Today at 12:02 PM

Rose go down to third straight defeat

Champions Bo'ness United were the visitors to New Dundas Park for this McBookie.com East Superleague Championship game. Rose were looking to get their first win of the new season whereas United were looking to build upon their good start.

Both teams were under strength with a number of regulars missing for various reasons but it was an opportunity for squad players to impress.

There was a good crowd in attendance on a fine afternoon with a tricky wind blowing across and down the park.

Both teams started brightly and Bo'ness' Philp shot just wide after some fine work by Donnelly. At the other end a clever flick by Whitson gave Carse a sight of goal, but he dragged his shot wide.

However, the visitors very quickly found their stride and kept the ball well and pinned the Rose back. They created a number of chances and Gribben was a constant threat coming in from the left on his right foot -  always looking to shoot. A number of chances fell to McLaren but he couldn't find the net.

After 23 minutes Philp headed over when he looked certain to score. Rose were only seem infrequently as an attacking force but after 25 minutes good work by Carse created a shooting chance for King but his goal bound shot was blocked by team mate Whitson.

An enforced change after 28 minutes saw Leiper limp off to be replaced by the speedy Walker. Almost immediately Walker chased a long ball and when he cut it back to Gribben, the striker finished brilliantly into the far corner past the excellent Hay in the home goal.

Rose were stung by the goal and the Grady nearly found a way through but visitors continued to dominate and should have increased their lead

Half Time Bonnyrigg Rose 0; Bo'ness United 1

Bonnyrigg made a tactical changes at half-time with Horne moving to left back and Murray moving into midfield.

Bo'ness should have had a second in 48 minutes when Gribben played in McLaren but Hay saved well.

After 50 minutes Rose unused substitute McLeish was booked by referee Duncan Smith - presumably for something he said. However, after 55 minutes the same player came on for Carse. Rose were better in the second period and began to dominate play.  King nearly equalised on 57 minutes but Peat made a fine save. It looked like McLeish had scored after 68 minutes but his shot was into the side net.

On 70 minutes United went down to 10 men - when a Scott was shown a second yellow.

Rose, with the man advantage, dominated play but could not break down a solid United defence while United always carried a threat with Anderson's pace and the clever Gribben.

After 74 minutes it was 10 v 10 when McLeish received a second yellow for a poor tackle - given his first yellow was received while on the bench it was disappointing to say the least!!!

To their credit Rose continued to go forward but it was dangerous tactic as they were open to the counter. 

After 90 minutes Murray received a second yellow for a bad tackle as Rose chased the equaliser.

There was still time for one more piece of action and in injury time Gribben played in Miller to seal the points.

It was never a dirty game but Referee Smith showed 3 red cards.

Rose huffed and puffed in the second half , where tactical changes and wind and slope advantage helped their cause. However, they never really looked like scoring - even with a man advantage and were light weight up front  Goalkeeper Hay was their star man.

United did what they do best and just ground out the result. In Gribben they have a match winner and Murphy was solid at the back. They did well after losing Leiper to injury early in the game as he was immense at the back.

Next up for the Champs are newly promoted Penicuik Athletic who have already shocked Linlithgow Rose. Bonnyrigg are now second bottom of the league ( yes it's early days) but face a difficult journey to Ballingry Rovers next week.

Full time Bonnyrigg Rose 0; Bo'ness United 2

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter