As Groundhoppers bounced into Midlothian to enjoy the charm and character of New Dundas Park for the first time, the regulars were dusting off their red and white bunnets. A cold and windy day served as a stark reminder that summer is now firmly in the rear view mirror. How long ‘till April?

Also behind the Rose was their 3-1 victory over East Kilbride last weekend, in which Bradley Barrett sealed the deal late on. The wingback was rewarded with a spot in the starting lineup, with Lee Currie also making a return to Robbie Horn’s XI.

The opening stages of Dalbeattie Star’s visit failed to fall into any sort of rhythm, the most noteworthy occurrence being my disbelief as to how I’d gone from wearing a t-shirt and shorts last weekend to three layers on Saturday afternoon.

What was entirety believable though - the nature of Lewis Turner’s opener. Known for his ability to strike the ball sweetly, having done so brilliantly in Bo’ness earlier in the season, the midfielder made sure the aftermath of a Rose corner would count for something, as he fizzed the ball into the back of the net inside 20 minutes to give the hosts the lead.

The goal seemed to bouy Bonnyrigg, more consistent patterns of play followed Turner’s belter. A few half chances fell the way of George Hunter, a couple sailed over, while Star ‘keeper Darren Martin later held the striker’s shot from a tight angle.

The half-time whistle saw a rush from hungry fans to collect their donner kebab pies. Aye, you read that right. Donner. Kebab. Pies.

Before the novelty snack could even settle in spectators’ stomachs however, Star had shot out the traps after the restart to get themselves level.

Lewis Todd tapped home just seconds from the second period’s inception, his relief palpable after seeing his first effort clawed off the line in spectacular fashion by Mikey Andrews.

Had the finish not come seconds later, everyone in attendance would have been filing out onto Lothian Street come the game’s conclusion hailing the save as the standout moment of the match. It was that good.

Just as Turner’s opener boosted Bonnyrigg’s confidence, the leveller spurred on the visitors. Connor Graham, who was a threat from distance all day, curled an effort just wide of the Rose goal.

Character was always going to be required after surrendering the lead so early in the second half, and some of the Rose faithful’s favourite characters combined to restore the winning advantage.

Lee Currie’s corner met Dean Brett at the backpost, with the wingback then teeing up his partner on the right-hand side of defence, Kerr Young.

Of course, the man’s inability to score a bad goal meant that his strike was never destined to simply stroll into the back of the net. Instead, the defender sent the ball high enough into the far corner for it to satisfying bounce off the underside of the bar and over the line in what was yet another classic entry in the Kerr Young highlight reel. Did I mention he’s a centre half?

Intent on ensuring the scoreline stayed ever in their favour this time, Rose stayed compact for the remainder of the game. Hunter nearly finished off a slick passing move to settle the nerves of those watching on, but again Martin was equal to it.

Dalbeattie struggled to truly test Andrews following the hour mark as they searched for a second equaliser, although the aforementioned Graham caused a few hearts to skip a beat as his piledriver from 25 yards zipped inches wide of the far post.

The home side’s game management paid dividends as Dalbeattie were kept out while the minutes ticked down to the referee’s eventual final whistle. Happy to pick up another three points, happy to remain top of the league, happy to get inside to some warmth.

Winter is coming, while the Rose just keep on going.

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