Match report by Amy Canavan.

On what was Berwick Rangers’ maiden visit to New Dundas Park in the Lowland League, they certainly came out in their numbers.

The electric atmosphere, created by both sets of supporters, overshadowed the dreich and drizzly setting.

Spurred on by their travelling followers, it was the visitors who started the brighter. Jordan Sinclair, who returned to the starting line-up, struck a free kick from 25 yards out which just rose inches high of the crossbar, just three minutes in.

The Wee ‘Gers recently captured Kieran McGrath on loan from Clyde, and by today’s showing, the 20-year-old appears to be a lively addition. He fired a tantalising ball across the face of goal, yet there were no takers.

Veteran Tam Scobbie, who played a vital part in Kelty Hearts quest to promotion, also recently joined the ranks. He came within whiskers of his first goal for the club on only his second appearance, as his headed attempt fizzed over the bar.

It took a comfortable 30 minutes for the hosts to control the game in any manner. Lee Currie had an identical free kick to Sinclair’s up the other end and saw a similar outcome, with his effort near perfection.

The nerves that were agonisingly building amongst the Rose support were soon shattered. A hostile environment was growing with Robbie Horn’s side severely under the cosh, but the wind was soon taken out of Berwick Rangers’ sails.

Currie pinged a splendid cross out to Dean Brett, who was ever lurking down the right-hand side. In turn, he zipped the ball to the near post where a tussle between Ross Gray and some Berwick defenders was looming. Coming out on top, Gray saw the ball trickle over the line after nabbing the vital touch.

Lewis Allan was in search of a quick response before the half closed out. His effort was powerful, but Mikey Andrews pulled off a strong save down at his bottom left-hand side.

The first half was a frantic affair in front of the impressive 714 strong crowd but the second did not hit those heights so rapidly.

Neil Martyniuk’s strike was comfortably held by Andy McNeil, who came into today’s starting side for Ben Swinton. But as was the story on so many occasions this afternoon, the wrong choice was made, and Keiran McGachie ensured his teammate knew that.

However, it didn’t take long for the number 9 to get his way. He perceived and tussled with his man down to the by-line, right in front of The Shed, and pulled back the perfect pass to Callum Connolly, who had the composure to slot home.

Cruising in confidence, the Rose began to look more like themselves. Showering the Berwick Rangers box with crosses as well as comfortably controlling possession, the Rose faithful were far more content.

Content but cautious, would be the way to describe the mood. In recent weeks, Horn’s side have made hard work of the final quarter in their matches, so a third goal was more than welcomed.

Currie delivered a deep cross into the visitors’ box, which was dragged back for the oncoming Kerr Young, who, as he so often does, caught the ball deliciously on the volley to zing it home for the third.

Goalscorers Gray and Connolly, in addition to McGachie made way for Lewis Turner, Nathan Evans and Kieran Hall late on.

Turner was energetic and tee’d Evans up late on for the only other real chance in the match for the hosts.

Alex Harris forced Young and Andrews into a fine double save in the final action of the match, but the clean sheet for Rose was kept intact.

Rangers B are the next to travel through to Midlothian to face the Lowland League leaders, as they are welcomed next Saturday.

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