Bo’ness United had to settle for a draw at Broomhill, a result that sees the BUs needing a win in their final game at home to University of Stirling to guarantee a third place in this season’s Lowland League, (writes John Spowart).

On a windswept Dumbarton pitch Bo’ness blew hot and cold, although in the end a share of the points was probably the fairest outcome.

Struggling to adapt to the conditions, Bo’ness were unable to put much football together. They did create a number of chances, as did their opponents, and it was Broomhill who got themselves ahead just short of the half-hour mark. Paul Kennedy shrugged off any challenge wide on the right before sending over a cross for Corey O’Donnell to head home at the far post. 

Josh Jack came close to getting a second with a shot that was just wide of the target. Just before the break a Ryan Porteous header scraped the Broomhill post while a Keir Macaulay free-kick just cleared the bar.

Into the second half Bo’ness started well enough, but Keir Macaulay had to make two goal-line clearances in quick succession to prevent a second Broomhill goal. 

Ten minutes in Bo’ness had a great chance to equalise after Ryan Porteous was fouled in the box, but he was unable to convert the resulting spot kick as Broomhill keeper Luke Scullion made the save. 

This miss seemed to affect Bo’ness who struggled once more, but gradually they were back into things, with most of the play in the Broomhill half. 

A couple of good opportunities were spurned but with just over 15 minutes remaining Bo’ness got the equaliser. Scullion blocked a Tom Grant shot but the same player followed up to bang the ball into the net.

Bo’ness went to look for the winner as Broomhill seemed happy to settle for the draw, surprising given they looked dangerous any time they broke forward. As it was there was no more scoring and Bo’ness look forward to an exciting finale to the season, hoping to finish the campaign on a high.

Bo'ness: Dibaga, Stevenson, Macaulay, Hawkins, McArthur, Henderson (Johnston 46), Kennedy (Grant 46) Gemmell, Malcolm (Dalrymple 74), Hamilton (Rutherford 74), Porteous. 
Subs (not used): Mitchell, Travis, SG Ruddy.

Sandy Cunningham grabbed another hat-trick as Athletic came out on top in a high-scoring game.

Craig Snedden gave Athletic the lead after 23 minutes and Cunningham scored his first on 37 minutes only for Kennoway to pull a goal back before the interval.

Cunningham’s second on 46 minutes gave Athletic a 3-1 lead and five minutes later Michael Weir extended their advantage. Ryan Robertson made it 5-1 in the 57th minute but Kennoway pulled another goal back 12 minutes from time.

Athletic refused to take their foot off the gas and Reece Duncan made it 6-1 before Cunningham completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute.
 

Bo'ness United Under 20s had a tough night when they came up against a strong Stirling University side.

The first half was a tight affair, and with United only conceding one goal in the first half there was everything to play for after the break, but the home side proved too strong as they ran in four further goals.