Strong Second Half Performance Takes Rose Nearer Title

After a poor first half performance which saw them fall behind to a Sean Jamieson goal, Bonnyrigg Rose upped the tempo and ended up comfortable winners. With both their nearest title rivals beaten, this vital victory edges them nearer the title and sets up Wednesday's match with Linlithgow Rose. 

Bonnyrigg Rose faced their second local derby in four days when Musselburgh visited New Dundas Park today. A strong Rose side suffered a shock East of Scotland Cup exit at Newtongrange Star on Wednesday night when despite dominating much of the match, couldn't score against a stubborn Star side, reduced to ten men before half time.  Musselburgh lost last Saturday to Star in the Super League in a match where they were outplayed during the first forty five minutes, but might well have put the match to bed early in the second half, before losing out to a Star goal near the end. Athletic sit fifth in the league and have won six times on the road this season. They had an excellent win over Camelon Juniors in the Fife and Lothians Cup on Wednesday night and travelled in confident mood. However, the last time the sides met in February, Rose won comfortably 3-0. 

Musselburgh started quickly and Davie's fine cross was nearly met by Paliczka but was scrambled away for a corner.

Rose's first attack saw Turner's cross flicked on by Archibald and the ball came back to the Rose captain allowing him another shooting chance. With four minutes played, a defensive error saw Turner run in on goal but Dodds made a good stop in the 'Burgh goal.

The next action was in font of the Rose goal with Jamieson turning over a Myles cross. Minutes later Hoskins fired over, then a Turner shot was blocked after a goalmouth scramble resulting from a Nelson corner.

The visitor's McLeish had a shooting chance from a free kick but his effort was a weak one. Just after the quarter hour Paliczka showed good skill but his finish was a weak one.

After twenty minutes, McIntosh got  on the end of a Nelson free kick but his effort drifted wide.

Musselburgh's best effort so far came from a fierce Davie shot after he'd turned well inside the box - but it was straight at Andrews. With twenty nine minutes played, McIntosh tried an audacious chip from an acute angle but it was well over.

On the half hour Athletic took the lead. JAMIESON tried a shot from the right and it crept out of Andrews grasp and over the line - the keeper will feel he should have done better.

Rose were stung by this reverse and won a serious of corners but the 'Burgh defence was solid.

With four minutes of the half left, Gibson headed straight at Andrews when he got on the end of a Davie corner.

Rose were then dealt an injury blow with skipper Archibald being replaced by Young.

Bonnyrigg laid siege to the the visitor's goal for the rest of the half. A Turner shot was deflected for a corner by Gibson. From the resultant corner, McIntosh's effort was stopped on the line. 

Half Time Bonnyrigg Rose 0;  Musselburgh Athletic 1

Neither side made any changes at the break and Rose came out fired up and were straight into the attack. After forty nine minutes, McGachie had a free header from a Nelson free kick but failed to find the target. Next McIntosh had a shot from range but it was a routine save for Dodds. 

A minute later, the ball fell to substitute Young after a Turner corner was partially cleared and the big defenders' shot cannoned back off the underside of the crossbar. In the next raid Gray missed his kick when in good position. Gray then had a good effort well held by Dodds.

A goal was coming and it duty arrived after 56 minutes. Nelson fired over a corner deep to the far post and YOUNG rose highest to head the equaliser. It was all Rose now and in their next attack Hoskins had a headed effort. The second goal was only delayed for a minute. Horne slipped a nice ball down the Rose right, Gray crossed well and McINTOSH bulleted home a header - two goals in four minutes!!!

Musselburgh looked out of it now, but after sixty eight minutes a McLeish corner gave McKenna a half chance with a back heel.

With 75 minutes played,  Rose secured the points. Hamilton conceded another free kick twenty five yards out. HOSKINS took the kick and his effort took a cruel deflection from the defensive wall to give Dodds no chance.

This was an important win for the home side and well deserved on their second half performance. Best for Rose were Stewart, Turner and substitute Young while Hoskins had another fine afternoon. Musselburgh tried hard and Jamieson was always a threat and Goalkeeper Dodds and centre back Hamilton puts in good shifts.

Referee George Calder and his team handled the game well with the man in the middle spot on as usual.

Next up for Bonnyrigg is a crucial trip to Linlithgow Rose on Wednesday night while Musselburgh wait until Saturday to face Carnoustie Panmure at Olivebank.

Full Time Bonnyrigg Rose3;  Musselburgh Athletic 1

Teams
Bonnyrigg Rose
Andrews, Horne, Donaldson, Stewart, Archibald, Hoskins, Turner, Gray, McIntosh, Nelson and McGachie Subs Young, Tobin, Kidd, Drummond and McLaren

Musselburgh Athletic
Dodds, Myles, Hamilton, Gibson, McLeish, Davie, Bracks, Swaney, Jamieson,McKenna and Paliczka  Subs Wright and Jackson ( Gk) 

Referee
George Calder, Ross Hoggan and Kevin Lindsay 

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter