Match preview written by CAMERON WANSTALL

After two discontinued Lowland League seasons, Bonnyrigg Rose will finally welcome Berwick Rangers to New Dundas Park for the first time on Saturday.

This meeting between the two clubs is the second of five consecutive home league fixtures for the Rose, following on from last weekend’s 3-1 victory over University of Stirling which kicked off the run in dramatic fashion.

Keiran McGachie headed home twice before Jamie Penker pulled one back for the visitors with enough time to spare to make Rose faithful in attendance nervous. Kieran Hall wrapped the game up against his former side with less than five minutes remaining - despite the referee adding some unwelcome tension to the moment by not initially awarding the goal, however, a conversation with the linesman changed his mind.

Despite Bonnyrigg sitting atop the Lowland League table and hoping to extend their impressive winning streak to eight games, there will still be customary caution from manager Robbie Horn as his former club Berwick travel to Midlothian in fine form.

The Wee Gers are currently managed by former East Kilbride and Forfar Athletic boss Stuart Malcolm. The 42-year-old replaced Ian Little in the summer and currently has his side sitting 6th in the Lowland League table. A narrow defeat to newcomers Bo’ness United befell the Borderers on Tuesday night but Malcolm’s men have picked up an impressive four wins in their last six league games.

Malcolm is not the only fresh face in Berwick-upon-Tweed as several reinforcements have been brought in to bolster the Dream Team, especially in defence. The departures of Euan Smith and Kevin Waugh to The Spartans has led to the enlisting of Tam Scobbie, who brings a wealth of top-flight experience to the team, and Jamie Pyper, the new club captain who has already endeared himself to the Shielfield support.

The Berwick squad travelling to NDP this weekend is much changed from the last meeting between the clubs, though the Rose scorers that day remain familiar. In what was Bonnyrigg’s first Lowland League away day following promotion from the East of Scotland League, Lee Currie and McGachie both grabbed braces as George Hunter also got himself on the scoresheet in a thrilling 5-3 triumph for the Rose in July 2019.

You can fill the torrid international break void with a trip to NDP this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm - so there is plenty of time to get ready for Scotland versus Moldova in the late evening. Season tickets are valid and pay-at-the-gate will also be in operation. Price of admission is £7 for adults and £4 for concessions. Plus, under-12’s with an adult will receive free entry.

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