It’s finally time, Bonnyrigg Rose are SPFL.

Well, we have been for a couple weeks now but that doesn’t make for the best reading. The lads gave their all in our maiden Premier Sports Cup appearance, finishing fourth-place behind established league clubs Falkirk, Greenock Morton and Hibernian in Group D.

A fine performance at New Douglas Park over Clyde put three points on the board for Rose; before Hibs showed their Premiership quality at a sun-kissed NDP, the Bairns nicked the bonus point following a tough draw in Boomtown and The ‘Ton comfortably wrapped up second spot on match day five.

A rain soaked Cappielow hosted the Rose for the final time before this Saturday, with Kevin Smith nodding home on the goal line from Neil Martyniuk’s corner early on to open the scoring. A Jai Quitongo-inspired home side quickly turned the game around through Jaze Kabia and Carlo Pignatiello strikes, before Grant Gillespie converted a last-minute penalty – with Scott Gray sent off beforehand.

Bob Wilson and Alan Horne both made their first competitive starts of the season in Greenock, with Rose academy product Zach Khan also making his first appearance after coming off the bench.

There has never been a meeting between Rose and Forfar Athletic, with the key link between the clubs being Rose gaffer Robbie Horn – who spent five years as a player at Station Park between 1999 and 2004.

It’s a big test for the Midlothian newcomers as Forfar finished second in League Two last season and are highly touted for promotion this time round. The Angus-based outfit are managed by 37-year-old Gary Irvine, who is also still registered as a player for the Athies.

Forfar, like Rose, finished fourth in their Premier Sports Cup group. They secured a 2-2 draw with League Two rivals Stranraer, but were later awarded a 3-0 victory and all three points due to The Blues fielding an ineligible player.

That was to be the high point for The Loons, as heavy defeats to strong Championship opponents Hamilton (3-0), Queen’s Park (4-1) and Dundee (5-1) rounded up a tough quartet of Group H fixtures. Forward Stefan McCluskey nabbed two of the four (proper) goals Forfar scored, keeping up his form from last season when he reached double figures in the league.

While still able to rely on McCluskey, The Loons will sorely miss Ross Meechan in defence. The 27-year-old was selected, alongside McCluskey and goalscoring defender Andy Munro, for the 2021/22 cinch League Two Team of the Season, but has left the club after four years to join West of Scotland Premier Division side Darvel – who will once again be chasing Lowland League promotion after losing out to Tranent Juniors in May.

Eight new signings have flocked to Station Park, however, to fill the gaps in the squad. Injury-plagued forward James Keatings, formerly of both Hearts and Hibs, is the most reputable arrival and could be in line for his Loons debut on Saturday if fit; while Premiership youngsters Joshua Jack and Tarek Abed have been brought in from St Mirren and Kilmarnock, respectively.

Saturday’s clash is a momentous moment in Bonnyrigg Rose history as NDP will host an SPFL league fixture for the first time. Forfar will prove tricky opponents, the toughest we may face this season, so it’s sure to be a great tie.

Tickets are strictly pay-at-the-gate only and, of course, season tickets are valid. The price of admission is £12 for adults and £7 for concessions (disabled, carer, youths 12-16, over 65s). For the 14th season running, children under 12 accompanied by an adult go free.

Be sure to get along to witness history folks. ‘Mon the Rose!

For away fans, if you would like, click here to check out an article on travel guidance before making the trip down.

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