Preview submitted by JOHN SPOWART!

Match Preview 2020 2021

East Kilbride, Lowland League, K Park, Saturday 14 November 2020

Bo’ness United visit East Kilbride to face the toughest match so far in their inaugural Lowland League season. East Kilbride are one of the favourites to win the league, something they have done twice in previous seasons. A community club, East Kilbride were founder members of the Lowland League and after a disappointing seventh place last season they are keen to have another go at achieving SPFL status.

East Kilbride, current league leaders, are undefeated so far this season, their most notable scalp being an away win at Kelty Hearts on Saturday. Their game at Dalbeattie Star was called off on Wednesday due to a waterlogged pitch, giving the teams just below them the chance to draw equal or overtake them at the top of the table. As things turned out East Stirlingshire lost at home to Cumbernauld Colts and Bo’ness and BSC Glasgow fought out an epic draw at Newtown sharing eight goals between them.

Jamie Glasgow fired BSC ahead but just after the half hour, visiting keeper David Wilson hauled Zander Miller down in the box, was red carded, and Ryan Stevenson fired the resulting penalty past stand in Stephen Barr. Despite being a man short Glasgow struck again just before half time to regain the BSC lead although just after the turnround Zander Miller brought the BUs back into it. Darren Christie put the visitors ahead once more only for Miller to equalise and then put Bo’ness ahead for the first time. Miller had the chance to extend the BU lead but it was BSC who scored next, Jamie McCormack heading home to complete the goal action. However, before the end Bo’ness were reduced to ten men as Ross Campbell was shown his second yellow card of the game.

Given BSC played most of the game a player short this could be considered points dropped by Bo’ness but the Glasgow team were impressive, even with ten men and might even have won the game. As it was, either side had chances to emerge victorious but both teams know they participated in a great match for the online fans

The BUs visited East Kilbride just over two years ago for a South of Scotland Cup tie. Bo’ness acquitted themselves well and, although the home team controlled much of the game, the BUs enjoyed good spells where they created a number of chances. Ross McNeil had shot East Kilbride into the lead fifteen minutes into the second half and there were only two minutes remaining before Paul Woods clinched the victory. It is significant that it was the East Kilbride goalkeeper, Matthew McGinley who received the man of the match award having made some great saves to keep Bo’ness at bay.

Bo’ness have had an impressive start to the season, one of only three sides who remain undefeated. However, every player in the team will have to be at their very best to keep this record intact. The task won’t be helped with Ross Campbell suspended and Nicky Locke doubtful due to injury but Craig Comrie is available again after suspension and we know whoever is in the side will be giving 100% to achieve a result.

John Spowart
12 November 2020