Big weekend for Lowland League sides as East Stirlingshire conquer Bonnyrigg Rose and Bo'ness United win at Berwick Rangers

Ryan Stevenson scores a penalty to put Bo'ness 1-0 up

East Stirlingshire and Bo’ness United both kept up their unbeaten starts to the Lowland League season with two impressive victories.

Shire were the stars of the weekend as they conquered last season’s runners-up Bonnyrigg Rose.

The Midlothian side travelled to the Falkirk Stadium also undefeated in their opening five fixtures but found themselves a goal down when Dean Watson put the hosts in front on 38 minutes.

Two minutes later it was all square when Dean Brett was brought down inside the box before dispatching the spot kick himself.

Just minutes short of five and a half league fixtures and that was the first goal conceded by Derek Ure’s side this season.

The penalty came just two minutes after the opener and then two minutes later Shire were back in front with a penalty of their own and the previous weekend’s hat-trick hero, Andy Rodgers, restored the home sides lead.

A few more chances came and went in the second half but the score ended 2-1 as Shire picked up what is undoubtedly their biggest three points of the season so far.

Speaking after the match Shire boss Derek Ure said: “Bonnyrigg are a top top team who posed us a lot of problems today but I thought we dealt with it well and looked a threat going forward.

"I think we deserved the victory and the boys deserve a lot of credit.”

Meanwhile, along the road at Newton Park, Bo’ness United also picked up a 2-1 home victory as they beat Berwick Rangers.

Goals from Ryan Stevenson and Kieran Anderson secured the three points for Max Christie’s side who also keep up their unbeaten start making it five wins and a draw from their opening six fixtures.

After the game BU’s gaffer Max Christie said: “Our boys give us absolutely everything and we always look like we’ve got a chance going forward."

Both sides were back in action on Wednesday night, after The Falkirk Herald had gone to print, as Bo’ness welcomed BSC Glasgow and Shire hosted Cumbernauld Colts.

This Saturday both are back on the road Bo’ness head to East Kilbride, league leaders after last weekend, and East Stirlingshire make the trip across the border to Berwick Rangers who have started with with three wins, three defeats and a draw.