The buzz from last Saturday’s historic, promotion party was – and arguably still is – filtering through Midlothian upon the South Challenge Cup final. Celebrations, congratulations, and the long-awaited nod from Rylan are still very much alive in the air.

And from the first moment Lewis Turner got the final underway at The Falkirk Stadium, it was evident the buzz was rippling amongst the players, with the matched adrenaline and excitement transpiring in their play.

In the absence of Jonny Stewart and Kerr Young, Lee Currie had the armband wrapped around his bicep and he led from example, at the off.

Enjoying the excessive time he was allowed on the ball, he rolled up an inviting cross but his opposing captain, Andrew Leishman, commanded his area well to collect.

Early dominance and pressure proved fruitful when, with his back to goal, George Hunter succeeded in winning a free-kick a few yards off the edge of the box, as he was forcing off the extreme touch-tight Talbot defence.

Well within captain Currie’s range, the dead ball specialist delicately measured his run-up before wrapping his left-foot around the ball for it to then lick the inside of Leishman’s left post before nestling in the opposite corner of the net. Goal number 75 for the Rosey Posey, not a bad return for a midfielder.

Advantage Rose before 10 minutes were even played, the ideal start for the newest members of the SPFL. Playing with confidence but without conviction in front of goal, Robbie Horn’s side sprayed the ball across the backline with ease, before opting to routinely pick out the advancing Bradley Barrett on the left-wing. Corners were won, cross were swung, but nothing was too troubling from Talbot who were very much constrained.

The sole, clear-cut chance from open play from either side in the first half fell at the feet of Hunter on the half-hour mark. Neil Martyniuk – as he so often did prior to being forced off early through injury – sent Barrett on the chase in a beautiful piece of link-up play. The wing-back fizzed the ball into the path of Hunter, who, on the swivel, lashed his shot wide of Leishman’s goal. Gasps inhaled amongst both sections of the stand, both sets of fans knew how glorious an opportunity that was.

As it happens, it grew evidently apparent it may be a rued chance. Against the flow, against the run of play, against the swing of the pendulum, Auchinleck Talbot were back on level terms.

Bryan Boylan’s flick on to the head of Mark Shankland saw the striker send it back in the direction it came from, but, unfortunately for Bonnyrigg Rose, it bounced of the head of the unlucky Bob Wilson who could merely watch on as his touch turned the ball into his own net.

Minutes before the end of the half and Rose were dealt another blow when the ever-present Martyniuk was forced to depart with an injury. Kerr Young entered the fray and a quick reshuffle at the back ensued, with Wilson shifting into the middle of the back-three and Alan Horne moving into the left-centre-back position.

As strongly as Rose started the match, Talbot did so after the interval. Taking just seven minutes – the same amount of time it did the Lowland League champions in the first half – Talbot took to lead.

Neat footwork from Keir Samson opened up the opportunity for the cutback to Boylan, who, from the middle of the box, nuzzled his effort into Mikey Andrews right-corner of the goal.

In search of an immediate equaliser, Scott Gray unleashed a powerful strike from 20-yards out, which forced Leishman into a sturdy parry.

Fresh legs were required in the Rose ranks, the toll of an unbelievable season apparent. Keiran McGachie and Dean Brett came on for Kieran Hall and Turner.

Cries for two penalties were loud amongst the Rose players and indeed, the always impressive, travelling support. Nothing was given for what appeared to be two separate handball incidents involving McGachie – frustration and bewilderment were detectable.

Talbot oozed composure and control, remaining a threat on the counter as they sucked up the pressure of Rose’s pursuit of an equaliser. Only once did one look likely, when Young, after lovely play with McGachie, fired his effort above the bar.

Throwing everything, and everyone at it, Rose were understandably open at the back. From their own corner, they were punished. A clearance from the Talbot box was chased down by Gray and Jamie Glasgow. The former nicked the first touch, but his attempted back-pass to Andrews fell way short, allowing the energetic Glasgow to latch on and slip in the third to seal South Challenge Cup victory for the West of Scotland League outfit.

An incredible season maybe didn’t end the way those with a Rosey Posey mindset wished for, but, the main objective of this season was accomplished, and done so in style. Nothing – rightly – can or will taint the magnitude of this campaign’s achievement.

And that’s a wrap. See you in the cinch.

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