Ten men Hawthorn hold on to share points

After a poor start to the season which saw them part company with their manager, Bonnyrigg Rose have steadied the ship and are now on a good run of form and difficult to beat. The latest visitors to New Dundas Park, Hill of Beath Hawthorn have had a mixed season, highlighted by defeating defending league champions Bo'ness United, and sit in mid table.

On the last Saturday before Christmas, conditions were excellent for football with the pitch in good condition and hardly any breeze to inconvenience the players.

Both sides found it difficult to gain any advantage in the early stages and there was little goalmouth action to cheer the crowd. Bonnyrigg persevered with their passing game and had a half chance when Hislop had a shooting opportunity which came to nothing. At the other end an Adamson cross was fumbled by Hall in the home goal, but the danger was cleared.

After 33 minutes, a fine break down the right by centre back Wilson,  saw him feed a pass to Hislop who looked certain to score,  but as the Hawthorn defenders claimed for offside, the experienced goalscorer pulled his shot wide.

After 35 minutes, Rose lost Whitson to injury to be replaced by McLeish. His first contribution was a delightful ball down the right hand side which forced a corner. From the corner the ball was cleared and Gemmill, the ex Rose star, released Adamson. His blinding pace left Beaton for dead and he finished neatly past Hay.

From the restart Rose went on the offensive and when the ball was delivered to Hislop, the referee adjudged that he had been pushed by Connors and awarded a penalty to the home team. It looked a contentious award although Hawthorn players made little protest. Henderson stepped up and fired the sides level - two goals in three minutes.

Rose were clearly buoyed by getting on terms so quickly and ended the half on the offensive -King testing Hall with a super chip, just before the break.

Half Time: Bonnyrigg Rose 1 Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1

The second half saw both teams start brightly. Beaton fired in a shot for Rose which was easily gathered by Hall in the Hawthorn goal and them Adamson had a fine fun and shot for the visitors.
After 50 minutes, Rose took the lead. A corner was headed down by Archibald and Henderson was there to score his, and Rose's second.

Both teams made substitutions as the action moved from end to end. Bonnyrigg looked the more likely to add to their lead but the visitors carried a real threat on the break with pace in Adamson and Anthony.
After 68 minutes, Adamson found himself all alone in front of goal after being played in by a quick free kick. The front man made no mistake from a tight angle to tie the scores at 2-2.

Four minutes later it looked like the visitors would retake the lead, but substitute Murray calmly cleared the ball off the line.

The game was finely balanced and McLeish fired a fierce free kick just over, as Rose pressed for a winner. 

After 76 minutes, Gemmill saw red for a second yellow after an ill judged lunge on substitute Courts.

After 81 minutes, Wilson who had a good game at the heart of the home defence with Horne, was involved in a mix up with Murray and nearly let the visitors in.
At the other end,  Rose's McLeish continued his one man assault on the Hawthorn goal, but Hall was in fine form.

As the clock ticked down the visitors were holding on comfortably. However, In the 88th minute, King created a great chance for Henderson to win the game but his close range header failed to hit the target.

There were no further goals and a draw was a fair result in an entertaining game. Best for the home side were Hamill, Wilson and Horne whilst Henderson gets a mention for his goals. Adamson was a real threat for Hawthorn with his pace and goalkeeper Hall solid.

Full time: Bonnyrigg Rose 2 Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2 

Both sides are idle now until 10th January 2015 .


Gordon Baird. Neutral Reporter