For the final time in 2021/22, the Champions were in action in the conquered Lowland League. The opponents were familiar foes East Kilbride, on the hunt to pick up a scalp under new manager Kevin Rutkiewicz.

The Rose gaffer Robbie Horn made five changes from the side that breezed past Spartans en route to the South Challenge Cup Final on Tuesday night. Mark Weir, Dean Brett, Alan Horne, Jonny Stewart and Ross Gray came in for Mikey Andrews, Kerr Young, Callum Connolly, Lewis Turner & Kieran Hall.

The loudest speaker system in Scottish football blared a classy welcome around K-Park, as Rose took to the field through their final guard of honour of the campaign.

It wasn’t long until the first player would depart though, in the form of a wounded George Hunter. The striker limped off in the seventh minute to be replaced by Sean Brown.

A game that lacked outstanding quality was balanced out with spades of commendable industry, with both sides battling hard to close the season on the right note.

Rose did turn on the style on occasion, sparked this time by Bradley Barrett. The wing-back collected the ball deep in his own half before linking up superbly on the left flank with Lee Currie and Ross Gray.

The astute move saw the latter released through at a tight angle, but the fierce half volley so nearly did the trick. Gray’s frustration was evident as his effort bounced wide of the far post.

With ten minutes of the half remaining, Rose were dealt another injury blow. An awkward landing from Bob Wilson at a set piece saw the big man have to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines, prompting the arrival of Nathan Evans and a change in the Bonnyrigg shape.

A rather mundane half almost experienced a blockbuster climax through the effort of Liam Watt. The number 10 glared intently as the ball dropped following a corner, before unleashing a viscous volley that zipped just inches over Mark Weir’s bar.

It took until after the hour mark for the Rose number one to be truly tested, though when he eventually was, it demanded his very best. Steven Old’s header from a wide set peice looked destined for the bottom corner before Weir sprawled to emphatically deny the former New Zealand international.

Rose were determined to ensure their momentum didn’t fall flat ahead of next week’s play-off first leg, so as he done frequently since his January arrival, Brown thought he’d help himself to a big Bonnyrigg goal.

Scott Gray worked the ball out cleverly to Nathan Evans, who had drifted to the right in search of space. The substitute delivered a cross of the upmost quality, giving his strike partner the perfect opportunity to nod beyond Connor Brennan and put Rose ahead.

After delivering a gorgeous assist, Evans was in the mood for a goal of his own. So nearly afforded by Kieran Hall’s cross-cum-shot that found his boot at the backpost, but Brennan was equal to the task this time.

Just as it looked as though the game was petering out to a Rose victory, a jolt of electricity seared around the ground. Christie Elliot was suddenly through on goal, with only Weir to beat, before Barrett appeared seemingly out of thin air to deliver to type of block that warms even the coldest of hearts.

The final whistle meant that is was momentum maintained for the Lowland League winners, and finally, our play-off opposition was certain.

Highland League victors Fraserburgh will head to New Dundas Park on Saturday, as Rose start this leg of the journey towards the goal of promotion.

A campaign that will live long in the memory, but a belief that there’s more memories yet to make.

Bonnyrigg Rose FC

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