Rose take Derby Day Plaudits

Bonnyrigg Rose showed glimpses of their fine pre season form when the eased past Newtongrange in this entertaining match. Despite falling behind to an early Kris Renton goal the home side rallied to run out worthy winners in the end.


Newtongrange Star arrived at New Dundas Park to face local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose buoyed by a fine opening day victory over Superleague Champions, Kelty Hearts. The home side, on the other hand, suffered a surprise away defeat to Superleague newcomers, St Andrews. However, Star were under no illusions this was going to be easy as Rose have not lost to Star for a number of years and the last time these sides met in the league in May, Rose won comfortably.

There was a good midweek derby day crowd for this crunch fixture for both teams.

Star were first to settle and looked dangerous in their opening attack. A Craig Thomson cross from the right gave Jordan Cropley a sight of goal but his effort was comfortably saved by Billy Bald in the home goal. 

At the other end the home side won a corner on the right and Adam Nelson's inswinging kick nearly found the head Ewan Moyes up from the back. A minute later Lewis Turner robbed Craig Thomson and fed Dean Hoskins. The full back swung over a good cross which Rose captain Ross Archibald met with his head -  Keiron Renton in the Star goal did well to keep the powerful header out.
A few minutes later Rose's frontman Keiran McGachie made a fine run into the box and might have won a penalty had he gone down!

At this point Rose were playing some good football and had the bulk of possession.

However, after 8 minutes Star took the lead. Craig Thomson sent in a long diagonal from the right, Chris King won the ball in the air and directed his header into the path of Kris Renton who finished well. Star gained confidence from the goal and Chris King created a shooting chance for Kevin Motion whose shot was deflected for a corner.

However, Bonnyrigg were winning the midfield battle and Adam Nelson and Andrew Kidd were much in evidence. Nelson played Ross Archibald in just after the quarter hour and his net bound shot looked sure to bring the equaliser,  but Blair Tolmie managed to get back and clear off the line.

However, the equaliser wasn't far away. A cross from the right found Dean Hoskins and his composed finish brought the sides level. Two minutes later a  Lewis Turner cross found its way to to Ross Archibald and his clever finish gave the home side a well deserved lead.

Rose were in control now and on the half hour a Jonathan Brown cross was headed over by Andrew Kidd. Archibald then fired a shot over.

Star were hanging on though and might well have scored, but Kris Renton shot just wide after getting on the end of a long through ball. Right on the break Cropley fired in a snap shot for the visitors which Bald did well to keep out.

Half Time  Bonnyrigg Rose 2;  Newtongrange Star 1

Star started the second half much more on the front foot but were unable to create any clear cut chances.

However, after 65 minutes Star did come close to scoring when a long range effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

Both sides made substitutions in a effort to change things and the game was much more even than in the first half.

McGachie brought out a fine save from Renton in the visitors goal after good work from Kidd. Lewis Turner then blasted over and with the clock running down Nelson created a chance for Archibald but again Renton saved well.

Star were now down to ten men - Kris Renton receiving a straight red for the second game running - but might well have drawn level. Substitute trialist Scott Gray dwelt on the ball allowing star substitute Jack Wilson to run in on goal - but he shot just wide!

The visitors were made to pay a few minutes later when McGachie won a penalty. It looked soft but from the resultant spot kick Dean Hoskins made no mistake and wrapped up all three points.

Bonnyrigg deservedly won this derby. There was much more variety in their play than the visitors and looked desperate to atone for Saturdays loss. Nelson and Kidd are a fine combination in midfield with Turner always busy and Archibald a leader on the pitch. They had no failures but Dean Hoskins was their outstanding player on the evening - not just for his goals but his all round contribution was immense.

Newtongrange lacked a real cutting edge and once again were plagued with indiscipline. Craig Thomson put in a fine shift at right back but was more effective when moved further forward. In fact they looked more dangerous when down to ten men using the pace of substitute Somerville  up front . Keiron Renton was their top performer on the night and kept them in the game.

Next up for Rose is a home game against Linlithgow Rose - an asset test for this new Rose team Star make the trip to Tayport.

Full Time:  Bonnyrigg Rose3;  Newtongrange Star 1

Teams
Bonnyrigg Rose
Bald, Brown, Hoskins, Stewart, Moyes, Horne, Archibald, Kidd, McGachie, Nelson and Turner
Subs Triallist ( Gray) , Whitson, Triallist ( McLeod), Thomson and Grant (GK)

Newtongrange Star
Keiron Renton, Thomson, Murray, Tolmie, Dunn, Motion, M King, Cherrie, Kris Renton, Chris King and Cropley  Subs Noble, McManus, Wilson, Somerville and McQueen (GK)

Referee David Doig, Assistants Michael Addy and Boise Allan


Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter