Match Report Elgin City FC v Bonnyrigg Rose 09/03/24

Match Report written by Gregor Bruce

Manager, Robbie Horn made three changes from the draw at home against The Spartans on Tuesday, with Scott Mercer and Reiss Peggie playing in the back due to the suspension of Neil Martyniuk and injury to Kerr Young. Bradley Barrett was placed in the front three.

Rose started the game off strong with a high-pressing tempo led by the back 4. The first chance of the game fell to Bradley Barrett, played through on goal by Keiran McGachie after a back pass error from Lyall Booth.

Michael Dangana had Elgin’s first chance of the game, and his strong effort had Paddy Martin in action in the first 10 minutes.

Aaron Dunsmore worked Thomas McHale after striking a half-volley following a flick on from Callum Connolly in the 20th minute.

Elgin started the second half strongly, with chances from Deshone Golding, but Paddy Martin made an excellent save at his near post. Golding then set up Russel Dingwall outside the box, but his shot trickled past the bottom left corner.

Michael Dangana broke the deadlock with a volley from the edge of the box after a rebound from Paddy Martin's save. Russel Dingwall came close to adding Elgin's lead with a bicycle kick effort denied by the right post.

Scott Mercer came close to equalizing for Rose with a free-kick just wide of Thomas McHale’s bottom right post. Mercer had a vital goal-line clearance minutes later, denying Dangana a second goal.

The tempo of the last 10 minutes was route-one football played by Elgin to secure the victory. Rose will be looking to bounce back next week against Clyde at home to regain momentum.