Season: 2020/21

Match Report

East of Scotland Premier League – Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale v Broxburn Athletic – 02/12/2020

In monsoon like conditions both sides served up a 6 goal thriller at Saughton Enclosure with Broxburn seemingly having the game won with ten minutes remaining only to be pulled back right at the death. Broxburn showed 2 changes from the loss at Sauchie Beesley and Ireland replacing Ross and Cowley.

Lothian Thistle kicked off facing into a strong breeze which was soon to be added to by heavy rain.

Broxburn were first to threaten in the 2nd minute Brass and Binnie combining with the latter getting in a shot on target but straight to keeper Henderson.

In the 5th minute Deland got over a good cross for Lothian Thistle which was cleared by the visitors to Laver who fired high over the bar.

From a long clearance in the 8th minute the ball held up in the wind which helped Cumming get the better of Redmond, his cross was half cleared by Grant but only as far as LAVER who fired his shot past Wallace off the inside of the post and into the net to put the home side one up.

Broxburn tried to respond quickly but were having difficulty harnessing the strong wind to their advantage. In 11 minutes a long ball from Gillen saw Binnie just beaten to the ball by home keeper Henderson.

In 19 minutes Broxburn had their clearest chance thus far Binnie playing the ball into Ireland whose shot beat Henderson but curled past the left hand post.

Binnie was working hard up front for Broxburn with Henderson just reaching the ball before him at the edge of the penalty area his clearance hitting off the forward to safety.

Smith played a great ball in from the left for Lothian Thistle in 21 minutes but Cumming couldn’t take advantage and knocked the ball out.

From a Wallace clearance the ball skidded off the surface with Ireland chasing, once again Henderson was alert to the situation and was quick off his line to collect.

Ireland worked a good position for himself down the left cutting inside but his cross was easily taken by Henderson.

In 42 minutes Penker was booked for Lothian Thistle. Grant was booked for Broxburn.

Laver was booked for a foul on Binnie on 45 minutes.

In first half injury time Beesley put over a great free kick which a Lothian Thistle defender headed just wide of his own goal.

Half Time: Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 1– 0 Broxburn Athletic

Broxburn kicked off the second half facing into the elements and looked to get on to the front foot but Beesley’s crossing opportunity didn’t clear the first defender.

In 47 minutes Cumming went close to increasing the home sides lead just firing past the left hand post.

Beesley put in a great ball right across the face of goal in 52 minutes but there was no one in red who could take advantage.

As Broxburn continued to gain the upper hand great passing between Redmond, Ireland and Binnie saw the home defenders block the attempted cross for a corner. From the resultant corner Grant got in a shot which was blocked by the defence but they couldn’t clear the ball in the ensuing scramble Redmond heading the ball to BRASS who forced the ball into the net at the back post.

Lothian Thistle were having similar issues as Broxburn had in trying to use the conditions to their advantage Smith did get a shot on target but it was straight at Wallace.

Lothian Thistle made a change in 59 minutes Cumming going off for Mbewe.

Beesley then was replaced by Ross for Broxburn.

Ross had a fairly instant impact linking up well with Binnie the ball breaking to Ireland whose shot was on target but straight to Henderson.

Cunningham was next to line up a shot at the other end but he was well wide of target.

Ross was getting plenty room to play in down the right, beating his man and putting over a great cross which Binnie just couldn’t make contact with at the back post.

Lothian Thisle responded in 67 minutes with a great run and cross from Deland but no home player could take advantage.

This was followed by a nice move down the right side ending with Mbewe blazing over when well positioned.

The game was becoming very stretched from one end to the other and it was the visitors who struck when Gillen played a great ball down the line for Ross to chase he put over a teasing cross with BINNIE sliding in at the back post to provide the finish in 66 minutes.

Nimmo replaced Ireland in 68 minutes for his first appearance of the season.

Deland had had a good game for the home side down the left, he made an enterprising run finding Mbewe who just shot wide of the right hand post.

Another nice Broxburn passing move between Greenhill, Binnie and Brass saw Henderson forced to save from Brass’s shot.

Right down the other end and Wallace was tested by another Laver shot.

In 74 minutes, the hectic pace continued in atrocious conditions Binnie and Ross this time setting up Nimmo his shot had Henderson diving full length the shot fortuanately hitting his foot and going to safety.

Brass then did brilliantly to beat 2 defenders before playing the ball to Ross whose shot was deflected wide of the goal.

Brass was booked for Broxburn in 78 minutes.

Kelly replaced Binnie in 79 minutes.

With the visitors looking dangerous each time they came forward Redmond headed infield from a Lothian Thistle throw in finding Brass who slid the ball across the penalty area to NIMMO who steadied himself before firing the ball past Henderson and into the net in 82 minutes.

The home side continued to come forward however Signorini playing a great ball to Penker whose cross was met by CUNNINGHAM who volleyed in a great shot past Wallace in 86 minutes to reduce the deficit.

Nimmo went close to restoring the visitors 2 goal advantage his shot taking a deflection off a defender with Henderson doing well to keep the ball out.

Smeaton replaced Signorini in 87 minutes for Lothian Thistle.

Ross was booked for Broxburn in injury time.

With Lothian Thistle throwing everyone forward and Broxburn defending deep a cross was thrown into the front post by Deland and LALLY got his head to it and it flew ito the net for a last gasp equaliser in 93 minutes.

Connor Wallace was also booked for Broxburn.

A real blow for Broxburn seemingly having the game won when going 3-1 ahead only to drop 2 points at the last gasp. On the plus side great to see Ross Nimmo back in action for the first time snce January.

Full Time: Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 3 – 3 Broxburn Athletic

Teams:

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale: Henderson; Deland, Crawford, Lally, Cunningham, Cumming, Smith (c), Wringe, Signorini; Laver, Penker

Subs: Kelly (unused), Smeaton. Donald (unused), Ronaldson (unused), Ross (unused), Doherty (unused), Mbewe

Broxburn Athletic: Wallace (c); Gillen, Redmond, Grant, Wright, Beesley, Nicol, Greenhill; Brass, Binnie, Ireland

Subs: Donoghue (Unused), Cowley (unused), Kelly, Turnbull (unused) , Ross, Murray (unused), Nimmo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Match Report

East of Scotland Premier League – Sauchie Juniors v Broxburn Athletic – 28/11/2020

Broxburn made just one change for the game against Sauchie Juniors at Beechwood Park from the side which won at Dunbar, Grant replacing the unavailable Harrison.

Sauchie went into the game on a good run of form in the league unbeaten in 5 games.

Broxburn kicked off on a bright crisp afternoon on a very heavy playing surface. The home side had the first chance in the 2nd minute Houston took a long throw which bounced and sat up nicely for Crawford to attempt an overhead kick which went high over the bar.

In Broxburn’s first attack Redmond put in a good ball from the left which Binnie tried to get to but a Sauchie defender made contact first to knock out for a corner. From the corner Ross’s cross was cleared by the home defence.

In a very positive start by both teams Sauchie were next to threaten after good work down the right Crawford’s cross found Gary Carroll who just fired wide of the left hand post.

Some nice build up play from Broxburn in 7 minutes saw Gillen cross into the box, Binnie won the header but was pulled up for a foul which seemed very soft.

Sauchie went down the right hand side with Houston playing the ball to Collumbine whose cross was missed by Gillen falling to Crawford who got a good shot off which was well saved by Wallace.

Broxburn were being allowed a lot of room down the right side and a nice pass from Cowley found Gillen who put in a decent cross forcing Tully to concede a corner. Nothing came from the corner nor from a Ross cross a minute later easily claimed by keeper Clark.

In 17 minutes good work by Brass sent Ross away down the left his cross was on the money but well dealt with by the home defence.

Sauchie were once again dangerous down their right side Collumbine crossing in for Gary Carroll whose shot was delected wide by Grant. The corner was worked short by by Smith and Collumbine which Broxburn switched off to, with the cross being headed wide.

There was another warning for Broxburn from a corner Tully rising to head just over the bar in 20 minutes.

Broxburn had their first clear opportunity in 24 minutes from a Ross cross to the back post Wright won the ball and got his header on target but straight at Clark.

Clark had to look sharp off his line in 27 minutes as a Redmond through ball almost found Binnie with the home keeper winning the race to the ball.

The visitors continued to be in the ascendancy Ross getting clear of the home defence on the left but on the sticky surface he took a touch which took him wide which allowed Calrk to come from his line and smother the ball.

The home side then had a good spell Morgan and Collumbine getting in shots but wide of target.

In 36 minutes good combination play from Smith , Crawford and Gary Carroll needed an intervention from Grant to concede a corner which nothing came from.

Good defending from Wright in 42 minutes blocking a Smith shot which broke back to Wallace.

Half Time: Sauchie Juniors 0– 0 Broxburn Athletic

Sauchie started the second half on the front foot Smith given far too much room to get a shot in which went straight through to Wallace.

Broxburn responded well a nice passing move between Gillen and Brass saw him play in Cowley who advanced on goal but was well tackled by Morgan just when a shot looked imminent.

The home side had upped their game noticeably and when in 52 minutes Collumbine played a nice pass to Gary Carroll he was tackled heavily by Wright who was booked. From 20 yards out the free kick was taken by Morgan whose shot hit the bar the rebound was headed over by Brown.

Turnbull replaced Cowley for Broxburn in 53 minutes.

In 55 minutes a Ross run was halted at the expense of a corner by Finlayson. From the corner Greenhill picked out Turnbull and he struck his shot well but was blocked by the home defence.

Sauchie made a change in 57 minutes McCaughie for Brown.

The home side were now having a lot of possession in the Broxburn half but couldn’t fashion any clear chances right back Houston firing well wide on the hour.

Greenhill and Redmond combined on the left for Broxburn with the cross being dropped by Clark but he recovered well before any Brox player could take advantage.

In 64 minutes a great run from Smith saw him get into good shooting position 22 yards out but with Greenhill in close attendance he missed his kick completely despite strong home protests for a foul.

In 68 minutes Binnie and Ross were replaced by Ireland and Kelly.

With the game looking as though it would be goal less a long hopeful ball by Houston in 70 minutes was half cleared by Wright, unfortuanately Wallace had come off his line when the ball had been played forward, so when the clearance broke to SMITH 40 yards out he chipped the ball goal wards and it eluded Wallace trying to back track to his goal line and into the net.

In 75 minutes from a corner Gillen cleared the ball from the line as Sauchie seeked to double their advantage.

In 78 minutes Crawford was replaced by Donaldson and Kelly was booked for a foul for the visitors.

Gary Carroll then went into the referee’s notebook in 82 minutes.

The home side continued to look most likely to add to the scoring Morgan getting off a good shot which Wallace saved.

In 86 minutes Sauchie made another 2 changes Turnbull and McTaggart for Smith and Gary Carroll.

A minute later a long clearance from Wallace was won by Brass in the air his header found Ireland who fired a shot toward goal but it was always going right of target.

Into injury time and the game was won, a long ball forward by Sauchie was back headed by Wright which found TURNBULL, he got clear and fired the ball into the right corner of the net.

Sauchie almost added to their tally Collumbine hitting the post and McCaughie thwarted by a good save from Wallace.

Sauchie’s increased work rate in the second half was enough to give them the edge and the win with Broxburn having a lot of good possession especially in the first half but not able to create much in the way of goal scoring opportunities. Another away game follows at Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale on Wednesday 2 December.

Full Time: Sauchie Juniors 2 – 0 Broxburn Athletic

Teams:

Sauchie Juniors: Clark; Houston, Finlayson, D. Carroll, Tully (c); Morgan, Collumbine, Smith, Brown; Crawford, G. Carroll

Subs: Gold (unused), Syme (unused), McTaggart, McCaughie, Donaldson, Turnbull, Cummings (unused)

Broxburn Athletic: Wallace (c); Gillen, Redmond, Grant, Wright, Cowley, Nicol, Greenhill; Brass, Binnie, Ross

Subs: Donoghue (Unused), Beesley (unused), Kelly, Turnbull , Ireland, Murray (unused), Townsley (unused)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East of Scotland Premier League – Dunbar United v Broxburn Athletic – 24/11/2020

After three straight defeats it was important for The Brox to get back on track which they duly did at a wind and rain swept New Countess Park in Dunbar. There were 4 changes from Saturday’s Irvine Meadow game, Wright for Grant, Greenhill for Beesley, Redmond for Donaldson, Brass for Ireland. Dunbar after their impressive 5-0 win against 2nd placed Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, also made 4 changes Szemis for Peden, Cropley for Black, Robertson for Neave, McGovern for Harley.

Broxburn started the game on the front foot creating a chance in the opening few seconds, a good run from Ross saw him get in a shot from the left into the side netting.

Dunbar also had a couple of early opportunities, in the 3rd minute no effort was made to stop Duncan getting a cross in which Jones got on the end of but couldn’t get his shot on target. That was quickly followed by Greenhill being dispossesed in midfield leaving Duncan clean in with only Wallace to beat but the Broxburn keeper did well to smother the shot.

Broxburn responded with a great run from Wright and his cross forced Laing into a save.

Dunbar wwere presented with a glorious chance in 8 minutes Cowley inexplicably passing the ball back to McGovern leaving him with only Wallace to beat but his shot hit the post and from the rebound he blazed wastefully over the bar.

The game continued to flow from end to end in the difficult conditions Cowley playing a nice ball to Ross down the left but the cross didn’t match the good lead up play.

Wallace was again forced into a save after Harrison was short with a pass back McGovern’s shot was blocked for a corner.

In the 21st minute a good move between Brass and Cowley saw a good cross into the box which Binnie won but his header went over the bar.

Dunbar had another good opportunity in 27 minutes when another cross was allowed to come in unchallenged amd with Wallace beaten Duncan just couldn’t connect for the home side.

In 29 minutes after good play from Ross and Greenhill, Gillen delivered a great long ball into the box which Binnie got to but just couldn’t get enough on his header to beat Laing who managed to scramble the ball round the post for a corner.

From the corner the ball was picked up by Nicol who hit a shot from fully 30 yards which Laing did well to save but he could only parry the ball out to Binnie who couldn’t direct his follow up on goal but found WRIGHT at the back post who drilled the ball into the net from a tight angle for his first Broxburn goal.

The lead was short lived however from a long ball forward Wright misjudged his attempt to clear the ball bouncing through to ROBERTSON who slotted the ball past Wallace for the equaliser.

Broxburn were once again troubled by a long through ball in 39 minutes Robertson getting to the ball before Wright but his finish was poor his shot going high over the bar.

That was a chance the home side were made to rue for not taking as a minute later Gillen played a great diagonal ball into the box which BINNIE latched on to and volleyed the ball past Laing into the net.

Broxburn had their tails up and in injury time struck again after great work from Redmond down the left he slipped the ball to Brass who laid the ball into the path of BINNIE who smacked an unstoppable shot past Laing into the net.

Half Time: Dunbar United 1– 3 Broxburn Athletic

The home side kicked off in the second half with the wind now not as strong and torrential rain at their backs.

Broxburn looked much more solid defensively with Wright, Harrison and Wallace dealing well with crosses coming into the box.

Dunbar made a change in 54 minutes McTernan replacing Cropley.

In 58 minutes a long ball from Wallace looked to set Binnie away but his progress was halted by the assistant referee flagging for offside.

Gillen played a great ball into the Dunbar box in 59 minutes but there were no red shirts available to get on the end of his cut back.

Dunbar had the ball in the net in 61 minutes McTernan’s cross met by McGovern who was clearly offside when providing the finishing touch.

Harrison played a great long ball in 62 minutes trying to find Ross but in the wet conditions the ball slid through to keeper Laing.

In 66 minutes the Brox were on the mark again, from a Redmond throw in, Binnie sent a cross into the box which held up in the wind which Brass challenged for, Cowley put pressure on the Dunbar defender with the ball breaking back to ROSS and he lashed the ball past Laing to put Broxburn 4-1 up.

It was almost 5 a minute later a Harrison free kick dropped by keeper Laing but he managed to get a palm on the ball to send the ball past the left hand post as it looked to be squirming into the net.

Cowley then had a shot charged down in the penalty area but claims for a penalty were not given.

Dunbar then made a further change Thomson for McGovern in 70 minutes.

Redmond was booked for an alleged handball in 73 minutes.

Dunbar broke at pace in 78 minutes but the attack was brilliantly stopped by a Wright tackle. Ireland then replaced Binnie for Broxburn.

A further change was made in 82 minutes Turnbull for Cowley. Dunbar introduced Shearer for Robertson in 86 minutes.

Dunbar hadn’t really threatened in the 2nd half but substitute Shearer got a header on target but it was straight at Wallace.

Redmond picked up a knock and was replaced by Richards in 88 minutes.

A convincing win for Broxburn after a few scary defensive moments in the first half, their finishing was clinical and merited picking up the 3 points and looked much nmore solid defensively in the second half. Both teams deserve credit for serving up an entertaining encounter in very difficult conditions.

Full Time: Dunbar United 1 – 4 Broxburn Athletic

Teams:

Dunbar United: Laing; Tait, McFarlane, Szemis, Ingram, Cropley, Robertson, Handling (c), Jones, Duncan, McGovern

Subs: Johnstone (unused), Thomson, McTernan, Shearer, Brady (unused), Black (unused)

Broxburn Athletic: Wallace; Gillen, Redmond, Harrison (c), Wright, Cowley, Nicol, Greenhill; Brass, Binnie, Ross

Subs: Donoghue (Unused), Beesley (unused), Richards, Turnbull , Ireland, Townsley (unused)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East of Scotland Premier League – Jeanfield Swifts v Broxburn Athletic – 14/11/2020

Broxburn’s first away game since the opening day at Penicuik proved to be another tough away day. There were 4 changes from the side who lost to Tynecastle on Tuesday, Donaldson, Wright, Brass and Turnbull all starting in place of Redmond, Hopkinson, Beesley and Murray.

Jeanfield kicked off at the Riverside Stadium and went straight forward Dodd getting a cross in from the left which Wallace claimed confidently.

Broxburn were having to work hard to keep the eager home side at bay Dodd trying a shot from 25 yards which flew well over the bar.

McLeish and Fergus combined well in 6 minutes with Fergus volleying high over the bar.

The home side continued to dominate possession Scott beating Gillen on the left and sending in a cross which Wallace was forced to tip to safety.

In 10 minutes Broxburn had some play in the Jeanfield half Donaldson and Cowley playing passes but the final ball was too far ahead of Kelly.

As Broxburn tried to play out from the back Wright gave the ball away but recovered to block Smith’s shot for a corner.

Jeanfield forced a couple of corners in quick succession well defended by Wallace , Nicol and Kelly.

In 16 minutes Broxburn failed to close Jeanfield down in their build up, Scott getting off a shot which Wallace dived to save.

Then against the run of play Broxburn almost went ahead, Donaldson working the ball to Brass, who passed to Nicol who picked out Ross who just curled a shot wide.

The visitors went close again in 19 minutes a Gillen cross from a Cowley free kick was headed wide by Kelly.

Broxburn then forced a corner which Ross and Turnbull played short, Ross’s cross was overhit but Wright retrieved and played a great ball to the back post which Brass headed down on target which Mitchell did well to save.

Jeanfield then re-asserted themselves captain Muirhead heading over from a corner.

In 28 minutes the home side who had had more of the ball eventually made it count when Dodd went past Nicol FERGUS got his head to his cross at the back post and Wallace couldn’t keep the ball out of the net to put Jeanfield ahead.

They were almost further ahead in 33 minutes Dodd forcing Wallace into a save. Simpson was next to trouble Wallace who did well to save his shot it rebounded back out to Dolzanski but fortuanately broke back to Wallace.

The second home goal was only delayed to 37 minutes Scott Smith’s corner was met by a McLEISH header at the front post with no one in red reacting at all, the ball was in the visitors net.

As if things couldn’t get any worse Kelly had won a free kick when he reacted to one of the Jeanfield players and shown a straight red card.

Jeanfield smelt blood and could have gone further ahead but for Wallace and a magnificent clearance from Wright off his own line.

To complete the visitors misery Ross was booked just before half time.

Half Time: Jeanfield Swifts 2– 0 Broxburn Athletic

Broxburn re-grouped at half time and made an instant impact after the break Ross playing a ball to DONALDSON on the left and he unleashed a great shot which flew into the right hand corner of the net giving Mitchell no chance in the home goal.

This seemed to unsettle the home defence and in 54 minutes a fantastic run from Turnbull beating 3 Jeanfield defenders ended with a mistimed challenge to bring him down with the Broxburn players and bench screaming for a penalty, the referee thought differently and gave a free kick outside the box.

On the hour Ross went close for Broxburn curling a shot just over.

In 63 minutes Dodd finished off a good passing move but his shot was wide to the left.

Broxburn were causing problems for Jeanfield down the left side Brass got in a good cross from which Turnbull got in a shot which was blocked by the desperate home defence.

The game was now going end to end Dodd once again getting a good strike on goal which hit the post.

Broxburn went straight down the field Ross getting past both defender and goalkeeper 25 yards out but was forced left to do so, his cross being blocked for a corner.

Jeanfield saw Dodd once again forcing Wallace into another save before they made 2 changes McLaren and Mark Smith replacing McLeish and Simpson.

In 71 minutes Turnbull was booked.

McLeish went close for Jeanfield firing just wide in what was now a very open game.

Richards replaced Turnbull for Broxburn in 76 minutes.

Wallace was forced into action again a full diving save to repel Scott’s shot.

But he could nothing to stop substitute CONNOR MCLAREN’S shot into the roof of the net following a great passing move in 79 minutes.

Broxburn tried to hit back Ross crossed from a corner Wright headed over the bar.

Both sides made changes: Regan McLaren and Louden on for McLeish and Dodd for the home side. Binnie for Ross for Broxburn

In 88 minutes 2 of the substitutes combined for Jeanfield Connor McLaren finding Regan McLaren who shot straight at Wallace.

Jeanfield made their final change MacKenzie replacing Scott Smith.

Chris Scott was also booked for Jeanfield.

Another tough day at the office for Broxburn against an excellent Jeanfield side. Broxburn did contribute to their own downfall with 2 poor goals conceded in the first half and the sending off.

Full Time: Jeanfield Swifts 3– 1 Broxburn Athletic

Teams:

Broxburn Athletic: Wallace (c); Murray, Donaldson, Wright, Grant, Cowley, Nicol, Turnbull; Brass, Kelly, Ross

Subs: Donoghue (Unused), Redmond (unused), Binnie, Murray (unused), Ireland, Richards, Beesley

Jeanfield Swifts: Mitchell; Whitehead (c), Dolzanski, Stewart, F. Smith, McLeish, Simpson, Fergus, Dodd, Scott, S. Smith

Subs: Reid (unused), McLaren, MacKenzie, Louden, Ramsay (unused), M.Smith, R. McLaren