ROSE SHOW FIGHT IN FALKIRK FRIENDLY DEFEAT

It was a typical Scottish summer evening in Bonnyrigg as the rain lashed off the roof of the shed, which would soon be full of punters hoping to escape the elements and see another Rose victory.

After Saturday’s win at Pollok, it was home comforts for the Rose as John McGlynn’s Falkirk came to town. Despite the horrendous weather conditions, an impressive 725 (205 away) supporters turned out to soak up the atmosphere, hopefully it wouldn’t be a damp squib.

Robbie Horn made a few changes to the starting line up with Saturday’s match winner and Birthday boy Angus Mailer given a start along with Conor Doan, Ross Gray and Zander Murray.

It was Falkirk who started on the front foot and almost stormed into an early lead through Oluwasegun Lawal, however he could only drag his shot wide of Paddy Martin’s right hand post. Rose had a half chance of their own a few moments later as a Trialist managed to get a strike away from a tight angle but it flashed wide of the post. Perhaps he was put off by the very loud, nineties throwback strip worn by Owen Hayward in the Falkirk goal.

Falkirk were dominating the ball, zipping it around with purpose, the aforementioned Lawal in particular looking a threat. Callumn Morrison put a couple of dangerous crosses into the Rose box but despite the pressure, the defence stuck to their task and stood strong. Rose created their best chance on the 20 minute mark after Ross Gray was fouled on the edge of the box. Lee Currie stepped up, bending his free kick around the wall and on course for the top corner until Hayward managed to get a hand to it to push it around the post.

That was as good as it would get for Rose in the first half as Falkirk took control again. Gary Oliver and Finn Yeats both had long range efforts saved by Paddy Martin before Oliver would open the scoring. More good work from Lawal set up Oliver inside the area and he made no mistake to put his side in front after 24 minutes with a well taken finish. Falkirk continued to dominate and one soon became two. It was Lawal again causing problems as his quick feet resulted in him being fouled just outside the box. Callumn Morrison stepped up and converted an excellent free kick into the top corner, giving former team mate Paddy Martin no chance in the Rose goal. Falkirk would take a deserved lead into the break, work to be done for Rose to get back into the game.

There were no changes to the line up at half time for the Rose but there was an evident change in urgency. The Falkirk players were being closed down quicker and afforded less time on the ball and with 55 minutes gone it almost paid dividends as Zander Murray was quickest to a loose ball on the half way line. He played a superb back heel into the path of a Trialist who raced through on goal, looking destined to score but just as he was about to pull the trigger, Coll Donaldson got back in the nick of time with an excellent tackle.

Donaldson and half time sub Calvin Miller had half chances for Falkirk before Paddy Martin was called into action with a brilliant double save to keep the score at 2-0. Into the final 20 minutes and Rose were creating chances and looking for a goal of their own. Lee Currie sprayed a ball out wide to Mailer, he played a nice reverse ball into a Trialist but his effort from just inside the box was comfortably held by Hayward. The same Trialist came close again 5 minutes later after great play by Conor Doan down the left, he cut the ball back but the final effort went over the bar. Into the final 5 minutes and Rose were denied again, this time by the woodwork. Conor Doan delivered an inch perfect free kick which was met by the head of Kerr Young, his effort though came back off the post. A stramash followed but it just wouldn’t fall kindly at a Rose player and the ball ended up being cleared to safety.

Just as it looked like Rose would see out the second half with at least a deserved clean sheet, Jordan Allan won the ball in the Rose half before he raced into the box and saw his powerful effort brilliantly tipped onto the post by Paddy Martin. 17 year old Scott Honeyman was on hand however to fire in the rebound in what proved to be the last action of the game.

A good test against a strong, full time opponent with plenty of positives to take. We wish Falkirk all the best for the new season.

Attention now turns to Saturday as we host Edinburgh City at NDP in our third and final pre season friendly. Kick off is 2pm and PATG entry is £10/£5/U12 free (with a paying adult). We will also be live streaming the game on Rose TV, you can purchase your stream for £10 now - bonnyriggrosetv.co.uk

A reminder that tickets for our Viaplay Cup game against Dundee on Tuesday 18 July go on general sale this week. Find all the information as well as how you can also secure your season ticket for the forthcoming season HERE

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