Following a record breaking midweek trip south to Innerleithen, the Rose head to the north of the capital to take on title contenders Spartans. Though I doubt we will see more than a dozen goals in this one, it will surely still be a cracking top of the table clash.

Bonnyrigg Rose set a Lowland League record on Wednesday evening with a colossal 13-0 victory over Vale of Leithen. Kerr Young opened the scoring after five minutes before all hell broke loose at Victoria Park. Forwards Kieran Hall and Nathan Evans each nabbed braces as Dean Brett, Lee Currie, George Hunter and both Gray brothers all scored one each. To round out this very long list of goalgetters, the best has been kept until last as nothing beats a centre-back grabbing a hat-trick: Bob Wilson, take a bow. Thirteen goals, nine scorers and (at least) one record broken.

Spartans will no doubt give Robbie Horn’s men a tougher challenge as they seek to close the four-point gap separating the two sides at the top-end of the Lowland League table. The last two meetings between the sides have both come at Ainslie Park in shortened campaigns, with the Rose running out as victors on both occasions. The most recent, a 2-0 win in November 2020, was wrapped up by a sweet Kieron McGachie double.

Spartans will be heading into Saturday’s clash in high spirits after three consecutive victories, including a stoppage-time clincher to see off Celtic B by one goal to nil on Wednesday, helping them rise above Rangers B in the standings.

Additionally, Blair Henderson is an obvious goal threat for the home side, with the former Rose forward hitting the net on 12 occasions in the league already this campaign following his summer switch from League Two neighbours (and temporary tenants) Edinburgh City.

Kick-off is earlier than the norm at 2pm this Saturday at Ainslie Park. Tickets at the gate cost £8 for adults and £5 for concessions, while under 16’s can gain admission for free.

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