Highlights:

Bo’ness Athletic v Ormiston Primrose

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

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

2023-09-02

Match Highlights

Bo’ness Athletic v Newburgh

Seven goals in the first half and three in the second with seven players all on target, marked a fine home performance in League Match No. 4 of the East Of Scotland Second Division against Newburgh Juniors FC.

New boy Calum Simpson was thrown straight into the starting line up at left back for a memorable debut with Shanks and Woodburn still out injured

The game got off to a flyer on 5 minutes when Newburgh gave the ball away in their own box on the right hand side to set up a simple pass to MacDonald who struck a sweet shot from just outside the D of the 18 yard box into the top right hand corner of the goal.

McDonald was on hand again on 18 minutes to run onto a back heeled lay-off from R. Weir to guide a left footed shot beyond the keeper into the bottom left hand corner.

A goal through the middle of the pitch , this time, came on 27 minutes when Robertson threaded a great through ball to split the defence, M. Weir lost his runner and tucked the ball under the keeper.
With 35 minutes gone and M. Weir grabbed his second of the game when another loose pass from the Newburgh defence found R. Weir who was tackled but the ball ran onto M. Weir to angle a left foot shot into the bottom right hand corner leaving the keeper helpless.

Goal of the game, for now, came on 39 minutes which started with a free kick. Ryan Robertson guided a bouncing ball into the box which the keeper could only palm away straight to R. Weir. His shot was saved by the keeper but straight to Sharples this time, who acrobatically turned a volleyed it home into the opposite corner.

Goal number 6 from debutant Simpson was scored on 41 minutes when a through ball by M. Weir landed at the feet of MacDonald who cut the ball back to Simpson to fire in from 2 yards.

The final goal of the half was scored by Bo’ness top scorer, so far this season, Ryan Robertson on 43 minutes. He played a one-two down the right hand side with M. Weir and slotted home a ferocious low shot under the goalkeeper.

Willie Irvine turned to his bench for a half time substitution which saw Main make way for Turnbull then a double substitution half way through the second half allowed McInnes and Ogilvie to replace Robertson and and MacDonald. Something special followed on 69 minute with the goal of the game when MacKay from inside the centre circle in his own half from a free kick, spotted the keeper on the edge of his own 18 yard box, walking back to the goal line. He thundered a shot goalwards straight over the keeper and into the net for his second halfway line goal of the season.

A low shot across goal beat the keeper and smashed off the right hand post and into the path of M. Weir who only only had to tap it home for the easiest goal of his hat-trick.
McAteer replaced R. Weir on 77mins

McInnes scored the tenth and final goal of the game with a run into the box to collect a pass, glide past a defender and roll the ball in the bottom left hand corner to complete a 10 goal rout.

Newburgh really struggled to offer anything in tonight’s games as rampant Bo’ness emulated  a score line of last season. 

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 10 – 0 Newburgh
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 4

Match Highlights

Bo’ness Athletic v Heriot-Watt Uni

Bo’ness stormed into the next round of The East of Scotland Qualifying Cup with 3 second half goals to overturn Heriot-Watt University’s first half opener.
The game saw the return of Paterson who had been out with a long term injury. His return was welcome due to injuries to 1st team regulars Woodburn and Shanks.
Woodburn was injured midweek in training and Shanks picked up a knock last week against Edinburgh College. New signing Calum Ferguson was thrust into the first team defensive line up.

For Bo’ness, few chances were carved out in the first half and a deep cross from outside the box on the left, over to the keeper’s far post saw a lunging Main guide ball into the goal with the diving keeper unable to keep the ball out. Straight away the referee blew for an offside who adjudged Main to be marginally offside. The replay showed the decision to be correct.
Heriot-Watt took the lead on 40 mins with a fine finish from their no.9 who, up until that point, proved a real handful for Bo’ness.

A half-time substitution saw McInnes replace Ferguson in a bid to add more fire power up front.
It only took 3 minutes into the 2nd half for Bo’ness to level the score. A free kick on the right from the corner of the 18 year box fizzed low across goal, appeared to bypass everyone except Sharples at the back post to tap in.
At the 66th minute mark, Turnbull replaced MacDonald for the final Bo’ness substitution.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes a draw looked ominous but on 82 minutes a long ball down the left found Robertson, and with the keeper out to chase it down deflected the ball back out to M. Weir who deftly struck a sweet left foot shot over the keeper and two defenders and into the goal.

The game was put to bed after the 90 minutes were up, when hard working Robertson down the left hand side again ran into the box and was scythed down by the oncoming Heriot-Watt defender. The referee had no option but to point to the spot. McInnes held his nerve and sent the keeper the wrong way rolling the ball into the net to give Bo’ness a 3-1 win and into the draw for the next round.

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 3 – 1 Heriot-Watt University
The East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, Second Round

Match Highlights

Bo’ness Athletic v Edinburgh College

A brace from Robertson, Main’s first goal for Bo’ness and a stunning
strike from MacDonald saw Bo’ness comfortably win 4-1 to comfortably
progress into the second round of the Alex Jack Cup.

It took until the 28th minute for Robertson, on the left hand side,
to slot the ball across goal and into the net, close to the keepers far
post. The Edinburgh defender tried in vain to keep the ball out but only
succeeded in sending the ball further into the goal.

A switch to the opposite side of the pitch paid dividends as
Robertson collected the ball from a pass down the right hand side on 31
minutes. He calmly struck a low shot in under the keeper, diving towards
his left hand post.

3 minutes later McInnes found space in the box and in a one on one,
saw his effort smothered by the Edinburgh keeper in 34 minutes.
Then Main charged down the right hand side and with a wicked shot, saw his effort palmed over the crossbar.

Into the second half and the 63rd minute saw Turnbull replace McInnes for the first Bo’ness substitution of the match.

It didn’t look good for Shanks in the 72nd minute when his studs
seemed to catch in the turf and he appeared to twist his knee. However,
after leaving the pitch for a few minutes, he was able to shrug it off
and see out the match.

Goal of the game went to Calum McDonald in 76 minutes as he strode
down the left to fire a floating shot straight into the top left corner
of the goal leaving the keeper no chance.

An 84th minute deft pass across goal found Main in space on the left
of goal and he had plenty time to accurately drill the ball into the
net.

A further substitution on 85 minutes saw MacDonald off and Kyle Stark enter play.

Robertson was denied his hattrick on 89 mins as his shot was deflected just past the post.

Edinburgh grabbed a late consolation goal in the final minute of the
game when a defensive mix-up between the Bo’ness keeper and his defender
saw the ball glide past him and into the Bo’ness goal.

 

Final Score: Bo’ness Athletic 4 – 1 Edinburgh South
The Alex Jack Cup, First Round

2023-08-12

Linlithgow Rose v Bo’ness Athletic

It was the very definition of a game of two halves which saw Bo’ness storm into a 3 goal lead at half time but lose the game 5 -3 at Prestonfield. Bo’ness started the game strongly and Linlithgow looked out of ideas when Sharples won the ball back in the Bo’ness half , he played a short pass to Shanks who lofted a long pass up the left hand side for Robertson to run on to. It only took one touch and a shot across goal to beat the Linlithgow goalkeeper.

16 minutes later Linlithgow conceded a penalty and Robertson blasted home from the spot. The Linlithgow keeper got a touch to it but the ball spun under his body and in.

The home crowd were stunned on 42 minutes when MacDonald, from 20 yards out, slotted the ball past the Linlithgow keeper’s left hand post with a clinical shot.

Linlithgow came out the second half with a change of tactics and pulled a quick goal back on 51 minutes., followed by two more goals in the space of 9 minutes.

Two more Linlithgow goals on 63 and 72 minutes put the game to bed to send Linlithgow into the final of the Centenary Cup.

It was a splendid second half performance from former Bo’ness player, Dylan Paterson who netted 4 of the 5 Linlithgow goals and was nominated Linlithgow’s Man of the Match.

Final Score: Linlithgow Rose 5 – 3 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland League Centenary Cup, Semi-Final

2023-08-08

Match highlights courtesy of Linlithgow Rose

Edinburgh South v Bo’ness Athletic

It was a terrific start to the game for Bo’ness as MacDonald opened the scoring on 7 minutes with a superbly dispatched goal, cannoning in off the post.

Only a few minutes later McAteer clinically completed a well worked goal at the keeper’s near post on 15 mins.

A David Taylor powerful header on 21 minutes put Bo’ness three up and MacDonald completed his brace on 33 mins to give Bo’ness a huge lead going in at half time.

Into the second half and a confident Bo’ness team made a substitution on 50 minutes with Ally McInnes making his debut replacing McAteer.
Two further substitutions on 63 minutes saw Main , also making his debut for the club, replace MacDonald and Turnbull replaced Sharples.

Defender Shanks blasted home from the left hand side on 78 minutes to score the final goal for Bo’ness.

On 89 minutes , debutant Main, curled a wicked shot from the right, about 22 yards out, only to see his shot come crashing off the keeper’s far post. It wasn’t to be for young Main but both McInnes and Main already look to be valuable additions to the Bo’ness squad.

Final Score: Edinburgh South 0 – 5 Bo’ness Athletic
The East of Scotland Second Division League Match No. 3

2023-08-05