Hearts B (H) Preview

Hearts B are managed by Angus Beith. His coaching staff consist of Assistant Manager Ross Balantyne and coaches Paul Graham, Jack Ferguson & Gary Kirk.

Players to watch for Hearts B include, highly rated goalkeeper Lyndon Tas, ex Celtic youngster Aidan Haddow and right winger Mackenzie Ross.

Currently, Hearts B lie in fifteenth position in the 2025/26 Lowland League. Winning one, drawing one and losing three in their five games so far this season.

In season 2024/25, Hearts B finished in eleven place, winning eleven, drawing seven and losing sixteen of their thirty-four games played.

In the club’s last fixture, Hearts B lost at home, 2-0 to Gala Fairydean last Tuesday evening.

In the last game between the sides, Hearts B defeated Broxburn Athletic at Albyn Park back in April 3-0. The game changed just before half time, when Errol Douglas saw a straight red for throwing an arm at Hearts youngster Gregor Crookston, with the teams going in at half time at 0-0. Mackenzie Ross opened the scoring on fifty-nine minutes with a defected effort for Hearts B. They doubled their league on eight one minutes, after a good run and finish from Dom Plank. The wee Jambo’s added a third on eight six minutes from highly rated Gus Stevenson who buries a low drive past Bob Watt.

 

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(22/11/24) Hearts B 1 Broxburn Athletic (Ross)

(19/4/25) Broxburn Athletic 0 Hearts B 3 (Stevenson, Plank & Ross)

Hearts B Starting Eleven vs Gala Fairydean (19/9/25)

Tas (GK), Crookston ©, James, Smutek, Smith, Ross, Dow, Plank, Banks, A Wilson & Robb

Hearts B: Last 4 Fixtures

(2/8/25) University of Stirling (H) 1-2 (Loss)

(8/8/25) Cumbernauld Colts (H) 1-2 (Loss)

(12/8/25) East Fife (A) 4-1 (Loss)

(19/8/25) Gala Fairydean (H) 0-2 (Loss)

 

Albion Rovers (A) Preview

Albion Rovers are managed by ex-Hearts gaffer Sandy Clarke. He is assisted by George Paterson, who was once at Queen of the South and East Stirlingshire.

Players to watch for Albion Rovers include summer signings, forward Sonny Aluko from Civil Service Strollers and centre back Devan McColl from East Stirlingshire, as well as on loan Rangers keeper Alfie Halliwell & ex versatile Airdrie youngster Nathan Brown.

In season 2024/25, after a bad start, Albion Rovers finished three points above Broxburn in sixth place. They won fifteen, drew nine and lost ten of their thirty-four games played.

In the club’s last fixture, Albion Rovers drew 0-0 at Cliftonhill with West of Scotland first Division side Thorniewood United in the South Challenge Cup First Round, eventually being eliminated, losing 4-3 on penalties.

In the last game between the sides, Albion Rovers defeated Broxburn Athletic 5-0 at Albyn Park on Tuesday the 18th of February, in Lowland League action. Rovers took the lead on four minutes. Kai Kilpatrick found Paul Kennedy whose low powerful effort flies into the right corner, leaving Pettigrew no chance. On fifteen minutes, Bright Prince uses his strength to win possession from Broxburn defender Jack Duncan before scoring into the left corner. Dom McMahon latched on to a long ball before getting in between the two Broxburn centre backs and his shot is through the legs of Broxburn keeper Jordan Pettigrew, for 3-0 on 17 minutes. Bright Prince got his second on twenty-six minutes with a deflected shot finding the bottom corner. Rovers got their fifth on 40 Minutes. Paul Kennedy finds Dom McMahon whose effort finds the top right corner. The game was played at a low tempo in the second half with both sides making various changes.

 

 

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(19/8/2024) Albion Rovers 0 Broxburn Athletic 3 (Douglas x 2 & Turner)

(18/2/25) Broxburn Athletic 0 Albion Rovers 5 (Prince x2, McMahon x2 & Kennedy)

 

Albion Rovers: Last 4 Fixtures

(29/7/25) East Stirlingshire (A) 1-2 (W)

(2/8/25) Tranent (A) 4-0 (Loss)

(9/8/25) Gala Fairydean (H) 2-1 (Win)

(16/8/25) Thorniewood United (H) 0-0 (Lost on Pens)

 

Albion Rovers Starting Eleven vs Thorniewood United

Halliwell (GK), Campbell, Neeson, Reid ©, Bowie, Hunter, Duncan, Lumsden, Marchant, Duruh & Garth.

Cowdenbeath (Away) Preview

Cowdenbeath are managed by ex-Stirling Albion defender Paul McLean. His coaching staff consist of assistant manager Graeme Nisbet and coach Gary Fusco.

Players to watch for Cowdenbeath include ex Spartans winger Max Williamson, ex Broxburn striker Darren Downie and ex Linlithgow Rose midfielder Stuart McDowell.

In season 2024/25, Cowdenbeath finished in tenth position in the Lowland League. Winning ten, drawing twelve and losing twelve of their thirty-four fixtures.

In the club’s last fixture, Cowdenbeath drew 1-1 away with Clydebank at Holm Park last Saturday, with Stuart McDowell scoring for the Blue Brazil.

In the last game between the sides, Broxburn defeated Cowdenbeath at Central Park 3-1 on Saturday the 8th of March. Errol Douglas gave the Badgers the lead with a header from a Scott McRory-Irving cross on eight minutes. Two minutes later, Broxburn keeper Jordan Pettigrew fouled Jake Sutherland in the box and the referee has no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Sutherland converts the penalty into the right corner to make it 1-1. Errol Douglas put the visitors ahead on thirty-eight minutes. Big E latched on to a Bryan Mwangi through ball and slotted low into the net for his thirtieth goal of the season. On 90 minutes, Scott McRory Irving played in Alassan Jones whose low finish finds the back of the net for Broxburn’s third of the Afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cowdenbeath’s Starting Eleven vs Clydebank (9/8/25)

Hayward (GK), Adamson, Newman, Petrie, Denham, Wedderburn, Williamson, Allan, Tomany, McDowell and Watt.

 

Cowdenbeath: Last 4 Fixtures

 

(26/7/25) Berwick Rangers (A) 2-1 (Loss)

(29/7/25) Bo’ness United (H) 1-0 (Win)

(2/8/25) Bonnyrigg Rose (H) 2-1 (Win)

(9/8/25) Clydebank (A) 1-1 (Draw)

Linlithgow Rose (A) Preview

Linlithgow Rose are managed by long term manager Gordon Herd, who has been at the years for four seasons. His management team include ex Whitburn manager Darren Wilson and ex Livingston full back Eamon Fullerton.

Players to watch for Linlithgow Rose include ex Albion Rovers winger Paul Kennedy, ex Bo’ness forward Lucas Stenhouse and right winder Dylan Paterson.

In season 2024/25, Linlithgow Rose finished in fifth position, winning eighteen, drawing seven and losing nine of their thirty four games in total.

In the club’s last fixture, Linlithgow Rose defeated Pumpherston Juniors at Recreation Park 6-1 in the East of Scotland second Round last Tuesday. With goals coming from Dylan Paterson, James Berry, Jamie Allan, Alan Sneddon, Harry McMartin & Cammy Thomson.

In the last game between the sides, Linlithgow Rose defeated Broxburn Athletic 6-1 at Albyn Park in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup

Semi Final on the 25th of March. Broxburn took the lead on seven minutes, Shaun Brown feeds in Errol Douglas who chipped Linlithgow keeper Binnie. On twenty-three minutes, The Rosey Posey equalized through a Cammy Thomson cross that was headed home by Louis McGuire. Linlithgow took the lead bang on half time through a Dean Watson effort, then added two more goals in five minutes through Greg Skinner and Connor McMillan in fifty-five and sixty minutes. Dylan Paterson scored a good goal on seventy-three minutes. Laurie Devine scored Linlithgow’s six with a volley eighty-three minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linlithgow Rose Starting Eleven vs Pumphertson FC

Binne(GK),Thomson, Thom ©, McMillan, Anagnostou, Lumsden, Sneddon, Berry, McMartin, Watson & Allan.

 

Linlithgow Ros: Last 4 Fixtures

(26/7/25) Gala Fairydean (H) 1-2 (Loss)

(30/7/25) Stirling University (A) 1-4 (Win)

(2/8/25) Gretna 2008 (A) 1-6 (Win)

(6/8/25) Pumpherston (A) 1-6 (Win)

Heriot Watt University (A) Preview

Heriot Watt University’s management team include, head coach Banji Koya, assistant coach Craig Sives and Physio Reece Docherty.

Players to watch for Heriot Watt include full back Sami Doig and Attacking Midfielder Luca Giacomini.

In season 2024/25, Heriot Watt finished in fourth position in the East of Scotland First Division. Winning Sixteen, drawing nine and losing five games.

In the club’s last fixture, Thornton Hibs beat Heriot Watt at Memorial Park 2-0 last Saturday Afternoon in the East of Scotland First Division

In the last game between the sides, Broxburn Athletic defeated Heriot Watt at the Oriam 7-0 in the East of Scotland C League on Saturday the 10th of November 2018. Goals on that day came from a Zander Miller Hatrick and goals from Ross Nimmo, Cammy Ross, Nick Locke and Conor Kelly.

Heriot Watt Starting Eleven vs Thornton Hibs (2/8/25)

Sanchez (GK), Alexander, Russell, Hope, Doig, Mulholland, Giacomini, Cochrane, Reid, Harrison & McKenzie.

 

Heriot Watt: Last 4 Fixtures

 

(17/5/24) Kirkcaldy & Dysart (H) 2-0 (Win)

(26/7/25) Whitehill Welfare (H) 1-0 (Win)

(29/7/25) Lochore Welfare (A) 3-4 (Win)

(2/8/25) Thornton Hibs (A) 2-0 (Loss)

 

Berwick Rangers (H) Preview

Berwick Rangers are managed by ex-Dunbar United manager Kevin Haynes who joined the club in January, His backroom staff include assistant Gary Small, Andrew Donlevy and Ross Merrilees.

Players to watch for Berwick Rangers include former Broxburn favourite Greg Binnie who returns to his old stomping ground looking to haunt his old team.  Ben McCrystal who joined from St Johnstone after being released in the Summer had a loan spell at the club last season and impressed. Veteran striker Liam Buchanan, Struan Mair and Mikey Mbewe and Johnny Devers are all key players for the Wee Gers.

In season 2024/25, Berwick Rangers finished in sixteenth position in the Lowland League. Winning eight, drawing nine and losing seventeen of their thirty-four fixtures.

In the club’s last fixture, Berwick drew 0-0 with Tranent at Foresters Park last Tuesday night.

In the last game between the sides, Berwick defeated Broxburn 4-1 at the end of last season at Shielfield on Saturday the 12th of April.  Alassan Jones gave Broxburn the lead on four minutes, But Berwick hit back from Ben Scarborough on six minutes, and it was followed up by a thirteen-minute Liam Buchanan Hattrick, making it 4-1 Berwick at half time. No goals were scored in the second half and the game ended 4-1 to the wee Gers.

 

Berwick Rangers Starting Eleven vs Tranent (29/7/25)

Campbell (GK), Pitt, Robinson, Pyper ©, McCyrstal, Somers, MacKenzie, Mair, Mbewe, Binnie and Hendry

 

Berwick Rangers: Last 4 Fixtures

(12/4/25) Broxburn Athletic (H) 4-1 (Loss)

(19/4/25) Cowdenbeath (A) 2-0 (Loss)

(26/7/25) Cowdenbeath (H) 2-0 (Win)

(29/7/25) Tranent (A) 0-0 (Draw)

Introducing Our New Signings

 

Chris O’ Kane (26 Years Old)

Centre Midfield

Ex clubs- Pollok & Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

 

Chris has had a good pre-season with plenty of minutes in the legs. He has brought much needed physicality to the team and can play in numerous positions

 

 

 

 

Michael Andrews (35 Years Old)

Goalkeeper

Ex clubs- Bonnyrigg Rose & Cowdenbeath

 

 

 

Mikey has only played twice for the Badgers in preseason. He stood out against Drumchapel United, making some vital saves. It’s good for the club to have two solid keepers going into our second Lowland league season.

 

 

Sam Gormley (23-Year-old)

Centre Back

Ex clubs- Edinburgh City & Bonnyrigg Rose

 

Sam signed halfway through pre-season and has made a good impression so far. A great talker, who can also play right back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Lavery (23 Years old)

Left Back

Ex clubs- Albion Rovers & Stirling University    

 Marcus joined from league rivals Albion Rovers. He has been a bit part player in pre-season, but another good, versatile player who can fill in at centre back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robbie McGale (25-year-old)

Right Back

Ex Clubs- Cumbernauld Colts & Peterhead 


 

 

Robbie has been injured and hasn’t featured for the club so far, he has played a lot of football at a higher level. Making ten appearances for Peterhead in season 22/23. He also had four assists and a goal for Cumbernauld Colts last term.  Looking forward to seeing him play for Broxburn this season.

 

 

Jon Robertson (36-Year-old)

Centre Midfield

Ex clubs- Edinburgh City, Alloa and Cowdenbeath

 

Very experienced player who has been excellent in pre-season. Huge signing for Broxburn.

 

 

 

 

 

Matty McDonald (22-Year-Old)

Centre Midfield

Ex clubs- Cowdenbeath & Airdrieonians 

Plenty experience at this level. He started for us in centre midfield against Gartcairn and done well. Also filled in at right back against Bo’ness Athletic last weekend. Good bit of business from the club.

 

 

 

 

 

Robbie Hamilton (21-year-old)

Midfielder

Ex clubs- Edinburgh City & Hibernian

A good signing for the club who will be vital this season. Showed what he can do early in pre-season with a cracker against Bathgate Thistle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie Docherty (25-Year-Old)

Left Winger

Ex clubs- Cowdenbeath & East Kilbride  

 

Jamie has been excellent for us in pre-season. He adds much needed width and will add assists and goals this season

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewan MacPherson (26-Year-old)

Forward

Ex clubs- Cowdenbeath & Queens Park

 

Ewan has had a good pre-season. Scored a few goals and brings pace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louis Kennedy (23-Year-Old)

Centre Forward

Ex clubs- Bo’ness United 

 

Not seen a lot of him in pre-season. But he impressed me for Bo’ness last season.

 

 

Caledonian Braves (H) Preview

Caledonian Braves are managed by ex-Falkirk and Partick Thistle player Ricky Waddell. His backroom team consists of Assistant Coach, Dorian Ogunro and coaches Ross Paterson & Cole Starrs.

Players to watch for Caledonian Braves include ex Albion Rovers pair Dom McMahon and Bright Prince and last season’s top goal scorer Ross McNeil.

In season 2024/25, Caledonian Braves finished in third place in the Lowland League. Winning eighteen, drawing nine and losing seven of their thirty-four games played.

In the club’s last fixture, Caledonian Braves won their opening league fixture last Saturday with a 3-0 win over University of Stirling. With Cammy Breadner, Dom McMahon & Ross McNeil getting on the scoresheet for the Braves.

The last game between the sides, Broxburn Athletic defeated Caledonian Braves 1-0 at Albyn Park on Tuesday the 5th of November. Errol Douglas scored the only goal of the game, with a low header from a Connor Thomson cross on the forty seventh minute.

Caledonian Braves Starting Eleven vs University of Stirling (26/7/25)

White (GK), J Walker, Martins, McArthur, G Stewart, Guthrie ©, McMahon, C McLaren, Breadner, R McLaren & McNeil.

Caledonian Braves: Last 4 Fixtures

(5/4/25) Bo’ness United (H) 2-1 (Win)

(12/4/25) Linlithgow Rose (A) 1-0 (Loss)

(19/4/25) Tranent (H) 0-1(Loss)

(26/7/25) University of Stirling (H) 3-0 (Win)

Celtic B (A) Preview

We kick off our Lowland league season with an away trip to Celtic B at the Excelsior Stadium.

 Celtic B are managed by ex-Celtic defender Steven McManus. He is assisted by ex-Aberdeen player Jonny Hayes.

Players to watch for Celtic B include new signing from Greenock Morton Issac English, centre midfielder Kyle Ure and midfielder Rhys Dargie.

In season 2024/25, Celtic B finished in second position. Winning twenty, drawing ten and losing four of their thirty-four fixtures played.

In the club’s last fixture, Celtic B ended season 2024/25 in winning fashion with a 1-0 win over Albion Rovers. Rhys Dargie scored the only goal of the game.

The last game between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw, on Saturday the fifth of April. Scott McRory Irving gave Broxburn the lead on sixty six minutes, with Emmanuel Obidwe equalizing for the wee Hoops on eighty eight minutes, in a typical end of season game.

Celtic B starting eleven vs Albion Rovers (Last game of last season)

Shaw (GK), Borland, Robertson, Frame, Dargie, Ure, McArdle, Bonnar, Kyle, Thomson, Cummings.  

Celtic B: Last 4 Fixtures

(29/3/25) Caledonian Braves (H) 1-1 (Draw)

(5/4/25) Broxburn Athletic (A) 1-1 (Draw)

(12/4/25) Cowdenbeath (A) 4-6 (Win)

(19/4/25) Albion Rovers (A) 0-1 (Win)

Bo’ness Athletic (A) Preview

Broxburn Athletic travelled to Newton Park on Saturday for our sixth pre-season friendly against Bo’ness United.

Bo’ness United are managed by veteran ex Pollock manager Willie Irvine.

Bo’ness United have three ex Broxburn Athletics players in their ranks. Fan favorite Ross Nimmo, James Russell & Godwin-Kangni-Soukpe. Another player to watch include, ex West Calder striker Jamie McCallister and striker Michael Weir.

In season 2024/25, the club won promotion to the East of Scotland Premier League with a second-place finish in the First Division. Winning twenty, drawing four and losing six of their thirty games in total.

In the club’s last fixture, Bo’ness Athletic defeated Falkirk B 5-1 at Newton Park last Friday evening. With Chris Ogilvie scoring a double and goals from Jack Sharples, Joel Sneddon and Joe Kirby.

The last fixture between the sides was an absolute cracker, with Broxburn eventually getting over the line with a 4-3 victory at Newton Park in the East of Scotland Qualifying cup 4th round on Tuesday the 28th of November 2023. Callum Heath gave Broxburn an eleven-minute lead. A Liam Campbell ball in from the left was slammed high into the back of the net by the then Broxburn midfielder. Two minutes later, Godwin Kangi Soukpe is through and slots past Bob Watt for a Bo’ness Athletic equaliser. The home side took the lead thirty-four minutes. Soukpe is involved again, feeding in Michael Weir who scores with a great finish. Bo’ness have a third right on half time as Liam Campbell fouls Robertson and the referee points to the spot, with Robertson converts the penalty into the right corner. Broxburn make it 3-2 on 85 minutes. Gary Brass shot is saved by Bo’ness keeper Curid and Darren Downie scores the rebound. The visitors equalised through now Bo’ness player Ross Nimmo who scored a cracker from distance. Deep into injury time Broxburn won it with Ross Nimmo turning provider and playing in Gary Brass who scored, making it 4-3 to Broxburn Athletic.

Bo’ness Athletic Starting Eleven vs Leith Athletic (last season)

Currid (GK), Shanks, Stark , Sharpless, Woodburn, Cameron, Kangni Soukpe, Snedden ©, Weir, MacDonald & Ogilvie.

 

Bo’ness Athletic: Last 4 Fixtures

 

(14/5/25) Armadale Thistle (A) 1-2 (Win)

(17/5/25) Crossgates Primrose (A) 2-1 (Loss)

(25/5/25) Leith Athletic (N) 6-1 (Win)

(19/7/25) Falkirk B (H) 5-1 (Win)