A midweek jaunt down to The Borders awaits Bonnyrigg Rose on Wednesday evening, as they face Vale of Leithen in the Lowland League.

Vale were denied the opportunity to host the Midlothian outfit in March when they were scheduled to, thanks to last season’s curtailment. Therefore, the last meeting between the pair in Innerleithen was nearly two years ago, in December 2019.

Robbie Horn’s side brought the three points back up the road that afternoon, courtesy of a 2-0 victory – but that doesn’t tell the whole story. It was a confusion filled game, to say the least. The weather and resulting pitch conditions cast doubt over the match before a ball was even kicked – the action that then followed wasn’t short of dubiety either.

When the Rose did eventually find the breakthrough – just short of the hour mark – celebrations were delayed. George Hunter headed home on the end of a Scott Gray cross, but the linesman had his flag raised for offside. After consultation, the referee overturned his assistant’s decision and the goal stood. The points were wrapped up late on thanks to Dean Brett’s close finish, but again, not without any uncertainty. It was a real, ‘is it, isn’t it?’ moment, as the man in the middle’s movements didn’t confirm any decision – but eventually, all came good.

The one encounter last campaign drew similarities to that aforementioned match at Victoria Park – treacherous conditions. And if this rain that is hammering against my window as a I write this continues, we may make it a hattrick.

Even in torrid times and under the floodlights on a freezing November night, the Rose put in a five-star performance. Goals from Scott Gray, Lee Currie, Keiran McGachie, João Baldé and Kerr Young stunned the visitors.

Horn will be looking for much of the same come Wednesday evening, as his side are looking to keep things ticking over at the top of the table and come into the match on the back of two huge victories against East Kilbride and Dalbeattie Star.

Vale on the other hand are still in search of their first point this season and sit at the foot of the table. They do, however, enter the match on the back of scoring three goals against the University of Stirling on Saturday – their most in a league match since mid-October last year.

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