BO’NESS UNITED MATCH SUMMARY SEASON 2026/2027

Date – Saturday 03 October 2026

Competition – Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Round 1

Bo’ness United 3
(Mitchell 52, Murdoch 90+3, Nimaga 91)

Irvine Meadow XI 2
(Gaffney 2, Baird 32)

Bo’ness United staged one of their greatest comebacks in recent history when after going into the break two goals behind, they scored an equaliser in time added on before getting the winner early into extra time.

Only two minutes in Irvine Meadow were in front, Andrew Gaffney controlling with his chest before half volleying into the Bo’ness net from the edge of the box. Irvine Meadow were dominant in these early stages but Bo’ness gradually worked into the game, creating a number of chances. Robbie Murdoch had a shot blocked while Shaun Brown had two efforts, the first going narrowly wide while the other was blocked. New signing Campbell Forrest got into the act with a shot saved by Meadow keeper Joseph Wilton and ironically just after Kieran Mitchell had his effort saved Meadow went two up, Euan Baird’s shot going in just inside the far post.

Ten minutes into the second half Bo’ness pulled one back, Jordan Armstrong accepting a short free kick before stepping forward to hit a thirty yard shot off the Irvine Bar, Kieran Mitchell pouncing to score on the line. Bo’ness were now looking for an equaliser but had to be mindful at the back as Irvine Meadow were still dangerous going forward. Jordan Armstrong cleared off the line while Keir Macaulay got in the way of a fierce shot and at the other end Robbie Murdoch had an excellent shot matched by Joseph Wilton’s save.

Time was running out for Bo’ness but into injury time a low ball fizzed across the goal and Robbie Murdoch was on the spot to fire in. This brought about great celebrations both on and off the park with the referee and his assistants working hard to restore order. Into extra time and almost right away Bo’ness scored as Hamza Nimaga flicked Jamie Allan’s low cross in at the near post. Bo’ness now had the bit between their teeth and while again being wary at the back had opportunities to seal the win. Kieran Mitchell had a one to one on the keeper but his shot went wide and Hamza Nimaga saw his lob just clear the top of the bar. Irvine Meadow never gave up but the plaudits were all for the home team as Bo’ness United celebrated an impressive victory.

As bad as last weekend was all credit must be given to the management and players with a positive response sending the BU faithful home looking forward to the draw for the next round.

Bo’ness United: 1 Allan Fleming 2 Dan Irving (Allan 65) 3 Keir Macaulay (Capt) (Hodge 82)
4 Jordan Armstrong 5 Joe Cassidy 6 Roan Fitzpatrick (Binnie 46)7 Robbie Murdoch (Masson 117)
8 Campbell Forrest (Nimaga 82) 10 Tom Grant 11 Shaun Brown
16 Kieran Mitchell (Mylchreest 120)