Preview submitted by JOHN SPOWART!

Match Preview 2020 2021

Civil Service Strollers, Lowland League, Newtown Park, Wednesday 28 October 2020

Maximum points from four games played sees Bo’ness United sitting top of the Lowland albeit by the narrowest of goal differences above East Kilbride. The BUs have no illusions at this time about winning this League with a first priority of establishing their position in Tier 5 of Scottish Football. The club is delighted though with the positive start and look forward to another tough challenge, this time at home to Civil Service strollers.

Founded in 1908, the Strollers have had a few homes settling in their current ground just off Marine Drive, Edinburgh in 1957. Now known as Christie Gillies Park, the venue has undergone substantial improvement over the years. The Strollers have been in the Lowland League since 2016 and they won the South Challenge Cup in 2018. Last season the Strollers finished 6th in the table with seven games to play. They have not enjoyed a great start to this season with only one point from a possible twelve. In saying that they only lost narrowly at both East Stirlingshire and Kelty Hearts and drew at home to BSC Glasgow. Three top teams, although the Strollers were disappointed with the defeat at Gala Fairydean.

Bo’ness edged out Caledonian Braves in a tough encounter where BU Manager expressed satisfaction at the contribution of all of his players. Keeper Andy Murphy made some great saves to keep the Braves at bay before an inspired substitution after an hour saw Craig Comrie enter the fray only to score after only two minutes on the park. With under ten minutes remaining, determined play by Nicky Locke won the BUs a penalty superbly converted by Ryan Stevenson.

Injuries have proved challenging at the start of the season but players are now returning and the squad was added to as Craig Meikle signed on to bolster the BU defence. In saying that, Ian Nimmo has decided to call it a day, his injury issues proving to prevent any return to full fitness. Nimmo has won two Titles with the BUs, the East of Scotland Premier League last season and the East Region Super League in 2014. Best wishes from everyone associated with the club go with Ian who has been an integral part of Bo’ness United’s recent success.

Again, no fans are allowed in the ground but once again they can watch the game, filmed by Sanctus Media, access to the live stream via Fanbase at www.fanbaseclub.com. Tickets are purchased through the site, where registration is required, and the link to watch the match is emailed prior to kick off. The advice is to buy your ticket early to receive your link in ample time. The coverage provided by Sanctus Media is excellent with the use of multi cameras following the action completely.

Despite the early gap between the sides Bo’ness expect a very difficult game and know, once more, only maximum effort will achieve the right result.

John Spowart
26 October 2020