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Star Rescue Derby Day Point

Rejuvenated Bonnyrigg Rose made the short trip to New Victoria Park to visit unbeaten local rivals Newtongrange Star in this McBookie East Super league match.

There was a big crowd in attendance on a perfect afternoon. Star were along their usual lines while Rose fielded a team that is becoming more familiar since their change of management.

Rose went straight on the offensive and won a corner. From McLeish's cross Whitson misheaded and the chance was lost. The home team countered and a Deland sent in a teasing cross which evaded everyone.

In the sixth minute, some careless defending by Wilson, let Chris King in on goal. He rounded Hay in the visitors goal beautifully and fired his shot into the unguarded goal. However, Archibald appeared from nowhere and cleared the ball off the line.

It was end to end stuff and Rose took the lead in the 12th minute - in controversial circumstances. From a McLeish corner on the right, a Rose head won the ball and sent it goalwards. As it flew into the net, it appeared that Hislop handled the ball. However, referee Hogg decided that there was no offence and the goal stood despite prolonged Star protests.  Star were rattled.

Henderson, the Rose main striker was causing all sorts of problems with his pace. However, his final ball was invariably poor.

Newtongrange slowly found they're way back into things and began to dominate. Chris King was pulling the strings in midfield and creating openings. Kris Renton was trying hard up front and gave the Rose two centre backs, Wilson and Woodburn a difficult afternoon.

The break came with star still pushing forward and Rose playing on the counter attack.

Half Time  Newtongrange Star 0; Bonnyrigg Rose 1

Three were no changes at the break .

A mistake by Wilson led to a Renton break but it came to nothing.  In Star's next attack a shot  by Thomson took a wicked deflection but Hay pulled off a tremendous stop. From the resultant corner Cropley fired wide. Star were pushing for the equaliser and it was not long in coming.

A mistake by the excellent Woodburn created panic in the Rose defence, when the ball found it's way into the box, Horne hesitated and Kris Renton pounce to make it 1-1. 56 minutes on the clock and all to play for.

Star were now looking for a winner and after 65 minutes had the ball in the net - only to be ruled out for offside. After 72 minutes, Jamieson showed a great turn off pace on the right and when he crossed into the box King's stooped but to head against the bar.

Rose were still in it and they too created chances for substitutes Court and Whitson.

Both teams were looking for a winner but  it was not to be.

A fair result with both teams creating chances in an open, attacking game.

This was a fine advert for Super League football with a high level of skill and good organisation. There was goal mouth action a plenty and enough talking points to send the fans home happy.

There were good performances from Chris King and Jamieson for the home team and Hay in the Rose goal and Stewart in midfield.

It was a difficult afternoon for referee Alan Hogg but he handled it well and probably got the big decisions right. He kept his cards in his pocket most of the time and let the game flow.

Next up for unbeaten Star is a visit from Musselburgh Athletic. Rose host Armadale Thistle and they will look to extend their unbeaten run to seven under their new management team.

Full Time. Newtongrange Star 1; Bonnyrigg Rose 1

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter