Rose fall short against Scottish Cup finalists Inverness

Bonnyrigg Rose began their Viaplay Cup group stage campaign with the tough task of travelling to the Caledonian Stadium to take on last years' Scottish Cup finalists Inverness.

After a summer filled with contract renewals and new signings, there was 4 players making their competitive debuts for Rose with Jason Jarvis, Reis Peggie, Smart Osadolor and Dean Watson all starting for the first time.

It was an uphill battle from the very beginning however as within 4 minutes of the referee's whistle the hosts were in front as a long ball found its way to Aaron Doran and the Irishman didn't pass up the opportunity to put his side ahead as he lashed his efforts past Paddy Martin.

Rose thought they were level just 4 minutes later as Neil Martyniuk headed in Jarvis' corner at the back post however but referee Stuart Lambie blew for a foul.

The chances continued to flow for both sides in the early stages, Martin called into action to produce a fantastic double save. The first was a flying save to deny Charlie Murphy's long-range effort but the second was arguably even better and he made an point-blank stop to deny the onrushing Adam Brooks.

Despite being behind there was chances for Rose to draw level as Watson was able to get in behind the Caley Thistle defence however opposition keeper Cammy MacKay turned sweeper keeper as he rushed out to hammer it clear.

Rose remained competitive but a second for Inverness 5 minutes before the break proved to be a real sucker punch as Doran struck again with his curled long-range effort finding the top corner.

Tempers flared as the players headed down the tunnel with Captain Jonny Stewart and Inverness' Austin Samuels in the thick of it.

Rose started the second half positively with Conor Doan's free-kick flying just over McKay's crossbar.

The game remained competitive until the hosts' brought on some real quality from the bench just before the hour mark as Sean Welsh and Billy McKay came onto the field looking to make an impact.

The Northern Irishman McKay was the focal point of a flurry of chances for the Caley Jags. His effort was saved well by Martin and his attempt to create Doran's hat-trick was met by another flying stop from Rose's player of the match.

The travelling fans had something to cheer in the end as in the 90th minute of play substitute Keiran McGachie made an impact from the bench and headed home from an inch-perfect Doan corner.

Whilst it wasn't the result Rose were looking for it was a performance to be proud of and provides some encouragement heading into next weeks Viaplay Cup fixtures.