Venue: Home

Total Attendance 320

75^th Anniversary Tournament: Broxburn Athletic v Pollok 23 July 2023

 The 3^rd / 4^th place play off game between Dundee United B and Livingston B turned out to be a close affair, both teams missed a penalty before United edged ahead in 70 minutes through Stirton. The Arabs added a 2^nd goal in 78 minutes with Forbes on the mark. Livi pulled a goal back on 82 minutes through Reilly but there was no further scoring giving United the win.

Broxburn showed 2 changes from yesterdays starting line up Page and Heath for Campbell and Downie. Pollok made 9 changes to their starting line up Burrows, Morgan, Rumsby, Barr, Christie, Main, Docherty, Nelson and Gallacher for Burns, Forrester, Gow, Hutton, Maley, Lindsay, Forde, McKenzie and Duff.

In the tournament final Pollok were first to threaten with a high ball in that Donoghue had to watch closely and took at the 2^nd attempt.

Broxburn responded and in some style Locke played a delightful pass which sliced through the visitors defence, Munro ran on to the pass and sent over a perfect cross to the near post where HEATH controlled and turned the ball into the net past keeper Starrs.

A poor kick out from Donoghue resulted in a free kick being conceded Mullen took the kick on the left side which Millar headed strongly clear, the ball was played back in and once again Millar mopped up the danger.

In the 8^th minute Munro was sent away down the right wing his cross was just behind Locke this time.

Christie played in a dangerous ball from the right D.Nimmo did well to head out for a corner. Mullen took the kick, Morgan got to it at the back post but couldn’t get a clean contact on the ball and his effort went wide.

Mullen was prominent again on the left playing a great ball to Christie who played a great ball to the back post where Docherty rose planted a firm header downwards but Donoghue pulled off a brilliant save.

In the 16^th minute Munro tried to unlock the Pollok defence but his pass to Trialist No 9 was just overhit.

Two minutes later Heath took a free kick on the left 30 yards out D.Nimmo made contact with his head but couldn’t direct goal wards.

Pollok broke quickly in 20 minutes Gallacher making good ground on the left, he swung over a deep cross where Christie collected he played the ball back in Donoghue dived to save but parried to BARR who headed in the equaliser. Pollok caught the Brox defence napping for a second time this time DOCHERTY applying the finish.

Gallacher was having a good game on the left for the visitors playing a neat ball inside to Docherty who was brought down at the edge of the box. Mullen took the free kick but it went straight to Donoghue.

Pollok went close again in 32 minutes Gallacher and Mullen sending balls into the home box with Millar and D.Nimmo standing strong to clear. The third cross from Mullen found Docherty at the back post But his header just went wide of the left hand post.

Turner was booked in 37 minutes.

Christie was booked for dissent in 40 minutes.

In 44 minutes Gallacher made a great run down the left his cross dealt with by D.Nimmo who conceded a corner. Mullen took the kick which found Morgan at the back post but he touched the ball wide of the right hand post.

 HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 2 Pollok

Broxburn made 4 changes at the break, Campbell, Gray, Trialist 17 and R.Nimmo replaced Davidson, D.Nimmo, Turner and Locke.

In 55 minutes Munro was booked for a bad challenge on Gallacher.

Mullen took the resulting free kick which Donoghue collected.

In 57 minutes Campbell made good ground on the left before being fouled . The free kick was played in and broke to Gray who played into PAGE who hit a left foot shot which beat Starrs and into the bottom right hand corner of the net for his first Brox goal.

Trialist No. 9 was booked and then substituted being replaced by Downie in 59 minutes.

In 64 minutes Docherty and Nelson were replaced by Anderson and Kerr.

A Brox change followed Heath going off with Wilson coming on.

In 66 minutes R.Nimmo played a great ball in with the ball chested down to Downie who cracked a great shot which Starrs did brilliantly to save at concession of a corner. From Gray’s corner Millar won the header at the back post but his effort flew over the bar.

Pollok went down the other end Gallacher beating Munro and firing over a great cross which the Brox defence managed to scramble clear.

Nice play from Wilson who played a ball into R.Nimmo whose shot was blocked by Mullen.

In 74 minutes Pollok made 3 changes Barr, Christie and Gallacher went off to be replaced by Duff, Cassells and Forrester.

R.Nimmo was booked in the following minute.

In 80 minutes Burrows was replaced by a trialist.

Great play from Gray sets# up the winning of a corner. The corner was deep where Page retrieved on the right he swung another ball in with Starrs pulling off a brilliant save to deny Gray. From Gray’s corner DOWNIE bulleted the ball into the net to complete the Brox comeback. Time 86 minutes.

The visitors were dealt a huge blow when Main was shown a straight red card for dissent in 87 minutes.

In the 3^rd minute of injury time Pollok forced the ball into the box Campbell sclaffed his clearance high into the air Kerr was first to get his head to the ball but his header drifted wide left.

That was the visitors last chance crowning Broxburn as winners of the trophy and bringing down the curtain on a cracking close season.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 3 – 2 Pollok

Referee Mr J. Kelly   Assistants  Mr R. Macartney, Mr J. Gardiner

 

 

 

Total attendance 255

75th Anniversary Tournament: Broxburn Athletic v Livingston B 22 July 2023

To complete the pre-season The Brox invited West Premier League side Pollok, Livingston FC B and Dundee Utd B to the Albyn for a weekend tournament to celebrate the clubs 75th Anniversary.

In the first game of the weekend Pollok played Dundee Utd B. Pollok went ahead in 40 minutes through Evan Maley’s 1st goal for the club which was cancelled out by a 48th minute equaliser from the Taysiders. Penalties were required to separate the teams Pollok triumphing 4-3 Andy Gallacher scoring the winning penalty.

Broxburn then shaped up against Livingston B in a West Lothian derby to decide who would play Pollok in the final tomorrow. Broxburn made 6 changes from the side which started against Lowland League Hearts B in midweek. Watt, R.Nimmo, Heath, T15, T16 and T21 replaced by Donoghue, Munro, Campbell, D.Nimmo, Turner and T9.

The game got off to a fast paced start Locke chased on to a long ball and won a corner off Allan. Turner took the corner kick to the near post where there were loud shouts for handball by a Livi defender but these claims were waved away.

Livingston broke quickly Goncalves playing a great ball down the right to Featherston who got away from Campbell and was dragged back in the penalty area causing the referee to point to the penalty spot. BAHAMBOULA took the kick confidently striking the ball into the net to give the visitors an early lead. Time 2 minutes.

Both sides were finding it difficult to create chances in the wind which was prevailing.

In 10 minutes Turner sent a nice pass out to Davidson his cross being blocked for a corner. Turner took the kick but Bitsindou headed clear.

Turner was asserting himself in midfield playing another neat ball out to Munro his cross controlled by Downie who turned and got in a shot from a tight angle which he couldn’t quite direct on target.

Campbell was fouled by Goncalves on the left, Davidson took the free kick , Downie flicked on with the back of his head, D.Nimmo headed back across goal where Trialist No.9 got in a shot but it deflected wide. Turner took the corner but Livi cleared their lines.

A Turner foul on Bahamboula 25 yards from goal gave the young Lions a presentable opportunity. The same player took the free kick which was well struck with Donoghue playing safe by palming the ball over the bar.

In the 25th minute Campbell went on a terrific run down the left his cross was bang on the money forcing Howie in the Livi goal to dive full length to save.

D.Nimmo was booked for a foul on Bahamboula in the following minute.

In 28 minutes Broxburn broke quickly Trialist No. 9 playing a great ball to Locke who got beyond the Livi defence but his lob beat Howie but not the right hand post.
In the following minute Davidson tried an ambitious shot from distance which Howie parried and gathered at the 2nd attempt.

The pressure finally paid on the half hour Locke playing in a delicious ball from the right which TRIALIST No. 9 guided neatly into the net to tie the scores.

The trialist had a brilliant chance to double his tally shortly afterwards Davidson sending him clear but his effort just missed the net but hit the side netting.

In the 33rd minute the trialist was played in again on the right he tried to place his shot wide of Howie but the keeper was the equal of the effort and saved with his feet.

Munro went on a great run down the right and his cross was accurate and met by Trialist No. 9 but he saw his effort go over the bar.

Campbell fouled Stenhouse on the right in 43 minutes. Stenhouse took the kick himself and his cross found Bitsindou all alone 6 yards out but he volleyed over the bar.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 1 Livingston B
Into the 2nd half and Livi were first to create a chance Bitsindou and Bahamboula interchanging passes to allow the former a clear shot which went well wide of the right hand post.

In 54 minutes Heath replaced Trialist No9.

Munro collected the ball 40 yards from goal advanced forward and unleashed a shot which was well off target.

Campbell looked dangerous on the left beating a defender and playing in a cross to the near post which Locke got to with his shot blocked off by Allan and scrambled clear. The Brox retrieved possession settling up Munro who cracked a shot from 30 yards which just cleared the cross bar.

Turner went off injured in 63 minutes Trialist 15 replaced him.

In a nice Livingston move Stenhouse beat Campbell and his cross was begging for a touch but no young Lions were in the vicinity to do so.

In 72 minutes Featherston, McAuley and No. 19 went off to be replaced by MacFarlane-Letham, Kirk and McAfferey.
Broxburn also made changes Downie and Munro going off Gray and R.Nimmo coming on.

The Brox were getting stronger as the game went on Campbell and Heath combining well, with the former crossing in which Locke got to but once again he was thwarted this time by keeper Howie.

Heath did well in 84 minutes on the left sending over a great ball which Locke got his head to heading down but Howie managed to get enough on it to keep out of the net.

Campbell was booked in 85 minutes.
The Brox pressure finally paid off Campbell and Heath again the architects on the left , Heath hitting the bye line, his cross was pin point for R.NIMMO at the back post who applied the finish from close range to give the Brox the win and a place in tomorrow’s final against Pollok.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 2 – 1 Livingston B

Referee Mr B. Falconer  Assistants Mr S.McArthur, Mr S. Simpson

 

 

Attendance  375

Pre – Season Friendly: Broxburn Athletic v Hearts B 18 July 2023

Broxburn continued their pre-season friendlies with the visit of Lowland League side Hearts B to the Albyn. Broxburn made 6 changes to the starting line up from the one who had impressively over turned Gartcairn 4-0 last weekend. R.Nimmo, Downie, Heath, Trialists 15,16 and 21 replaced Munro, Page, D.Nimmo, Douglas, Brass and Trialist No 7.

Hearts B finished in 13th position in their first season in the Lowland League in 2022/23. They had been in good form in their pre-season friendlies winning 3-0 against Preston Athletic and last Saturday 3-1 versus Dunbar United.

There were early chances in the game for both sides. In the 2nd minute McLuckie made good ground down the left and then squared to Kirk who worked keeper Watt who saved with his feet.
Bremner had a chance for the Brox but he headed the ball past the right post.
In the 11th minute Bremner was fouled around 30 yards out, Locke took the free kick but it was high and well off target.
Down the other end and McLuckie made a good run down the left and cut back to Kirk whose shot was blocked for a corner. Watt claimed the corner confidently.
In the 14th minute Heath cut in from the left and was fouled 30 yards out by Chisholm. Davidson took the kick deep to the back post but was overhit and beyond Millar.
Hearts were knocking the ball around well with Chisholm trying his luck from distance but Watt saved comfortably.

In the 20th minute Friel committed a foul on Locke on the left Davidson took the kick which was palmed in the air by keeper McFarlane which he took at the second attempt.

A decent Brox move in 26 minutes saw Davidson slide a good ball out to R.Nimmo who whipped the ball in just eluding Downie in the process.

The Brox’s best effort at goal came on the half hour Heath cutting inside and letting rip a shot from 22 yards which McFarlane did brilliantly to save and parry round the post at the expense of a corner. Davidson took the award but the keeper was fouled ending the move.

Broxburn were defending the slick Hearts passing moves well McLuckie again prominent and getting off a shot which was blocked by Trialist No 21. Another chance presented itself this time Friel who couldn’t keep his shot down.

R.Nimmo and Trialist No 15 combined well down the right wing R.Nimmo swinging in a cross which McFarlane collected well.

In 37 minutes Friel took a free kick which from 22 yards which just curled over the bar.

In the 40th minute the breakthrough came for the wee Jambo’s nice work down the right saw the ball worked inro DALL who was afforded time to turn and slot the ball low past Watt into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Ross then fired in a shot which was straight at Watt.

Davidson was replaced by Gray in the 42nd minute.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 0 – 1 Hearts B
Changes at halftime: Page for Millar, Munro for Trialist No.15 and Campbell for Bremner. Hearts B introduced a Trialist No.13 in their goals.
Hearts came out of the traps flying Stevenson firing in a strong shot which Watt saved and did brlliantly to smother at Kirk’s feet on the rebound.
In the 51st minute great play from Chisholm to find McLuckie but his curling shot went just wide of the right hand post.
Stevenson won a corner off Page on the left, McLuckie took the corner picking out Friel at the edge of the box who volleyed first time but his effort went just wide of the left post.
In 56 minutes the wee Jambo’s were awarded a penalty Trialist No.16 bringing down Kirk. KIRK took the penalty and sent Watt the wrong way his kick going left, the keeper to the right. Time 57 minutes.
In the following minute Kirk went off to be replaced by Plesiewicz.
The Brox made good ground in 59 minutes Campbell setting R.Nimmo away down the right, the wee winger’s cross was a good one which was defended for a corner. Gray took the kick high to the back post Page won but couldn’t direct onto the target.
In 63 minutes McLuckie went off Hogarth came on.
Stevenson worked his way into the penalty box but curled his effort high and over.
Trialist No.16 made a good run down the left and cut the ball back to Heath whose shot was blocked.
Ross then got a shot off from a tight angle which Watt was the equal of.
In 70 minutes R.Nimmo was replaced by D.Nimmo and for Hearts B Stevenson and Friel were substituted for Burn and Muirhead.
A further change for Hearts B in 76 minutes Crookston replaced Duncan.
In the next minute a mistake on the right by Munro the ball was played into the back post on the right where Ross got his head to the ball but Watt saved well at his right post.
Broxburn put together their best move of the 2nd half in 79 minutes Trialist No.16 played in a great ball Heath struck a shot first time which McConnell did well to save .
Another change for Hearts B followed Ross went off Anderson on then not long after Dall was replaced with Trialist No.17.
Hearts B should have added to their tally in injury time Plesiewicz flicking the ball through to Muirhead but he shot over when well placed.
FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 0 – 2 Hearts B

Referee Mr M. Harris  Assistants Mr J. Fairley (jnr) , Mr A. Simmonds

 

 

Attendance 140

Pre – Season Friendly: Broxburn Athletic v Gartcairn 15 July 2023

Broxburn welcomed West Premier League newcomers Gartcairn to the Albyn for the fourth pre-season friendly, on another warm sunny day. Broxburn made 7 changes from the starting line up used in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Gala Fairydean Rovers. Watt replaced Donoghue in goal, Page, D.Nimmo, Douglas, Brass, Trialist No. 7 and Locke replaced Campbell, Downie, Heath, Gillen, Trialist 21 and Turner.

Gartcairn had a great 2022/23 season being promoted into the West Premier league as champions. They kicked off their pre-season friendlies last weekend beating Thornton Hibs 6-0.

The visitors almost got off to the perfect start in the 2nd minute Aitken sliding a great ball through to Burns who lobbed Watt but his effort cleared the bar. Although the referee’s assistant did flag the centre forward offside.

Broxburn went straight down the other end with Locke playing the ball into the penalty box to try and find Brass but Dunlop anticipated well and cleared.

In 8 minutes Locke played a brilliant pass inside Boyle for Munro to run on to and he drilled in a cross which McGlauchlan defended well at the near post.

A minute later and a mis-placed pass from Crerand allowed Bremner to advance his pass to Brass was just overhit and the chance was gone.

Aitken slid a great ball through to Burns but Page brilliantly got to the ball ahead of the striker and guided the ball back to Watt.

The same combination for Gartcairn did well again Burns thwarted by an ever alert Watt in the home goal who got to the ball first at the edge of the penalty area.

In 17 minutes Douglas sent Munro off on a run down the right, his cross being blocked by Boyle at the expense of a corner. Davidson took the corner D.Nimmo got his his head to it but couldn’t direct on target being pressured well by McGlauchlan.

Gartcairn then had a real let off goalkeeper Pirie dwelt on the ball and was caught by Brass who tried to shoot but the keeper did well to recover and save.

Another good home move saw Brass head flicking the ball on to Douglas who got into the box and hit a shot with his left foot which just cleared the bar.

In the 24th minute Boyle’s cross from the left found Bain who controlled well but his shot was blocked almost breaking for Burns but Watt claimed the ball before the striker.

Two minutes later Bremner threaded a pass out to Douglas on the right he got to the bye line cutting back for Brass who held the ball up and fed Munro who cracked a shot for goal which was blocked for a corner.

Davidson took the kick which found the head of DOUGLAS who powerfully headed the ball into the net. Time 27 minutes.

Gartcairn had another let off in 29 minutes from a long ball forward Pirie and Boyle seemed to leave to each other to deal with Brass got inbetween them and got a foot to the ball but his effort went over the bar.

MUNRO then showed great awareness dispossessing Mitchell in midfield and taking a few strides forward before drilling the ball low which Pirie got a hand to but couldn’t prevent the ball going into the bottom right corner of the net to put the Brox 2 up. Time 32 minutes.

Things got even better when Bremner once again fed the ever willing Munro on the right his cross blocked for a corner by McGlauchlan. Davidson took the kick again from the right Mitchell cleared to the edge of the area, D.Nimmo chipped the ball back into the penalty area finding BRASS where he steadied himself before firing the ball into the right hand corner of the net. Time 34 minutes.

In a free flowing Broxburn passing move Munro hit a tremendous cross deep to the back post which found Millar arriving at full tilt his fierce header brilliantly saved by Pirie and scrambled clear.

In 43 minutes a clear opportunity for Gartcairn to pull a goal back Boyle’s cross saw Page slip leaving Burns with a free header but he could only direct his effort straight at Watt.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 3 – 0 Gartcairn
Changes at half time for Broxburn were T15 for Munro and Campbell for Millar. Gartcairn replaced Bain with Stevenson.
In 50 minutes Campbell made good ground down the left his cross well defended by Stevenson.
A long ball forward by Crerand trying to seek out Burns but Watt was aware of the possible danger and got to the ball first at the edge of his penalty area.
In 56 minutes from a short taken free kick Davidson played to T7 on the left whose cross was blocked for a corner. Davidson’s delivery was pinpoint once again with D.Nimmo chesting the ball goalwards which McGlauchlan did well to clear off the line.
Bremner took a free kick 3 minutes later which curled round the wall but was collected by keeper Pirie.
Campbell was penalised for a foul on the hour which Aitken took, Stevenson got his head to the ball but couldn’t direct on target.
More Broxburn changes followed Brass, Locke and Trialist No.7 were replaced by Downie, Heath and Gray.
Downie spurned a great chance set up by Douglas, with his first touch having a clear sight of goal he shot wide left from 12 yards.
In 65 minutes Crerand went off for Gartcairn Lermouth coming on as replacement.
Another great Broxburn passing move saw Campbell get in a cross which McGlauchlan did well to get to and prevent Douglas from adding another goal.
Gray was fouled by Mitchell in 68 minutes 22 yards out in a central position. He took the kick himself which deflected off the wall and through to Pirie.
In 75 minutes the Brox unlocked the Gartcairn defence again Campbell’s cross was met by McGlauchlan whose clearance went up in the air, Pirie came out to try and claim but only succeeded in knocking the ball to BREMNER who volleyed the ball into the net from close range.
Gartcairn responded Burns cracking a great shot from 30 yards just over the bar.
From a Heath error in 81 minutes Burns tried his luck again but his effort was straight at Watt.
In 89 minutes Burns went on a run down the left beating D.Nimmo but his effort was blocked by Trialist No. 15 for a corner. Aitken took the kick but Downie cleared.
FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 4– 0 Gartcairn

Referee  Mr  R. Struthers   Assistants  Mr. S. McArthur, Mr. S. Robertson

 

 

Attendance 139

Pre – Season Friendly: Broxburn Athletic v Gala Fairydean Rovers 11 July 2023 

Broxburn’s third pre-season friendly saw Lowland League Gala Fairydean Rovers make a trip to the Albyn. Broxburn made 5 changes to the starting side from Saturday’s 2-1 win v Dundee North End, Donoghue, Downie, Heath, Gillen and a trialist replaced Watt, Page, Douglas, Brass and Gray.

Gala Fairydean got their pre-season friendlies started last Saturday drawing 1-1 at home with Kilsyth Rangers.

Broxburn took the lead on 10 minutes when a lobbed pass back to the keeper saw him with a heavey touch that broke to HEATH who kept his composure to round the keeper and slot the ball home .

Gala tried to respond to going a goal down in 16 minutes Drammeh went on a good run down the right which was stopped illegally by Millar just outside the box on the right. Reid took the kick but his effort hit the Brox wall.

Two minutes later Heath fashioned a chance for himself on 18 minutes hitting a shot which crashed off the corner of bar and post and scrambled away, the danger wasn’t over with Downie getting on the end of a cross which Dick was fortunate to save with his feet when knowing little about it.

In 23 minutes a long ball forward from keeper Dick caught out Millar, Drammeh was quick to capitalise advancing into the Brox box but Millar recovered well to win a goal kick off the forward.

Gala were having a decent spell Boyle advancing down the right and sending over a dangerous cross which Munro did brilliantly to head flick away from trouble.

In 26 minutes Watt threaded a ball through to Drammeh but Donoghue made a fantastic save at the Gala players feet to thwart the danger.

The Brox forced 3 corners in quick succession Campbell almost squeezing in a header at the back post but Dick tipped over. Davidson hit a shot from the edge of the box from the second one which deflected for another corner. It was 3^rd time lucky from Heath’s pin point delivery BREMNER with a glancing header, the ball flying into the left hand corner of the net. Time 32 minutes.

A great Brox passing move in 36 minutes ended with Gillen firing over a great cross which the Gala defence just prevented from going to Downie.

In the 43^rd minute Semple forced his way into the box and slipped the ball to Watt whose shot was blocked for a corner. The corner was played short and a cross fired in to the box where Donoghue was adjudged to have been fouled.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 2 – 0 Gala Fairydean Rovers

In 50 minutes Watson replaced Boyle for Gala.

Drammeh was penalised for a foul on the right, Heath took the free kick but Dick claimed well.

In 55 minutes Drammeh won a corner off Campbell. Watt took the corner but Downie rose well to clear.

There was more urgency about the Gala play now and this paid off when substitute Watson got to the bye line with his cross deadly accurate for REID to head into the left side of the net.

Gillen had to leave the field with an injury and was replaced by Wilson in 59 minutes.

The right side was proving a focal point of the visitors attack Watson again crossing well to find Ostel whose shot was well blocked and cleared.

In 62 minutes Douglas and Brass replaced Downie and Heath.

Three minutes later and another home change D.Nimmo replaced Millar.

In 66 minutes Turner took a corner on the right BRASS pealed off his marker and stooped to head the ball into the left corner of the net to restore the Brox’s 2 goal lead.

A minute later and Wilson worked his way into the box on the left and curled a fine cross to the back post which just eluded Douglas.

Watson was once again a danger on the right his cross this time flicked away from danger by Page who also dealt with the cross that followed from the left clearing his lines well.

In 71 minutes Turner also left the field injured Gray replaced him.

A trialist No.7 came on for Broxburn to replace Bremner in 75 minutes.

A minute later Douglas controlled the ball well outside the box and passed to Brass who cracked his shot over the bar.

Gala worked a nice opportunity for Reid whose shot was good but Donoghue did well to save at the expense of a corner. Nothing came of the corner.

Scott was then booked for Gala for a poor challenge on Davidson who had to go off injured leaving the Brox with only 10 men.

Gray lost the ball in midfield in 84 minutes with Ostel played in and hitting a strong shot which Donoghue was the equal of as he parried and collected.

From a corner in 86 minutes Gray sent over a great ball which had the visiting defence struggling to clear which they were fortuitous to do so.

Gala forced a corner in 88 minutes which Watt took but Page rose imperiously to clear with his head.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 3– 1 Gala Fairydean Rovers

Referee  Mr F. Bushell  Assistants  Miss N. Westwood , Mr C. McFeat

 

 

 

Attendance 132

Pre – Season Friendly: Broxburn Athletic v Dundee North End 8 July 2023 

Broxburn made 4 changes from Tuesday’s starting line up against Tranent, Millar for D.Nimmo, Brass for Heath, Davidson for Wilson and Bremner for the injured Sayers as they welcomed Midland League side Dundee North End to the Albyn for the second pre-season friendly.

North End had a fine season in the Midland League last season finishing 5^th in the league and winning a trophy the Quest Precision Engineering Cup defeating league champions Carnoustie Panmure 4-1. They were also in action in midweek losing out narrowly by 2-1 to Highland League Brechin City.

The early exchanges were quite even with with a Brass effort being blocked the only real opening chance wise of note.

In the 23^rd minute a free kick from the left was played to the back post on the right where Smith got to it but he couldn’t direct his effort on goal with the ball going out for a goal kick.

The Brox broke the deadlock Brass winning a corner kick on the right off Rice. Gray took the corner with BRASS unchallenged in the centre of the goalmouth he headed into the left hand corner of the net. Time 28 minutes.

North End responded positively winning a corner on the right Devine took the kick picking out Rice at the edge of the area who volleyed the ball which was blocked and cleared by Turner.

The visitors were passing the ball about well Bollan and Shearer combining nicely to win a corner off Page.

Devine took the kick short to Kidd whose cross was claimed confidently by Watt.

In 37 minutes Page played a long ball forward for Brass to chase but his pass was just overhit and out for a goal kick.

A minute later and Devine was fouled by Turner around 35 yards from goal , Kidd took the free kick playing an intelligent ball out to Gibb whose cross was a good one finding the head of Smith who flashed his header just wide of the right post.

In 41 minutes Bremner played a neat ball forward to Davidson who was crowded out by the North End defence and the ball cleared.

North End had another good chance in 45 minutes after some good pressure the ball broke to Montgomery who hurried his effort from the edge of the penalty box which cleared the cross bar.

Into injury time and Davidson played a nice ball down the wing to Trialist No. 2 whose cross in was right on the money Adam doing well in the visitors goal to collect.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 0 Dundee North End

Both teams made changes at half time Heath replacing Gray and Rollo coming on for Bollan.

In 51 minutes Rollo played the ball to Gibson and then onto Devine who got in a cross which Turner did well to block.

Then right of the blue the ball fell perfectly for MONTGOMERY 25 yards out who volleyed the ball into the right hand corner of the net past Watt to tie the score. Time 52 minutes.

In 54 minutes Broxburn made 4 changes D.Nimmo, Gillen, Downie and Wilson for Page, Douglas, Brass and Turner.

A fairly innocuous long ball forward was watched closely by North End keeper Adam who ended up tipping the ball over the bar for a corner. Heath took the corner but was cleared by the visitors.

In 58 minutes Davidson almost was caught out by good pressure from Montgomery but Watt was alert to the danger and collected before the North End player could create a chance.

On the hour Kidd and Shearer went off to be replaced by McLaughlin and Garden.

Devine was having a good game for North End, he cut in from the left and got off a shot which was blocked and cleared by D.Nimmo.

In the following minute Devine was sent clear but Watt again was alert to the danger and brilliantly dived at the wingers feet at concession of just a corner.

In 68 minutes a Campbell cross from the left was headed wide by Downie.

Another Brox change followed in 75 minutes Davidson went off Trialist No.12 replaced him.

In 85 minutes a nice passing move between Wilson, Campbell and Gillen lead to Campbell getting a shot off which was blocked and cleared.

Wilson and Campbell once again combined on the left with a cross only partially cleared to Gillen whose shot was well struck and saved well by Adam but he couldn’t hold on to the ball it breaking to DOWNIE who tapped the ball into the net from 3 yards out. Time 87 minutes.

Gillen got in on the right wing but his cross was too near Adam who collected the ball confidently.

Gibson then fashioned a shooting chance in injury time for himself but his effort was straight at Watt.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 2 – 1 Dundee North End

Referee  Mr. C. Stevens   Assistants  Mt. J.Crocker , Mr K. Linejs

 

 

 

Pre – Season Friendly: Broxburn Athletic v Tranent Juniors 4 July 2023

 Attendance 200

Broxburn welcomed Tranent for the first of the 2023/24 pre season friendlies at the Albyn. Four of the clubs new signings made their Brox debuts from the start Bob Watt in goals, Greg Page, Kai Wilson and Lewis Turner.

Tranent had a great first season in the Lowland league and new manager Max Christie brought a strong squad with him for his sides first pre-season warm up game.

In the 2^nd minute Walsh went for a run down the left matched by Sayers who conceded a corner. Home keeper Watt collected the corner kick confidently.

Tranent dominated the ball in the early stages passing it around well making it difficult for the Brox to build any possession.

Walsh was prominent again for the visitors in 10 minutes hitting a great crossfield ball which Broxburn’s trialist No. 2 cut out well and headed back to Watt.

In the 11^th minute Gray tried to find Heath who took a heavy touch and lost possession. The same combination tried again a minute later but Gray’s pass was too heavy and ran through to Jack.

Broxburn lost possession 30 yards out in 13 minutes Walsh playing a neat pass to Maughan whose shot took a deflection and just went wide. Once again Watt claimed the corner kick confidently.

In 14 minutes Broxburn got a foothold in the visitors half Douglas head flicked the ball on to Heath who’s cross was cleared by Bauld for a throw. From the throw Sayers played the ball inside to GRAY whose sheer persistence paid off when he rode a couple of challenges and fired the ball past Jack into the right corner of the net to give the Brox the lead.

Walsh was fouled on the left wing with Irvine taking the resulting free kick, but Page headed the cross clear powerfully.

Irvine then did well in 22 minutes creating a shooting chance 20 yards out but his effort was straight at Watt.

The left side was where the visitors looked their most dangerous and it struck gold for them in 24 minutes WATSON beat Sayers all ends up advanced into the penalty box and curled a great shot past Watt and off the inside of the right post and into the net to tie the score.

Tranent’s passing was a joy to watch at times McIntyre and Watson combining well down the left with the former’s cross headed out for a corner by D.Nimmo.

In the 35^th minute Brett’s cross from the right saw a clash between Maughan and Watt as they both went for the ball which thankfully both emerged from fit to continue.

Four minutes later Douglas sent Heath on a run down the right, his cross was a good one which Horne got to and conceded a corner. Gray took the kick, but the visitors cleared.

In 44 minutes, Walsh fed Murphy who beat 2 Broxburn players before firing just wide of the left hand post.

HALF TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 1 Tranent Juniors

Tranent made changes at half time Miller, Ross and Jones replaced Maughan, Higginbottom and Walsh.

Watson was looking lively down the left and drove over a great cross in 48 minutes but none of his team mates could get within touch distance.

Gray played a great through ball to Douglas, but he was flagged offside.

The Broxburn trialist fouled Miller around 22 yards from the goal right of centre. JONES took the free kick with his left foot curling his shot over Watt and into the top left hand corner of the net. Time 51 minutes.

In the 54^th minute Brett moved infield and slipped the ball to ex Brox player Ross but he sclaffed his effort and the chance was lost.

Watson and McIntyre worked a great opportunity down the left wing the former’s cross being on the money but no one in pink could take advantage.

In 56 minutes, a great home passing move saw Douglas feed Heath on right who slid a great pass back to Douglas whose shot was well smothered by Jack. The ball came back in from the right with the Brox having 3 efforts blocked one off the line by Horne with his head.

In the following minute both teams made changes. Campbell, Miller and Downie replaced Sayers, Heath and Douglas for Broxburn.

Walker and Greig replaced Brett and Irvine for Tranent.

Turner was booked for a foul on Jones in 59 minutes.

Gray was fouled around 22 yards out in a central area but his free kick was always wide right.

In 67 minutes, Watson went off Faulds coming on for the visitors.

McConnell came on for Turner in the 69^th minute.

In the 72^nd minute from a corner on the right Jones corner was headed in by BAULD with the Brox defence motionless.

From another corner in the 85^th minute taken by Miller the ball went to the back post with Walker screwing the ball high in the air and over the bar.

In the following minute the Broxburn trialist No.2 played a great long ball forward which Downie couldn’t quite get under control to get in a shot.

The trialist did well again in 89 minutes playing in a deep cross to the back post which Campbell did well to get a touch to but couldn’t direct goal wards.

FULL TIME: Broxburn Athletic 1 – 3 Tranent Juniors

Referee Mr. C. Stirling    Assistants  Mr. S. Robertson , Mr. J. Gardiner