Category: Match Previews

Gretna 2008 are managed by Vinnie Parker who is assisted by Kevin Somerville. Parker’s backroom team consist of Coach Jack Boyko, analyst’s Adnan Dogrultan & Ally Mason and physio’s Ollie Hughes and Jinette Pearson.

Players to watch include centre forward’s Sean McKenzie and Iain Anderson, attacking midfielder’s Dan Carmichael and Liam Short and Defender Stuart Douglas.

Currently, Gretna lie bottom of the league (eighteenth). They have won one, drew one and lost nine this term.

GRETNA 2008 TOP GOALSCORERS (2025/26)

1-Iain Anderson/Sam Atkisnon-5

2-Sean McKenzie-4

3- Greg McCaragher/Liam Short-2

 

LAST FIXTURE

Carluke Rovers 0 Gretna 2008 4 (27/9/25) Gretna progressed to the second round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup with a solid 4-0 win over West of Scotland Forth Division side Carluke Rovers. All the goals came in the second half, with Centre Half Stuart Douglas opening the scoring on fifty-seven minutes. Sam Atkinson scored twice for Gretna on seventy and seventy-three, before bagging his hattrick and Gretna’s forth on ninety minutes.

LAST GAME BETWEEN THE SIDES (Broxburn Athletic 0 Gretna 2008 6)

Gretna defeated Broxburn 6-1, back on Saturday the 15^th of February 2025 in the last meeting between the sides at Albyn Park. It was Errol Douglas who gave Broxburn the lead on seventeen minutes, with a close-range finish from an Alassan Jones cross. Gretna levelled on the half hour mark, A free kick finds Iain Anderson who heads home past Bob Watt. Iain Anderson put Gretna ahead on thirty-seven minutes, who converted home from a long Sam Atkinson long ball into the box. On forty-three minutes, Iain Anderson’s nod on finds Jordan Wooding-Holt who scores from close range and puts the visitors in at half time with a 3-1 lead.

On forty-nine minutes, Wooding Hall’s cross is nodded on by Iain Anderson and finds Dean Brotherston who scores at the back post. It was 5-1 on sixty-two minutes. Sam Atkinson’s header is headed in by Defender Stuart Douglas. Jordan Wooding-Holt made it 6-1 on seventy-two minutes with a good finish from a Dean Brotherston ball through.

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(24/8/24) Gretna 2008 0 Broxburn Athletic 2 ( Bell & Jones)

(15/2/25) Broxburn Athletic 1 Gretna 2008 6 (Douglas- Wooding Holt x2, Anderson x2, Douglas and Brotherston)

 

Gretna 2008 Starting Eleven vs Carluke Rovers

(4-2-3-1) Atkinson (GK)©, Weir, Douglas, McMurtie, Short, Oram, Tait, Atkinson, Anderson, Ivison & Bell

 

Gretna 2008: Last Four Fixture’s

 

(2/9/25) Caledonian Braves (A) 3-0 (Loss)

(6/9/25) Clydebank (H) 0-2 (Loss)

(20/9/25) Cowdenbeath (A) 4-2 (Loss)

(27/9/25) Carluke Rovers (A) 0-4 (Win)

 

 

Bonnyrigg Rose are managed by ex-Tranent gaffer Jonny Stewart. His coaching staff consist of assistant manager Ross Gray and goalkeeping coach Graeme Smith.

Players to watch include recent arrival from Linlithgow Rose Laurie Devine, and ex Broxburn Athletic pair Alassan Jones and Cameron Ross and ex Hearts and Rangers winger Billy King.

Currently, Bonnyrigg Rose lie in ninth place. Winning four, drawing two and losing four of their ten fixtures so far this term.

BONNYRIGG ROSE TOP FIVE GOALSCORERS (2025/26)

1-Cameron Ross-9

2-Laurie Devine- 4

3-Neil Martyniuk-3

4-Alassan Jones-2

5-Kallum Higginbottom-2

LAST FIXTURE

Bonnyrigg Rose 3 Berwick Rangers 4 (20/9/25) In a cracking match at Ferguson Park last Saturday, Berwick Rangers took all three points with an impressive victory on the road. It was Bonnyrigg who started the game the better of the two sides. Laurie Devine gave the home side the lead on seven minutes, with a good header from a Josh Laing cross. It was 2-0 Rose on sixteen minutes. Rose skipper Neil Martyniuk converted from the penalty spot after Billy King was fouled in the area. But Berwick hit back on thirty-four minutes from a goal from Mikey Mwebe with a good finish. The Wee Gers equalised on sixty-four minutes through Mikey Mwebe, who scored his second with a good header. The visitors took the lead on seventy minutes through Caelan McCrone with a good finish. It was 3-3 two minutes later, with a Cammy Ross curling shot into the corner from a Laurie Devine assist. But Berwick Rangers took all three points from ex Broxburn favourite Greg Binnie from the penalty spot on eighty five minutes after  Struan Mair was fouled in the area.

 

LAST GAME BETWEEN THE SIDES (Broxburn Athletic 1 Bonnyrigg Rose 6)

The last meeting between the sides was a pre-season friendly, on Saturday July the 24^th at Albyn Park.  Aaron Arnot gave the visitors the lead on twenty-four minutes, with a placed shot into the corner. Kallum Higginbottom added a second on forty-two minutes, scoring at the back post from a corner. Rose added a third bang on the half time whistle. Bob Barrett made a good run in behind and slotted past Broxburn keeper Bob Watt.

A minute into the second half, Rose goal scorer Higginbottom turned provider, playing in Owen Wardell who Rose added a third on forty-seven minutes. The visitors added a fifth on seventy-nine minutes, Ben Scarborough played a great ball over for substitute Bradley Rodden who headed home. Broxburn pulled one back on eighty-four minutes through Darren Downie, who took advantage of some sloppy play at the back from Rose. Bonnyrigg Rose added a sixth goal on ninety minutes. Owen Wardell’s cross finds Smart Osadolar who finished well, making it 6-1 Rose.

 

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(4/5/2019) Broxburn Athletic 2 Bonnyrigg Rose 3 (Donaldson & Nimmo-Turner, Hoskins & Murrel)

(6/7/25) Broxburn Athletic 1 Bonnyrigg Rose 6 (Downie- Arnott, Higginbottom, Barrett, Wardell, Rodden & Osadolar)

 

Bonnyrigg Rose Starting Eleven vs Berwick Rangers (20/9/25)

(4-2-3-1) Connelly (GK), Laing, Martyniuk©, Hoskins, McGarva, Currie, Spiers, Jones, King, Devine & Ross

 

Bonnyrigg Rose: Last Four Fixture’s

 

(2/9/25) Albion Rovers (H) 1-1 (Draw)

(6/9/25) Tranent (A) 1-0 (Loss)

(13/9/25) Cowdenbeath Central (A) 0-3 (Win)

(20/9/25) Berwick Rangers (H) 3-4 (Loss)

 

Bo’ness United are managed by Stuart Hunter. His coaching team consists of Michael Gemmell, Scott McNaughton, Tony Mitchell and Scott Ritchie.

Players to watch for the hosts include recent Broxburn Winger Shaun Brown, central midfielder Tom Grant and left winger Kieran Mitchell.

Currently, Bo’ness United lie in forth position in the 2025/26 Lowland League. Winning Five, drawing one and losing three of their nine fixtures so far this term.

LAST FIXTURE

Linlithgow Rose 3 Bo’ness United 1 (6/9/25) Hosts Linlithgow won the first derby of the season. Rose scored three through Connor McMullan on twenty-five minutes and a Dylan Paterson double on sixty-two and eighty-seven. Bo’ness pulled a goal back from Shaun Brown in ninety-four minutes.

 

LAST GAME BETWEEN THE SIDES (Bo’ness United 0 Broxburn Athletic 0)

The last meeting between the sides was a 0-0 stalemate on Tuesday the sixteenth of October 2024. Only real chances of the game came from a Smart Osadolar who headed wide a Lucas Stenhouse cross and a Luke Morris effort that was saved by Bo’ness keeper Melrose, also a second half attempted chip by Scott McRory Irving that landed in the roof of the net. In a huge talking point Bo’ness United’s Adam Mason was shown a second yellow card for swearing at referee Euan Birch on fifty-two minutes. But Broxburn didn’t make the extra man count and it was a point a peace for both teams.

 

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(6/9/25) Broxburn Athletic 2 Bo’ness United 2 (Douglas & Jones-Osadolar & Rutherford)

(16/10/25) Bo’ness United 0 Broxburn Athletic 0

 

Bo’ness United’s Starting Eleven vs Linlithgow Rose (6/9/25)

(4-4-2) Fry(GK), Masson, Brown, McLuckie, Irving, Armstrong, Hodge, Watson, Grant ©, Fitzpatrick & Mitchell

 

Tranent: Last Four Fixture’s

(24/8/25) Stirling University (A) 1-1 (Draw)

(30/8/25) Albion Rovers (H) 5-2 (Win)

(2/9/25) Clydebank (A) 2-0 (Loss)

(6/9/25) Linlithgow Rose (A) 3-1 (Loss)

 

Tranent are managed by Robbie Horn. His coaching staff consist of Assistant Managers David Burrell and Darren Smith.

Players to watch for Tranent include centre forward Harry Girdwood, experienced ex Cowdenbeath full back Dean Brett and on loan Edinburgh City midfielder Sam Jones.

Currently, Tranent lie in eighth position in the 2025/26 Lowland League. They have won four, drew, two and lost three of their first nine fixtures.

LAST FIXTURE

Tranent 1 Bonnyrigg Rose (6/9/25) Tranent defeated local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose last Saturday in the Lowland League, thanks to a eight nine-minute penalty scored by Dean Brett.

LAST GAME BETWEEN THE SIDES (Tranent 5 Broxburn Athletic 2)

In the last meeting between the sides, Tranent overcame Broxburn 5-2 in the Lowland League last March. The hosts took the lead on twelve minutes; Gray’s dangerous cross is turned into his own net by Jonathan Page. It was 2-0 on fifteen minutes; Ben Miller picks up a loose ball and scores from close range. The visitors pulled one back on twenty-six minutes, A Lewis Turner free kick hits off Harry Girdwood, and it ends up in the back of the net. It was all square on forty minutes; Gary Brass finds Lewis Turner whose shot from outside the box beats Tranent keeper Kelby Mason and finds the bottom right corner.  But Tranent took the lead again forty-three minutes, a free kick by Ben Miller finds the top right corner leaving Broxburn keeper Bob Watt no chance. In the second period, Tranent added to their tally. With a Guy McGarry goal on forty-seven minutes and a Dean Brett goal on fifty-five minutes.

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(1/2/25) Tranent 3 Broxburn Athletic 2 ( Girdwood, Brett, R Gray- Bell & Brass)

(1/3/25) Tranent 5 Broxburn Athletic 2 (Miller x2, Own Goal, McGarry & Brett-Own Goal, Turner)

Tranent’s Starting Eleven vs Bonnyrigg Rose (6/9/25)

Mason (GK), Aitchison, Jones, McKinley, Watson, Girdwood, Brett, Greig, S Gray, Grigor & Bauld.

 

Tranent: Last Four Fixture’s

(23/8/25) Clydebank (H) 0-5 (Loss)

(30/8/25) Cowdenbeath (A) 1-1 (Draw)

(2/9/25) East Stirlingshire (H) 1-0 (Win)

(6/9/25) Bonnyrigg Rose (H) 1-0 (Win)

 

East Stirlingshire recently appointed ex Hearts midfielder Callum Tapping as their new head coach. He is assisted by Matty Flynn.

Players to watch for East Stirlingshire include ex Hearts midfielder Morgaro Gomis, right midfielder Stephen O’ Neil and ex Spartans attacking midfielder Ben Lamont.

Currently, East Stirlingshire lie in seventeenth position in the 2025/26 Lowland League. Winning one, drawing one and lost seven of their nine games so far.

LAST FIXTURE

Tranent 1 East Stirlingshire 0 (2/9/25) In a very tight game at Foresters Park, Tranent took the points with a Sam Jones goal on ninety minutes. Matty Flynn took the team for this fixture, with Callum Tapping taking over the reins this Saturday against Broxburn.

LAST GAME BETWEEN THE SIDES (East Stirlingshire 1 Broxburn Athletic 6)

In the last game between the sides, Broxburn Athletic defeated East Stirlingshire 6-1 at the Falkirk Stadium back on Saturday the 14^th of December 2024. Owen Wardell gave the Badgers the lead on twenty-one minutes with a low strike from a Kyle Bell assist. Nick Locke added a second on forty-nine with a volley. Jamie Penker pulled one back for the hosts with a strike into the right corner. But Broxburn took back control of the match, with another Owen Wardell strike from another Kyle Bell assist added to by goals from Greg Page on seventy-one, Gary Brass on seventy-six and a late Darren Downie goal giving Broxburn an early Christmas present with a huge away win in the Lowland League.

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(5/10/25) Broxburn Athletic 5 East Stirlingshire 0 (Brass x2, Wardell,Douglas, Mwangi)

(14/12/25) East Stirlingshire 1 Broxburn Athletic 5 (Penker-Wardell x2, Locke, Page & Downie)

East Stirlingshire’s Starting Eleven vs Tranent (2/9/25)

Cantley (GK), Coutts, Docherty, Inglis, Hobbs, Gomis ©, Liddell, O’ Neil, Hislop, Dowie & K Mitchell.

East Stirlingshire: Last Four Fixture’s

 

(19/8/25) Caledonian Braves (A) 2-0 (Loss)

(22/8/25) Bonnyrigg Rose (H) 1-5 (Loss)

(30/8/25) Gala Fairydean (A) 3-6 (Win)

(2/9/25) Tranent (A) 1-0 (Loss)

 

 

 

Gala Fairydean are managed by ex-Livingston player Martin Scott. His assistant manager is ex Motherwell player Steven Craig and Colin McCall is coach.

Players to watch for Gala Fairydean include left winger Kieran Dolan & centre forward Jamie Semple and our ex centre back Kieran Moyles who has settled in to the Gala backline.

Currently, Gala Fairydean are in tenth position in the Lowland League. Winning three, drawing one and losing three.

GALA FAIRYDEAN’S LAST FIXTURE

Gala Fairydean 3 East Stirlingshire 6 (30/8/25) East Stirlingshire raced into a four-goal lead with goals coming from Kenzie Mitchell, Stephen O’ Neil, Jamie Hislop and Mark Docherty. Gala pulled one back just before half time through Kieran Dolan, putting East Stirlingshire 4-1 up at the half time break. On fifty-five minutes, Jamie Semple gave Gala hope, making it 4-2. But a Ben Lamont double ended Gala’s hope of a comeback. Though they did score a third through Kieran Dolan who got his second of the afternoon on ninety minutes.

LAST GAME BETWEEN THE SIDES (Gala Fairydean 1 Broxburn Athletic 2)

In the last game between the sides, Broxburn Athletic defeated Gala Fairydean 2-1 at Netherdale on Saturday the 29^th of March. Errol Douglas gave the Badgers the lead on seventeen minutes with a chip over Gala keeper Jacob Pizikas. Gala equalized on the twenty seventh minute through a Joe Wylie low shot. But it was Broxburn that headed home with the three points with a Kyle Bell goal from a Gary Brass assist.

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(30/8/24) Broxburn Athletic 3 Gala Fairydean 0 ( Mwangi, Jones & Douglas)

(29/3/25) Gala Fairydean 1 Broxburn Athletic 2 (Wylie- Douglas & Bell)

Gala Fairydean’s Starting Eleven vs East Stirlingshire

Murray (GK), Calder, Fagan, Moyles, Patterson, McMurdo, Kasa, Jacobs, Hall, Lyons & Reilly

 

Gala Fairydean: Last Four Fixture’s

 

(9/8/25) Albion Rovers (A) 2-1 (Loss)

(19/8/25) Hearts B (A) 0-2 (Win)

(23/8/25) Celtic B (H) 1-1 (Draw)

(30/8/25) East Stirlingshire (H) 3-6 (Loss)

University of Stirling are managed by ex-Broxburn player Chris Geddes. His coaching staff include, Assistant Manager Sean Roycroft, coach David O’ Brien and goalkeeping coach David Binnie.

Players to watch for University of Stirling, include their top goal scorer last season Finn Moffett, centre back Euan Walker and midfielder Archie Gibson.

Currently, University of Stirling lie fifteenth in the Lowland League, winning one, drawing two and losing four. They finished season 2024/25 in thirteenth position.

In the club’s last fixture, University of Stirling drew 1-1 with Bo’ness United at Forthbank Stadium last Saturday. Finn Moffett scored the only goal for Uni from the penalty spot on seventy-six minutes.

In the last game between the sides, Broxburn Athletic & University of Stirling drew 2-2 at Albyn Park on Saturday the 7^th of December 2024. Broxburn took the lead on twenty-four minutes. Scott McRory Irving played in Kyle Bell who drove into the box before scoring high into the net. Uni equalized on thirty-eight minutes through Finn Moffett who scored low into the net from a Sam Martin cross, making it 1 each at the half time break. Broxburn Athletic took the lead on eighty-eight minutes. Bryan Mwangi’s low cross caused a scramble in the box. Darren Downie managed to knock the ball over the line. But just as Broxburn thought they had taken all three points, Thomas Vonk’s powerful shot beats Jordan Pettigrew to give University of Stirling a late draw on the road.

 

RECENT FORM BETWEEN THE SIDES

(7/9/24) University of Stirling 2 Broxburn Athletic 1 (Thomas, Hodge- Mwangi)

(7/12/24) Broxburn Athletic 2 University of Stirling 2 (Bell,Downie-Moffett,Vonk)   

 

University Of Stirling’s Starting Eleven Vs Bo’ness United (24/8/25)

Buttigieg (GK & C), Laird, Ledingham, Blane, Jeanes, Walker, Heal, Gibson, Burns, Tallen & Moffett

 

University of Stirling: Last 4 Fixtures

 

(9/8/25) Bonnyrigg Rose (A) 1-1 (Draw)

(19/8/25) Clydebank (A) 2-1 (Loss)

(16/8/25) Gretna 2008 (H) 3-2 (Win)

(24/8/25) Bo’ness United (H) 1-1 (Draw)

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 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 18^th 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 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 8^th 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)