Match Preview 2024 2025
East Kilbride
Lowland League Cup Final
Broadwood Stadium Cumbernauld
Sunday 30 March 2025

Bo’ness United have once again won through to the Lowland League Cup Final and as both previous appearances, East Kilbride are the opposition. Three years ago Bo’ness were well beaten at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh, Joao Victoria putting Kilby into the lead in the first half. Gregor Nicol equalised after the break though three goals from Liam Watt, Cameron Elliot and Neil McLaughlin finished the tie with a late Lennon Walker consolation (Report). The following season at Shielfield Park, Berwick it was much closer. Daniel McManus and Kyle Connell had East Kilbride two up after twenty minutes but Bo’ness fought back with a second half Ryan Stevenson double before Kilby finally prevailed after a penalty kick shoot out. Last season the sides met yet again, this time in a round two tie at the K Park. Two first half goals from John Robertson and one from Tiwi Daramola proved too much for the BUs who, although enjoying some good possession, were unable to make the breakthrough. (Report). East Kilbride progressed to the final that season but were beaten by Tranent on penalties.

In this season’s competition East Kilbride won at Cumbernauld Colts in round one before defeating Broomhill at home. In the semi final Kilby won at Linlithgow Rose. Bo’ness had a first round success at Albion Rovers thanks to a single Kieran Mitchell strike (Report) and a home win against Civil Service Strollers. Ryan Schiavone and Keir Foster had Bo’ness two up before Alieu Faye pulled one back before the break. With minutes remaining Max Dowling ensured the win for Bo’ness (Report).
They reached the final after a penalty shoot out win at home to Tranent following a blank ninety minutes. Keeper Liam Campbell saved twice for the BUs with Shaun Rutherford, Dan Irving and Lennon Connolly the scorers (Report).

In their last outings Bo’ness and East Kilbride experienced contrasting fortunes at Civil Service Strollers, Kilby winning on Tuesday night while the BUs went down last Saturday. A Ryan Stevenson first half own goal was enough for the Strollers to take all the points as Bo’ness struggled to make an impact (Report).

Bo’ness came up against East Kilbride this season just after the turn of the year, a league match at Newtown Park. Just before half time Kieran Mitchell gave Bo’ness the lead only for Jack Leitch and John Robertson to put the visitors ahead at the break. After the turnaround Jack Leitch and Scott Ferguson extended East Kilbride’s advantage with Kieran Mitchell pulling one back before the end (Report).

East Kilbride are on the cusp of retaining their Lowland League Title as well as having a South Challenge Cup final against Auchinleck Talbot to look forward to, and therefore provide the toughest of barriers between Bo’ness and the Lowland League Cup. So far this season Bo’ness have been inconsistent with some very poor performances though also a number of impressive displays. Clearly, they must be at their very best on Sunday, first to compete against some very talented individuals while working hard as a team to try and win their first trophy in five years. Given Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld is only a thirty minute trip, a large number of Bo’ness supporters are expected to attend to provide plenty of noise to spur on the players for a BU win.

John Spowart
Friday 28 March 2025

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH REPORT SEASON 2021/202

Date – Sunday 15 May 2022

Competition – Lowland League Cup Final

Bo’ness United 2
(Nicol 55, Walker 87)

East Kilbride 4
(Victoria 37, Watt 66 Elliot 72, N McLaughlin 79)

Bo’ness United lost out in the Lowland League Cup Final at Ainslie Park where they made a game of it but ultimately could not match a very good East Kilbride. Joao Victoria put Kilby into the lead in the first half but after the break Gregor Nicol equalised for the BUs. Midway through the half three goals in fifteen minutes from Liam Watt, Cameron Elliot and Neil McLaughlin put the game beyond Bo’ness although they never gave up with Lennon Walker scoring a consolation just before the end.

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH REPORT SEASON 2022/2023

Sunday 21 May 2023

Competition – Lowland League Cup Final

East Kilbride 2
(McManus 10, Connell 20)

Bo'ness United 2
(Stevenson 66 pen 88)

(East Kilbride win 5-4 on penalties)

Despite staging a great comeback from being two goals down to take the Lowland League Cup Final to penalties Bo’ness United were unable to finish the job as East Kilbride edged the spot kick competition to lift the trophy.

After a cagey first ten minutes East Kilbride took the lead, a ball into the box deceiving the BU defence allowing Daniel McManus to angle low past keeper Musa Dibaga. In twenty minutes, Bo’ness went further behind, a cross from the right headed in by Kyle Connell. Not the best of starts but Bo’ness gradually worked back into the game with some good possession although lacking the killer touch in front of goal.

Based on the first half performance a comeback looked unlikely but again Bo’ness had the biggest share of the ball, this time with more of an edge and with under thirty minutes left they pulled a goal back. Tom Grant was brought down in the box and Ryan Stevenson despatched the resulting penalty kick giving the visiting BU fans something to shout about. The tails were up and Bo’ness went close with a Lewis McArthur shot that hit the bar. East Kilbride looked to regain their two-goal advantage and saw a shot hit the post but it was with two of the ninety remaining Bo’ness got the equaliser, the ball finding Stevenson in the box his shot home from close in. In the final minutes Alassan Jones had two attempts, one saved, the other cleared but Bo’ness were unable to get the winner.

Into the penalties and this week it was East Kilbride keeper Mateusz Miller who made the difference, saving three to Dibaga’s two. Miller saved what would have been the decisive kick from Stevenson and then into sudden death he stopped Keir Macaulay to win his side the trophy.

Bo'ness: Dibaga, Stevenson, Ward (Jacobs 69), Hawkins, McArthur, Macaulay, Johnston (French 85), Gemmell, Locke, Jones, Grant. Subs (Not Used): Heeps Murdoch, Godfrey, Abdulla, SG Thomson

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2023/2024

Date – Tuesday 05 March 2024

Competition –Lowland League Cup Round 2

East Kilbride 3
(Robertson 6 19, Daramola 31

Bo'ness United 0

Bo’ness United exited the League Cup at East Kilbride, where three first half goals gave the BUs a second half mountain they were unable to conquer. The BUs started the game well enough but lost an early goal from a John Robertson shot. Getting forward was not a problem for Bo’ness but were unable to capitalise where it counts, Fin Malcolm’s header going wide from a Ryan Stevenson cross being the closest they got. Meanwhile the defence was being put under pressure, former BU Tiwi Daramola among others proving difficult to handle. Getting through on goal twice. only great saves from Musa Dibaga stopped East Kilbride extending their lead. As it was, in twenty minutes Kilby did get a second, Daramola being the provider with a pass across the edge of the box fired home by John Robertson.

The third goal came in thirty minutes Tiwi Daramola getting through on goal, this time shooting past the advancing Bo’ness keeper. Just before the break another good move by the BUs saw a shot on goal but JJ Henderson’s effort from the edge of the box was straight at Kilby keeper Matthew Connolly.

In the second half Bo’ness fared better, keeping East Kilbride at bay while enjoying more possession even if again unable to convert. Just before the end a Lewis McArthur header from a Tom Grant corner was cleared only as far as Michael Travis whose effort went over the bar. At the other end Musa Dibaga brought off another fine save, tipping a deflected Adam McGowan shot over his bar.

Bo’ness now only have six league matches to complete, starting with a home match against Civil Service Strollers on Saturday but the BUs have plenty to play for as they strive to maintain their position near the top of the Lowland League.

Bo'ness: Dibaga, Stevenson, Macaulay (Hawkins 65), Travis, McArthur, Henderson (Grant 60), Mitchell, Johnston (Hamilton 65), Malcolm, Irving, Porteous. Subs (Not Used): Rutherford, Gemmell SG Ruddy:

BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2024/2025

Date – Saturday 01 February 2025

Competition –Lowland League Cup Round 1

Albion Rovers 0

Bo’ness United 1
(Mitchell 4)

Bo’ness United edged through to the next round of the Lowland League Cup courtesy of a single Kieran Mitchell strike. The goal came early, Mitchell nodding in from a corner but this victory was achieved largely thanks to resolute Bo’ness defending, the players working hard getting in the way of anything and everything Albion Rovers threw at them,

After the Bo’ness goal Rovers dominated the possession, their best chances coming from a Dom McMahon shot that went narrowly past and a Peter Mendy effort saved by BU keeper Liam Campbell. In the second half the hosts continued to enjoy the lion’s share of the ball but the BUs kept them at bay with very few clear cut chances. Indeed, Bo’ness had a great opportunity to double their lead, a Ryan Stevenson low ball across the face of the goal, Smart Osadolor just short of touching in on the line. In the final minutes Albion threw everything into getting back but Bo’ness held out for a hard earned victory.

New Queens Park loan signing Lennon Connolly showed up well for Bo’ness on his debut but it was a farewell outing from. Michael Travis whose new work commitments sees him leaving the BUs. A big loss for the club but all the best to ‘Trav’.

Bo’ness: Campbell, Hawkins, Macaulay, Rutherford (Duffy 46), Travis, Gemmell, Mitchell, Connolly, Osadolor, Grant,
Stevenson 71), Dowling (Irving 58),. Subs (Not Used): Kennedy, McCormick, Hutchison, Henderson

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 – Tuesday 11 March 2025

Competition –Lowland League Cup Semi Final

Bo’ness United 0

Tranent 0
Bo’ness win 3-1 on penalties (Bo’ness): Rutherford, Irving, Connolly (Tranent): Brett

Bo’ness United progressed to the final of the Lowland League Cup, beating Tranent on penalties after a no score draw in the ninety minutes. Goalkeeper Liam Campbell proved the BU hero pulling off two saves, Shaun Rutherford, Dan Irving and Lennon Connolly on target for Bo’ness.

The game itself was played at pace, Tranent enjoying most of the possession though Bo’ness probably having the best chances over the piece. Early on, Tranent keeper Kelby Mason rushed out of his goal to block Lucas Stenhouse while Dan Irving saw a volley go wide and Keir Foster’s shot on the turn was saved at the near post. Tranent’s best opportunity was a Guy McGarry angled shot that just crept past the far post.

The second half was of the same pattern and as the game neared the end it was looking as if one goal would settle the tie. With a few minutes remaining the tension spilled over after Kyle Johnston fouled a Tranent player, Johnston was immediately surrounded by several Tranent players. Punches were thrown, Kyle Johnston was red carded but somehow the match officials were unable to identify any Tranent culprits when possibly other red cards could have been issued. Tranent were unable to take any advantage of the extra man in the few minutes remaining and the final whistle signalled the penalty competition, Bo’ness winning through to meet East Kilbride in the final.

Clearly a much improved performance since the home defeat by Broomhill, Bo’ness competing from start to finish to give the BU Faithful something to look forward to before the end of the season.

Bo’ness United: 1 Liam Campbell, 2 Lewis Hawkins, 3 Keir Macaulay, 4 Adam Masson, 5 Shaun Rutherford,
6 Michael Gemmell, 7 Lucas Stenhouse, 8 Kyle Johnston (Capt), 9 Ryan Schiavone (Connolly 88).
10 Dan Irving, 11 Keir Foster

Subs: 12 Lennon Connolly, 14 Kieran Mitchell (Not Used), 15 Tom Grant (Not Used),
16 Max Dowling (Not Used), 17 Louis Kennedy (Not Used), 18 Ryan Stevenson (Not Used)
19 Theo McCormick (Not Used)

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 – Saturday 18 January 2025

Competition – Park’s Motor Group Lowland League

Bo’ness United 2
Scorer: Mitchell 43 76

East Kilbride 4
Scorer: Leitch 44 65, Robertson 45+3, Ferguson 72

Bo’ness United are still looking for their first home victory against East Kilbride, the South Lanarkshire side once again leaving Newtown Park with all the points. It was always going to be a difficult task and as expected the BU defence came under a lot of pressure though it was not always one way traffic as Bo’ness created a number of chances, scoring the first and final goal of the match.

An early East Kilbride break brought out a good save from BU keeper Liam Campbell while at the other end the Kilby keeper Matthew Connelly pushed a Keir Macaulay corner off the crossbar before being cleared. A frantic end to the first half saw three goals in as many minutes Kieran Mitchell’s audacious lob putting Bo’ness ahead before Jack Leitch slotted home John Robertson’s cut back and Robertson himself fired in to give the visitors a half time lead.

Twenty minutes into the second half East Kilbride extended their advantage, Jack Leitch heading in from an Ian McShane corner and a few minutes later it was four, Scott Ferguson capitalising on a BU defensive glitch to score from a few yards out. Credit to Bo’ness who never stopped working and they pulled one back when Kieran Michell pounced onto a short pass back to slot in from the tightest of angles.

There’s no doubt East Kilbride were the better team, fully deserving their victory but Bo’ness United stuck to the task and a similar effort in future matches will bring the points required to move them up the table.

Bo’ness: Campbell, Hawkins (Rutherford 69), Macaulay, Duffy, Travis, Johnston, Dowling, Gemmell (Kennedy 69), Schiavone (Osadolor 12), Hamilton (Grant 56), Mitchell. Subs (Not Used): Henderson, McCormick, Hutchison