Bo’ness United are about to embark on their sixth complete Lowland League campaign and are looking to improve on last season’s showing. They did achieve a better position finishing ninth, three places above the previous year, accumulating
nine more points but their cup fortunes proved more disappointing, the BUs winning only one cup tie all season.

Players

There has been the usual comings and goings although last season’s squad remains largely intact. However, some have moved on while there are a number of new faces that will be donning the BU blue. After nine seasons at Bo’ness Ryan Stevenson will continue with East Stirlingshire after his loan period at Ochilview. Kyle Johnston has also severed his ties at Newtown signing for Camelon Juniors. Jamie Watson has moved to St Rochs and Mark McLuckie to Stranraer. Lewis Hodgekiss has returned to his parent club St Mirren and Lucas Fyfe to Dunfermline Athletic. Coming in Bayley Klimionek signed from Brechin City and Jackson Mylchreest from East Kilbride. Jamie Allan returns to Newtown Park after a number of seasons at Linlithgow Rose while Alfie Smith leaves Civil Service Strollers for the BUs.

Preparation

Training started in early June with a series of friendlies arranged for individual match practice while allowing the players to develop as a team. Home wins against Scoutable United and Renfrew sandwiched a victory at Newtongrange Star. The BUs then defeated Edinburgh South followed by a win against Sauchie Juniors for the Brian Morgan Memorial Cup. The final match was at Tayport, the BUs going down to a single goal on a fiery pitch. It is hoped this thorough build up will have had the desired affect seeing the players hit the ground running.

Match Previews Tranent and Bonnyrigg Rose

There are no easy games in the Lowland League though Bo’ness face a particularly difficult start hosting Tranent on Saturday and Bonnyrigg Rose the following Tuesday. Bo’ness played at home to Tranent early last season, the BU defence standing up to anything Tranent threw at them while at the other end creating chances, and importantly with just under half an hour remaining one found the target with Kieran Mitchell’s strike (Report). The return fixture at Foresters finished in a draw, Bo’ness matching Tranent throughout the game, Lewis Hodgkiss put the BUs ahead in the first half with Robbie McIntyre equalising after the turnaround. Both keepers did their bit to keep the score down and in the end the draw was a fair result (Report). Tranent also visited Newtown in the first round of the League Cup beating the BUs by the odd goal in five (Report)

Later in the campaign Bonnyrigg visited Newtown, Laurie Devine putting Bonnyrigg ahead early on with Kieran Mitchell equalising before half time. No one was able to grab a winner but it was a determined display from Bo’ness who showed true fighting qualities (Report). By contrast the game in Bonnyrigg saw Bo’ness comprehensively beaten. Cameron Ross bagged a first half brace before claiming his hat trick just after the turnaround. Kallum Higginbotham completed the scoring in a game where the BUs were second best in all departments (Report).

Summary

Reflecting on last season the story was of inconsistent individual and team performances. The BUs enjoyed some impressive results although there were as many below par showings when the team struggled to make an impression. Bo’ness Manager Stuart Hunter is aware that players can’t be at the top of their game all the time but the minimum he expects is maximum effort every game where a positive outcome can still be achieved.

The manager is working on limited resources but is striving to make the most of what he has at his disposal. The Bo’ness committee are well aware of what is required from them and are labouring to increase income to the club whether seeking sponsorship or arranging events. The BU Faithful can do their bit by turning up to support the team and personal disposal income allowing, buy raffle tickets, treasure chest tickets, merchandise all that adds to the coffers. Some may want to do more for the club and offers of help will be welcome. C’mon the BUs!

John Spowart
Thursday 23 July 2026

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU

TRANENT

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2025/2026

Date – Tuesday 19 August 2025

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo’ness United 1
(Mitchell 63)

Tranent 0

Bo’ness United enjoyed a narrow but thoroughly deserved victory at home to Tranent in a game that was played at a frantic pace throughout the ninety minutes. This result sees a continuation of the positive start to the BUs Lowland League campaign that finds them in third place behind Linlithgow Rose and Clydebank.

The first half saw plenty of action without too many clearcut chances. Shaun Brown, making his first start for the BUs cut inside to get a shot away though it was easily saved by Kelby Mason. Tranent’s best chance came from a Scott Gray pass inside to Broque Watson whose shot went just past the post. Just before the break Bo’ness had a couple of chances, a Kieran Mitchell half volley tipped over by the Tranent keeper and another Mitchell effort, this time his low shot going just wide.

The second period opened with a Kieran Michell shot being blocked and it signalled the pattern where Bo’ness enjoyed the greater possession though continued be busy at the back. A Tom Grant corner was just too high for Mark McLuckie to connect with and Tranent keeper Kelby Mason had a great save to stop Jamie Watson putting his side ahead. With just under half an hour remaining Bo’ness struck, a good move finishing with Kieran Mitchell squeezing his shot between the Tranent keeper and his near post. Tranent are not a team to lie down and they worked hard to get an equaliser but were faced with a resolute defence determined to give nothing away. Tranent’s closest scoring attempt was a Scott Gray curling shot that just beat the far post.

Bo’ness United: 1 Ben Fry, 2 Adam Masson, 3 Shaun Brown, 4 Mark McLuckie,
5 Aldin El-Zubaidi (Capt), 6 Jordan Armstrong, 7 Jack Hodge, 9 Jamie Watson
10 Tom Grant (McCafferty 81), 11 Roan Fitzpatrick, 16 Kieran Mitchell (Duffy 86)

Subs: 12 Lewis Duffy, 14 Ryan Stevenson (Not Used), 15 Flynn McCafferty,
17 Keir Macaulay (Not Used), 18 Conor Scullion (Not Used), 19 Kodi McKinstray (Not Used),
SG Scott Ritchie (Not Used).

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2025/2026

Date – Saturday 28 March 2026

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Tranent 1
(McIntyre 59)

Bo’ness United 1
(Hodgkiss 18)

Bo’ness United earned a hard fought point at Tranent where the BUs matched their opponents and the draw was a fair reflection on what was an open and entertaining match. Robbie McIntyre and Kieran Mitchell went close for Tranent and Bo’ness. It was developing into an open game and it was Bo’ness who went ahead just short of twenty minutes, a Kieran Mitchell pass sending Lewis Hodgkiss through to slip the ball past the advancing Kelby Mason. Cameron McKinlay brought out at great save from BU keeper Allan Fleming as Tranent looked to get back and Kelby Mason was not to be outdone, saving from Lewis Hodgkiss and Mark McLuckie in quick succession. Allan Fleming produced another great stop from Cameron McKinlay and the BUs went at the break in the lead.

Bo’ness had the strong wind in their favour in the first half and it was Tranent’s turn to have the elements in their favour. They pushed forward and with sixty minutes on the clock equalised as Robbie McIntyre got onto the end of a free kick cross to head into the Bo’ness net. Tranent’s tails were up but Bo’ness responded positively, both sides going out for a winner. Despite attempts on goal at either end the keepers were determined not to concede again and as the game neared the end it was the BU Faithful who were to be heard, the Tranent support subdued as their team looked unlikely to get the three points to maximise their chances of a Title win.

This was a determined display from the BUs and with three games left, hope to increase their points tall while finishing as high in the table as possible.

Bo’ness United: 1 Allan Fleming 2 Roan Fitzpatrick 3 Keir Macaulay (Capt) 4 Mark McLuckie
5 Jordan Armstrong 6 Adam Masson 8 Lewis Hodgkiss 9 Jamie Watson 10 Tom Grant (Hodge 83)
11 Shaun Brown 16 Kieran Mitchell

Subs: 7 Jack Hodge 12 Billy Mortimer (Not Used) 14 Lucas Fyfe (Not Used)
15 Hamza Nimaga (Not Used) 17 Thierry Tawanda (Not Used) 18 Ben Murdoch (Not Used)
SG Sam Gardner (Not Used)

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2025/2026

Date – Tuesday 03 February 2026

Competition –Lowland League Cup Round 1

Bo’ness United 2
(Brown 11 18)

Tranent 3
(Brett 6, O’Connor 34, McKinley 59)

Bo’ness United once more exited a cup at an early stage, this time losing narrowly at home against Tranent in round one of the Lowland League Cup. As with previous contests involving the BUs and Tranent the game was played as frantic pace, particularly in the first half that saw four goals scored. Dean Brett put the visitors ahead scoring direct from a corner but soon after Shaun Brown equalised, nipping in to convert a low Kieran Mitchell cross. Soon after the BUs were ahead again from Shaun Brown whose low angled found the far corner of the net. Ten minutes before the break Tranent were even, Josh O’Connor cutting in from the left to fire low into the Bo’ness net.

Just after the turnaround Lewis Hodgkiss brought out a good save from Tranent keeper Owen Hayward but eleven minutes in Cameron McKinlay found himself in space just inside the box with time to shoot past Allan Fleming in the Bo’ness goal. Bo’ness worked hard to get back but were unable to pierce the Tranent rearguard. Just before the end Mark McLuckie connected with an Adam Masson long throw but unfortunately his volley was wide of the target.

Bo’ness will now dust themselves down and prepare for the visit of Caledonian Braves on Saturday.

Bo’ness United: 1 Allan Fleming 2 Dan Irving 3 Jordan Armstrong 4 Mark McLuckie
5 Alasdair Davidson 7 Jack Hodge (Fyfe 74)8 Lewis Hodgkiss (Masson 84)
9 Billy Mortimer (Watson 69) 10 Tom Grant (Capt) 11 Shaun Brown
16 Kieran Mitchell

Subs: 6 Adam Masson, 12 Ryan Stevenson (Not Used) 14 Jamie Watson
15 Keir Macaulay (Not Used) 17 Lucas Fyfe

BONNYRIGG

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2025/2026

Date – Tuesday 30 September 2025
Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo’ness United 1
(Mitchell 39)

Bonnyrigg Rose 1
(Devine 12)

Bo’ness United completed September with a determined performance to win a point from visitors Bonnyrigg Rose. The BU Faithful, still disappointed at Saturday’s Scottish Cup exit against Banks o’ Dee coming on the back of a fruitless month were heartened to see their favourites roll up their sleeves going toe to toe against a team they have struggled against in the past.

Bonnyrigg struck early through Laurie Devine and although Bo’ness had created a number of chances their stand in goalkeeper made a couple of great saves to keep the score down. Six minutes before the break the BU keeper’s work proved worthwhile as Bo’ness equalised, Kieran Mitchell receiving a through pass from Adam Masson before rounding Bonnyrigg keeper Ross Connelly to slot into the empty net.

The first half had been played at a quick pace and the second proved no different as both teams strived to get a winner. It could have been Bo’ness who continued to create opportunities though it was Bonnyrigg who had the ball in the net only to be thwarted by an offside decision. In the end a draw was probably a fair result and it was good to see a return of the fighting qualities Bo’ness had demonstrated earlier in the season.

Bo’ness United: 1 Trialist, 2 Adam Masson, 4 Dan Irving, 5 Ali El-Zubaidi, 6 Jordan Armstrong,
7 Jack Hodge, 8 Kyle Johnston (Capt), 9 Jamie Watson, 10 Tom Grant, 11 Shaun Brown,
16 Kieran Mitchell.

Subs: 3 Keir Macaulay (Not Used), 12 Lewis Duffy (Not Used), 14 Conor Scullion (Not Used)
17 Ryan Stevenson (Not Used), SG Trialist (Not Used)

The good run of league wins for Bo’ness came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they were comprehensively beaten at Bonnyrigg Rose, Cameron Ross bagged a first half brace before claiming his hat trick just after the turnaround. Kallum Higginbotham completed the scoring in a game where the BUs were second best in all departments (Report).

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2025/2026

Date – Saturday 15 November 2025
Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bonnyrigg Rose 4
(Ross 21 35 48, Higginbotham 56)

Bo’ness United 0

After last week’s demolition job on Gala Fairydean Rovers, it was Bo’ness United’s turn to be on the end of a wrecking ball as Bonnyrigg Rose overpowered them dominating the game from start to finish. From the off the BUs had to defend and it was only a matter of time before Bonnyrigg made the breakthrough. After twenty minutes Cameron Ross got onto the end of a Billy King corner to fire a low shot past BU keeper Matthew Wallace. Bo’ness were restricted to the occasional foray up the park and they did get a shot in only for Kyle Johnston’s effort to be blocked. Just over the half hour Bonnyrigg doubled their advantage when Billy King cut back for Cameron Ross to once more fire into the BU net. Right after this Jamie Watson saw his low shot go just wide of the Bonnyrigg post, this being the closest thing for the BUs.

The visiting support were hoping for better in the second half but just three minutes in the King/Ross combination struck again, this time a cross and a header finding the net, A few minutes later Bonnyrigg made it four, this time Kallum Higginbotham cut in from the left before curling a shot into the top corner to complete the scoring. In fairness the Bo’ness players never gave up as they tried to get something back but it was in vain and the BUs now move on to meet Cumbernauld Colts at the Broadwood Stadium on Friday.

Bo’ness United: 1 Matthew Wallace, 2 Roan Fitzpatrick, 3 Shaun Brown (McLuckie 52),
4 Dan Irving, 5 Alasdair Davidson, 6 Jordan Armstrong (Macaulay 63,
7 Jack Hodge (Stevenson 73), 8 Kyle Johnston (Capt), 9 Jamie Watson (Schiavone 73),
11 Freddie Rowe, 16 Kieran Mitchell (Grant 52)

Subs: 10 Tom Grant, 12 Ryan Schiavone, 14 Keir Macaulay, 15 Ryan Stevenson
17 Mark McLuckie, SG Milosz Sliwinski (Not Used