Champion versus Champion. Lowland versus Highland. Rose versus Broch… Tomorrow’s tie is going to be a cracker and we can’t wait to see you all there.

New Dundas Park will play host to the first leg of the Pyramid Play-Off between Lowland League champions Bonnyrigg Rose and Highland League victors Fraserburgh on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams have had stellar campaigns this season and will now have the opportunity to battle it out for the opportunity to face Cowdenbeath in the League Two Play-Off, with promotion to the SPFL the ultimate prize for the winning side.

Rose head into the historic tie following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over third-place East Kilbride on the final day of the Lowland League season last Saturday.

The winner came after 73 minutes played, as Scott Gray’s jinking run was followed up with a magnificent cross towards the back post from Nathan Evans. Sean Brown, towering above his marker, was positioned perfectly to nod home from close range to wrap up all three points.

Thanks to resilient showing at the back and Brown’s heroics up top, the league campaign ended on a high. With the win, Robbie Horn’s men finished the campaign on a Lowland League record 87 points – 14 clear of closest challengers Celtic B.

The gaffer stated post-match that he was proud of the players for keeping up momentum ahead of the play-offs since securing champions status at Shielfield Park over five weeks ago. It’s fair to say our opponents Fraserburgh have similarly built up momentum on their faultless title charge.

A remarkable Highland League title race came down to the final day. Title holders Brora Rangers fell by the wayside, while Brechin City failed in their quest for immediate promotion back into the SPFL. This allowed for a thrilling title fight between Buckie Thistle and eventual champions Fraserburgh to build up over recent months.

Despite Buckie maintaining a colossal 25-game unbeaten streak in the league, The Broch managed to hold off their fierce competition through a similar rich vein of form to win the title with a fantastic 92 points and a positive goal difference of 111.

While Rose were battling it out at K Park, Fraserburgh were seeking at least a draw to secure champions status. They hosted Forres Mechanics – a side Rose are now familiar with after defeating them 2-0 in the Scottish Cup first round in September – and were able to, after a slow start, crush The Can Cans in a 5-0 demolition.

The deadlock was broken after 41 minutes played when Paul Campbell opened the scoring from the spot. The party atmosphere soon began to build as each goal flew in thereafter; with Paul Young, Grant Campbell, Sean Butcher, and Willie West all getting on the scoresheet to secure The Broch’s first Highland League title since 2002.

When it comes to history between the two sides, Rose have faced off against Fraserburgh as recently as September 2019. A crowd of almost 500 turned out to Bellslea Park to witness a Scottish Cup first round clash which ended in late heartbreak for the hosts.

Of the 12 Rose bodies who played a part in the tie, 10 of them are still at the club for this weekend’s match-up. The tie finished 1-0 and it was Dean Brett who supplied the assist for George Hunter as the forward slammed home a last-gasp winner to send the far-travelling Rosey Posey support into a euphoric frenzy.

A similar (perhaps slightly less nervy) victory would certainly be welcomed at the Boomtown Bernabeu tomorrow. C’mon the Rose!

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