Midlothian takes on East Lothian as Bonnyrigg Rose travel to Tranent Juniors in what is sure to be a fiercely contested East of Scotland Qualifying Cup clash.

The last time the sides met was also in cup action, back in June 2019 in the enthralling final of the King’s Cup. Bonnyrigg would come up short at our Rose namesake Linlithgow’s Prestonfield Park, however. Dean Whitson scored late to cancel out Kerr Young’s header and send the game to extra time in a match that also saw two penalty saves from Bryan Young inbetween the Bonnyrigg sticks, and a pair of red cards for Euan Moyes and Jamie Devlin, the latter of whom would go on to join Rose. It would be a certain Bradley Barrett who would score the winner for The Belters and give Tranent glory on the day.

The Bonnyrigg boy, though, caught Robbie Horn’s eye despite the Rose defeat having worked with him previously at Berwick Rangers, setting the wheels in motion for his eventual move to New Dundas Park in January of last year. Barrett isn’t the only former Belter in the Rose ranks, joining the Tranent Pele himself Alan Horne in having crossed over county borders. The links continue into the dugout, where you’ll find the man who lead Tranent to that cup success, Darren Smith. Now on Robbie Horn’s coaching staff, it’ll be an homecoming of sorts at Foresters Park.

The proximity between the clubs means that you can find many ex-Rose players donning Tranent colours these days, as many familiar faces are set to meet again on Saturday afternoon. These familiar faces have helped in what has been a stellar season so far for Calum Elliot’s side, who are currently firmly in the hunt for the East of Scotland Premier Division title. Their 3-0 victory over league leaders Penicuik Athletic last weekend saw them go just five points off top spot and four points off second-placed Linlithgow, having played a game fewer than both of their rivals.

Bonnyrigg also picked up a 3-0 win to boost their own title hopes last time out, as they left Netherdale with all three points courtesy of goals from Keiran McGachie, Ross Gray and Callum Connolly.

Both sides enjoyed comfortable victories in their last tie in this competition too, with Tranent fans watching six different goalscorers net unanswered against Dalkeith Thistle, while a Nathan Evans hat-trick inspired Rose to victory over Tynecastle.

This will be the first outing for both sides since restrictions on attendance were lifted on Monday, meaning a more than healthy crowd can be expected for this exciting fixture.

Kick off is 2.30pm at Foresters Park on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are pay at the gate, with adults priced at £7, concessions at £4, and kids go free with a paying adult.

‘Mon the Rose!

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