Rose Grind Out Win in Poor Encounter

Bonnyrigg Rose took all three points from a dull encounter against a stubborn Dundonald team who offered little as an attacking force. The championship favourites were always the team who looked more likely to break the deadlock but, it was a hotly disputed goal which saw them take the lead before a Martynuik solo effort secured the win. Dundonald never looked like getting into the game after they went a goal down and produced an amazing miss late on when they might have a scored a consolation goal.

It was back to Mcbookie.com East Region SuperLeague business for Bonnyrigg Rose today as New Dundas Park played host to Dundonald Bluebell. The home side were idle last Saturday with a number of players on international duty with Junior Scotland and this has allowed Penicuik Athletic and Linlithgow Rose to open a gap at the top of the table.

Today’s visitors Dundonald Bluebell are enjoying a good season and were in Midlothian just two weeks ago when they defeated Dalkeith Thistle in the Fife and Lothians Cup. It was a case of third v fourth today so promised to be an exciting encounter.

There was a good crowd in attendance on an fine Autumn afternoon to see the teams kick off but it took a long time for the game to warm up and most of the action was in midfield.in In fact neither goalkeeper was troubled for nearly 40 minutes and it was Bonnyrigg’s Young who made the first save after Wilson got on the end of a free kick - the keeper doing well to make the stop. McKenzie and Meikle then combined before the latter’s shot  was blocked.

Roses best effort came near the break. Turner’s shot was turned away for a corner and from Nelson’s flag kick Moyes saw his header cleared off the line before Young fired the rebound over the bar.

The late flurry of goalmouth action couldn’t disguise a disappointing first half with little to cheer about and the constant stoppages and lecturing by the referee did nothing to improve the flow of the match. Dundonald looked happy to dig in and win a point and Rose didn’t look like likely to break them down.

Half Time Bonnyrigg Rose 0; Dundonald Bluebell 0

Neither side made any changes at the break and the second period started just like the first -with very little goalmouth action.

After 53 minutes Rose were forced into a change when Turner went off to be replaced by McConnell.

After 58 minutes Rose took the lead.The ball was played through the middle to McGACHIE who looked to be standing well offside. With the Bluebell defenders appealing for offside the big striker ran in on goal before slipping the ball beyond Lennox who rushed from his goal. There followed a long discussion between assistant and referee before the game resumed and it appeared that the through ball had been deflected by a defender on its way to McGachie.

Dundonald were clearly incensed by the decision but in their next attack Walton got on the end of a cross but,his header was easily held by Young in the home goal.

The breakthrough goal encouraged the home side and Horne shot wide from distance after 65 minutes before Dundonald made two changes with Walton and Meikle making way for Martin and Gray.

Rose were the better side now and a Nelson corner was headed just over by Moyes before McGachie had a decent run and shot.

Both sides made substitutions with 15 minutes left as players tired on a heavy pitch. With 13 minutes left the home side got their second and decisive goal. MARTYNUIK made excellent progress on the left and when he cut inside, defenders backed off him and he finished smartly into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Dundonald showed a little more ambition going forward with all their substitutes used and Moyes did well on a couple of occasions to keep them from making shooting chances.

With the game moving into added on time Dundonald created their best chance of the game but somehow Sibanda managed to miss the target from 18 yards with the goal at his mercy.

This was never a classic but Rose deserved the win although it took a highly contentious goal to break the deadlock. Bluebell didn’t look like conceding a goal nor scoring one and it was a surprise when Rose scored. Dundonald are well organised and hard working and their lofty League position is no fluke. They have come a long way in a short period of time and are a good addition to the SuperLeague and Fife’s leading side at the moment. They were well served by former Rose player Wilson, and Forbes who put in a no nonsense shift in midfield.

Bonnyrigg were not at their best and didn’t have their usual midfield domination. The defence was as solid as ever and McGachie led the line well and deserved his goal.

Bonnyrigg visit Fauldhouse United in Round 2 of the Scottish Junior Cup next week while Dundonald visit Thorniewood United in the same completion.

Full Time Bonnyrigg Rose 2; Dundonald Bluebell 0

Bonnyrigg Rose

B Young,Brett, Martynuik,Young,Moyes,Hoskins, Turner, Horne, McIntosh, Nelson and McGachie  Subs Kidd, McConnell,Janczyk,Lough and Andrews

Dundonald Bluebell

Lennox, Durie,Drummond,Wedderburn,Wilson, Forbes, Walton,Patrick, Smith, McKenzie and Meikle Subs Moffat, Quinn, Sibanda, Martin and Gray

Referee Colin Whyte  Assistants Steve Ross and Kian Gallagher

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter