BROXBURN ATHLETIC V CALEDONIAN BRAVES

Report

Attendance 235

Broxburn Athletic–Watt (GK), Smith, Rodden, G Page, J Page, Bell, Jones, Douglas ©, Mwangi, Brass, McRory-Irving.

SUBS- Ford (GK), Downie, Thomson, Ellis, Russell, McLeod Kay & Millar

Broxburn returned to Albyn Park for a fixture against current league leaders Caledonian Braves, last Tuesday night.

Table toppers Caledonian Braves are still undefeated in the league. Winning 10 & drawing 5 of their 15 games so far this season. Striker Ross McNeil is not just the club’s top scorer, but the leagues top scorer with 14 goals. Joining McNeil with players to watch on Tuesday night, is strike partner Reg McLaren and midfielder’s Cammy Bremner and Lennon Walker. Plus, Centre Back pairing Daniel Martins and Robbie Stewart. In the last meeting between the two clubs, it was a 1-1 stalemate at Alliance Park back in early October.  Ross McNeil gave the hosts the lead on 6 minutes, with a header from close range. Broxburn equalised on 34 minutes. Greg Page’s 40-yard pass right to the feet of captain Nick Locke on the left. Locke cut inside, taking on the two defenders before slotting home into the right corner. Broxburn had chances to win the game, but it ended a draw in a poor lit Alliance Park. In Braves last fixture, they defeated Bo’ness United at Newton Park last Saturday 2-1, with Jack McDowal scoring and an 86^th minute Greig Stewart goal, giving the Braves another big result on the road.

Caledonian Braves Last Four Games

(16/10/24) University of Stirling (A) 1-1 (L)

(19/10/24) Celtic B (H) 5-1 (W)

(26/10/24) Musselburgh Athletic (A) 2-1 (L)

(2/11/24) Bo’ness United (A) 1-2 (W)

Broxburn are in their traditional kits. Red and white shirts, white shorts and red and white socks. Caledonian Braves are in all navy-blue kits. Broxburn Athletic make two changes to the team that defeated Berwick Rangers 3-0 last Saturday. In come Jonathan Page and Bryan Mwangi who replace Ruari Ellis and Owen Wardell.

The visitors are first to threaten on 2 minutes. Connor McLaren’s effort is way over the bar from a central position. Braves created a good move on 4 minutes. Reg Mclaren feeds in Aiden Clocherty, who’s cross in is well cleared by Broxburn right back Joseph Smith. On 8 minutes, Lennon Walker beats the offside trap and I through with just the keeper to beat. But Broxburn keeper Bob Watt makes a great block to deny the Braves striker.

Broxburn get up the park for this first time in the match on 11 minutes. Young full back Joseph Smith puts a ball in from the right that is read by Braves keeper Bernie White who comes of his line and collects the cross.

On 14 minutes, Braves striker Lennon Walker beats the offside trap and is through on the right. His shot from the right goes out for a throw in near the corner flag.

Some tidy play by Broxburn on 33 minutes. Good passing by Kyle Bell and Gary Brass, with the later spotting Alassan Jones in space wide left. But Caley keeper White reads it well again and collects.

Another huge two chances in quick succession for Braves. Aiden Clocherty beats the offside trap, and his shot is saved by Bob Watt. The resulting corner deflects to Lennon Walker, whose dangerous ball over the goalmouth is pushed away again by Broxburn keeper Watt.

First in the referee’s book was Broxburn right back Joseph Smith for simulation on 37 minutes.

Unfortunately, Broxburn midfielder Kyle Bell is down injured and has to be replaced.

SUBSTITUTION BROXBURN ATHLETIC (43 Minutes)

ON-Conor Thomson

OFF-Kyle Bell

On 45 minutes, An Alassan Jones low shot from distance is just wide of the right-hand post.

HALF TIME (0-0)

GOAL! Broxburn take the lead! A Conor Thomson cross from the left finds Errol Douglas who low header finds the back of the net.

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 1 (Errol Douglas-47 Minutes)

CALEDONIAN BRAVES 0

On 50 minutes, Caledonian Braves have a penalty kick. Jack Brown’s cross finds Reg McLaren who is pulled down by Jonathan Page and referee Connor Greenan has no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up steps Lennon Walker whose penalty is saved by the legs of Broxburn keeper Bob Watt. Another important save by Watt who has been excellent for Broxburn.

On 51 minutes, a Caledonian Braves free kick finds Connor McLaren who heads wide. On 54 minutes, McLaren has another chance For Braves. This time, his shot is saved by Bob Watt.

Next in the referee’s book is Errol Douglas for a catching Braves keeper White. On 58 minutes, Alassan Jones low shot is flicked wide by Braves keeper White. On 71 minutes, Greg Page shot from distance is over the bar. Broxburn are in again on 74 minutes, Scott McRory Irving plays in Andy Rodden on the left, but his shot is wide of the right-hand post.

On 75 minutes, a shot by Connor McLaren deflected effort is saved by Bob Watt.

On 80 minutes, a long ball is well brought down by the toe of Gary Brass who holds up the ball before finding Scott McRory-Irving. The Broxburn midfielder is well blocked by Braves defender Daniel Martins. What an effort by Alassan Jones on 81 minutes, his shot from the left smacks the bar. So close to a Broxburn second. On 84 minutes, Conor Thomson wins the ball and finds Scott McRory Irving whose effort is over the bar.

Caley have a go to try and keep their undefeated league start intact. On 87 minutes, Connor McLaren’s effort is saved by Bob Watt. On the 89^th minute, Watt comes off his line to collect a chipped Connor McLaren ball into the box.

SUBSTITUTION BROXBURN ATHLETIC (90 Minutes)

ON-Fionn McLeod-Kay

OFF-Bryan Mwangi

An excellent second half performance secured Broxburn a huge three points against the league leaders. A well-deserved man of the match for Bob Watt who was superb tonight. A few vital saves from the Broxburn stopper, including a good penalty save. Impressed with all the boys tonight. Joseph Scott was solid and looked dangerous going forward from right back, while Conor Thomson has a good game when he came on. 

FULL TIME

Broxburn Athletic 1 (Douglas)

Caledonian Braves 0

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE- Connor Greenan

ASSISTANTS- Kenny Brown & Calum Foreman

Caledonian Braves – White (GK), Brown, G Stewart, Martins, R Stewart, Speirs, Guthrie ©, Clocherty, Walker, C McLaren, R McLaren

Subs- King (GK), McNeil, McCartney, Woods, Finlayson & McCardle

NEXT GAME

Saturday the 9^th of November Lowland League Celtic B (Away) Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie 3pm