Early clinical strikes by CAIRNIE and IRVING ensured that the three points deservedly stayed at Islecroft, condemning Rose to only their third league defeat this season to date.

The Rose were welcomed to a sun drenched Islecroft and a touch of class from the home side, as a guard of honour met the players and management as they encroached the playing surface, which from afar looked to be in a decent condition given the recent postponements.

The magnanimity ended on the blow of Lloyd Wilson’s whistle however, as from the outset the Star players looked clearly determined to impress new manager Chris Jardine facing an unchanged Rose side from securing the Lowland League title last Saturday at Berwick.

After a period of congested play in midfield it was Dalbeattie who created the first chance of the opening period, which was duly converted on 11 minutes. A ball over the top was controlled well by CAIRNIE, who backed himself to take a strike from just outside the box which was too good for the outstretched right hand of Weir. It was a case of déjà vu just 5 minutes later as IRVING managed to double Dalbeattie’s lead.

Rose gradually made their way into the game after an uncharacteristically slow start, with Brown going close on two occasions in quick succession with the interval approaching, just after an unscheduled substitution with Keiran McGachie making way for Ross Gray. Just before the half time break there were credible shouts for a penalty as Young appeared to be hauled down in the box when trying to meet a Currie corner, which failed to prompt the man in the middle to make a decision.

A determined looking Rose started the second period on the front foot but each attack was countered by an organised and resolute defence. Personnel changes were made but the result of the opening period had no change. Star over the period were well deserving of the win and while goalscorers usually grab the headlines, it was the well marshalled rearguard spearheaded by centre backs Dickinson and Douglas and assisted by Park and Brotherston that ensured the three points remained at Islecroft.

Today’s defeat will also serve as a timely reminder that any deviation from the normal relentless standard set by Robbie Horn’s men could be met with a similar outcome. The positive to take is that they don’t have long to wait to remedy today’s result, when they face Dundonald Bluebell in the 5th round of the South Challenge Cup at Moorside Park on Tuesday evening.

In his post match interview the manager stated "We weren't at it. Hangover maybe from last week but we were poor today and second best in all departments. Dalbeattie deserved to win. I thought we huffed and puffed and didn't work the goalkeeper enough and they took their chances, defended really well and deserved to win."

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