The Rose are back on the road again this weekend after the historic exploits of last week, as we make the trip to Kirkcudbrightshire to face Dalbeattie Star for League game 31.

The Star started the season in fine form, winning the first five matches of their season, but after a season which has been littered with postponements for them (at 25 league games played the fewest in the SLFL) they currently find themselves in eleventh position. A change in the dugout has also been announced for our opponents with Ritchie Maxell stepping down due to work commitments, with former coach Chris Jardine declared his successor and will make his managerial debut in this fixture. The Star players will no doubt be out to impress their new manager with potent frontman Russell Currie spearheading the attack, which should provide a stern test to usually miserly Rose defence.

Games between the two sides have generally been close, with only the odd goal in three separating the sides in the reverse fixture at NDP in October which was also part of the UK Groundhop weekend. A howitzer from Lewis Turner opened the scoring, only to the cancelled out in the opening moments of the second half but the three points stayed in Midlothian via a goal from the impressive Kerr Young collection this season. The last time Rose visited Islecroft in December 2020 it was the away side that ran out 3-1 winners, with a Lee Currie penalty brace and a collector's item goal by Alan Horne (his 9th for the Rose) sealing the victory.

The Rose's last match was memorable one, securing the Lowland League title in emphatic style over the border with a 1-4 victory over Berwick Rangers in front of a large and ultimately, delighted away support. Any concern with facing a side who had won 8 out of their previous 10 matches were all but alleviated in the opening 11 minutes with goals from strikers Brown and McGachie, with the latter doubling his tally just after the hour mark. In the closing stages Barr pulled one back for the Wee Gers but there was still time for a scoring cameo from Evans to round off an exhilarating 90 minutes.

The league title belongs to Bonnyrigg, but there is still lots to play for, namely prized places in Robbie Horn's starting eleven as the Rose are in the home straight, with some eyes already starting to look towards April 23rd and 30th and the pyramid playoffs against a yet to be determined Highland League champion. That alone should ensure that the intensity that has been prevalent all season will still feature in this fixture vs Dalbeattie Star.

Admission for the game is £7 for adults, £4 for concessions with U14’s going free with a paying adult. Dalbeattie are also taking part in the National Lottery Weekend, where it is "buy one ticket, get one free" on production of any form of lottery ticket at the entrance gate.

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