Bonnyrigg Dent Linlithgow Title Hopes

For the second time this season Bonnyrigg Rose came back from two goals down to draw with Linlithgow Rose in the McBookie.Com Super League and in doing so, severely dented Linlithgow's title aspirations.

Both teams fielded strong sides, with Weir taking over in the home goal and showed a healthy respect for one another in the opening exchanges.

It took nearly 10 minutes for the first real chance to come along. Bonnyrigg's Gemmell provided the cross for Renton, whose powerful header was well saved by Christie. Renton had an opening a minute later but his shot was blocked and the resultant corner came to nothing.

Linlithgow were probing for an opening and with 17 minutes on the clock, full back Tyrrell was not closed down in midfield and his 30 yard drive ended up in the back of the net. The ball was deflected off Horne and looped over the helpless Weir, before striking the underside of the crossbar and bouncing in.

Roddy McLennan was proving a handful for the home defence and Horne and then Gemmell were both yellow carded for fouls on the Linlithgow man.

On 27 minutes the visitors went two ahead. A corner was not cleared, and in the scramble the ball fell to Ruari McLennan, who forced the ball home.

Bonnyrigg were still very much in it and Roseburgh crossed for Archibald, but the big man failed to connect. Just before the break Archibald showed good skill to create a shooting chance but his effort was blocked.



Bonnyrigg started the second half with a real purpose and within a minute pulled one back. McLeish took away a defender allowing King to cross, and Grady scored with a fine header. Minutes later King ran fully 50 yards towards a retreating defence, before having his shot deflected. From the resultant corner, the ball nearly went straight in after being missed by everyone. Bonnyrigg continued to dominate and Christie pulled off a good sane from a Horne shot. Grady's pace was a factor and from a ball over the top, he produced yet another good save from the agile Christie. However, Bonnyrigg were not to be denied and just before the hour, a fine McLeish cross, allowed White to head the equaliser.

The last half hour saw both sides create half chances and either side could have found a winner, but it was not to be.

Over the 90 minutes, a draw was a fair result although neither side really went for the win in the closing stages. It was a great game for the big crowd and a fine advert for Junior Football.

Bonnyrigg were well served by White ( one of the top defenders in this league) and Woodburn - King and Grady were prominent in the second half. For Linlithgow, Christie was good in goals and Roddy McLennan dangerous in the first half with Nelson always industrious.


Bonnyrigg have one league game left (away to Camelon who could still yet finish top!) and they look sure to finish near the top. Too many draws has been the story of their season, although they have lost only three times - the lowest of any side in the Super League.

Linlithgow are still in the title running but they will be annoyed at losing a two goal lead to Bonnyrigg for the second time this year.

Full Time:      Bonnyrigg Rose 2 Linlithgow Rose 2

Gordon Baird – Neutral Reporter