It’s derby day in Midlothian once again as Bonnyrigg Rose welcome Arniston Rangers to New Dundas Park in the second round of the South Challenge Cup.

The Rose come into the meeting in fine form, having lost just once in their last 16 outings, and are fresh off the back of a commanding 2-1 win over Spartans at Ainslie Park to extend their lead atop the Lowland League to seven points.

Saturday’s visitors currently find themselves 11th in the 15-team East of Scotland Conference A, four points above bottom side Craigroyston. Their last result was a strong one, as Arni battled back from 2-0 down against sixth-placed Dunipace thanks to goals from Ben Kettrick, James Peggie and Craig Ferrier, only to concede an 83rd minute equaliser.

The last meeting between the sides came in the East of Scotland Junior Cup all the way back in April 2014. It would be the home side who would prevail that day at Newbyres Park, despite the Rose getting off to a dream start courtesy of a Ross Archibald goal inside the opening minute.

It would be downhill from there for Bonnyrigg as they ended the game with eight men, with Arniston prevailing 3-1 victors in a competition they’d go on to reach the final of that year, losing 4-1 to Sauchie Juniors at the last hurdle.

It’s the first Midlothian derby the Rose faithful will be able to attend in person in over two years – the last being a 2-1 victory over Penicuik Athletic in the East of Scotland play-offs, ahead of the club’s eventual promotion to the Lowland League.

Kick-off is 3pm on Saturday afternoon at New Dundas Park, with pay-at-the-gate tickets priced at £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and, as always, U12s go free with a paying adult.

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