The league structure as set up for this term will pitch teams that rarely (if at all) have played each other previously. Not so for us on Saturday as we welcome first footers Dundonald Bluebell for our first home league game of season.

The Bell were one of the last teams to join the league this season while paradoxically having been also one of the first; they were in the initial tranche of membership applications in March but initially deferred their membership to next season, before later deciding to being it forward to this one.

They have made great strides over the past few seasons, finishes sixth in their debut season in the Superleague two seasons ago and finishing even higher up the table last season in fourth spot. They have had a mixed start to life in the seniors, having failed to qualify from their qualifying league section due to reverses at Broxburn & Newtongrange away from home, before registering their first senior win in a 5-0 victory over Craigroyston at Moorside Park. They are also out of the Alex Jack cup having been beaten once again by Broxburn. However, the bread and butter is the league and after a slow start against their neighbours Crossgates who themselves have had a very good start to the season, they ran out 7-3 winners. They have a potent and experienced strikeforce of Smith, Sibanda and Campbell with Scottish Junior international playing just behind them. Rose fans will remember Ross Drummond who was on loan with us from Berwick Rangers in 2016, picking up a Superleague winners medal in the process.

Recent ties between the two teams have favoured the Rose, having won both league fixtures last season. Our last fixture at Dundonald saw the surprising resignation of Stevie Kay shortly after a 3-0 defeat, (McGachie (2), Wilson) who was replaced by Jason Dair shortly afterwards and his brother Lee beside him in the dugout.

Bonnyrigg continued their 100% record start to the season with a blistering performance at Tranent on Wednesday and the New Dundas faithful will be hoping for more of the same this weekend. Another selection headache for the manager awaits before he announces his first eleven tomorrow.