Bo’ness United visit Musselburgh Athletic on Saturday for what is by far the biggest game of the season so far, the winners going through to a potentially lucrative fourth round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup. Despite being a tier below Bo’ness, East of Scotland League Premier Division side Musselburgh come into the game as favourites, given they have home advantage and it’s only two weeks since they defeated the BUs at Newtown in the South Challenge Cup. That game was a closely fought encounter, the winner only coming in the final minute of extra time. Bo’ness scored early through Tom Grant but just before the break missed a great opportunity to go two up, Musselburgh keeper Liam McCathie saving a Ryan Porteous spot kick. In the second half Nicolas Reid equalised before Aiden Walsh put the visitors ahead only for Tom Grant to score again for the tie to go into the extra half hour. Gabriele Auriemma restored Musselburgh’s lead but Lucas Stenhouse got Bo’ness back again before Nathan Evans finally settled the tie (Report)

To get this far Musselburgh defeated Penicuik in the second preliminary round before beating Darvel after extra time in round one. In the last round they showed why the top East of Scotland teams are capable, with a home win against Caledonian Braves. Meanwhile Bo’ness won at Deveronvale in round one and two Lucas Stenhouse goals in extra time saw them win at Hill of Beath Hawthorn (Report).

Both Bo’ness and Musselburgh had their matches postponed last Saturday due to the weather but they had prior midweek games. Musselburgh steamrollered East Houses Lily in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup winning nine goals to two. Meanwhile Bo’ness were at Ardrossan Winton Rovers for their Scottish Junior Cup clash where a first half Lucas Stenhouse goal settled the tie (Report).

It's just over five years since Bo’ness United visited Olivebank for an Alex Jack Cup tie, and a day the BUs may want to forget. They were already two goals down when Stuart Hunter was sent off although Will Snowdon pulled one back just before the break. Early in the second half Chris Donnelly was also red carded and with twenty minutes remaining Musselburgh completed the scoring (Report). Bo’ness did enjoy a win over Musselburgh the season before, winning the East of Scotland League final in Penicuik thanks to first half goal scored by Ryan Stevenson (Report). The BUs last win at Olivebank was just over nine years ago, scoring four goals without reply. A Darren Gribben brace and a single Darren Cummings strike had Bo’ness three up at half time with a late Mark Cowan goal sealing the away win (Report).

There will be an all ticket crowd of around one thousand crammed into Olivebank for this contest, over three hundred of them shouting for the BUs. There’s sure to be a great atmosphere and motivating the players won’t be an issue for the managers, more concerned that their team performs on the day. The result two weeks ago can be set aside as the teams start again, the one dealing with the occasion most likely to win through to the potentially lucrative fourth round of the National Competition

John Spowart
Friday 29 November 2024

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 09 November 2024
Competition – CarMat Kings South Challenge Cup Round 4

Bo’ness United 3
(Grant 17 87, Stenhouse 98)
Musselburgh 4
(Reid 67, Walsh 74, Auriemna 96, Evans 120)

After Extra Time

A Nathan Evans goal in the final minute of extra time sent Bo’ness out of the South Challenge Cup, the BUs finishing on the wrong end of a seven goal thriller. Once again Bo’ness were unable to convert enough of the chances that came their way while a normally mean backline looked uncomfortable at times

After an even start Bo’ness struck just after fifteen minutes, Musselburgh losing the ball from their own throw allowing Tom Grant to curl a fine shot into the opposite corner of the net. Bo’ness might have added to their score as one goal never looked to be enough against an eager Musselburgh side.

After the turnaround Musselburgh worked to get back and after missing a couple of opportunities finally made the breakthrough. With just over twenty minutes remaining Gabriele Auriemna slipped a pass across the goal and Nicolas Reid gratefully shot home from six yards. Seven minutes later the East Lothian side were ahead as Bo’ness were dispossessed in the middle of the park and Aiden Welsh ran through to slip past the exposed BU keeper Cade Melrose.

All credit to Bo’ness who never gave up and three minutes before the ninety scored to take the game to extra time. A Keir Macaulay corner was headed towards goal by Kyle Johnston, the ball blocked by keeper Liam McCathie but Tom Grant pounced to slot home from close in. Just on the whistle a shout went up for a hand ball in the Musselburgh box but the referee waved away the claim and the game moved into extra time. Only six minutes in Musselburgh took the lead as the ball found its way to the unmarked Gabriele Auriemna beyond the post and he blasted a shot into the far corner of the net. Almost right away Bo’ness struck back, Lucas Stenhouse stroking home a Tom Grant pass.

Just before the break Bo’ness were reduced to ten men when the Kyle Johnston was shown a second yellow card, perhaps unlucky given other persistent offenders around him. The BUs were to face the final fifteen a man short though the outcome was still in the balance both teams still playing for a winner. With time running out and penalties looking more likely Musselburgh swapped keepers much to the frustration of the starting choice. As it was, the late strike won the game for Musselburgh with the inevitable contrast in feelings on the final whistle.

Bo’ness have little time to lick their wounds as they travel to Ardrossan Winton Rovers on Tuesday for a Scottish Junior Cup tie followed by a home league match against current leaders and Title favourites East Kilbride. Only then can they consider the return match at Musselburgh, this time in the Scottish Cup where clearly they must improve to have any hope of progressing in the National Tournament.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Masson, Macaulay, Duffy, Travis, Gemmell (Johnston 64), Stevenson (Osadolor 72), Irving (Henderson 80), Grant (McLinden 117), Porteous. Subs (Not Used): Hawkins Mitchell, SG: Ritchie.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 26 October 2024
Competition – Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Round 2

Hill of Beath Hawthorn 0
Bo’ness United 2
(Stenhouse 92 110)

On a difficult day for football in a game that was only settled after extra time Bo’ness United emerged as winners and look forward to round three of the National Competition.
Shooting into the strong wind, Bo’ness withstood early Hill of Beath pressure though created the first real chance, a Keir Macaulay angled shot that just beat the far post. Jordan Tosh also went close for the Haws but it was the conditions that were dominating proceedings. Lucas Stenhouse had a couple of efforts, one that brought out a great save from Hill of Beath keeper Blair Penman and a Stuart Love header went just wide of the Bo’ness post.

The second half proved as scrappy as the first although both sides had chances to go ahead. A Ryan Stevenson free kick shot was well saved by Blair Penman and at the other end a Hill of Beath break finished with Cade Melrose getting down to hold a Calum Runciman shot. Just before the whistle Hill of Beath had a chance to win it but Jordon Tosh watched as his effort went narrowly wide of the goal.

Ninety minutes without a goal but only two into extra time Bo’ness went ahead. Tom Grant saw his shot blocked before the ball broke to Lucas Stenhouse who drilled a low shot into the net. Hill of Beath tried to respond but five minutes into the second period Bo’ness scored a vital second goal Keir Macaulay’s diagonal ball found Lucas Stenhouse who cut inside before his fabulous shot from outside the box flew into the top corner of net past the helpless Penman.

Hill of Beath continued to work to get back but Bo’ness managed the final minutes and celebrated a great win against very difficult opponents in very difficult conditions.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Stevenson, Macaulay (Masson 111), Duffy, Travis, Irving, Stenhouse, Johnston, Osadolor (Hawkins 109), Porteous (Henderson 111), Kennedy (Grant 70). Subs (Not Used): Gemmel, Mitchell.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Tuesday 19 November 2024
Competition – Scottish Junior Cup Round 3

Ardrossan Winton Rovers 0
Bo’ness United 1
(Stenhouse 20)

Bo’ness United progressed in the Scottish Junior Cup after a narrow win at Ardrossan Winton Rovers where the BUs were best in the first half but Winton came into their own after the break.

From the off the game was played on the front foot, the BU keeper making a great save from a Ryan Wilson header quickly followed by Ryan Porteous crashing a shot off the Ardrossan bar. The Winton keeper, Kenzie Smyth was also called into action, saving a Tom Grant free kick shot.

A goal looked inevitable and it came from the BUs in twenty minutes. Lewis Hawkins found Lucas Stenhouse with a long pass from defence and he cut in from the right before hitting a great shot into the far corner of the net. The goal gave Bo’ness confidence and they might have extended their lead but Keir Macaulay and Ryan Stevenson both missed good opportunities to score.

It was a rejuvenated Ardrossan team that kicked off the second half as the North Ayrshire side went looking for a goal. Cade Melrose made a great save from Michael Howie and Ryan Wilson whacked the bar with a free kick shot, Melrose alert to smother the rebound. In one incident Ardrossan battered in shots on goal but BU defenders got in the way of the ball to maintain the clean sheet. Bo’ness were not finished up front, looking to make the tie safe Michael Gemmell coming closest with a shot hitting the post.

Bo’ness safely saw out the game and now look forward to meeting Dundee Downfield on a date yet to be confirmed.

Bo'ness: Melrose, Masson, Macaulay, Hawkins (Duffy 46), Travis, Gemmell, Stevenson, Henderson, Stenhouse, Porteous (Hamilton 65) Grant, Subs (Not Used): Johnston Simpson, Osadolor. SG: Ritchie

BU Man of the Match: Cade Melrose

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH REPORT SEASON 2019/2020

Date – Saturday 31 August 2019

Opponents – Musselburgh Athletic
Competition – Alex Jack Cup Round 2

Musselburgh 3
(King 11, Thomson 27, Orru 70)

Bo’ness 1
(Bo’ness): Snowdon 45+2)

Referee: Michael Addy
Yellow Card (Bo'ness): Hewitt 45, Morgan 59, Stevenson 90
Yellow Card (Musselburgh): McManus 48, Clare 68, White 81
Red Card (Bo’ness): Hunter 31, Donnelly 56

Bo’ness United crashed out of the Alex Jack cup after losing an ill-tempered match at Olivebank against Musselburgh Athletic. United paid the price for a slow start and the dismissal of two key players as they lost for the first time this season.
The first chance of the match fell to the home side after ten minutes and Musselburgh legend Mathu King should have done better than blaze the ball over as he picked up a Nathan Evans header 18 yards out. Bo’ness didn’t heed the warning signs after that let-off and less than a minute later they were a goal down. Connor Thomson sent in a cross from the left wing and despite having four defenders for company, King had all the time he needed to control the ball and send a low finish past Andy Murphy. Musselburgh were all over Bo’ness and came close to doubling their advantage when Evans rampaged through the BU midfield and sent over an inviting ball across the face of goal which King couldn’t quite get on the end of. United rallied midway through the half and the goal frame came to the rescue for the home side when Chris Donnelly’s header from an Iain Syme cross was tipped onto the bar by Paul Grant. The brief revival was fleeting, and Musselburgh soon reasserted their dominance on proceedings and doubled their advantage through the excellent Thomson, the forward advanced unchallenged from midfield and unleashed a superb strike from 25 yards into the top corner. The task to come back from two goals behind got even harder for the visitors on the half hour when Stuart Hunter was shown a red card after a coming together on the touchline with Evans. A deserved dismissal and things were to from bad to worse for Bo’ness when the influential Michael Gemmell was forced off injured after a horrible looking head knock incurred during an accidental collision with Murphy. Despite the growing list of setbacks Bo’ness managed to give themselves a glimpse of hope when they pulled a goal back deep into first half stoppage time. Tom Grant sent an inviting free-kick into the area and substitute Will Snowdon was on hand to send a controlled volley into the net.
Bo’ness almost grabbed an equaliser right at the start of the second half when Donnelly was released on the right wing and his low cross was knocked just past his own post by Jordan Orru. The visitors were competing well despite the numerical disadvantage but hopes of a comeback were all but quashed ten minutes into the half when Donnelly received his marching orders after a firm tackle. A melee ensued involving nearly every player and the only action taken by the officials was a straight red for the BU skipper. There was a large penalty claim after a clear handball in the Musselburgh penalty area, but referee Addy was unmoved and shortly afterwards the home side made the game safe with a wind-assisted third goal. Jordan Orru’s hopeful cross flew over Murphy and found the net. To their credit Bo’ness kept going and created a number of half chances late on, none were converted however and Musselburgh saw the game out to qualify for the quarter finals.

Bo’ness: Murphy, Syme, Stevenson, Hewitt, Hunter, Nimmo (Comrie), Gemmell (Snowdon), Grant, Donnelly, Morgan and McKenzie. Unused: Keast and Mooney.

Kevin McAlpine

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH REPORT SEASON 2018/2019

12/05/2019 East of Scotland League Cup Final

Bo’ness United 1
(Stevenson 32)
Musselburgh Athletic 0

Red card (Bo’ness): Gemmell ’65.

A first half Ryan Stevenson strike ensured Bo’ness United became the first side to lift the brand-new East of Scotland League Cup trophy after seeing off the challenge of Musselburgh Athletic at a sun-kissed Penicuik Park. It was a nervy second half however for fans of the Newtown Park side after Michael Gemmell was sent off shortly after the hour mark, and Bo’ness had to be resolute defensively against an energetic ‘Burgh team who kept plugging away to the very end. Bo’ness were boosted pre-match when captain Chris Donnelly passed a fitness test and returned to the side, otherwise there were no surprises in a familiar looking United line-up.
Musselburgh started the sharper side and Andy Murphy was the far busier of the two goalkeepers as he kept out early efforts from King and Moffat. Bo’ness were showing signs of improvement after their slow start and they finally threatened the Musselburgh goal after a swift counter-attack on the half hour, Michael Gemmell burst into the box and squared the ball to Brian Morgan who miskicked his effort with only Adams to beat. Two minutes afterwards United took the lead with an excellent piece of football which started in their own penalty area. Craig Comrie picked up a loose ball in his own box and with a succession of passes worked the ball clear, United retained possession neatly and the ball was ultimately worked to Morgan on the right wing who beat his marker well then played an superb ball across the six yard box to Ryan Stevenson who made no mistake in front of goal. A great moment for local boy Stevenson scoring for the team he grew up supporting, and with the first half drawing to a close he was unlucky not to grab a second goal when his effort from close range struck the goalframe after a Fraser Keast effort was deflected into his path.
United started the second half confidently and created two early chances to double their lead. Firstly, Morgan dragged a left foot strike wide of the post after turning his marker easily, and Stuart Hunter had a fine header tipped over the bar by Adams. The match suddenly got more interesting when Gemmell was given his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards in four minutes and Musselburgh started to take advantage of the extra man. Murphy had to be sharp to tip over a Whyte free-kick, and in the 72nd minute there was a huge let-off for Bo’ness when Musselburgh had an equaliser disallowed. Thomson struck the post with a beautiful free-kick which beat Murphy all ends up, the ball rolled along the goalline and was thumped home by Evans who was adjudged to be in an offside position. With 5 minutes remaining Thomson must have thought he had levelled after he cut in from the left and sent in a fantastic shot which was somehow tipped over by Murphy. Bo’ness managed the five minutes of stoppage time cleverly and hung on to claim the win to the delight of the large travelling support.

Bo’ness: Murphy, Macdonald, Hunter, Campbell, Comrie, Gemmell, Morgan, MacKenzie, Stevenson (Wright), Keast (Walker) and Donnelly ©. Unused: Marshall.
.
Player of the match: Craig Comrie.

Kevin McAlpine

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH REPORT SEASON 2015/2016

Date: Saturday 29th August 2015 Venue: Olivebank
McBookie East Region Super League

Musselburgh Athletic (0)
Bo’ness United (4)
(Gribben (10, 24) Cummings (12) Cowan (85))

Bo’ness Team: Christie, McGregor (Morrison 72), Sloan, Campbell, Hunter, Nimmo, Walker, Philp, Cummings (Moutinho 85), Gemmell, Gribben (Cowan 77). Subs (Not used): Downie & Wright

Bo’ness stayed top of the league with a comprehensive thrashing of the beaten junior cup finalists and at the same time got their first clean sheet of the season. United could have taken an early lead when Ross Philp put Nicky Walker through on goal but keeper Ross Combe saved his effort. The opener wasn’t long in coming though and it came on ten minutes from the penalty spot. Darren Cummings was brought down in the box by John Hall and up stepped Darren Gribben to place a perfectly taken penalty into the corner of the net.It was to be two moments later when Gribben crossed for Cummings who tucked it home from close range despite appeals for offside, but referee Craig Ferguson who had no assistants waved away the claims.
Steven Thomson then had a free kick that went over for the home side before Bo’ness got their third goal on twenty four minutes. Walker headed the ball down to Cummings who flicked it inside for Gribben and the forward swept the ball home from the edge of the area.Gribben almost got his hat trick just after the half hour but his shot was saved and on half time Ian Nimmo had a drive go over to complete an excellent first period for the visitors.

Bo’ness had a big appeal for a penalty turned down just after the interval when Cummings released Walker and the wide man broke into the box before rounding the keeper who appeared to bring him down, but the referee turned down the claim. Musselburgh went close to pulling one back just before the hour when a Gary Hamilton header from a corner was swept away at the back post by Connor McGregor. The game was to become quite stop start with numerous offside decisions and free kicks halting play, though Bo’ness went close to extending the lead with efforts from Robert Sloan and Cummings. United keeper Scott Christie was finally called into action on eighty minutes when Sean Jamieson hit a drive from an acute angle that the stopper dealt with comfortably.The scoring was rounded off on eighty five minutes after Pedro Moutinho had been brought down. Sloan took the free kick which the keeper only managed to push into the path of Mark Cowan and the substitute slotted home to round off a convincing victory.
Assistant manager Steve Pittman was a happy man “The boys were excellent from start to finish all over the park with a high tempo and creating pressure. I’m particularly pleased for the defence to get a clean sheet as they have received a lot of criticism some of it deserved some if it harsh, so it was good for them. We have been starting games sluggishly, so it was important to get on the front foot from the start, the forwards are starting to click, coming here and getting three points was pleasing.”
Two goal Darren Gribben was also pleased and said “It was nice to finally score first, get a clean sheet and hopefully we can now kick on. I feel we can improve a lot on our performances, and we have a lot more to come.”
New signing Scott Christie reiterated the above “It’s nice to get the clean sheet, the first since I came back and today the boys were solid. It seems that every game in this division is a tough game so to come here and win so well is a fantastic result for the club. It feels like I have never been away, I have slotted in well, I thoroughly enjoy it here and feel wanted.”

Derek Crossan