Bonnyrigg Rose Complete League and Cup Double.

Bonnyrigg Rose added the Fife & Lothians Cup to their Super League title to round off a fine season with a comfortable win over Newtongrange Star. An early mix up between defender and goalkeeper saw Rose take the lead and they were never troubled by Newtongrange.  Four up at the break ,Rose sat back in the second period and Star did come more into the game, but a comeback was never on the cards.

Penicuik Park was the venue for the 2018 V TECH SMT Fife & Lothians Cup final between Newtongrange Star and Midlothian rivals, and newly crowned McBookie.com East Super League Champions, Bonnyrigg Rose. Star have landed the trophy four times but have not been successful since 1991. Rose have won the cup on three occasions - the last time in 2007. Rose lost the final to Penicuik Athletic in 2016. The clubs have met three times this season with Rose winning League and Scottish Cup matches at New Dundas Park, and the sides sharing the league points at New Victoria Park. This match will mark the last time these sides meet in the Juniors are both are moving to the East of Scotland League next season.

There was over a thousand in Penicuik Park to see the teams kick off on a fine Summer’s eveniing, but it took some time for any pattern to emerge in the game. However, with only 6 minutes played Bonnyrigg took the lead. The ball was played into the box from the right by Moyes and there appeared to be a mix up between Swaney and Renton in the Star goal. It wasn’t clear who actually got the final touch but MCGACHIE seemed the nearest Rose player - a dreadful start for the underdogs but just what Rose needed to settle them.

The game was fairly even for the next few minutes and Hunter has a half chance for Star but couldn’t trouble Young in Rose’s goal. After 19 minutes Star were awarded a free kick just outside the Rose penalty area. O’Hara tried to place it in the corner but his effort was deflected agonisingly, just wide.

Rose went straight down the other end and Smith was caught in possession, but Lough delayed his shot and then couldn’t find a teammate with a pass and Star recovered. However, the second Rose goal was only a minute away. Currie sent over a pinpoint corner and LOUGH headed home unchallenged. Star faced a huge task now and after 25 minutes they were three down. Lough was upended in the box by Swaney and the referee pointed to the spot. MARTYNIUK stepped up and gave Renton no chance with the kick.

Turner was next to try his luck for Rose from range, but he shot over.

With half an hour played Hunter had a rare effort for Star, but it was easy for Young. Star had a good effort from a free kick after 38 minutes but Young saved O’Hara’s effort well.

Currie then had a free kick well saved by Renton in 43 minutes as Rose looked to add a fourth. However, the fourth did arrive a minute later, with MOYES heading home another fine Currie cross.

As the teams went off for the break there was a huge feeling of anti climax in the crowd with spectators sensing the Cup was already won. It wasn’t as if Rose were brilliant on the night, more a case that Star had not turned up

Half Time  Newtongrange Star 0;  Bonnyrigg Rose 4

Neither side made any changes at the break and Rose nearly had a fifth after 46 minutes when Currie sent in a wicked free kick that was turned away for a corner. From the resultant kick, McGachie saw his effort headed off the line.

Star were thrown a life line after 50 minutes. O’Hara sent over a free kick from the right and FORSTER headed past Young. Star got a boost from the goal and Forster then shot at goal from range, but it was easy for Young.

Rose looked to be coasting and had a McGachie shot across goal before Currie forced a good save from Renton.

After 57 minutes Turner made way for Nelson before Star were forced into a change,  injured goalkeeper Renton making way for Dunsmore. Stephen Scott then  replaced Porteous for Star.  Lough then departed to allow Kyle Wilson a taste of the action for Rose.

With 74 minutes played Young made a fine stop from a Hunter header.

Star brought on Kyle Scott for Jack Wilson before his brother Stephen Scott tried a shot, but it was easy for Young.

Hoskins replaced  Gray for the last ten minutes and within a minute Rose added their fifth - substitute WILSON nipping in to get his name on the scoresheet. Rose nearly added a sixth after 84 minutes after a fine passing move but Dunsmore denied McGachie.

The sides were going through the motions now with the destination of the Cup decided long before.

There were no more goals and Rose ran out worthy winners. It was not an exciting  final and Star were never really in it after the second goal. Best for Rose were Moyes, Currie and McGachie. Star had no stand out performers on the night although they worked hard.

Full Time  Newtongrange Star 1; Bonnyrigg Rose 5

Teams

Newtongrange Star

Renton, Swaney, Porteous,, Hunter, Wilson, Lowson, Forster, Smith, Barack’s, O’Hara and Melvin Subs Dunsmore, K Scott, McNaughton, S Scott and Richardson

Bonnyrigg Rose

Young, Brown, Martyniuk, Horne, Moyes, Stewart, Turner, Gray, McGachie, Lough and Currie Subs Hoskins, Wilson, Nelson, McIntosh and Andrews

Referee

Scott Lambie

Assistants

Chris Newman and Laurie MacKinnon

Fourth Official

Colin Whyte

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter