Bonnyrigg Cruise Past Lively Kennoway to go Top

Bonnyrigg Rose made light work of a busy Kennoway Star Hearts today in a game that never scaled the heights quality wise but, provided good entertainment on a bitterly cold afternoon. The home side controlled most of the game and dominated possession  but Kennoway showed good spirit and the final score probably flattered Bonnyrigg just a little.

After an interrupted few weeks because of inclement weather and scheduled blank Saturdays, Bonnyrigg Rose we’re back at New Dundas Park today. The visitors and first footers, were Kennoway Star Hearts - in a game switched from Treaton Park in Star, where their were problems with the pavilion. Kennoway only became a Junior side in 2013 so have enjoyed a meteoric rise to Superleague status after the amateur sides of Star and Kennoway merged to form a new Junior club.

Bonnyrigg are still unbeaten in the McBookie.com East Superleague this season and sit third in the table, two points behind Linlithgow Rose. They have drawn five of their thirteen league games and need to convert draws to wins if they are to regain the Championship they last won in 2015/16. Kennoway are finding life in the top tier difficult and currently occupy one of the relegation places. However, they have already been to New Dundas Park in the D J Laing East of Scotland Cup this season and lost only narrowly - so there was cause for optimism in the camp.

Kennoway started brightly and might have opened the scoring in the first minute but Muir sent his shot just wide with Andrews scrambling across his goal.The home keeper had to look alert a few moments later to save a M Gay effort from a Craig cross. With seven minutes played, Young put in a fine cross from the right which Craig met but Andrews again saved well.

Bonnyrigg were enjoying plenty of the ball but it took them 12 minutes to create anything. Goalkeeper Paterson miskicked a clearance which went straight to Lough but he took far too long to get his shot away. However, a minute later the home side were ahead. Martyniuk sent in a good cross from the left and LOUGH stooped to head it past Paterson. Three minutes later the home side doubled their advantage and again it was from a cross ball. Currie took a free kick on the right flank and his fine cross was headed home by MCINTOSH. Worryingly for Hearts, two headed goals in three minutes and both goal scorers unchallenged.

After 24 minutes Hearts won a corner on their left. M Gay picked out Band with the kick but the attacker couldn’t test Andrews. However, it was a warning to the home defence that Hearts were creative and still dangerous.

After 27 minutes Rose’s McIntosh showed good skill on the edge of the box but, Paterson turned away his strike.

Five minutes later Muir tried an effort from range as Hearts came more into the game but it was an easy save for Andrews.

In Heart’s next attack they won a corner. M Gay delivered a fine cross which Andrews did well to punch clear, the ball only went as far as McGowan on the right who delivered a good ball into the box which M Gay got his head to but, he put his effort wide when well placed.

The warning signs were all there as Hearts won another corner and after 40 minutes they pulled a goal back. C GAY found a shooting opportunity from 20 yards and he rifled a shot into the corner beyond a helpless Andrews. It was no more than Kennoway deserved as they had enjoyed a good 15 minute spell. However,after 44 minutes Bonnyrigg restored their two goal advantage and it was a familiar formula. Martyniuk  send over a cross from the left and this time CURRIE provided a fine finish.

There was little time to Kennoway to respond before the break and they went in two goals behind.

Half Time.  Bonnyrigg Rose 3; Kennoway Star Hearts 1

There were no changes at the break and Rose nearly added a fourth from their first attack. Currie provided the cross from a corner and Young headed wide at the far post.

Kennoway made a change straight away as Young made way for Rolland.

After 52 minutes Rose went further ahead after they won a penalty. Gray looked to have lost his chance as he delayed his shooting chance inside the box but he was brought down. MARTYNIUK stepped forward and dispatched the kick efficiently giving Paterson no chance.

After 58 minutes Hearts made two quick substitutions. Bryce replaced Muir before the unfortunate  Doig was carried off to be replaced by Collins. Rose also withdrew Lough who was replaced by McGachie.

McGachie nearly scored with his first touch sending his effort just over the top.

Star were still trying hard, although a beaten side and they had a flurry of activity in front of the home goal before firing wide.

With 68 minutes gone Rose added a fifth with the goal of the game- MARTYNIUK firing home from outside the box with a beautifully executed strike. A second goal for the fullback to add to his two assists.

After 76 minutes Rose brought on McConnell and withdrew McIntosh, who had been yellow carded for simulation in the first period.

The game died out as players became tired on the heavy pitch and there were no more goals.

Rose will be delighted to go back to the top of the Superleague - second placed Dundonald losing at Penicuik and Linlthgow Rose on Cup duty- and improved their goal difference in a season where that might be a factor. They were never at their best but scored five and dominated for much of the game. They were well served defensively and Martyniuk was their stand out performer.

Kennoway will be disappointed with the score line as they contributed much more than it suggests. Craig was a busy performer and exemplified the way Kennoway play with total commitment.

Next up for Rose is a visit from Jeanfield Swifts while Kennoway travel to Linlthgow Rose.

Full Time Bonnyrigg Rose  5;  Kennoway Star Hearts 1

Teams

Bonnyrigg Rose

Andrews,Brett,Martyniuk,Young,Horne,Janczyk,Gray,Nelson,Lough,McIntosh and Currie Subs Watson, McConnell, McGachie Stewart and Burgess ( Gk)

Kennoway Star Hearts

Paterson,Young,Brewster,Partridge, Doig, C Gay, Band, Mcgowan, M Gay, Craig and Muir Subs Collins, Bryce, Rolland, Newlands and Shaw

Referee Lorraine Watson

Assistants Ellis Walls and Dominic Falconer

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter