Rose Win Again But Make It Tough For Themselves

Bonnyrigg Rose dominated the first 45 minutes of their Super League encounter with Hill of Beath Hawthorn today, but a combination of good goal keeping, stout defending and poor finishing meant they had only a single goal to show for their efforts. Again they dominated possession in the second period but found Hawthorn a different prospect and the visitors nearly made them pay for their first half profligacy in front of goal. 

Championship chasing Bonnyrigg Rose welcomed Hill of Beath Hawthorn to New Dundas Park today as they attempted to retain their top spot in the table. Rose dropped two points at Camelon last Saturday which afforded Midlothian rivals Penicuik Athletic the opportunity to reduce their lead at the top to one point ( Rose do have three games in hand). Today’s game was vital to their bid to complete the treble of Super League, East of Scotland and Fife and Lothians Cups in what is likely to be their last season in Junior football. Hill of Beath sit just below mid table but look unlikely to be drawn into the relegation battle. It’s been a mixed season for the Fifers but they did manage a draw at Penicuik in February. The sides have not met this season although Rose completed the double over Hawthorn last season.  

The game was slow to catch fire on a warm afternoon before a decent crowd. Bonnyrigg were first to threaten and after some nice interplay a Turner shot was stopped by Wright although the defender didn’t know much about it as the ball struck him. With 10 minutes played a Currie chipped free kick nearly found McIntosh but he couldn’t quite collect it. Turner had another shot after 17 minutes but his effort was blocked. Two minutes later Gray brought out a good stop from Hall in the Hawthorn goal after a quick Currie free kick had released him.  From the resultant corner the ball was eventually cleared but not before there had been a number of headers from both sides. 

Hawthorn took fully 29 minutes to threaten the home goal and it was as the result of a free kick which Rose didn’t clear. Patrick nearly got on the end of things but couldn’t reach the ball. 

Rose continued to dominate but couldn’t make anything of a Currie corner. However, after 33 minutes McIntosh fired into the side net after some good skill had given him the shooting chance.

A minute later Hawthorn nearly scored from a corner. The ball wasn’t cleared properly and when it was played back in Rarity won the header and forced a save from Andrews. The ball came back to the centre back but he hooked his shot over the bar - a big let off for Rose.

 The home team took full advantage of the escape and a minute later took the lead. Goalkeeper Andrews cleared the ball down the field and it was headed on by McGachie. McIntosh then found McGachie in front of goal but his effort from close in was saved by Hall. The ball rebounded to McIntosh who saw his shot stopped. The ball span wide to CURRIE who made no mistake and buried his drive beyond the helpless Hall - tough on the keeper who made two good stops.

In their next attack Brown put in a dangerous cross but Gray couldn’t reach the ball. 

Rose were totally in command and another Currie free kick was headed behind for a corner which came to nothing.

Just before the break Rose nearly doubled their advantage. McIntosh controlled the ball well and passed to Currie who fed Brown. The full back’s shot was well saved by Hall who stopped the ball with his legs.

Rose would be satisfied by their first half display but unhappy with the score line. The Hawthorn had proved to be a tough nut to crack and defended stubbornly, if a bit over robustly at times. The visitors carried little threat up front but showed that they might threaten from set pieces with their big defenders. 

Half Time Bonnyrigg Rose 1; Hill of Beath Hawthorn 0

Hawthorn withdrew Elder at the break and sent on Denton.

Rose pinned Hawthorn back at the start of the second  period. Turner put in a good cross but found no takers on the end. However the home side got their second goal after 47 minutes. McGachie did well to hold the ball up wide right and find Gray, Gray cut inside but his shot was pushed by Hall onto the post. The ball appeared to run along the line before MCINTOSH stooped low at the far post to head home! No more than Rose deserved and it was hard to see a way back for Hawthorn.

Rose kept on the front foot and Currie played in a couple of free kicks which came to nothing.

However, Hawthorn clearly had a different attitude in the second period and Young was yellow carded after he took one for the team when Rose were caught out in the middle of the pitch. 

After 55 minutes substitute Denton played in a free kick which Conners nearly reached, but it signalled a change in the way the game was being played.

Bonnyrigg were still very dangerous and Brett put in a teasing cross between two Rose forwards.

With 61 minutes played, Hill of Beath’s Wright tried a shot from long range which Andrews watched all the way.

Rose brought on fresh legs upfront with Lough replacing McGachie who had one of his quieter afternoons. The substitute nearly scored after a free kick had not been cleared firing over after showing a good touch. 

Rose withdrew the busy Gray and replaced him with Nelson. 

After 69 minutes a Denton free kick was cleared for a throw in. From the throw in the ball ended up back with DENTON who smashed home an unstoppable drive from fully 25 yards - a candidate for goal of the season.

Lough headed over for Rose with 15 minutes remaining and then after good lead up play Currie shot over. 

Hawthorn then used both their remaining substitutes with Reid replacing P Allan and Schiavone on for Adamson. Rose send on Martyniuk and took off Turner who had put in a real shift in midfield.

Rose continued to be a real threat from set pieces and a Nelson shot from a Currie corner was blocked. Lough then saw his shot saved by Hall after he had done well to create an opening. With 5 minutes remaining McIntosh and Currie combined to give Lough a chance but somehow the ball stayed out. 

Hawthorn were enjoying more possession as the game wore on and Schiavone had a great chance with 4 minutes left - he fired his shot wide of the far post with goal gaping. 

Rose kept pushing forward but they were aware of the threat the visitors carried and they were more cautious than earlier in the game. 

With time running out Hawthorn had a decent penalty claim turned down as they had a man impeded in the box but referee McLean was having nothing of it. 

The home side were pleased to hear the final whistle as it was a day when they couldn’t put the game to bed. The visitors might well regret their defensive tactics in the first half as they allowed Rose to pin them back and gave the home defence an easy time. When they pushed more men forward after the break they looked more likely to cause Rose problems. Rose will be delighted with three more points which sees them increase their lead at the top to three points over Penicuik Athletic. 

Best for Rose were Gray and Turner while Hall and Denton were good for the visitors. 

Hill of Beath visit Bo’ness on Wednesday and host Sauchie Juniors next Saturday. Rose are away to Kennoway Star Hearts next Saturday. 

Full Time. Bonnyrigg Rose 2; Hill of Beath Hawthorn 1

Teams 

Bonnyrigg Rose

 Andrews, Brett, Brown,Young ,Horne, Stewart, Gray,Turner,McGachie, McIntosh and Currie  Subs Martyniuk, Nelson, Lough, Wilson and Bryan Young  (Gk) 

Hill of Beath Hawthorn 

Hall, Wright, Mitchell, Conners, Rarity,Kellichan,Adamson,Patrick, Elder, Watt and P Allan Subs Watson, Reid, M Allan, Denton and Schiavone

Referee

Simon McLean

Assistant Referees

Evan Cairns and Emma Hingant 

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter