It is generally agreed that last season was disappointing for everyone associated with Bo’ness United as the side failed to reach the heights of the previous campaign. That one might have seen the BUs punching above their weight but last time round was well below expectations. A combination of losing key players before and during the season proved difficult to contend with and this season again significant changes to the squad mean it is unclear how well the new group will compete in the demanding Lowland League.

Players

A significant number of players have moved on, Lucas Stenhouse, Billy Hutchison, Max Dowling and Lennon Connelly all returning to their parent clubs. Louis Kennedy has signed for Broxburn Athletic and Keir Foster East Kilbride, Jamie Hamilton is now a permanent signing at St Roch’s, and keeper Liam Campbell has popped up at Berwick Rangers. Lewis Hawkins and Shaun Rutherford have both left the club. No less than ten players have come in so far with keeper Ben Fry from Pollok, Roan Fitzpatrick, Rutherglen Glencairn and Mark McLuckie previously at St Cadoc’s. Cameron Mulvanny, last signed with Gretna 2008, Kodi McKinstray from Edinburgh City, and Jack Hodge University of Stirling have all joined along with Jordan Armstrong Peterhead and Jamie Watson from Berwick Rangers. Aldin El-Zubaidi has had two spells with the BUs and returns yet again, while Conor Scullion who enjoyed a previous loan spell from Hamilton Accies this time arrives on a permanent contract.

The existing group stands at just over twenty though it is likely there will be a few more comings and goings over the weeks and months ahead.

Preseason

Pre season training was followed by six matches looking to give players game time while developing group cohesion and familiarisation with the tactics and system manager Stuart Hunter wants to play. The BUs lost heavily to Stirling Albion then drew with Scoutable United at Newtown. They lost the Aiden Hendry testimonial match at Dundonald Bluebell although won the James McGrory tournament at St Roch’s, beating Drumchapel United on penalties before defeating Pollok in the final. The final warmup game was at Scottish Junior Cup winners Johnstone Burgh where the BUs scored three without reply. These games have been vital for the reasons given, the hope that the BUs enter the fray fully prepared to hit the ground running as the serious business gets underway.

The Season Ahead

The Lowland League enters a final season in its current form, next year splitting into an East and West League. There will be no relegation though the Title is still up for grabs with a potential promotion to the SPFL League 2 for the winners. As it stands now Albion Rovers, Caledonian Braves, Celtic B, Clydebank, Cumbernauld Colts and Gretna 2008 will move on with the spaces being filled by the teams finishing in the top section of the East of Scotland League Premier Division.

Coming into this season’s League are Clydebank promoted from the West of Scotland League and relegated from the SPFL, Bonnyrigg Rose. These teams start as favourites for the main prize but others have similar aspirations and are looking to be in contention with a tight race for the Flag anticipated.

Civil Service Strollers/Cowdenbeath/East Stirlingshire

The season commences with three league games in seven days. Civil Service Strollers visit Bo’ness on the opening day, the BUs then travelling to Cowdenbeath the following Tuesday and East Stirlingshire on the Friday. The Strollers have yet to record a victory at Newtown although have fared much better on home soil. They made the trip twice last season, an early league match and a League Cup tie later on. In the first game Bo’ness scored three to the Strollers’ two, a Lucas Stenhouse brace seeing Bo’ness two up in half an hour, Euan Valentine pulling one back before the break. With ten minutes remaining Ryan Porteous restored the two goal lead for Bo’ness, although Luca Vata managed a late consolation (Report). In the League Cup contest Bo’ness were again two up after half an hour thanks to Ryan Schiavone and Keir Foster. Alieu Faith got Strollers back into the game just before half time but Max Dowling finished the tie just before the end (Report). Bo’ness lost the encounter at Christie Gillies Park, a Ryan Stevenson first half own goal enough for the Strollers to take all the points as the BUs struggled to make an impact (Report).

Cowdenbeath await Bo’ness eager to build on the first victory against the BUs in their time as a Lowland League side. That was late on last season, Bo’ness losing heavily to the Blue Brazil, where after a goalless first half the BUs conceded five, three from Jake Sutherland and one each from Ollie Whyte and Daryl Healy (Report). Bo’ness visited Central Park earlier in the campaign, winning by the odd goal in three. Matty McDonald had the hosts ahead at the break but second half goals from Ryan Porteous and Louis Kennedy won Bo’ness the points (Report).

The East Stirlingshire game corresponds with the same fixture last time round though the Shire have moved home now lodging at Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview. The game at the Falkirk Stadium provided mixed fortunes for Bo’ness with a good first half although only a single Gregor Nicol goal to show for their efforts. The second period proved more difficult with the Shire striking back early on through Jamie Penker and in the end a draw was probably a fair result. (Report) Later in the campaign at Newtown an entertaining first half saw Bo’ness go ahead through Lewis Duffy, Shaun Brown equalising soon after. The second period proved scrappy though both sides created opportunities. As it turned out it was Bo’ness who scored a late winner courtesy of Ryan Schiavone (Report).

These games should give an early indication of how Bo’ness might fare in the campaign to come. Previous clashes with all three have proved close fought affairs, Bo’ness winning their fair share of the contests. The BUs will be striving to gain the maximum points possible looking to achieve a good beginning to their Lowland League journey.

Summary

With so many additions to the squad it may take time for players to bed in but a good opening to the season can bring the confidence for the team to continue in a positive manner. The BU Faithful are hoping for that good start and yearning for better things over the piece knowing they have an important role in backing the players providing as noisy a support to inspire their favourites both home and away.

John Spowart
Wednesday 23 July 2025

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Tuesday 20 August 2024

Competition –Park’s Motors Group Lowland League

Bo'ness United 3
(Stenhouse 23 27, Porteous 80)

Civil Service Strollers 2
(Valentine 39, M Vata 88)

Bo’ness United managed a victory against Civil Service Strollers where the contest was not only against their opponents but once again the horrible overhead conditions that made it a difficult game to both play in and watch. Shooting into the wind it was the BUs who went ahead as Lucas Stenhouse was strong in brushing off a challenge wide on the left before cutting across to angle low into the near corner of the goal. That was just over twenty minutes in and only four minutes later it was two for Bo’ness and Stenhouse. The youngster took a short corner to Keir Macaulay who crossed into the box and by the time Stenhouse moved into the goalmouth the ball found its way to him to shoot in in just inches from the line. Just before the break the Strollers pulled one back as a cross from Euan Valentine was caught in the breeze, the ball sailing over BU keeper Liam Campbell and into the net.

Into the second half and as is common, Bo’ness struggled with the elements at their back with overhit passes and crosses. However, they were getting shots and with ten minutes remaining a tidy Ryan Porteous half volley just inside the box regained the two goal cushion. Just before the end however Civil Service again pulled one back Campbell punching clear but only as far as Luca Vata who from twelve yards fired low into the Bo’ness net. There was no further scoring and the Bo’ness win was welcomed by the hardy souls who had braved the elements to watch their team and congratulate Ryan Stevenson’s two hundredth appearance for Bo’ness United.

Bo'ness: Campbell, Stevenson Trialist 72), Macaulay, Hawkins, Rutherford (Duffy 82), Grant (Irving 67), Stenhouse, Johnston, Osadolor, Porteous, Nicol (Kennedy 82). Subs (Not Used): Gemmell, Malcolm, SG: Melrose.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Tuesday 18 February 2025

Competition – Lowland League Cup Round 2

Bo’ness United 3
(Schiavone 3, Foster 28, Dowling 89)

Civil Service 1
(Faye 42)

Bo’ness United progressed into the last four of the Lowland League Cup although not without a struggle as the tie at home to Civil Service Strollers was only settled in the final minutes. The BUs started well scoring after only three minutes, a Ryan Schiavone angled shot that flew into the opposite corner of the net. Ryan Stevenson then stung the hands of Strollers keeper Freddie Owens with a shot from distance and just before the half hour mark Bo’ness extended their lead, Keir Foster scoring on his Newtown return, looping a header over the Civil keeper’s head. The Strollers created a decent chance, Matthew Shaw heading just past from a Euan Valentine free kick cross and just before the break they did pull a goal back as Liam Campbell grabbed an Alieu Faye header but the near side assistant signalled the ball had crossed the line.

As much as Bo’ness had been the better side during the first half, after the turnaround they struggled as Civil Service took the game to their hosts. The BU defence came to the fore as the ball was increasingly being sent back into the Bo’ness box. They created a number of opportunities and as the half wore on the Strollers were looking the likelier for the next goal. That next strike was to be defining and in the final minute it was Bo’ness who confirmed their place in the semi final, Max Dowling cutting inside before firing a shot low into the Strollers net.

Bo’ness: Campbell, Stevenson (Duffy 81), Macaulay, Irving, Hawkins, Johnston, Mitchell (Osadolor 81), Dowling, Schiavone (McCormick 46), Foster (Kennedy 81), Grant (Connolly 75). Subs (Not Used): Hamilton, Hutchison

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 22 March 2025

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Civil Service Strollers 1
(Stevenson (OG) 37

Bo’ness United 0

Bo’ness United once again struggled at Civil Service Strollers, leaving Christie Gillies Park empty handed. The only goal of the game arrived ten minutes before half time as BU Keeper Liam Campbell parried a Caelan McCrone shot that rebounded off the unfortunate Ryan Stevenson into the back of the net.

Up to that point the game had been even, play moving from end to end though with little in the way of silky football. Dan Irving had a shot on target saved by Strollers keeper Freddie Owens while the Strollers hit the Bo’ness post, the follow up blocked for a corner. Just before the break Civil Service had a great chance to double their lead as Mackenzie Scott headed onto the bar before heading the rebound past.

In the second half Bo’ness worked to get back in the game but although enjoying much more possession it was only late on they created a couple of real chances, Louis Kennedy had a shot blocked by the keeper the ball then finding Smart Osadolor whose effort was cleared for a corner. The same two then combined, the Strollers keeper saving Osadolor’s header from Kennedy’s cross. Unfortunately for the BUs they were unable to make the breakthrough and now prepare for next Sunday’s Lowland League Cup Final against East Kilbride.

Bo’ness United: 1 Liam Campbell, 20 Ryan Stevenson, 3 Keir Macaulay Capt, 4 Adam Masson,
5 Lewis Duffy, 6 Michael Gemmell (Grant 32), 7 Lucas Stenhouse, 19 Lennon Connelly (Mitchell 46) (Kennedy 68), 9 Ryan Schiavone, 10 Dan Irving, 11 Keir Foster (Osadolor 80)

Subs: 12 Louis Kennedy, 14 Kieran Mitchell, 15 Max Dowling (Not Used), 16 Smart Osadolor
17 Tom Grant, 18 Billy Hutchison (Not Used)

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Wednesday 02 April 2025

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo’ness United 0

Cowdenbeath 5
(Sutherland 54 63 82, Whyte 71, Healy 73)

Bo’ness United suffered their heaviest defeat of the season where after a goalless first half they conceded five in a calamitous second period at home to Cowdenbeath. The teams exchanged shots in the first forty five and Cowdenbeath had the best chance when Ollie Whyte shot over from a Jake Sutherland cross. Just before the break Keir Foster had a good run followed by a shot, Cowdenbeath keeper Josh Blair stopping it at his left hand post.

A few minutes into the second half Keir Macaulay had a shot from distance that went just wide and almost immediately at the other end Cowdenbeath went ahead as Jake Sutherland’s shot on the turn zipped low into the back of the BU net. Less than ten minutes later Sutherland made it two as he capitalised on a defensive slip to curl a shot past Liam Campbell. Soon after it was three, a cross beyond the back post cut back for Ollie Whyte to stroke home from six yards. The game looked to be beyond Bo’ness and only two minutes later it was, as substitute Healy headed in from close in. Eight minutes before the end Cowdenbeath rubbed salt into the Bo’ness wounds as the Trialist flew down the right hand side before cutting the ball back Sutherland slotted in to complete his hat trick and the Bo’ness rout.

The worst home result since Bo’ness lost six without reply to East Kilbride three years ago, the BUs must lick their wounds and prepare for the difficult trip to Caledonian Braves on Saturday.

Bo’ness United: 1 Liam Campbell, 2 Lewis Hawkins (Stevenson 74, 3 Keir Macaulay (Rutherford 60), 4 Billy Hutchison, 5 Lewis Duffy, 6 Max Dowling (Grant 60), 7 Lucas Stenhouse
8 Kyle Johnston (Capt), 9 Smart Osadolor (Kennedy 60), 10 Keir Foster (Schiavone 74),
11 Kieran Mitchell

Subs: 12 Ryan Stevenson, 14 Shaun Rutherford, 15 Ryan Schiavone, 16 Tom Grant
17 Louis Kennedy, 18 Adam Masson (Not Used), 19 Dan Irving (Not Used)

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 19 October 2024

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Cowdenbeath 1
(McDonald 34)

Bo’ness United 2
(Porteous 60, Kennedy 70)

Bo’ness United enjoyed a good day in Fife, coming from behind to take all the points at Cowdenbeath. In the first half both teams created chances but it was the home side who got the all important goal in thirty four minutes. Greg McPherson saw his shot blocked but it rebounded for Matty McDonald to fire home from close in.

BU manager Stuart Hunter made a couple of changes at half time, Ryan Stevenson and Louis Kennedy replacing Lewis Hawkins and Tom Grant. That was not the only change as referee Andrew Craven who had been knocked to the ground in the first half was required to swap with one of his assistants for the second period.

Determined to get back into the match Bo’ness surged forward and equalised in sixty minutes, a Lucas Stenhouse corner to the near post finding Ryan Porteous whose glancing header landed in the opposite corner of the net. Ten minutes later Bo’ness completed the comeback as Louis Kennedy disposed a Cowdenbeath defender outside the box before hitting an early shot that flashed past Cowdenbeath keeper Ruaridh Lynch. In the final minutes Cowdenbeath made a determined effort to get a share of the points and a Jamie Docherty shot looked bound for the top corner of the net until Bo’ness keeper Cade Melrose magnificently touched the ball over the bar.

A good win for the BUs who look forward to another trip across the water next week, this time a Scottish Cup tie at Hill of Beath Hawthorn.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Hawkins (Stevenson 46), Macaulay, Duffy, Travis Irving, Stenhouse, Johnston, Osadolor, Porteous, Grant (Kennedy 46). Subs (Not Used): Gemmel, Malcolm, Henderson, McLinden. SG: Campbell

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 03 August 2024

Competition –Park’s Motors Group Lowland League

East Stirlingshire 1
(Penker 49)

Bo'ness United 1
(Nicol 20)

Bo’ness United collected their first point of the Lowland League campaign in a draw at East Stirlingshire where the outcome could have gone either way.

There was a decent crowd in the Falkirk Stadium, both sides well represented and in the first few minutes, goal efforts at both ends gave promise of what may follow. As the half developed, Bo’ness looked the better side, threatening going forward while dealing with anything the Shire threw at them. The BUs went ahead in twenty minutes when Lewis Hawkins chased a ball, pressuring a mix up between defender and keeper allowing Gregor Nicol to benefit, firing his comeback goal into the unguarded net.

Despite creating a number of chances Bo’ness were unable to add to their tally and the second half saw a rejuvenated Shire get at the BU rearguard. Within four minutes they were back in the game after good play on the left finished with a ball across goal landing at the feet of the unmarked Jamie Penker to fire home from six yards out. The Shire were looking the more dangerous side although Bo’ness came close to regaining the lead when a good move saw new signing Smart Osadolor cut inside to curl a great shot that smacked off the underside of the Shire crossbar before being cleared. Chances were created at either end but with no more scoring, each side having to be content with the point.

Bo'ness: Campbell, Hawkins (Irving 56), Macaulay, Duffy, Travis, Henderson, Stenhouse, Grant (Johnston 65), Osadolor, Porteous (Kennedy 88), Nicol. Subs (Not Used): Stevenson, Gemmell, Malcolm, Trialist.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 11 January 2025

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo’ness United 2
(Duffy 21 Schiavone 90+2)

East Stirlingshire 1
(Brown 29)

A Ryan Schiavone goal in time added on gave Bo’ness United a much welcomed victory in a game that was finely balanced until that spectacular ending. This was Schiavone’s first goal in his first start for the club hopefully signalling a better period for the BUs.

The first half was end to end with Bo’ness fashioning the better chances though the Shire were dangerous on the break. Just after twenty minutes it was Bo’ness who made the breakthrough, Keir Macaulay firing over a great corner for Lewis Duffy to head in at the back post. The BUs might have made it two soon after, a fabulous Kyle Johnston volley from the edge of the box equalled only by the magnificent Ollie Ecrepont save. BU keeper Liam Campbell’s was then called into action with a double save to stop Lucas McRoberts’ shot and header on goal. A few minutes later Campbell was left helpless as the Shire equalised Shaun Brown connecting with a Lucas McRobert cutback on the line to side foot home from close in.

An exciting first period turned into a somewhat more scrappy affair after the turnaround though opportunities were still created. As the game moved into its final phase the Shire were looking the more likely and Liam Campbell pulled off another great save to deny Lucas McRoberts a possible Shire winner. Ninety minutes came and went both teams still going at it until BU substitute Jamie Hamilton’s chipped pass put Ryan Schiavone in on goal the ball steered beyond Ollie Ecrepont going in off the post.

A welcome three points but next week Bo’ness face the most difficult of tasks as East Kilbride come calling. Only the best will do to compete with the Title favourites

Bo’ness: Campbell, Stevenson, Macaulay, Irving, Duffy, Johnston, Kennedy (Masson 68)(Simpson 82) Gemmell (Hamilton 78), Schiavone, Porteous, Mitchell (Osadolor 72). Subs (Not Used): Travis SG: Ritchie.

East Stirlingshire: Ecripont, Coutts, Docherty, Campbell, Gomis, Brown, O’Neill, Latona, McRoberts, Hynd (Liddell 59), Inglis. Subs (Not Used): Hendji, Penker, Murray, Flynn. SG: Ure (Not Used)