Match Recap

Broomhill vs East Stirlingshire | Dumbarton Stadium | Lowland League | 20/04/2024

by David McIntyre

The final match of the Lowland League season took place at the weekend as Broomhill looked to continue their recent upturn in form. The big story of the day however was Martin Grehan announcing his retirement from professional football. Grehan had a wonderful career around the Scottish leagues and is now looking forward to spending time with his young family after a 20-year career. 

It was clear in the opening exchanges that neither team wanted to play on the front foot despite fighting for anything. Josh Jack broke the deadlock after 20 minutes with a sweet strike across the goal, giving the goalkeeper no chance. Broomhill doubled their lead after hold-up play from Ciaran McPhie ending with a clever reverse pass into Josh Jack’s path. The visitors created, a few chances approaching halftime and grabbed a goal back, before the break.

The second half saw the tempo slow down but both defences remained on top and stopped either keeper being tested. Martin Grehan who made more than 300 appearances as a striker was made to finish the last 15 minutes of his career as a centre-back. Happy to help the team he even managed a last-ditch challenge to maintain the lead for the Broom.

Corey O’Donnell ended his season on a high grabbing the final goal of the season just before the final whistle. The striker bagged in the last two matches and Broomhill finished the season with seven points out of nine.

Match Report

by David McIntyre

Broomhill vs Bo’ness United | Lowland League | Dumbarton Stadium | 16/04/2024

Broomhill’s penultimate fixture came against high-flying Bo’ness United whose recent form sees them sitting 3rd in the table. With another tough match for Stephen Swift’s men, he had the luxury of naming an unchanged starting 11. This hasn’t occurred regularly due to an extensive injury list this season. 

The match started with both teams looking to play on the front foot, Broomhill were looking to replicate their previous match and get ahead early. Ciaran McPhie was the first player for the Broom to get a shot on target with a low driven shot after a ball was played over Bo’ness heads.

The weather played its part in how the first half was playing out due to the strong gusts. So Broomhill did well to take the lead after 26 minutes. A goal for striker Corey O’Donnell put the home team in front. A wonderful cross played to the back post from Kirk McKnight, saw Corey outjump all the Bo’ness defenders.

The second half started well for Broomhill with Ciaran McPhie and Max Wright linking up before McPhie took off on a mazy run towards goal. He managed to evade five defenders, his first shot hit the post and his headed rebound was cleared off the line. Only five minutes after Ciaran’s miss the visitors were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box. Luke Scullion who had been brilliant all game made himself big and got a big hand to save the spot kick. He got himself up quickly and caught the rebound. 

Bo’ness United had been pushing since the penalty award and were repaid with an equalising goal in the 77th minute. Joe Murphy made a late charge for a winner but his goalward shot was headed over the bar in the final minutes to deny Broomhill the victory.

Broomhill vs Cowdenbeath | Lowland League | The Rock | 17/02/2024

by David McIntyre

After a strong performance last week against Albion Rovers, the Broom was right up against it with Cowdenbeath. The visitors took the lead four minutes into the match when Zac Butterworth pounced on a loose ball to turn into the net. Goalkeeper Luke Scullion initially made a brilliant double save in addition to the woodwork coming to the rescue. Each time Broomhill prevented the ball from going into the net, it would land at the feet of a Cowdenbeath attacker. 

The conditions meant there was not a lot of beautiful football played in the first half an hour, and neither team created notable chances. Broomhill’s task of turning the game around in the second half significantly increased after the dismissal of Michael Miller. Cowdenbeath could not make the extra man count before half-time, although they did finish the stronger of the two teams. 

Manager Stephen Swift made three changes at half-time to try and resurrect a result after a poor first-half display. Max Wright, who had a positive impact last week, appeared to have the bit between his teeth again. Martin Grehan and himself were able to create a couple of half-chances. The best of those fell to Paul Kennedy, and if it had come to his left foot, it probably would have nestled into the top corner. 

Broomhill continued to push and looked more likely to score the next goal despite Cowdenbeath having a man’s advantage. A couple of late corners saw Broomhill come agonisingly close to find the back of the net. As it was, Cowdenbeath’s defence kept their clean sheet intact.

by David McIntyre

Broomhill 1 vs Albion Rovers 1 | Lowland League | The Rock

After a weekend off, Broomhill returned to The Rock for the Lowland League fixture with Albion Rovers, the first of a double-header. Manager Stephen Swift wanted his young players to stand up and learn from their mistakes in previous matches. The Broom started the game positively as Paul Kennedy hit a shot on target in the opening minutes. Broomhill was well-organised, with Joe Murphy and captain Michael Miller operating Broomhill’s midfield effectively. 

Broomhill took the lead after 16 minutes when Scott Roberts was allowed to run down the right-hand side of the pitch before cutting in and laying the ball off to Paul Kennedy. He steadied himself before placing the ball across the face of the goal and into the bottom corner.

Albion Rovers grew into the game after Broomhill took the lead, with both teams creating chances. Broomhill’s backline remained solid and limited Albion’s clear-cut chances to a minimum. Scott Roberts forced a good stop from Rovers goalkeeper Ross Connelly when he aimed for the near post. Scullion also made a good save just before the break to give Broomhill a well-deserved lead into half-time.

Albion Rovers came out fighting in the second half and penned Broomhill in their half. Although Rovers started stronger, Broomhill created the first big chance of the second half, but neither Paul Kennedy nor Corey O’Donnell could connect with Scott Roberts’ cross.

It could have been a different result had the ball found the net because a few minutes later, Albion Rovers got a goal back to equalise. The match continued to be free-flowing and could have gone either way before full-time. Broomhill will be disappointed not to have walked away with all three points but will be encouraged with their performance.