Venue: Away

ATTENDANCE 180

Broxburn Athletic–Pettigrew (GK), Munro, G Page, Bell, Wardell, Mwangi, Brass, Ellis, McRory Irving, Millar, Locke ©

SUBS- Watt (GK), J Page, Jones, Downie, Smith, Thomson, MacDonald.

Broxburn Athletic were back on the road on Saturday with an away trip to the Falkirk stadium to play East Stirlingshire.

East Stirlingshire currently lie in thirteen position in the Lowland league. Winning five, drawing four and losing nine of their eighteen games so far this season in the Lowland League.

In the last meeting between the two sides, Broxburn defeated Shire 5-0 at Albyn Park back in early October. Gary Brass scored a brace and there were also goals for Owen Wardell, Errol Douglas and Bryan Mwangi.

Players to watch this Saturday include forward Jamie Penker and experienced Greig Spence.  Loanee Ayr United goalkeeper Oliver Ecrepoint has played a lot of football for the club and is highly rated.

I made the trip to the Falkirk Stadium to watch East Stirlingshire’s league fixture against Caledonian Braves on Wednesday night. Playing a very narrow 4-3-3 formation with the forward 3 playing very central. Shire gave away the ball away on numerous occasions and were very slack. They were punished eventually, losing 4-0 and being reduced to ten men with Sam Campbell been shown a red card. They also lost forward Lucas McRoberts with an injury just before half time.

East Stirlingshire’s Last Four Games

(1/11/24) Broomhill (H) 5-0 (W)

(5/11/24) Cumbernauld Colts (A) 2-3 (W)

(9/11/24) Gretna 2008 (A) 0-0 (D)

(12/12/24) Caledonian Braves (H) 0-4 (L)

East Stirlingshire are in black and white shirts and black shorts and socks. Broxburn Athletic are in their traditional kits, red and white shirts, white shorts and red and white socks. Broxburn Athletic make two changes to the team that drew with University of Stirling last weekend. In comes Bryan Mwangi and Marky Munro who replace Joeseph Smith and Alassan Jones.

East Stirlingshire are the first to threaten with not even a minute played. A shot by Chris Inglis is saved by Jordan Pettigrew and he is also quickly back on his feet to save the rebound shot.

The first chance of the match by Broxburn comes in the 3^rd minute. Nick Locke is played in by Owen Wardell whose shot is over the bar. On 7 minutes, a long ball forward by Greg Page is over the East Stirlingshire back line and finds the advanced Gary Brass. Shire keeper Oliver Ecrepoint gets to the ball first, half clearing it as far as Owen Wardell whose shot is over the bar.

On 12 minutes, Shire winger Lewis Latona takes on Marky Munro on the left. He delivers a dangerous low cross, that is eventually cleared by Greg Page.

After a good period of possession by the hosts, they eventually give away the ball and it’s picked by up Bryan Mwangi on the left. He feeds a good ball through for Owen Wardell and the Shire defender puts it out for a corner. The resulting corner is defended well by East Stirlingshire, who clear the danger.

GOAL! Broxburn brake from an East Stirlingshire shot that is blocked by Ruari Ellis. The on-loan Kilmarnock youngster finds Nick Locke, who plays a good pass to Kyle Bell in the middle of the park. The Broxburn midfielder flies up the park before playing in Owen Wardell on the left, the winger cuts inside before finding the right corner. 1-0 to the visitors.

EAST STIRLING 0

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 1 (Owen Wardell-21 Minutes)

On the 23^rd minute, Lewis Latona delivers a dangerous cross from the left that is cleared by Ruari Ellis. On 29 minutes, Latona receives the first booking of the day for a foul on Kyle Bell.

On 30 minutes, Owen Wardell plays a good through ball for Broxburn skipper Nick Locke. But Shire defender Chris Inglis makes an important interception for the home side. On 39 minutes, Gary Brass plays in Owen Wardell on the right. Wardell cuts inside and shoots just wide of the left-hand post. So close from the winger.

On 41 minutes, Ruari Ellis makes another important tackle. This time its Greig Spence who is in for Shire, but the young defender gets to the ball at full stretch to keep it 1-0 Broxburn.

On 43 minutes, Broxburn press East Stirlingshire very well and come away with the ball. Kyle Bell plays in Nick Locke who shoots way over the bar.

HALF TIME (1-0 Broxburn)

GOAL! 2-0 Broxburn! A great lay off by Gary Brass finds Nick Locke, whose thunderbolt on the volley finds the bottom left corner, leaving East Stirlingshire keeper Ecrepont no chance.

EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 0

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 2 (Nick Locke-49 Minutes)

BROXBURN SUBSTITUTION (54 Minutes)

ON-Joesph Smith

OFF-Marky Munro

GOAL! Shire pull one back. Ball in from the right finds Jamie Penker whose shot finds the right corner. Game on at the Falkirk Stadium!

EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1 (Penker-56 Minutes)

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 2

Broxburn shoot up the other end a minute later. Bryan Mwangi crosses from the right that is just beyond the outstretched Gary Brass. On 64 minutes, an Owen Wardell shot is saved by Shire keeper Oliver Ecrepoint.

GOAL! 3-1 Broxburn! Kyle Bell plays through Owen Wardell whose shot from the right finds the left corner, hitting the post on the way in.

EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 3 (Owen Wardell-66 Minutes)

On 65 minutes, a volley from East Stirlingshire’s Ben Lamont is wide of target.

On 72 minutes, Nick Locke is pulled down on the edge of the box by Shire defender Chris Inglis. Referee MacDonald brandishes a yellow card. GOAL! up steps Greg Page, whose effort deflects of the wall and flies low into the net.

EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 4 (Greg Page-71 Minutes)

GOAL! 5-1 Broxburn! Nick Locke crosses from the right and finds Gary Brass who scores from close range.

EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 5 (Gary Brass-76 Minutes)

DOUBLE BROXBURN SUBSTITUTION (76 Minutes)

ON-Adam MacDonald & Darren Downie

OFF-Nick Locke & Gary Brass

SUBSTITUTION BROXBURN (81 Minutes)

ON- Conor Thomson

OFF-Kyle Bell

GOAL! Broxburn have a sixth! Joesph Smith crosses from the right and finds Darren Downie who takes a touch with his back to goal before turning and scoring low into the net.

EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 6 (Darren Downie-84 Minutes)

On 89 Minutes, Owen Wardell has a shot saved by Shire keeper Oliver Ecrepont. Up the other end, Greig Spence has a shot saved by Broxburn keeper Jordan Pettigrew in extra time.

A great way to get back to winning ways. The boys were clinical Infront of goal and could have scored a few more. Great performance by young Ruari Ellis who was solid at the back. The tough games come thick and fast next weekend as we take on East of Scotland Premier Division side Whitburn in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup Fourth Round.

FULL TIME

East Stirlingshire 1

Broxburn Athletic 6 (Wardell x2, Downie, Brass, Locke & G Page)

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE- Steven J. MacDonald

ASSISTANTS- Steven Adair & Chris Little

East Stirlingshire – Ecrepoint (GK), Docherty, Gomis ©, Brown, Nyamsi, Spence, Penker, O’ Neill, Latona, Lamont, Inglis

Subs- Ure, Coutts, Liddell, Flynn & Scullion.

NEXT GAME

Saturday the 21^st of December

East of Scotland Qualifying Cup Fourth Round

Whitburn (Away)

Central Park, Whitburn

1pm

Attendance 250

Broxburn Athletic–Watt (GK), Rodden, G Page, J Page, Bell, Wardell, Jones, Douglas ©, Smith, McLeod Kay, McRory Irving

SUBS- Pettigrew (GK), Mwangi, Brass, Thomson, Ellis, Millar, Locke

Broxburn return to league action with a Friday night trip into the capital, to play Hearts B at Ainslie Park.

Season 2024/25 has been a season of change for the Heart of Midlothian B team. Ex gaffer Liam Fox and assistant Lee Wallace joined new first team gaffer Neil Critchley’s coaching team when he joined the club in October. Ex Hearts youth player Angus Beith was appointed as head coach on Thursday afternoon.  Hearts B currently lie in thirteen position in the Lowland league. Winning four, drawing four and losing eight of their sixteen fixtures so far. The clubs top goal scorer is McKenzie Ross with 8 goals. Players to look out for on Friday night is Hearts legend and 2012 Scottish cup winner Jamie McDonald in goals, recent Edinburgh derby hero James Wilson and wingers Bobby McLuckie and Finlay Pollock who both have huge futures in the game. In the clubs last match, they drew in league action with Cowdenbeath 0-0 in league action on Friday the 8^th of November.

Hearts B Last Four Games

(19/10/24) East Kilbride (A) 4-1 (L)

(29/10/24) Celtic B (H) 1-2 (L)

(2/11/24) Albion Rovers (A) 3-0 (L)

(8/11/24) Cowdenbeath (H) 0-0 (D)

Broxburn Athletic were in their changed kits. Gold and black shirts, black shorts and gold and black socks. Hearts B were in all maroon kits.  Broxburn Athletic make two changes to the team that lost 4-0 to Clydebank last weekend in the South Challenge Cup fourth round. In comes Joseph Smith and Fionn McLeod Kay who replace Gary Brass and Marky Munro.

Broxburn start the game the better of the two sides with a lot of the ball in the first five minutes. But it’s Hearts B who create the first chance on the 6^th minute. McKenzie Ross had a shot from close range saved down low by Broxburn keeper Bob Watt.

Broxburn create a half chance on 7 minutes. Scott McRory Irving plays in Alassan Jones on the right. Jones drives into the box, but his shot hits the Hearts defender and hits back of Jones for a goal kick. On 9 minutes, Fionn McLeod Kay feeds in Alassan Jones on the right. Jones plays in Owen Wardell, but his ball picks up speed on the slippy surface and rolls out for a goal kick.

GOAL! Hearts B take the lead. Dom Plank charges down the left wing before finding Skipper Callum Sandilands in an advanced position. It’s eventually worked to McKenzie Ross who finishes past Bob Watt for the opening goal.

HEARTS B 1 (Ross-14 Minutes)

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 0

On 28 minutes, a cross from Owen Wardell finds Errol Douglas whose header doesn’t have the power required and Hearts clear their lines.

First booking of the night came for Broxburn’s Kyle Bell for a foul on Macauley Tait on 32 minutes.

On 35 minutes, Joseph Smith does excellent to win the ball from the Hearts left winger. But his pass to Jonathan Page puts the veteran Broxburn defender under pressure. McKenzie Ross capitalises, and his shot is saved by Bob Watt.

Next in the book is Hearts B goal scorer McKenzie Ross on 35 minutes, for kicking the ball out of the hands of Bob watt who had just slid of his line to collect a dangerous Hearts move.

Hearts B brake forward with pace. Dom Plank crosses for McKenzie Ross whose shot is saved by Broxburn keeper Bob Watt.

Big chance for a Broxburn equaliser right on 45 minutes. An Owen Wardell cross from the right finds Greg page who heads wide of target.

HALF TIME (1-0 Hearts B)

On 54 minutes, a Scott McRory Irving cross finds Fionn McLeod Kay whose bullet header is going into to the top corner, but Hearts captain Callum Sandilands clears of the line. The move ends with Owen Wardell shooting over the bar. On 59 minutes, we have another huge Broxburn chance. An Alassan Jones cross finds Errol Douglas whose header looks like it’s finding the top corner, but experienced Hearts B keeper Jamie McDonald makes a fantastic save and pushes it over the bar.

On 62 minutes, A Jones cross from the left find Errol Douglas again but this time he heads wide of target.

Broxburn coach Derek McWilliams is booked by referee Hogarth, after protests from the referee taking no action with Hearts defender Kai Smutek who in quick succession went through the back of Owen Wardell then pushed Kyle Bell by the face.

Great play by Joeseph Smith who flies down the left before crossing for Errol Douglas whose shot is saved by McDonald.

BROXBURN DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION (72 Minutes)

ON-Gary Brass & Nick Locke

OFF- Fionn McLeod Kay & Alassan Jones

Big chance for Broxburn on 80 minutes.  Nick Locke is through on goal and his shot produces another excellent save by Hearts B keeper Jamie McDonald, who tips the shot wide.

Next in the book is Hearts right back Lucas Smith for a foul on Nick Locke on 82 minutes.

SUBSTITUTION BROXBURN (84 Minutes)

ON-Bryan Mwangi

OFF-Jonathan Page

SUBSTITUTION BROXBURN (88 Minutes)

ON-Ruari Ellis

OFF-Joseph Smith

On 89 minutes, a Scott McRory Irving shot is over the bar. On 90 minutes, Broxburn are throwing everything at getting an equaliser. But Hearts nearly get a second on the break. Bob Watt comes of his line to win the slide tackle and the ball falls for Tait  whose chip is cleared of the line by Broxburn Defender Greg Page.

It ends 1-0 at Ainslie Park, but a lot of positives to take going into next weeks big Scottish Cup tie away to Stranraer. Joseph Smith and Fionn McLeod Kay both had good games. 

FULL TIME

Hearts B 1

Broxburn Athletic 0

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE- Ross Birrell

ASSISTANTS- Andrew Brown , Blair McAlpine

Hearts B – McDonald (GK), Smith, Nair, Smutek, Stevenson, Duncan, Sandilands ©, Plank, Gilles, Ross, Tait

Subs- Lyon (GK), McLuckie, Crookston, James, Robb

NEXT GAME

Saturday the 30^th of November

Scottish Cup Third Round

Stranraer (Away)

Stair Park

3pm

Attendance 100 

Broxburn travelled along the M8 to Airdrie to play Celtic “B” with half a team out through injury not ideal against a side that won well in the European Youth cup in midweek . With Kyle Bell added to the already lengthy injury list  Connor  Thomson replaces him in the starting line up with Ruari Ellis coming in for Jonathan Page who drops to the bench .

Celtic  punished us early doors setting tone for the game when a ball in from the right evaded the defence and Rhys Dargie was at the back post to slam home the opener on 4 minutes. Bryan Mwangi made a good move down right to bye line but his cross was cut out for a corner that came to nothing . On 12 minutes the hosts doubled their advantage Broxburn got caught at the back and the ball into box was then passed on to Rhys Dargie  from similar position to score his second . Celtic were flying and a third was scored when played out from the back down the left hand side the ball across the box eluded all and fell to Jude Bonnar standing on the penalty spot fired home giving Bob Watt no chance on 25 minutes  . Celtic were very clinical and with half time approaching they got their fourth through an ungiven clear offside position giving Daniel Cummings a one on one with Bob and he chipped it in to the top right hand corner . Celtic had a chance to go nap before half time but Bob saved at expense of a corner that came to nothing .

HALF TIME CELTIC”B” 4 BROXBURN ATHLETIC  0

Broxburn threatened early in the second half but Gary Brass could turn the chance into a goal on 54 minute’s . Celtic went nap a minute later when a good ball into space on the right to Josh Dede he cut inside from the right before cutting the ball across to the unmarked Daniel Cummings to fire home . At this stage it looked as though it could be a really bad day at the office but Broxburn picked up and made more of a game of it .

58 minutes

substitutions  Celtic ‘B’  17 Kyle Ure for 9 Daniel Cummings  and 18 Lewis Dobbie for 6 Francis Turley

Broxburn athletic  18 James Russell for 20 Scott Irving and 19 Fionn Kay for 9 Errol Douglas

On 70 minutes Gary Brass  forced a great save from Marcus Gill in the Celtic goal who had to look lively  to finger tip his effort on to the bar .

71 minutes

Substitutes  Celtic  ‘B’  15 Aidan Cannon for 3 Mitchell Frame

and 16 Aiden Haddow for 7 Lenny Agbaire

73 minutes

Substitutes   10 Darren Downie for  14 Gary Brass  and 21 Marcus Miller  for 4 Greg Page

75 minutes

Substitutes Celtic ‘B’ 14 Alasdair  Davidson  for 2 Colby Donovan

On 78 minutes Fionn Kay saw a shot sail over the bar after the referee gave him advantage while on a run in the build up he was being fouled .

With four minutes of normal time remaining a header goalwards from Kay had no power behind it and Gill gathered comfortably in the home goal . Bryan Mwangi shot well equalled by the save for a corner on 89 minutes .

Broxburn got a consolation goal when a throw in to James Russell then laid it off to Alassan Jones who fired it into the bottom right hand corner from 20 yards  .Marcus Gill tipped another effort over with the last chance of the game .

Not lot more to be said about this fixture and we move on to prepare for next week’s South Challenge Cup tie at Home to Clydebank

Attendance  275

Broxburn Athletic– Watt (GK), Rodden, G Page, J Page, Bell, Wardell, Douglas, Mwangi, McRory-Irving, Morris. Locke ©

SUBS- Pettigrew (GK), Jones, Downie, Brass. Turner. Thomson, Millar.

Broxburn returned to league action with a tough midweek away game against Bo’ness United
Going into this game, Bo’ness United lie in 7th place in the Lowland league. The club’s top scorer is Luca Stenhouse and Smart Osadolar who are both on four goals. In the last meeting between the sides was a 2-2 draw back in September at Albyn Park. Errol Douglas scored on 16 minutes, with a great run from the halfway line and good finish. Bo’ness equalised four minutes later. Keir McAuley’s cross from the left finds Smart Osadolar whose header is over Bob Watt for 1-1. United took the lead on 84 minutes. Referee Hogarth gave an indirect free kick, after Bob Watt saved an Andy Rodden clearance. Smart Osaldolar set up Shaun Rutherford, who’s shot went under the wall and beat Bob Watt for 2-1. But Broxburn fought back with a 91st minute equaliser. A deep Marky Munro cross from the right found Alassan Jones, whose initial shot was saved by Bo’ness keeper Melrose, but at the second attempt Jones scored to secure Broxburn a huge point.

Bo’ness United’s last 4 Games

(1/10/24) Berwick Rangers (H) 1-1 (D)

(5/10/24) Celtic B (H) 3-3 (D)

(6/10/24) Kilsyth Rangers (H) 3-1 (W)

(12/10/24) Eglington (A) 0-1 (W)

Bo’ness United are in all blue kits. Broxburn are in their traditional kits. Red and white shirts, white shorts and red and white socks. Broxburn make two changes to the team that beat Thorn Athletic 3-1 in the South of Scotland third round last Saturday. Returning to the starting eleven is captain Nick Locke and Jonathan Page, they replace Marcus Millar and Gary Brass.
Broxburn are the first to threaten on the 5th minute. Owen Wardell’s cross from the right had too much on it for Errol Douglas.
After a fast Broxburn start, its Bo’ness who nearly take the lead on 6 minutes. Lucas Stenhouse takes on Luke Morris before playing in Ryan Porteous. The Bo’ness striker fires his effort over the goal mouth and wide of target.
On 17 minutes, Kyle Bell drives into the area before playing in Broxburn top scorer Errol Douglas. Unfortunately, Douglas miss kicks his shot and it’s a Bo’ness goal kick.
Bo’ness United have another chance on 22 minutes. Luke Morris clearance is intercepted by Smart Osadolor. The Bo’ness number nine’s effort is just wide of target. On 23 minutes, a shot by Lucas Stenhouse deflects of Jonathan Page for a Bo’ness corner. From the resulting corner taken by Livingston loanee Stenhouse, it’s over everyone for a Broxburn goal kick.
First in the book today was Bo’ness United’s Adam Masson for a foul on Bryan Mwangi on 25 minutes. From the resulting free kick, Andy Rodden’s effort is over the bar.
Bang on 45 minutes, a dangerous free kick by Lucas Stenhouse is well defended by Greg Page who clears the danger for Broxburn.
HALF TIME (0-0)

On 52 minutes, we have a major talking point in the match. Bryan Mwangi fouled Adam Masson and the Bo’ness right back who was already on a booking swore at the referee, (We heard this from the assistant referee) which lead to him being shown a second yellow card. Silly from the Bo’ness right back and certainly put his team up against it for the remainder of the half. Bo’ness make a tactical substitution after the red card, with Ryan Stevenson replacing Louis Kennedy.

A powerful low shot by Luke Morris is saved by Bo’ness keeper Melrose on 56 minutes.
Next in the referee’s book is Broxburn’s Greg Page for dissent on 61 minutes.
Huge chance for Broxburn to take the lead on 65 minutes. Owen Wardell wins possession wide right. He passes it wide over the park for the advanced Bryan Mwangi who feeds in Broxburn skipper Nick Locke. Locke’s low cross is headed wide from close range by Errol Douglas.
Up the other end Bo’ness have a huge chance also a minute later. A good cross by Lucas Stenhouse from the right, is headed inches wide by Smart Osadolor.
Broxburn come forward again on 67 minutes, through left back Andy Rodden. Rodden delivers a great cross from the left and finds Bryan Mwangi who misses from close range. Kyle Bell comes close a minute later when his low shot is just wide of target for Broxburn.

DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION BROXBURN (68 Minutes)
ON- Alassan Jones & Gary Brass
OFF- Luke Morris & Bryan Mwangi
Another Broxburn chance on 69 minutes. An Errol Douglas shot is over the bar for the visitors. A minute later, an Andy Rodden cross from a free kick is headed wide by Douglas. On 79 minutes, Nick Locke plays a great through ball for Errol Douglas who nutmegs one defender, before Bo’ness number four, Lewis Duffy makes a great block to deny Douglas.
In the book next is Broxburn midfielder Kyle Bell for a foul on 84 minutes.
On 81 minutes, Owen Wardell is sent through on goal by Scott McRory Irving, but his shot is well blocked by Bo’ness keeper Melrose.
On 82 minutes, Owen Wardell is in again and his shot is over the bar.
Up the other end, Bo’ness winger Lucas Stenhouse has a shot saved by Bob Watt on 87 minutes.
On 89 minutes, an attempted chip by Scott McRory Irving is just over the bar for Broxburn.
It ends goalless at Newton Park tonight. Fair play to Bo’ness who defended well all night. Now we look to get back to winning ways against Civil Service Strollers on Saturday afternoon.

FULL TIME
Bo’ness United 0
Broxburn Athletic 0

MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE- Euan Birch
ASSISTANTS- Hannah McLean & James Quinn

Bo’ness United – Melrose (GK), Masson, Hawkins, Duffy, Travis ©, Irving, Stenhouse, Johnston, Osadolor, Porteous, Kennedy
Subs- Campbell (GK), Stevenson, Malcolm, Henderson, Grant, McLinden, Gemmell

NEXT GAME
Lowland League
Civil Service Strollers
Saturday the 19th of October
Albyn Park
3PM

Attendance 120

Broxburn Athletic– Watt (GK), Rodden, G Page, J Page, Morris, Bell, McRory-Irving, Locke ©, Wardell, Brass, Douglas

SUBS- Pettigrew (GK), Thomson, Downie, Kangni-Soukpe, Russell, McLeod-Kay & Mwangi

Broxburn returned to league action on Tuesday night with an away tie to league leaders Caledonian Braves at Alliance Park.

Caledonian Braves are the early pace setters in the Lowland league. They sit top of the table undefeated, winning seven and drawing three. The clubs top goal scorer is Ross McNeil. They are managed by ex-Falkirk and Partick Thistle midfielder Ricky Waddell. In the clubs last fixture, they defeated University of Stirling in the Scottish Cup first round 2-0 last Saturday at Forthbank stadium. Both goals were scored by Ross McNeil. The club drew Musselburgh Athletic in the Scottish Cup third round.

Caledonian Braves Last 4 Games

(7/9/24) Gretna 2008 (H) 0-0 (D)

(14/9/24) Rossvale (H) 2-0 (W)

(21/9/24) East Kilbride (A) 0-2 (W)

(28/9/24) University of Stirling (A) 0-2 (W)

Caledonian Braves are in all white strips. Broxburn are in their changed, all navy strips.  Broxburn make two changes to the side who defeated Dalkeith Thistle in the Scottish Cup 1^st round last Friday night 4-0. In comes Gary Brass and Luke Morris who replace Alassan Jones and Lewis Turner.

Caledonian Braves make a lightning start to the game. They are in total control of possession.

GOAL! They get their reward on the 7^th minute. A flick on finds Ross McNeil who heads home from close range.

CALEDONIAN BRAVES 1 (McNeil-6 Minutes)

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 0

Braves come flying forward again on 11 minutes. Their captain Guthrie is fouled on the build up and referee Ashwood plays the advantage. It’s worked to McLaren whose shot is saved by Bob Watt.

Broxburn come forward for the first time in the match on 12 minutes. Owen Wardell delivery from the left is well read by Braves Keeper White who catches the cross. On 17 minutes, Andy Rodden is fouled and Broxburn have a dangerous free kick. Up steps Rodden whose effort hits the wall, and the deflection is collected by Braves keeper White.

On 19 minutes, a shot by Speirs for Caledonian Braves is way over the bar.

On 29 minutes, Owen Wardell delivers a great cross from the left that is cleared by Braves defender Martins, who just get to the ball before Gary Brass.

Big chance for Caledonian Braves on 31 minutes. McLaren beats the offside trap, and his shot is saved well by Bob Watt,

GOAL! Broxburn equalise! Greg Page long ball finds captain Nick Locke. Locke takes on two Braves defender before slotting it into the right corner, leaving Braves keeper Whyte no chance.

CALEDONIAN BRAVES 1

BROXBURN ATHLETIC 1 (Nick Locke-34 Minutes)

On 38 minutes, Bob Watt gets a talking too by the referee for his protests about the floodlights. Very bad lighting round the stadium! Really poor for this standard of football.

On 40 minutes, Errol Douglas nods on a long ball. Braves keeper Whyte comes for the ball and collects just before Gary Brass.

First booking of the match comes on 42 minutes. Jonathan Page is booked for a foul on the edge of the box. A dangerous free kick is taken by Murray and his effort is well saved down low by Bob Watt.

HALF TIME (1-1)

On 48 minutes, Broxburn look more in the mood. Owen Wardell takes on the Braves left back before delivering a great, teasing cross over with no takers. On 49 minutes, another whipped cross in from Andy Rodden is just over the bar.

On 57 minutes, Mclaren is booked for a pull-on Owen Wardell. Andy Rodden takes the resulting free kick, and his effort is over the bar.

Big chance for Broxburn to take the lead on 73 minutes.  Errol Douglas shot is saved by Braves keeper Whyte. The rebound falls too Brass, whose shot is blocked of the line via the bar by Braves defender Jack Brown. On 74 minutes, Owen Wardell’s shot is saved by Whyte. On 79 minutes, Broxburn have another huge chance to take the lead. Owen Wardell’s cross finds Errol Douglas who heads just wide of the right-hand post.

Next in the referee’s book is Greg Page for a foul on 83 minutes.

A good point on the road that I felt we edged against the current league leaders. We now look to get back to winning ways against East Stirlingshire on Saturday.

FULL TIME

Caledonian Braves 1

Broxburn Athletic 1 (Nick Locke)

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE- Mr Ashwood

ASSISTANTS- Mr Haswell & Mr Andrews

Caledonian Braves – Whyte (GK), Brown, Martins, McDowall, R Stewart, Guthrie ©, Gkeka, Murray, Spiers, R Mclaren, McNeil

Subs- C McLaren, Breadner, Clocherty, Gemmell, Walker, McCarthur & King (GK)

NEXT GAME

Lowland League

East Stirlingshire (H)

Saturday the 5^th of October

Albyn Park

3pm