An early second half goal blitz was enough to see Bonnyrigg eventually ease past Dundonald into the quarter finals of the South Challenge Cup.

As expected Robbie Horn rang the changes from sticking with the same starting eleven two games on the bounce, with five changes in all from Saturday's reversal at Dalbeattie. A cool, misty evening in Cardenden was what greeted the Rose players and supporters on arrival for this cup fixture, but it wasn't long into the game before events started to heat up. The first chance of the evening fell to the hosts on nine minutes with a snapshot from Dall forcing Weir to stick a big left hand out while diving full length to turn the ball around for a corner. It was his opposite number Lennox who was called into action less than a minute later and did well to stand up and save a Barrett effort from close range. The best chance of the opening quarter fell to Hall, who did well to avoid a Wilson/Wedderburn sandwich and bear down on goal, only to see his strike rise high over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

There was a frantic period of play around the half hour mark when two Currie free kicks from similar positions were deflected by the wall, who did its job, but only just as both went agonisingly close to either side of the home post. Husband had a couple of efforts from distance well saved by Weir intermittently between those Currie free kicks. Neither side could find an opening in the first period and it ended all square at the interval, which was a fair reflection of the game.

The half time interval and some managerial guidance may have spurred the Rose into immediate action in the second period, as with just three minutes on the clock they were ahead. An initial cross from Barrett into the Bell box was met with a number of attempts to shoot/clear, before falling into the path of CURRIE who met it just outside the large rectangle, drilling it past a flailing Lennox left hand into the corner of the net.

Three minutes later and Bonnyrigg's lead doubled. It was Barrett again marauding down the left flank which caused a mis-timed challenge in the box, and referee Colin Whyte had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped MARTYNIUK to slot home with the minimum of fuss.

Two became three shortly before the hour mark and it was HALL who was rewarded for this trademark industrious performance with a goal, managing to fend off two defenders and onrushing goalkeeper to somehow prize the ball into the net. This signalled the changes from the Rose Gaffer as Brett replaced Barrett, with Scott Gray moving flanks from right to left and the front two of Ross Gray and the aforementioned Hall making way for Evans and the long awaited return of Hunter after his horrific injury at Airdrie vs Celtic B. The replacement strikers would end up having the final say on the night's proceedings and arguably contributed to the best goal of the game.

With just four minutes left on the clock a delightful ball over the top by a typically energetic Turner was caught by the pace of Evans before going out of play, who did well to lift his head and slot a ball across the goals to leave HUNTER with the easiest of finishes to get back on the scoresheet after his enforced layoff.

After an even first half it was a dominant second half display by the away side that was the difference between the two sides. Players, management and supporters alike who made the trip to Fife will be pleased that Rose have quickly got back to winning ways after the weekend with the play-offs just starting to appear over the horizon. A mention to the ground staff responsible for the Moorside playing surface which appeared to be in great condition given the weekend's fixture on it, which allowed the game to be played at the sometimes frantic pace that it did.

Next for Rose will be another trip on the road, as the original fixture vs Rangers B scheduled for April 2nd will be brought forward (Tuesday 29th TBC) to make way for the quarter final on that date at New Dundas Park, where Rose will face the winners of Bo'ness United and Petershill.

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