Report by John Gilmour

Another fresh challenge, another new side to face, and another chance to take his side into a repeat of last years final when they lost to East Kilbride, that was the task facing boss Robbie Horn as his much changed line faced Threave Rovers for the first time. He had no need to worry as they blew away any challenge the team from Castle Douglas could offer, with a solid 3 – 0 performance from his squad.

“It was a good win but we’ve played better. We were In control of the game but they had their chances as well. We made a lot of changes to the line up but we played some decent stuff in spells and scored three good goals.“ was Robbie’s take on the game.

Threave did have a great chance to open the scoring as early as the 12th minute but the striker slipped his effort wide of the post. Bonnyrigg took note and only 4 minutes later they took the lead with a repeat of Neil Martynuik’s goal last week against East Kilbride, a volley into the top corner again with his right foot. They doubled their lead in the 25th minute with a super strike from Scott Gray playing deeper than usual. He took a pass into the box from Alan Horne, turned and unleashed a shot leaving the keeper stranded. They then played out the remaining minutes spraying the ball all over the pitch at a pace Threave couldn’t handle.

The second half was a repeat of the first but on the ball they were possibly too elaborate in front of goal. They were never under any real threat but they did need that 3rd goal to kill off any chance the visitors had. They had to wait until the 88th minute before that goal came when sub George Hunter finished off a great move by slamming the ball into the net from 15 yards.

A comfortable win for Bonnyrigg who made a lot of changes to the line up before the game, none more so than having Scott Gray playing a lot deeper, something he enjoyed, “I like playing there as you can see the game a lot more. It was a great pass from Alan(Horne) and I managed to turn and get the shot off and it hit the net. As I said I like playing deeper because it gives you more space to see the game and play the pass. The team spirit though is great here and that’s why we are looking forward to next Friday night. ”

Robbies Interview.

“It is a win but there’s no doubt we can play better. We were never under a great deal of pressure but allowed them a couple of good chances in the first half which might have changed the game. We made a lot of changes today with but the lads who came in did well. At the end of the day it’s a win, we’re through, a clean sheet, scored 3 and no fresh injuries to report ahead of next Friday. Next week will be a huge challenge for us again. Buckie are a very good side at the top of the Highland League and it’s going to be a great cup tie.”

Bonnyrigg: Andrews, Brown Young, Horne, Stewart(Moyes), R Gray(Brett), Martynuik(Hunter), Docherty, Devlin, S Gray, Baur. Subs: Swanson, Weir.

Threave: Gemmell, Jaekel, Jamieson, Wilson, Cameron, Forsyth, Todd, McMurdo, Milligan(Handling), Thom, McKie. Subs: Donley, Brown, Patterson, Ross, Henderson.

Bookings: Threave Todd.

Referee: Iain Sneddon

Att: 436