Category: Match Previews

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)

We return to Albyn Park on Tuesday night for the visit of West of Scotland Premier League side Drumchapel United.

Drumchapel United are managed by Adam Hopes, who has been at the club long term.

Players to watch for include new signing from Beith Juniors Carlo Monti, ex Dunfermline and Stenhousemuir striker David Hopkin and ex Kelty Hearts defender Billy Owens who is also a recent signing.

In season 2024/25. Drumchapel United finished sixth position in the West of Scotland Premier Division. Winning fourteen, drawing four and losing twelve of their thirty fixtures.

In the club’s last fixture, Drumchapel United lost 4-1 to St Roch’s away 4-1 in a pre-season friendly last Saturday. The only scorer for Drumchapel was Dan Finnigan.

Drumpchapel United’s starting eleven vs Johnstone Burgh (Last game of season 2024/25) 

Crawford (GK), Hardie, Mills, McNiff, McCoist, Moore, Idris, Greene, Mackenzie, Finnigan & Brander

 

Drumchapel United: Last 4 Fixtures

(13/5/25) Johnstone Burgh (A) win

(5/7/25) Afroscots United 3-1 (H) (Win)

(12/7/25) Bo’ness United (N) 2-2 (WOP)

(13/7/25) St Roch’s (A) 4-1 (Loss)

 

Stirling Albion are managed by ex-Hearts & Hibs full back Alan Maybury. He is assisted by Tony McGinn who is also the clubs Head of Youth Development.

Players to watch for Albion include, ex Livingston and Hibernian full back Callum Crane, midfielder Robbie McNab & ex Hearts forward Dale Carrick.

In season 2024/25. Stirling Albion finished in sixth position in League two, winning fourteen, drawing seven and losing sixteen games.

In the club’s last fixture, Stirling Albion made a lightning start to pre-season with a 6-1 win away to our Lowland League rivals Bo’ness United on Saturday the 28^th of June. Scorers included Russel Martin, Dale Carrick, Mackenzie Carse, Robbie McNab, Ross Cunningham & an own goal by Bo’ness defender Jack Hodge.

The sides played out a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly last season last July. Dale Hilston gave Stirling the lead on twelve minutes with a cracking free kick. Broxburn levelled with the last kick of the ball. Local lad Jack Sayers was on hand to fire the ball high into the net from a corner.

Stirling Albion Starting Eleven vs Bo’ness United :  Trialist (Gk), McNab, Banner, Carse, Carrick, Knox, McLean, Weir, Wright, Featherstone & Crane

 

Bathgate Thistle: Last 4 Fixtures

 

(19/4/25) East Fife (A) 2-0 (Loss)

(26/4/25) Clyde (H) 1-4 (Loss)

(3/5/25) Forfar Athletic (A) 0-0 (Draw)

(29/7/25) Bo’ness United (A) 1-6 (Win)