League match day 11 sees Bonnyrigg return to New Dundas Park after spending the previous three (successful) weeks on the road, and will see out the rest of the year there. The first of these succession of home games will be against Fife outfit Crossgates Primrose.
Crossgates finished their first season back from abeyance in 7th position of the old East South division (bottom tier) last season but are currently sitting in fifth position in Conference B. They have made a great start to life in the Seniors with coming out of their Qualifying Cup section where there were three ex SuperLeague clubs (Linlithgow, Penicuik & Sauchie) and have also taken some notable scalps in the league to date and Andy Brown's side are in their current league position on merit.
Saturday will see Robbie Horn back in the NDP dugout for the first time since his return to the club. Last Saturday was his first game as manager and will no doubt have been pleased in his side's performance against Haddington Athletic, running out 4-0 winners in the end. Dean Hoskins will probably have to sit out another week on the sidelines following his injury at Alloa but the squad will be boosted by the return of Jonny Brown from holiday. With other results in the Conference last week Bonnyrigg extended the gap at the top of the table to five points and the manager will be keen to keep the momentum going and get another three points on the board come 3:45 p.m. tomorrow. Tranent face Dundonald (2nd v 4th) and Sauchie (3rd) are idle so a win tomorrow against the side in 5th could see the Rose extend that gap further.
Since joining the East of Scotland ranks the Rose have managed to rack up 99 goals, so hopefully will break into three figures v the Primrose.
We will be joined by our special guests Bonnyrigg Rose 2012s tomorrow, who will walk out with both teams at the start of the game and will also be providing the half time entertainment during the interval. NDP is their destination following their sponsored walk and they will be holding a bucket collection during the second half in aid of their club funds and would appreciate any donation from those attending.
EoS league attendances have been published this week (by the tireless David Severs from Blackburn Utd who has coerced clubs all season to hand them over) and we are the best followed club for league fixtures so far this season. Your support is greatly appreciated, not taken for granted and hope that you turn out in your usual numbers for the game tomorrow - not least to welcome Robbie back to NDP.