Caledonian Braves vs Bo’ness United

After the terrific performance earlier on in the week against Gretna, the Braves looked to carry their
momentum into Saturday afternoon as they took on Bo’ness United. The sunshine beamed down on
Alliance Park however at full time the mood was a negative one as the Braves lost 2-1.
In the first half there was little to separate the sides, both teams struggled to play with any real
authority. Bo’ness United took the lead just after 25 minutes through a goal that the Braves will be
very disappointed with. A ball into the air, which wasn’t dealt with, led to a very scrappy finish.
Keeper, Bernie White, was unable to get a hold of the ball and the official deemed that the ball
crossed the line.
The Braves will look back on that as a very disappointing first half performance.
In the second half, both teams once again had a slow start, Bo’ness has a chance to double their
lead. A long-range effort was dragged wide. Moments later, after a brilliant passage of play by the
Braves, Matty Collins received the ball just on edge of the box and the initial thought was that he
was brought down however, the referee reached for his pocket and booked the winger for
simulation. The decision was not well received at all from the home fans on the day.
After a wild volley over the bar by Cammy Breadner on the 64 th minute, the Braves made a double
change. Both Jamie Watson and Matty Collins came off for Josh Gemmell and Gregg Stuart
respectively.
Despite the substitutions Bo’ness United still were the oppressors and could have had more than the
two they got. A cross into the box was met with a bullet of a header which struck the underside of
the crossbar. As the rebound came, Bernie White sprung to life as he expertly denied the visitors.
Bo’ness’ second goal 11 minutes from the initial 90. Ryan Porteous picked the ball up and after a
couple of dribbles, he rifled a wonderful long-range effort into the top corner. Bernie White, who
has been key for the Braves so far this season, wasn’t able to get close to that one.
The game could’ve ended in a better way for the Braves as moments before their goal, Ross McNeil
had a golden opportunity to score. A simple long ball over the top was collected by the Braves
attacker who got into the box but couldn’t convert his shot as it was saved by the onrushing Bo’ness
keeper.
On the 94 th minute Cammy Breadner gave the fans a moment of magic. The Braves had free kick at
least 30 yards from the goal and from its position there wasn’t much Breadner could’ve done aside
from going for goal. When the referee blew his whistle to resume play, Breadner stepped up and
curled a wonderful effort into the top corner on the keeper’s side. While the game ended in a
defeat, Breadner gave the fans something to smile at.
After the game, manager Ricky Waddell shared his thoughts on the match

Next for the Braves is Girvan in the South Challenge Cup. The previous game in the cup ended up a
goal fest for the Braves as they smashed St Cuthbert Wanderers 9-1. The Braves will aim to deliver a
similar performance next Saturday.