Rose Run Out Comfortable Winners

Although Dundonald competed well for the first forty five minutes, Bonnyrigg ultimately had too much class for them and ran out worthy winners in a competitive match. Bluebell frustrated a busy Rose side in the first half,but once McGachie made the breakthrough early in the second period, there was only going to be one winner.

Dundonald made the visit to New Dundas Park today looking to complete their McBookie.com East Super League fixtures, and complete the double over the reigning champs. The Fifers were looking to Round off an excellent season which sees them currently fourth in the Super League and came into the game in fine form, having thrashed Bo'ness Utd 5-0 last Saturday and drawn with Linlithgow Rose on Monday night. Bonnyrigg Rose have had a busy campaign with success in Cup competitions meaning that they still have 10 league games after today as well as an interest in the DJ Laing East of Scotland Cup. After their narrow Scottish Cup exit to Glenafton last Saturday, they won in the league at Camelon on Monday night and then lost out on penalties to Bo'ness Utd in the Fife and Lothians Cup on Wednesday. If Rose were to keep their hopes of retaining their Super League title alive, they simply could not afford to slip up against the Bluebell.

Bonnyrigg showed a number of changes from the side eliminated from the Junior Cup last Saturday. Manager Robbie Horn taking the opportunity to freshen up the side after three games in five days earlier in the week.

Rose were straight onto the offensive and referee Smith waved away a decent penalty shout in the first minute as McGachie appeared to be pushed over. From the following corner which  Donaldson seemed to miskick, the ball arrived at Hoskins who shot straight at goalkeeperRoberts.

Bluebell won an early free kick but Drummond's kick came to nothing. Rose were pushing for the opener and won free kicks and a corner which again came to nothing. With 7 minutes played Turner put in a cross which McGachie stretched to head and Roberts saved well. Donaldson then lobbed a ball forward which Turner nearly got to, but Rose were looking dangerous.

With 15 minutes played McKenzie showed good skill on the edge of the Rose box before the ball broke to Sibanda, but his effort was blocked.

Rose looked the more likely with good interplay on the left involving Donaldson and Turner created a shooting chance for the latter, but his effort was blocked.

Bluebell's Drummond then fired in a free kick which was deflected for a corner which was cleared.

Roberts pulled off a good save from a Jamieson drive after McGachie had won a header back across goal.

Dundonald were dangerous from set pieces and another free kick from Laurie was deflected for a corner. Meikle swung the ball over and Wedderburn got his head on it, but it was comfortable for Andrews in the home goal.

Five minutes before the break the visitor's McKenzie shot over.

Rose's Jamieson had the last chance of the half after a goalmouth scramble but couldn't make it count.

The half belonged to the home side but Dundonald were proving difficult to break down.

Half Time  Bonnyrigg Rose 0; Dundonald Bluebell 0

There were no changes after the turnaround and Rose were encouraged to hear that title rivals, Kelty Hearts were also being held at the break.

Rose were in determined mood and won a corner after 51 minutes. Donaldson's cross found Hoskins at the far post, but his header was across goal. However Rose took the lead a minute later. MCGACHIE received the ball on the right side of the area and his super turn and finish gave Roberts no chance - a great piece of skill from the target man.

After 59 minutes,Turner was almost on the end of a through ball but a Dundonald defender made a timely interception.

Dundonald made two changes after the hour as Martin and Meikle made way for Buchan and Lennie.

Bonnyrigg were in control now and McGachie got on the end of a Donaldson free kick before a Young shot was cleared for a corner. From that corner Hoskins won the ball at the far post and headed across goal for MOYES to head home.

After 65 minutes, Moyes nearly added his own second and Roses third. He got his head to a Brett free kick and his header came back off the underside of the bar.

Bonnyrigg replaced McGachie and Brett with McIntosh and Nelson and minutes later Donaldson made way for Gray, as Rose freshened the side with their busy programme in mind.

After 76 minutes, Dundonald had a penalty claim turned away after a goal mouth scramble resulting from a Drummond corner.

With 84 minutes played Rose got their third. Sub Gray made a darting run on the left. The ball came to Kidd and his measured cross was headed in by MCINTOSH at the far post.

With 90 minutes played, Rose put a gloss on the scoreline when TURNER scored a excellent solo goal to cap off a fine personal display.

Rose deserved the points and go on to Fauldhouse on Monday night. It was a solid team performance and manager Horn handled his squad well with an eye to future fixtures.

For Dundonald it is the end of a long season which has seem them have a excellent start to life in the Super League.

Full Time Bonnyrigg Rose 4; Dundonald Bluebell 0

Teams

Bonnyrigg Rose

Andrews, Brett, Hoskins, Young, Moyes, Stewart, Turner, Kidd, McGachie, Jamieson and Donaldson Subs Horne, Gray, Nelson, McIntosh and Paterek

Dundonald Bluebell

Roberts, Gray, Drummond, Wedderburn, Rarity, Forbes, Martin, Sibanda, Lawrie, McKenzie and Meikle Subs Buchan, Walker, Lennie, Ward and Patrick

Referee Duncan Smith Assistants Jonathan Gall, Jason Crocker

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter