Match Report by Amy Canavan

With the Scottish Cup cameras rolling, a cagey start from both sides was far from pretty on the eye. Thankfully, Rose swiftly broke out of their shell and the nerves were a thing of the past.

Using every inch of the large surface provided at The Falkirk Stadium, the visitors stretched their game from the opening minutes and utilised the abundance of talent out wide wisely.

The early joy on the flanks was rewarded promptly, with Rose edging in front inside the first ten minutes.

Kieran Hall deployed his upper body strength to protect the ball and turn into space before offloading the ball to the onrushing Dean Brett. The right-back rolled the ball into the perfect position for Kerr Young to approach and rifle the ball across the deck, into the far left-hand corner.

A shock to the system for The Shire, whilst Robbie Horn’s side found a new lease of life and entered a state of sheer domination.

George Hunter and Brett both, within minutes of each other, tried their luck at rounding Shire goalkeeper, Ross Connelly. The former’s attempt was snuffed out while the latter conceded a free kick and a yellow card amid a penalty claim.

Young could be found lurking at the back post as Lee Currie dug a corner out deep, but the centre-half appeared to have too much time on his hands and dithered in getting his shot away as the ball was cleared by the scrambling Shire defenders.

He didn’t find the second goal himself, but he played a crucial part in it. A one-two between Young and Brett saw the first goal scorer deliver in a tricky cross. It took a bounce which evaded all across the face of goal bar Bradley Barrett who was probing at the back post and only had to nod the ball over the line for the simplest of finishes.

Clear-cut chances fell few and far between in the remainder of the half, but Rose were more than cruising in possession and comfortably navigated their way through the first 45 of the tie.

As expected, the hosts posed a greater threat after the interval, in a desperate attempt to salvage their Scottish Cup run. Jamie Hamilton forced Mikey Andrews into his first save of the match after 52 minutes of play then – like buses, you wait forever then two come in quick succession – Bobby Barr’s driven shot was smothered.

Sandwiched in between Andrews’ saves, Neil Martyniuk strode forward to play in Barrett, who after some nifty footwork on the edge of the box, slipped in Brett whose shot forced Connelly into strong parry away at the near post.

The fitness of Horn’s side was on show yet again. Moments after Martyniuk’s jaunt, Barrett took it upon himself to drive 60 plus yards to the byline before teeing Hunter up exquisitely, but again, Connelly pulled out a spectacular save to deny the flick finish.
Up the other end, Cameron Crooks’ header skimmed across the face of goal and contrived a few gasps amongst the enormous travelling Rose support.

Those faithful supporters were on their feet seconds later, acknowledging the tiresome display from Hall who was replaced by Keiran McGachie.

Bums flew off seats again in anticipation when Callum Connolly looked set to round Connelly, but they were quickly perched again when it became evident he had overcooked his touch.

The third goal ensured Bonnyrigg Rose’s place in the third round of the Scottish Cup and what a way to seal the deal. The description that is about to follow will not do it justice, so I urge you to check the highlights out pronto.

Connolly picked out Hunter who had space to drive or take a pop. He opted for the former with a sublime first touch to start things off, followed by a nutmeg of the defender before the finest of finishes towards to bottom left corner. A marvellous move which will be a certain contender for goal of the round.

One of the few good things to come out of The Falkirk Stadium this week.

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